One of the most popular and versatile betting systems for roulette is the Labouchere Strategy, a complex yet easily customizable system that can be used by both experienced and novice players. Designed to work with even bets, it is a solid strategy for roulette and other casino games in which two possible outcomes each have roughly a 50% chance of success. The system is also known by various names, including the Cancellation System, the American Progression, and the Split Martingale.
This casino strategy is named after an English aristocrat, Henry Du Pré Labouchère, a 19th-century politician known for his diverse interests and occupations. Labouchère was a member of Parliament, as well as a writer, publisher, theater owner, and reportedly an avid gambler. Although there is no concrete evidence that he invented any betting strategies, the Labouchere system bears his name and remains most popular among roulette players.
The strategy relies on a negative progression, in which the bet amount increases after every loss. Unlike many other popular progressive systems, such as the Martingale, the Labouchere system does not attempt to recover all losses with one large win. Instead, players who use the system aim to recover their losses through multiple wins. This is done by applying a seemingly complex mathematical framework and a carefully arranged sequence of numbers.
Although the Labouchere strategy sounds complicated at first, it is actually easy to understand and apply during gaming sessions. Once players understand the basic concept, they can customize it in various ways to suit their needs. That is why so many variations of the Labouchere system exist: it is flexible, simple to use, and highly versatile. It can be adjusted to fit risk-averse players or modified to suit those willing to play with higher stakes. Below is a full description of how the Labouchere system works and the variations available.
How It Works
This strategy works best with even-money bets in roulette, such as red/black, high/low, and even/odd. It can be used with inside or other types of bets, but these wagers have lower odds of winning than even-money outside bets. This is why the Labouchere, as well as most of the other betting systems popular in roulette, can be extremely risky if applied to bets with lower probability.
The Labouchere system differs from most betting strategies in both structure and function. It does not consist of a sequence of consecutive numbers that represent each subsequent bet. Here, we start with a sequence of arbitrary numbers, and their total represents the net profit we try to achieve at the end of the session. In other words, the sum of the numbers in the sequence is the amount we wish to win. In the example 1-2-3-4, the total is 10 units, which could equal $10 (for simplicity, 1 unit = $1).
In fact, players determine not only the $10 target but also how it is distributed across the sequence; for example, 1-1-1-1-2-2-2 or 4-2-4. To start playing with the system, players simply take the leftmost and rightmost numbers and add them to get the stake amount for the first bet. For example, consider the longer sequence 1-1-1-1-2-2-2. The first bet would be $3, and if it wins, the player crosses out the numbers just used and moves to the next pair in the sequence, which also totals $3. The process remains the same for all winning bets until there are no more numbers in the sequence.
If the first bet loses, however, players add its value to the rightmost side of the sequence, resulting in 1-1-1-1-2-2-2-3. Following this simple rule, the next bet would be $4. If it wins, we remove the first and last numbers of the sequence; if it loses, we add it to the progression. The idea is that the larger bet created by adding the numbers from both ends of the sequence will eventually win and that the winning bets will compensate for any losses.
| Spin | Sequence | Bet | Outcome | Payout | Profit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1-1-1-1-2-2-2 | $3 | Lose | $0 | -$3 |
| 2 | 1-1-1-1-2-2-2-3 | $4 | Lose | $0 | -$7 |
| 3 | 1-1-1-1-2-2-2-3-4 | $5 | Win | $10 | -$2 |
| 4 | 1-1-1-2-2-2-3 | $4 | Win | $8 | $2 |
| 5 | 1-1-2-2-2 | $3 | Win | $6 | $5 |
| 6 | 1-2-2 | $3 | Lose | $0 | $2 |
| 7 | 1-2-2-3 | $4 | Lose | $0 | -$2 |
| 8 | 1-2-2-3-4 | $5 | Win | $10 | $3 |
| 9 | 2-2-3 | $5 | Lose | $0 | -$2 |
| 10 | 2-2-3-5 | $7 | Win | $14 | $5 |
| Total Bet Amount: | $43 | Total Payout: | $48 | Net Profit: $5 |
Additional TipsAs we can see, reaching the target profit may take longer than initially anticipated, and after a dozen spins of the wheel we may still be far from our goal. However, the session can last as long as the player wishes. It can always be stopped after even a small profit has been made. Of course, the end goal is to win the initial amount, $10.
Players should also consider that even if we have not reached the target, we may have gained half of it while losing half of the spins. In fact, to be successful with the Labouchere system, players need to win only one-third of the spins plus two. This applies to both long and short gaming sessions. In this example, the required minimum is 5 winning spins, whereas in 30 spins you would need to win only 12 to make a profit. This simple formula can help players better understand the Labouchere system.
Labouchere Roulette Strategy Gameplay
Style of Play and Variations of the Labouchere System
As the Labouchere strategy allows players to determine the numbers in the sequence, it is quite flexible, giving them the option to play more conservatively or with greater risk. Of course, the riskier style is associated with higher bets, so devising the proper progression is key to success. Some players prefer high-stakes play and therefore opt for a longer sequence with larger numbers. Those with a more cautious approach would instead choose shorter progressions with smaller numbers.
Below, we illustrate several styles of play and variations of the Labouchere system, which should suit different types of roulette players.
The Johnson Progression
As mentioned, the Labouchere strategy is very flexible and can be customized to players’ experience, bankroll, and risk tolerance. Even before they become comfortable using any particular system, they can try one version of the Labouchere that is extremely safe and suitable for beginners. Also known as the Johnson Progression, it incorporates several zeros into the sequence.
A good example is 0-0-0-0-0-0-1, where the target is $1. If the initial $1 bet loses, the second one will also be $1. If all the ones in the progression are crossed out and only zeros remain, the session ends and players can start over. The more zeros in the progression, the safer it generally is. Let us try the sequence with 10 zeros in the following example:
| Spin | Sequence | Bet | Outcome | Payout | Profit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-1 | $1 | Lose | $0 | -$1 |
| 2 | 0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-1-1 | $1 | Lose | $0 | -$2 |
| 3 | 0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-1-1-1 | $1 | Lose | $0 | -$3 |
| 4 | 0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-1-1-1-1 | $1 | Win | $2 | -$2 |
| 5 | 0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-1-1-1 | $1 | Lose | $0 | -$3 |
| 6 | 0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-1-1-1-1 | $1 | Win | $2 | -$2 |
| 7 | 0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-1-1-1 | $1 | Win | $2 | -$1 |
| 8 | 0-0-0-0-0-0-0-1-1 | $1 | Lose | $0 | -$2 |
| 9 | 0-0-0-0-0-0-0-1-1-1 | $1 | Win | $2 | -$1 |
| 10 | 0-0-0-0-0-0-1-1 | $1 | Win | $2 | $0 |
| 11 | 0-0-0-0-0-1 | $1 | Win | $2 | $1 |
| Total Bet Amount: | $11 | Total Payout: | $12 | Net Profit: $1 |
Players should take into account that this is quite a long sequence, and it starts with several losses in a row. After eleven spins, the system manages to make a profit and reach the $1 target. This may not be much, but progressions of this type are a great tool for less-experienced players who want to learn the basics of the Labouchere strategy and apply it in real-money games.
Moderate Style of Play
Most players would not bother with a progression full of zeros and ones. Most people are interested in the net gains expected from various betting strategies. To avoid excessive risk, many fans of the game simply take a lower target and split it into several numbers in their progression. In fact, the Labouchere system is most often used in this moderate way.
This variation allows for relatively good bankroll management over a longer period. Players will not lose large amounts of cash, and their winnings will be relatively small but reliable. If we take $10 for our net profit at the end of the sequence, we would divide it into 1-1-2-2-3-1. In the table below, we show the results of nine random spins; the bet loses four and wins five. The bankroll balance remains positive for most of the session, and even though the profits are not substantial, they are consistent.
| Spin | Sequence | Bet | Outcome | Payout | Profit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1-1-2-2-3-1 | $2 | Win | $4 | $2 |
| 2 | 1-2-2-3 | $4 | Lose | $0 | -$2 |
| 3 | 1-2-2-3-4 | $5 | Win | $10 | $3 |
| 4 | 2-2-3 | $5 | Win | $10 | $8 |
| 5 | 2 | $2 | Lose | $0 | $6 |
| 6 | 2-2 | $4 | Lose | $0 | $2 |
| 7 | 2-2-4 | $6 | Lose | $0 | -$4 |
| 8 | 2-2-4-6 | $8 | Win | $16 | $4 |
| 9 | 2-4 | $6 | Win | $12 | $10 |
| Total Bet Amount: | $42 | Total Payout: | $52 | Net Profit: $10 |
Aggressive Style of Play
Some players prefer a riskier, more aggressive style, and the Labouchere system can easily be adjusted to suit them. When used in an aggressive manner, the strategy tends to lead to higher bets and considerably higher losses. Roulette players who choose this option often need a larger bankroll. If the initial sequence contains really high stakes, such as $50 or $200 per spin, there is a risk of reaching the maximum table limit before making a profit.
To demonstrate this variation in a simple way, we will not use a progression of 50-50-50-200, but something easier to follow. Let us consider this example: we want to win $10, so we create the sequence 1-2-3-4. As you can see from the table below, it takes only 11 spins to reach a net gain of $10, even though six bets lose and only five win. Moreover, the profit column shows that for most of the time we are in the red. Still, at the end of the sequence, we manage to recoup our losses and make a profit.
| Spin | Sequence | Bet | Outcome | Payout | Profit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1-2-3-4 | $5 | Lose | $0 | -$5 |
| 2 | 1-2-3-4-5 | $6 | Win | $12 | $1 |
| 3 | 2-3-4 | $6 | Lose | $0 | -$5 |
| 4 | 2-3-4-6 | $8 | Lose | $0 | -$13 |
| 5 | 2-3-4-6-8 | $10 | Win | $20 | -$6 |
| 6 | 3-4-6 | $9 | Win | $18 | $6 |
| 7 | 4 | $4 | Lose | $0 | $2 |
| 8 | 4-4 | $8 | Lose | $0 | -$6 |
| 9 | 4-4-8 | $12 | Lose | $0 | -$18 |
| 10 | 4-4-8-12 | $16 | Win | $32 | -$2 |
| 11 | 4-8 | $12 | Win | $24 | $10 |
| Total Bet Amount: | $96 | Total Payout: | $106 | Net Profit: $10 |
The Reverse Labouchere Casino Strategy
The Reverse Labouchere strategy was developed more recently by players who believed the original system led to rapidly increasing bets during a long losing streak. Indeed, when using the Labouchere, the wagers rise with every loss and the progression of numbers stretches out quickly. Players who are particularly unlucky may rarely reach the table limits, but there is a real risk that these increasing bets will drain their bankroll before they can secure a substantial gain.
With the Reverse Labouchere Casino Strategy, they lose only small amounts of money. Profits may be rare but can be considerable, and many players find this variation more sustainable in the long term. So, how does it work? It is very similar to the classic Cancellation System, but the rules are reversed, turning the negative progression into a positive one.
Players choose a sequence of numbers, and if they lose the initial bet they remove the first and last numbers from the sequence. When they win, they add the bet amount to the end of the progression. To demonstrate the reversed system, let us use the sequence 1-2-3-4 and see how effective it can be.
| Spin | Sequence | Bet | Outcome | Payout | Profit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1-2-3-4 | $5 | Lose | $0 | -$5 |
| 2 | 2-3 | $5 | Win | $10 | $0 |
| 3 | 2-3-5 | $7 | Win | $14 | $7 |
| 4 | 2-3-5-7 | $9 | Win | $18 | $16 |
| 5 | 2-3-5-7-9 | $11 | Lose | $0 | $4 |
| 6 | 3-5-7 | $10 | Win | $20 | $15 |
| 7 | 3-5-7-10 | $13 | Lose | $0 | $2 |
| 8 | 5-7 | $12 | Lose | $0 | -$10 |
| Total Bet Amount: | $72 | Total Payout: | $62 | Net Profit: -$10 |
The Reverse Labouchere Casino Strategy Additional TipsInterestingly, players who use this system need to determine a stopping point because if they play out the entire sequence, they will lose the exact amount of money they started with as their target. With the Reverse Labouchere strategy, the amount left at the end of the progression is not the net profit, but actually the net loss. This is why players need to determine a “stop win,” which will be the minimum amount of profit required before they can stop the progression. In the example above, the stop could be placed either after the fourth or the sixth spin while the player is still winning.
As you can see, the reversed variation takes advantage of winning streaks, but if the player loses, it can bring significant losses that may be too high to offset with one or two wins. The great thing about this version is that players can easily set limits to their losses by starting with a less risky sequence of numbers. Short progressions with low numbers are always recommended.
Is the Labouchere System Effective?
Compared to most of the other betting systems used in roulette, the Labouchere strategy is much more flexible, interactive, and entertaining. Players determine the amount they aim to win at the end of every sequence and the risk involved in their game. Individual decisions influence the final outcome of the session even though they cannot change the odds or the house edge in roulette. After all, the goal in this classic casino game is to win more than is lost, and this system can help achieve that.
Of course, players need to be very careful in how they apply the strategy and plan everything in advance by creating the optimal sequence of numbers. Longer, aggressive progressions with larger numbers may be very risky and rewarding at the same time, which is why players need to decide how much risk they are willing to accept for every gaming session. Inexperienced roulette players are advised to stick to the safest variation of the Cancellation System and learn and adapt while making small profits along the way.
Overall, the Labouchere strategy can be very effective in helping players organize their play and manage their bankroll, both of which can be challenging. Often, players place bets on the roulette table without any system or even thinking about what they are doing. When players use the Labouchere strategy or any of its variations, however, they have clear goals and are prepared in advance for potential losses.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Labouchere Strategy
As mentioned above, the Labouchere Casino Strategy is flexible and versatile. Its biggest and most obvious advantage is that it can be customized to fit every type of player and bankroll. Those who are still uncomfortable using betting systems on roulette can adjust the Labouchere so they can make a small profit before depleting their bankroll. Players who are more confident, on the other hand, could try more unconventional solutions such as the Reverse Labouchere. They need to be very careful, however, and determine the exact moment when they will stop the sequence.
Another great aspect of this system, especially when we compare it to other popular strategies such as the Martingale, is that the risk of hitting the maximum table limit before turning a profit is quite low. Of course, such a scenario is still possible, but it is highly unlikely. Moreover, the Labouchere system has a disciplinary role and teaches players how to plan for their wins and losses.
The strategy has its disadvantages as well, and players need to know that it can be very tricky during a long losing streak. In this case, the line of numbers will grow with higher and higher bets that may easily eat up their entire bankroll. If they manage to reach the end of the progression, however, they will be able to turn a profit. When it comes to the Reverse Labouchere, the problem could escalate even more quickly because once the sequence is complete, the loss is inevitable.
Conclusion
Betting systems such as the Labouchere Strategy are typically applied to even-money bets, so when using them, players should pick one of the following outside bets in roulette: red or black, even or odd, and high or low. Some players believe that sticking to the same bet is essential, but in fact it does not affect the system in any way. Gamblers can bet on red throughout the entire session or change their bet from red to black whenever they wish. The results of the Labouchere system will be identical.
Overall, this is a good strategy for players who wish to experience a new way of playing roulette without risking too much. Other systems could lead to greater losses in a shorter period of time. Of course, this depends on the Labouchere variation chosen and on the exact sequence of numbers with which the game starts. Lastly, players should beware of long losing streaks if their bankroll is limited and cannot absorb big losses. Players who play more aggressively may lose a lot of money without any guarantee that they will be able to recover it.