The Labouchere system is a well-known betting strategy for casino table games, primarily roulette. It was created in the 19th century by Henry Labouchere, a famous British politician who was also an exceptional roulette player.
Among the great betting techniques such as Martingale and Fibonacci, even being called the Split Martingale, the Labouchere system is loved because it allows players to control their bets and not follow a predefined wagering sequence, establishing a winning pattern regardless of on-site or online casino play. But does it improve your chances of winning?
This American casino guide explains the Labouchere system. You will learn how it works and how effective it is.
Labouchere System Mastery Through Calculated Steps
The Labouchere betting system, sometimes mistakenly referred to as the Martingale roulette strategy or the Cancellation system, is a negative progression gambling strategy where you create a number sequence and stake the sum of the first and last numbers.
The strategy can be applied to table games such as blackjack and baccarat, but it works best when playing online roulette.
How it Works
The Labouchere roulette strategy is best used with even-money bets in games like roulette, blackjack, and baccarat. What is the house edge in Baccarat? It is 1.06% for the banker bet.
To execute the Labouchere strategy, you must set a practical winning goal. Then, split your aims into several positive numbers for easy execution in roulette. For the 21-card game, learn the blackjack basic strategy.
The sum of the first and last number on the list will serve as your first bet. If you win, cancel out both numbers and repeat the process. If you lose, add the sum to the end of the list and repeat until no number remains on the list (win) or you’ve exhausted your bankroll (loss).
Note: The sum of these smaller numbers must equal your predetermined winning amount. Check out our comprehensive online casino guides.
How to Apply the Labouchere System
For example, $25 is your winning goal at the roulette table. Divide this amount into 5-5-5-5-5, or you can break it further into mixed numbers 3-2-4-6-3-5-2.
However, for now, Let’s work with 3-2-4-6-3-5-2. Bet the sum of the first and last numbers, i.e., 3+2 ($5), on an even-money bet, such as black or red, even or odd, or low or high numbers (1-18 or 19-36). If you win, cancel out both numbers.
That leaves us with 2-4-6-3-5. Stake the sum of 2 and 5 ($7). If you win, focus on 4-6-3 and bet the sum of 4 and 3 ($7).
Now, let’s assume you lose the bet. Add the sum back to the end of the number sequence. This gives us 4-6-3-7. Again, wager the sum of 4 and 7 ($11).
However, if your winning streaks continue, wager the sum of 4 and 11 ($15). If you win, cancel out both numbers, leaving us with 6-3-7. Then, stake the sum of 6 and 7 ($13). If you win, only one number, 3, will remain, which you should bet.
Before applying this system to the 21-card game, use the blackjack cheat sheet to improve your gameplay.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Labouchere System
Strengths
- The Labouchere system is goal-oriented
- 50% chance of success
- Allows players to control their risk and reward levels
- You don’t have to cover the sequence to make a profit
Weaknesses
- Losing bets can accumulate quickly. Therefore, some players often go for the Romanovsky roulette system.
- A sizable bankroll is needed
- It cannot reduce the house edge of the table game
Conclusion
While the Labouchere strategy boasts flexibility and goal-specific gameplay, it is a strategy you should be careful with. The damage a losing streak can cause is why the strategy’s effectiveness is debatable. Nevertheless, it is a good wagering strategy. To try it, play live dealer roulette games at Slots Paradise Casino.
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FAQs
Does the Labouchère system work?
The Labouchere system works to manage bets but does not guarantee wins.
How to use the Labouchere strategy in gambling?
Create a number sequence, stake the sum of the first and last numbers on even-money bets, cancel them out if you win, or add the sum to the sequence if you lose until nothing remains on the list.
What is the best sequence for Labouchere?
The best sequence for Labouchere depends on your expertise and gameplay goal. Beginners should stick to a simple sequence, like 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 5-5-5-5.