Gambling systems explained
Labouchere system
The Labouchere gambling system (also known as the Cancellation System) seeks to make a predetermined profit and continues until this profit is made.
The Labouchere system is unusual in that it isn't fixed in any way. Decisions have to be made by the gambler before any bets are placed. It's this element of personal choice that makes the Labouchere so popular with experienced systems gamblers.
Betting sequence
The Labouchere system works as follows: The gambler writes down a sequence of numbers eg to make a profit of 15 units, without betting more than 10, you might write down:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
The first bet is the sum of the two numbers at either end - in this case 6 (5 + 1).
If this bet wins, cancel out the 1 and 5. The series is now 2, 3, 4
The next bet is again 6 (4 + 2)
If the first bet loses, you'd add the 6 to the end of the sequence so the sequence would then be
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
The next bet would then be 7 (1+6).
Continue until cancelled
The series continues until all the numbers in the sequence have been cancelled and the set profit has been made.
The variable factors in the Labouchere gambling system mean that it's difficult to recommend any one set pattern. Indeed, many gamblers use different sequences at the same time, some consecutive, some alternating, picking up each sequence as the conditions change. This makes it especially popular with experienced Roulette players, who are able to read the nature of the results.
The Labouchere system - tested
For these tests, we're trying to make a profit of 16, with a maximum bet of 10, so the sequence is
1, 2, 3, 4, 6
Test
1. Alternating win (W,W,L,W,L,L,W,L,W,W,L,W)
2. Alternating loss (L,L,W,L,W,W,L,W,L,L,W,L)
3. Consecutive win (W,W,W,L,L,W,W,L,W,W,W,L)
4. Consecutive loss (L,L,L,W,W,L,L,W,L,L,L,W)
5. Good win (W,W,W,W,L,L,W,W,W,W,W,W)
6. Bad loss (L,L,L,L,W,W,L,L,L,L,L,L)
Overall result for all 6 tests
Result
26 units profit
4 units profit
33 units profit
39 units loss
48 units profit
123 units loss
51 units loss
Great for winning streaks
In alternating conditions, where wins and losses come equally, it performs very well, returning a profit in both tests, and a substantial profit in the 'alternating win' test.
On a winning streak, it performs excellently, returning the biggest profit of any of our tested systems in any test.
So, if the conditions favour alternating results, or you latch on to a winning streak, the Labouchere gambling system can be very successful for you.
Not so great for losing streaks!
But when results give a consecutive loss situation ie a losing streak, the Labouchere can result in huge losses. In that situation, our successful gambling strategy becomes paramount: limit the amount you'll allow yourself to lose and quit as soon as this amount is reached ie take a moderate loss rather than a massive one.
The Labouchere system struggles most when you start with a number of losses. In that case, it may be wise to quit even before you have a win - strange as that may seem!
The system for high rollers
The decisions can only be made by the punter. Without prior knowledge, no 'expert' can recommend a particular sequence that will be successful. For this reason we recommend the Labouchere gambling system only for high rollers - those who are able to absorb a few heavy losses in pursuit of higher profits. Or those who simply enjoy the thrill of casino gambling, without worrying too much about the cost.
Test the Labouchere system for FREE
Why not test the Labouchere system out on the more familiar 50/50 bets (Odd/Even, Red/Black, 1-18/19-36) in roulette.
The game opposite is a great Flash (NO download) version of European Roulette from Bodog, which you can play for FREE, without registering or depositing.
You'll get 1000 play money credits and as long as you want to play the game. That should give you enough time to give the Labouchere (or any other of our Roulette systems) a thorough test.
Once you've had enough fun in the FREE casino, why not Play for REAL money at Bodog.
