Unlike the betting systems we have covered so far, the Labouchere system is more complex and requires more time to master. In fact, less experienced players often prefer to use pen and paper until they become better acquainted with how the Labouchere works, as this makes it easier for them to keep track of their betting lines. Players are likely to encounter this system under different names, most notably American Progression, Split Martingale and the Cancellation System.
Who invented this betting system remains a mystery to this day. A certain connection has been made to a finance minister in the service of Queen Victoria. The minister’s name was Henry Labouchere and he was supposedly keen on playing roulette. However, there is no real evidence to indicate it was Queen Victoria’s minister who came up with the idea of the Labouchere betting system.
To a certain extent, the Labouchere resembles the Martingale betting method, as it too is based on a negative betting progression. Consequently, players who adopt the Labouchere system are required to increase the size of their stakes after each loss and decrease it after each winning bet. One major difference between the two systems is that unlike the Martingale, the Labouchere aims to recover successive losses through multiple winning bets.
How Does the Labouchere Betting System Work
Although the Labouchere betting system is somewhat more intricate than other roulette betting methods, players should not be discouraged, as a little practice is all that is needed to know it backwards.
The first thing you need to know about the Labouchere system is that it is applicable to roulette bets that pay even money, such as High/Low, Red/Black, and Odd/Even. In order to use the system, you need to start by writing down an arbitrary line of numbers. For the sake of simplicity, we will use the following line as an example – 1-2-3-4.
The profit you can potentially generate is equal to the total of the numbers in the line, or 10 betting units in this case. The first bet you will place should be equal to the sum of the first and the last numbers you have written down, or 5 units in this case.
If you happen to win with your first wager of 5 units, you need to cross out the first and the last number in the line, or 1 and 4 in this example. Your second wager will again amount to 5 units, the sum of the remaining numbers, 2 and 3. However, if you lose the first spin, you must add the number of units you have just staked to the end of the sequence, like so – 1-2-3-4-5.
This is basically how the Labouchere system works. Players remove two numbers after each winning wager and add the sum of the first and last numbers to the sequence if they lose. The only exception to the general rule is when only one number remains in the sequence, in which case players wager that amount. Then, if the last bet is a winning one, this betting cycle is completed and players start from scratch with their original line of numbers.
The Martingale Betting System
The Parlay Betting System
Paroli Betting System
D’Alembert Betting System
Labouchere Betting System
It is highly recommended that players avoid long and aggressive lines of numbers, at least in the beginning, so that they can get used to the Labouchere system; this will make them less likely to get confused while giving the betting method a try. Using a long line might also exhaust players’ bankrolls if they encounter a longer losing streak, in which case they will need to add more numbers to the sequence.
It goes without saying that long sequences work to the disadvantage of players because it is impossible to achieve the full profit potential until all numbers are crossed out and the cycle has been completed. Obviously, completing a betting cycle with a longer number sequence will require more time than crossing out all the numbers in a shorter line. That is why experts recommend 1-1 and 1-2 as starting lines that are suitable for beginners. Sequences consisting of two numbers will require only one extra win to complete the betting cycle.
If players experience a longer losing streak, which requires them to add more and more numbers to the line, they can abandon the sequence altogether and restart from a different point, which may help to reduce their losses.
| The Labouchere System | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spin | Sequence | Bet (units) | Outcome | Total Profit |
| 1 | 1-2-3-4 | 5 | LOSS | -5 |
| 2 | 1-2-3-4-5 | 6 | LOSS | -11 |
| 3 | 1-2-3-4-5-6 | 7 | WIN | -4 |
| 4 | 2-3-4-5 | 7 | WIN | 3 |
| 5 | 3-4 | 7 | LOSS | -4 |
| 6 | 3-4-7 | 10 | LOSS | -14 |
| 7 | 3-4-7-10 | 13 | WIN | -1 |
| 8 | 4-7 | 11 | LOSS | -12 |
| 9 | 4-7-11 | 15 | WIN | 3 |
| 10 | 7 | 7 | LOSS | -4 |
| 11 | 7-7 | 14 | LOSS | -18 |
| 12 | 7-7-14 | 21 | WIN | 3 |
| 13 | 7 | 7 | WIN | 10 |
The Reverse Labouchere
The Reverse variation of the system was introduced in an attempt to address one major downside of the Labouchere betting method, namely the possibility of depleting your entire bankroll during a lengthy losing streak, when there is no guarantee you will be able to offset the losses.
Players are again required to choose an arbitrary sequence of numbers, such as 1-2-3. This time, however, casino enthusiasts can choose any sequence they like as long as each number is equal to or higher than the previous one. Of course, shorter sequences are again recommended, but it is also important to note that if you opt for starting with higher numbers like 3-4-5-6, you will risk larger sums of money with each bet.
The first wager is again equal to the sum of the first and the last numbers, or 4 betting units in this example. If you win, you add the amount of the stake to the sequence like so – 1-2-3-4. Should you lose, you cross out the first and the last number, and the sequence will look like this – 2-3. Similarly to the original version of the Labouchere betting method, if only one number remains in the sequence, you will be required to lay a wager that is equivalent to that last number. When all the numbers are crossed out, you will need to start with a new arbitrary line of numbers.
Many roulette players consider this variation of the Labouchere more appealing because it gives them the opportunity to generate greater profits, as the size of the bet increases after a win. If players succeed in winning several times in a row, this will enable them to balance out the losses they have sustained during the previous rounds of the game.
Another advantage of the Reverse Labouchere is that it enables players to put a ceiling on the amount they can lose at the end of each betting cycle. The losses of the betting cycle will be equal to the sum of all the numbers in the initial sequence. So, if you choose the sequence 1-2-3 from the above example, you will lose no more than 6 betting units in a single cycle if luck is not on your side that day. Needless to say, the shorter the line of numbers, the smaller the losses you might sustain at the end of a bad betting cycle will be.
| The Reverse Labouchere System | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spin | Sequence | Bet (units) | Outcome | Total Profit |
| 1 | 1-2-3 | 4 | LOSS | -4 |
| 2 | 1-2-3-4 | 5 | WIN | 1 |
| 3 | 2-3 | 5 | WIN | 6 |
| 4 | 1-2-3 | 4 | WIN | 10 |
| 5 | 2 | 2 | LOSS | 8 |
| 6 | 2-2 | 4 | LOSS | 4 |
| 7 | 2-2-4 | 6 | WIN | 10 |
| 8 | 2 | 2 | LOSS | 8 |
| 9 | 2-2 | 4 | WIN | 12 |
Adjustments to the Labouchere System
It is possible to make the Labouchere system more profitable by making a few small adjustments. One way to achieve this is by starting the sequence after your first loss and adding an extra unit to each wager. In this way, players will be able to cut their losses and, hopefully, turn a profit.
For example, if you lose the very first bet of 5 units, your next wager will amount to 6 units, so your sequence will run as follows: 5-6. You hypothetically lose again, so the line will look like this: 5-6-12, because of the extra betting unit. You then experience another loss. At this point, your sequence will be 5-6-12-18, so your fourth bet is equal to 24 units. This time you win, so you cross out numbers 18 and 5 from the sequence. The line is now 6-12, so your next wager is equal to 19, with the additional betting unit. If you win once more, you will complete the full betting cycle, offset the losses and turn a profit.
| Adjustments to The Labouchere System | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spin | Sequence | Bet (units) | Outcome | Total Profit |
| 1 | 5 | 5 | LOSS | -5 |
| 2 | 5-6 | 12 | LOSS | -17 |
| 3 | 5-6-12 | 18 | LOSS | -35 |
| 4 | 5-6-12-18 | 24 | WIN | -11 |
| 5 | 6-12 | 19 | WIN | 8 |
Since the Labouchere betting system was designed so many years ago, it makes sense that several variations of the betting method have emerged since it first saw the light of day.
In fact, one of the main reasons why roulette lovers tend to turn to the Labouchere betting system is that it is much more flexible when compared to other betting methods. Players enjoy far greater freedom because they can adjust the betting sequence to suit their preferences and the level of risk they are willing to take. Of course, they will also be able to adapt the betting sequence according to the rewards they are after.
Once players have got the hang of the original Labouchere betting system, they are unlikely to have a hard time applying any of its modified versions.
Johnson Progression
If you want to give the Labouchere betting system a try but prefer to play it safe, you might find the Johnson progression the way to go. This is one of the safest methods for betting on roulette, and the sequence players will be required to stick to looks like this: 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1.
If you think that sticking to a sequence consisting of three numbers is excessively risky, the above-mentioned betting method might be right up your alley.
This modified version of the Labouchere betting system works in a very straightforward manner: gambling enthusiasts will be required to start by placing a wager worth one betting unit. If this wager loses, players must once again stake one betting unit.
If that wager wins, you must cross out the first and the last numbers in the sequence, which in this case are 0 and 1. As you can see, the sequence will now consist solely of zeros, which might seem a little bewildering to players.
When this happens, gambling enthusiasts will be required to keep on placing wagers that are equal to one betting unit until they succeed in removing all zeros from the sequence. Once this is done, roulette lovers will be able to augment the staked amount, which will take them closer to more substantial wins.
Although the risk gambling aficionados need to take is very small, they should bear in mind that attaining a heftier profit will be much more time-consuming.
Still, if you wish to err on the side of caution while betting on roulette, taking advantage of the Johnson progression might help you achieve the goals you have set.
Splitting after a Loss
As mentioned earlier, depending on the length of the starting line, the stakes may increase rather steeply, especially when the last wagers were losing ones.
Fortunately, players can ensure that the amount they are required to stake does not climb so sharply and that, ultimately, they do not end up with a depleted bankroll. To attain this, roulette lovers should simply consider splitting the starting number sequence into several parts.
If you experience several losses in a row, what you should consider doing is dividing the sequence into several smaller sequences that should be viewed independently. When splitting the sequence, bear in mind that when you total the betting units, you will get the profit you initially had in mind.
Needless to say, by doing so, the risk casino enthusiasts need to take will shrink dramatically. Players’ stakes will not grow that rapidly, but at the same time, they will still have the opportunity to reach their targets.
Once you break the sequence into several pieces, you should start with the first smaller sequence you have got and, when you complete it, simply move on to the next one. The main reason why this approach appeals to roulette lovers is that the numbers included in each of the smaller sequences are nowhere near as intimidating as those in the original sequence.
More Aggressive Take on the Labouchere Betting System
The aggressive version of the Labouchere betting method is also hugely popular, but it is preferred by gambling aficionados who are willing to assume greater risk with their wagers. If the mild version of the roulette betting method is not your scene, you should consider adding larger numbers to the starting sequence that exceed 20, for example.
It is vital to remember that if you decide to incorporate larger bet units into your starting sequence, there will be a good chance of hitting the upper table limits. Furthermore, roulette mavens should be mindful of the fact that trying this version of the Labouchere betting system for size will only be possible, provided that they have a rather substantial bankroll.
Obviously, this take on the Labouchere betting system can be an exceptionally alluring option for casino enthusiasts because it carries the potential to bring them the rewards they aim for within almost no time. Yet, instead of yielding the desired profit, players can sometimes end up with a drained bankroll, which in practice makes it impossible to offset the losses they have sustained so far.
Although gambling enthusiasts can abandon the Labouchere betting system at any point if they are unwilling to assume such a huge risk, what they should not forget is that by doing so, they will not be able to yield the net gain they originally settled on.
Advantages of the Labouchere Betting System
One of the advantages of using the Labouchere betting method stems from its flexibility. As was mentioned above, players will get to choose any arbitrary sequence of numbers they like. There is the option to go for a safer, shorter sequence or a longer, more aggressive one.
In addition, players can maintain their line by winning only one-third of the time since the sequence is reduced by two numbers after each winning bet and is increased by a single number after a loss. Then, there is the possibility of winning more often than that, in which case all numbers in the sequence will be crossed out more quickly and players will turn a greater profit. Finally, since the betting progression is not that steep, the chances of hitting the table limit are much smaller, which is not the case with some other roulette betting methods.
Disadvantages of the Labouchere Betting System
The trouble with the Labouchere system begins when players experience a lengthier losing streak interspersed with single winning bets. In this case, more and more numbers will be added at the end of the sequence. The more the line escalates, the bigger the size of the bets will get. If this happens, you may fail to cross out all the numbers in the sequence, unless you miraculously enter a longer winning streak. Unfortunately, there is no 100% guarantee this will happen.
Similarly to other betting systems, the Labouchere instils discipline in players and helps them to organise and manage their bankrolls more adequately. That being said, the Labouchere system cannot reduce the house edge in any way since it has zero effect on the outcome of the spins that are to follow.
Should You Use the Labouchere Betting System
By now, roulette mavens may be faced with the dilemma of whether to give the Labouchere betting system a shot or not. As already mentioned, one of the biggest strong points of this roulette betting method is that players are enabled to adjust it in accordance with their bankroll and the goals they have set. Because the starting sequence can be easily customised, this helps explain why the Labouchere betting system is suitable for casino enthusiasts with different styles of play.
Still, if you decide to implement the Labouchere betting method, you should make sure that you will be able to do the maths properly, as this is of crucial importance.
Furthermore, there is always the probability of entering a long losing streak, meaning that you might have a hard time keeping up with the sequence. Although we do not want to persuade you against using the betting method, you should not overlook its faults.
As already indicated, if you think that using the Labouchere betting system will tilt the scales in your favour when it comes to your chances of winning or decreasing the casino’s edge, you will be in for a disappointment.
As with the rest of the roulette betting methods, while using the Labouchere betting system, gambling enthusiasts should be disciplined enough to make sure that their betting session does not go out of hand and does not end with a huge loss, which on some occasions can turn out to be rather challenging.
Conclusion
Once all is said and done, the mild version of the Labouchere betting method might appeal to gambling enthusiasts who are looking to set up and organise their roulette betting session. It appears that the thrill of crossing numbers off the starting sequence is what intrigues many roulette mavens, as this means that they are getting closer to the wins they want to receive.
With this in mind, the Labouchere betting system does not provide a magic formula that guarantees consistent wins, which is the reason why players should weigh its pros and cons before they give it a shot.