Labouchère Betting System: What You Need to Know Before You Play
The Labouchère system — also known as the cancellation or split martingale system — is one of the more structured betting strategies out there. Loved by some, loathed by others, it’s been around for over a century and still divides opinion.
The idea is simple: you create a sequence of numbers and try to cancel them out by adjusting your bets based on wins and losses. It appeals to players who enjoy planning their bets and staying in control.
But is it a good fit for you? Let’s break it down.
What is the Labouchère Betting System?
The Labouchère system is a negative progressive betting strategy where you write down a sequence of numbers that represent your betting units (e.g., 1-2-3). This sequence acts as your goal—the total of all numbers is the profit you're aiming to achieve. You bet the sum of the first and last numbers in the sequence.
If you win, you cross off those two numbers. If you lose, you add the amount you just bet to the end of the sequence. The goal is to cancel out all the numbers. You can choose any sequence, but longer sequences increase your potential winnings and your risk.
It’s more flexible than Martingale and doesn’t rely on doubling your bet each time. But it still requires a decent bankroll and a cool head.
| Metric | Our Rating | Pro Community Says |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | 🟡 Medium to 🔴 High | Risks build slowly but can escalate fast during losing streaks |
| Skill vs Luck | 🎯 40% / 🎲 60% | You control the sequence and bet sizes, but outcomes are random |
| Bankroll Needed | 💰💰–💰💰💰 | Moderate bankroll needed, especially for longer sequences |
| Complexity | ⭐⭐ Moderate | Easy once you get the hang of the sequence logic |
| Best Used In | ⏱️ Short to Medium Sessions | Works best in controlled sessions on even-money bets |
Theory Behind The Labouchère Strategy
The Labouchère system focuses on achieving consistent, small wins rather than chasing large payouts. It’s a structured way to manage the volatility of casino games while keeping your play aligned with a clear profit target.
By breaking your goal into smaller units, each win moves you closer to the finish line. It’s a disciplined, step-by-step approach that rewards patience over risk.
Components of the Loubouchere Betting System
- Betting Lines: At the core of the system is your betting line—a sequence of numbers that represents the total amount you want to win. Each number in the line is a betting unit and contributes to your overall goal. The length and structure of this line can be adjusted based on your risk tolerance and betting style.
- Creating Your Sequence: To get started, decide on a profit target, then break it into a sequence that adds up to that amount. For example, if your goal is $10, you might use a sequence like:
1 – 2 – 3 – 4. Each number is a step toward your target. You have full control over how the sequence is structured, allowing for a personalised approach. - Calculating Your Bet: Each bet is calculated by adding the first and last numbers of your current sequence. If that bet wins, remove both numbers. If it loses, add the value of that bet to the end of the sequence. This simple system of adjustment helps keep your strategy on track while responding to the outcomes of each round.
The Origins of the Labouchère System
The Labouchère system was created by Henry Labouchère, a 19th-century British aristocrat, politician, and writer. He originally designed it for roulette, aiming to recover losses without relying on massive bet jumps like the Martingale.
It gained traction in European casinos and has since made its way into blackjack and baccarat circles. Over time, it evolved into variants like the Reverse Labouchère, which flips the logic to build on wins instead of losses.
Which Games Can You Use the Labouchère System In?
Best For:
Not Great For:
Setting Up the Labouchère System
The Labouchère system is built around one simple principle: start with your goal and work backwards. It gives you a clear structure for your bets and keeps your session focused from the very first spin.
1. Choose Your Target Win
Start by deciding how much you want to win. This is your profit target — the amount you’ll build your betting sequence around.
Let’s say your goal is to win $20. That figure becomes the foundation of your strategy.
This is where the Labouchère system stands out. Most betting systems have you reacting to wins and losses. This one begins with a plan.
2. Build Your Betting Line
Now break your target into a sequence of smaller numbers that add up to the full amount. Each number represents one unit of your bet.
For a $20 goal, your sequence might look like this:
2 – 3 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 3 –3
This line is your betting guide. You’ll use it to decide how much to stake on each round.
How Many Numbers Should Your Betting Line Have?
The optimal amount of numbers in a Labouchère betting line doesn't have a one-size-fits-all answer, as it largely depends on the player's bankroll, risk tolerance, and goals. However, a few general principles can guide you in setting up your sequence:
| Sequence Length | Risk Level | Bankroll Requirement | Potential Profit | Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short (3-5 numbers) | Low | Small | Low | Cautious players who prefer smaller, more frequent wins |
| Moderate (4-6 numbers) | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Players seeking a balance between risk and reward |
| Long (6-10 numbers or more) | High | Large | High | Risk-tolerant players aiming for higher payouts |
Shorter sequences are safer and easier to manage. Longer ones offer higher potential returns — but they also expose you to more risk if things don’t go your way.
3. Ready to Start
Once you’ve set your sequence, you’re ready to put the system into action. In the next section, we’ll walk through exactly how to use the Labouchère system as you play.
Quick Start: Labouchère Betting in Action
Elevate your roulette game with the Labouchère strategy, transforming each spin into a strategic move towards a $20 win. Here's how to unfold this master plan, step by step:
-
Set Your Target
Choose your win goal. Let’s stick with $20 for this example. -
Build Your Sequence
Break that $20 into a sequence like 2-3-4-3-2-3-3. Each number = a betting unit. -
Place Your First Bet
Add the first and last numbers: 2 + 3 = $5. That’s your opening bet. -
Win? Cross Off Numbers
If your bet hits, remove both the first and last numbers from the sequence. -
Lose? Add to the End
If it loses, tack that bet amount to the end of the sequence. So your line becomes longer. -
Repeat
Keep going, adjusting the sequence each round. You’re done when every number’s been crossed out — that means you’ve hit your target.
Using the Labouchère System in Roulette
Roulette is the most common game for the Labouchère system, particularly when betting on even-money outcomes (e.g. red/black, odd/even, high/low).
How it works:
-
Stick to even-money bets for a near 50/50 chance of winning.
-
Your bet each round is the sum of the first and last numbers in your sequence.
-
Win? Cross both numbers off.
-
Lose? Add the lost amount to the end of the sequence.
-
Repeat until all numbers are crossed off, meaning you’ve reached your profit target.
Why it works in roulette:
Roulette has consistent, binary outcomes, making it ideal for a progressive system like Labouchère. Since there’s no influence over the spin, your only focus is managing the sequence.
✅ Best used on: European Roulette (lower house edge than American)
Using the Labouchère System in Baccarat
In baccarat, the Labouchère system is applied almost exactly the same way as in roulette—specifically when betting on Banker or Player.
How it works:
-
Choose Banker or Player (stick with one side for consistency).
-
Use your Labouchère sequence as normal, betting the sum of the first and last numbers.
-
Adjust the sequence based on wins (cross off numbers) or losses (add the bet amount to the end).
-
Continue until you complete the sequence.
Why it works in baccarat:
Baccarat’s even-money bets and predictable odds (Banker slightly favoured) make it a stable environment for Labouchère. The lack of complex decisions means the system can run smoothly without interference.
🔍 Tip: If betting on Banker, factor in the 5% commission when tracking your profit target.
Using the Labouchère System in Blackjack
Labouchère can be applied to blackjack, but with more caution due to the game’s variable outcomes and decision-making.
How it works:
-
Use the sequence as usual for your base bet on each hand.
-
Adjust based on whether you win or lose the full hand.
-
Stick to basic strategy to give yourself the best odds per decision.
-
Avoid adjusting the sequence based on partial wins (e.g., blackjack payouts or splits)—only full wins/losses should count.
Why it’s riskier in blackjack:
Unlike roulette or baccarat, blackjack introduces player decisions and variable outcomes (blackjacks, doubles, splits), which can skew the intended math of the system. Still, disciplined players using basic strategy can make it work over shorter sessions.
⚠️ Recommended only for players experienced with basic blackjack strategy and strict bankroll limits.
How To Modify The Betting Line After Wins and Losses
Once your sequence is in play, knowing how to respond after each spin is essential. The Labouchère system relies on consistent adjustments — it’s how the strategy stays flexible and effective throughout your session.
After a Win
After a Loss
Example scenarios:
Even-Result Scenario |
|---|
| Round Results | Current Sequence | Current Bet | Bankroll |
| Loss | 1-1-2-2-1-1 | $2 | $100 |
| Loss | 1-1-2-2-1-1-2 | $3 | $95 |
| Win | 1-1-2-2-1-1-2-3 | $4 | $99 |
| Win | 1-2-2-1-1-2 | $3 | $102 |
| Loss | 1-2-2-1-1 | $2 | $100 |
| Win | 1-2-2-1-1-2 | $3 | $103 |
| Win | 2-2-1-1 | $3 | $106 |
| Loss | 2-1 | $3 | $103 |
| Win | 2-1-3 | $5 | $108 |
In this balanced scenario, maintain your strategy and stay the course; the Labouchère system's flexibility is your ally in navigating the ebb and flow of wins and losses.
Winning Streak Scenario |
|---|
| Round Results | Current Sequence | Current Bet | Bankroll |
| Win | 1-1-2-2-1-1 | $2 | $100 |
| Win | 1-2-2-1 | $2 | $102 |
| Win | 2-2 | $4 | $104 |
| / | / | / | $108 |
Leverage this momentum by sticking to your Labouchère sequence; consider banking some of your winnings to safeguard against future volatility
Losing Streak Scenario |
|---|
| Round Results | Current Sequence | Current Bet | Bankroll |
| Loss | 1-1-1-2-2-1-2-3 | $3 | -$3 |
| Loss | 1-1-1-2-2-1-2-3-4 | $4 | -$7 |
| Loss | 1-1-1-2-2-1-2-3-4-5 | $5 | -$12 |
| Win | 1-2-2-1-2-3 | $6 | $0 |
Exercise caution and review your bankroll; it may be time to adjust your sequence or take a step back to reassess your strategy, ensuring you're playing within your limits.
Pros and Cons of the Labouchère System
Pros
- Flexible: you can set your own sequence and adjust it
- Doesn’t require big bet jumps like Martingale
- Offers a clear end goal (cancel the sequence)
Cons
- Losing streaks can make sequences long and expensive
- Easy to lose track without notes
- Doesn’t improve odds, just manages bet size
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Starting with too long a sequence
- Ignoring table limits
- Chasing losses too aggressively
- Using it on high-volatility games like slots
Does the Labouchère System Actually Change Your Odds?
Nope. Your chances of winning each bet don’t change.
🎲 The house edge remains the same, whether you bet randomly or use Labouchère.
What changes:
- Your bet sizes based on wins/losses
- Your variance (how much your bankroll swings up and down)
Example: You could win 5 out of 10 bets and still lose money if the losses were at the end of long sequences.
Labouchère Strategy vs Other Betting Systems
Compared to the one-track mind of the Martingale strategy or the rigid steps of the Fibonacci system, Labouchère is like choosing your own adventure, where you're the master of your betting destiny. Curious about how other strategies stack up?
| Strategy | Risk | Complexity | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labouchère | Medium-High | Moderate | Custom sequence with cancellation |
| Martingale | High | Easy | Double after every loss |
| Paroli | Low | Easy | Increase bets on wins, not losses |
Summary:
- Labouchère offers more control than Martingale
- Less beginner-friendly than Paroli
- Better suited to patient, strategic players
Is This Strategy Right for You?
Beginner Player: Manageable if you use short sequences and take notes
Budget Player: Risky over long sessions; stick to small units
Math Lover: Offers more logic and planning than luck-based systems
Risk Taker: You'll like the structure but need discipline to walk away
Learn About Other Betting Systems
Conclusion
The Labouchère system is all about structure. It offers a logical, step-by-step way to chase losses without reckless doubling. That makes it appealing to players who like control and can stick to a plan.
It shines in short roulette or baccarat sessions but demands a solid bankroll and restraint.
🎯 Play smart, start small, and always set limits. The thrill is in the strategy—not the risk.
Labouchère Betting System FAQ
Emily is our seasoned content writer. She writes easy to read and helpful game guides, so you can quickly understand the rules of each game and get some useful tips that can help boost your chances of winning.
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