Labouchere Casino Betting System

The Labouchere strategy is one of the most complicated betting systems. It is also known under several other names, including the Cancellation System, the American Progression System, and the Split Martingale System. No matter that it is considered a lot more difficult in comparison to some other strategies, the Labouchere system is still one of the most popular and commonly-used systems by players all over the world.

The main idea on which the Labouchere system is based is related primarily with recovering a certain number of losses through a smaller number of wins.

The Labouchere system is a negative progression, which means that it is based on the theory that the player should increase their bets after losing, and reducing it after winning. The principle is the same as the one used in other negative progressions, such as the Martingale.

What is specific for the Labouchere system is the fact that the player’s strategy is not focused on recovering all losses with one win only, but recouping losses thanks to multiple wins.

How Does the System Work?

The Labouchere system was developed by the famous roulette player Henry Labouchere, which is why it is currently one of the most appropriate ones to use when it comes to the game of roulette.

It is particularly suitable for even money outside bets, including odd/even, red/black, and 1-18/19-36. Still, one of the best features of the strategy is the fact that it can be practically used with any even money bet, no matter if it comes to table games such as baccarat, blackjack, or even sports betting in some circumstances.

How is the system used? First, the player needs to write down a sequence of numbers of their choice, which can be literally any sequence. Of course, experts recommend players to stick to simpler sequences, especially when it comes to player that are not very experienced. The eventual profit generated from the betting system would normally amount to the total value of numbers in the chain.

The bets are calculated in a bit more complicated way. The main principle is quite simple, though. Each time when a player makes a bet, their stake should equal to the sum of the first and the last number of their sequence. For example, if their sequence is 1-2-3, then their bet should amount to $4 (1+3).

Then, if the player manages to make a winning, then the first and the last number from the sequence is removed, and the next bet should equal to the number that is left in line. If they make a winning bet once again, then their sequence is over and they should start again. However, in case that they lose, the losing bet is added to the end of the sequence. For example, the sequence would become 1-2-3-4.

This is the very essence of the main idea of the Labouchere. The system is actually not so difficult once the player manages to handle its rules. In addition, the fact that the stakes are not boosted rapidly is one of the main reasons why the strategy is among the most-preferred ones not only for roulette, but for a number of other casino games as well.

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Advantages

The fact that the Labouchere betting system can practically return a profit through winning less bets than the bets that players lose, it is believed to be really working. In addition, the strategy is also considered as one of the most flexible ones, as the players themselves can choose the sequence of numbers to play as a bet.

This makes the initial betting sequence adjustable, which automatically means that players can also adjust the levels of risk and reward, respectively.

Disadvantages

Probably the largest disadvantage of the Labouchere betting system is the fact that there is absolutely no guarantee that the house edge will be overcome. Still, this negative progression system will help players at least minimize the house advantage and generate a winning that could cover up the losses.

Some players do not take losing several bets in a row as a problem. This is exactly why they prefer the Labouchere system, with the idea of generating a larger win in order to compensate for the losses and even a bit more.

The Reverse Labouchere Betting System

The Reverse Labouchere is practically the very opposite of the original Labouchere Betting System. What is the strategy dealing with is the main flaw of the original Labouchere system – the possible outcome after a long losing streak. The latter could end up in losing the entire bankroll of the player, as the bets are becoming larger and larger as the game goes on, and there is no guarantee that the losses will not last for too long.

The major theory that the Reverse Labouchere is based on is that the player can turn the bad luck around. The system is concentrated on the assumption that the player will lose small amounts of money frequently, but they will also be provided with the opportunity to make a larger profit that could cover up the losses and even go on a run of several wins in a row.

The principle of calculating the bets is the other way round in comparison to the original Labouchere system. If we have to put this in other words, the players are required to add winnings to the sequence, instead of losses. So, in case that they make a winning, they need to add the number of the win to the end of the series, and in case that they lose, they need to delete the first and the last number in the line.

The Labouchere Betting System in Blackjack

Blackjack cards and chips

While some blackjack betting systems are fairly simple to learn, the Labouchere strategy is considered a bit more complicated to understand. Still, the basic betting points are all the same, no matter if it comes to blackjack or any other table game offered in casinos.

The main principle stays the same as any other negative progression betting system – the player should increase their bet when losing, and decrease it when winning. The major idea of the strategy is also the same – the player is supposed to generate a winning large enough to cover for several losses in a row with a small number of winning hands.

Advantages of Labouchere Betting System in Blackjack

Probably the biggest advantage of the system is the fact that it provides players with a lot of freedom to choose for themselves what sequence to play with.

Disadvantages of Labouchere Betting System in Blackjack

As usual, the main weak point of the Labouchere betting system is the fact that it is a negative progression, and negative progressions are normally considered more risky than others, because relatively large bets are placed before even generating a minimum profit.

The Labouchere Betting System in Roulette

Roulette wheel and betting areas

As mentioned above, the Labouchere betting strategy is normally used when it comes to playing at roulette. Still, it is versatile enough in order to be suitable for other casino games as well. When choosing the Labouchere system for a game of roulette, the player needs to make sure that they will thoroughly learn the rules before doing anything else, because the strategy is a lot more complicated in comparison to other negative progressions used.

Advantages of Labouchere Betting System in Roulette

One of the best upsides of the system is the fact that if a player sticks to the system for a while, they will eventually get enough wins in order to recoup for the losses and end up in profit.

Disadvantages of Labouchere Betting System in Roulette

On the other hand, the problem with the Labouchere is that the losing streak can literally go on forever, and there is no guarantee that the bad luck will come to an end. So, players need to carefully consider the risks and the chances of getting into a long-running losing series.

The Labouchere Betting System in Baccarat

Player and banker card hands in baccarat

The Labouchere, or the Cancellation system is also used as a major betting strategy at the game of baccarat. The specific rules of the system makes it stand out from the rest of the negative progression strategies used in casino games. A large number of players from all over the world prefers the Labouchere system when playing at baccarat, no matter if it comes to an online or a land-based casino, because this strategy offers them a chance for more flexibility and freedom of choosing their own sequences.

Advantages of Labouchere Betting System in Baccarat

The Labouchere betting system is actually suitable for both beginner and more experienced players, as long as they manage to get its rules and logic. It can actually offer a relatively quick way of winning the amount of cash that would not only cover up for the losses, but also top them.

Disadvantages of Labouchere Betting System in Baccarat

The fact that the Labouchere strategy is not found an appropriate option for players with smaller bankrolls is considered one of the major setbacks of the system. In addition, it is a negative betting progression, which is why it is considered as more risky.

The Labouchere Betting System in Craps

Dice and chips on a craps table

Some experts think that betting strategies are literally inapplicable when it comes to craps. However, one of the most complicated systems – the Labouchere one – is quite commonly used when it comes to rolling the dice, regardless if in a land-based or an online casino. Still, the Cancellation system is considered more appropriate for playing online craps than for the game offered in brick and mortar casinos. The main principle of the strategy, as well as its strategy is all the same. So are its pros and cons.

Advantages of Labouchere Betting System in Craps

The fact that the Labouchere betting system is quite flexible and provides players with the opportunity to make the most appropriate choice when it comes to the initial sequence, is considered the gratest advantage of the strategy. The latter can also be applied to different players, with different bankrolls, not to mention the fact that it is also suitable for a variety of casino games.

Disadvantages of Labouchere Betting System in Craps

As explained earlier, the Labouchere betting system is a negative progression. This is why it is believed to bring a higher level of risk for the player’s bankroll. The stakes may rapidly increase, especially if the player has set an initial sequence consistent of larger numbers.