Labouchere System
The Labouchere system is, next to Martingale, one of the best known betting systems in Blackjack. Especially experienced players regularly play according to this system. This is remarkable because research has shown that not all players trust this system.
Yet it is precisely the experienced players who trust this system. You can apply this system to gambling online blackjack, but also to other games like roulette and Punto Banco. The system is described as a negative progression betting method. This means that your bet goes up when you lose.
How does Labouchere work?
Actually, there is a bit of math involved here. You will soon be betting according to a number sequence. It is important that you write down the number sequence for yourself on a notepad. This way, you’ll always have something to hold on to if you’re unsure if you’re still going in the right direction.
The potential profit is always equal to the sum of the number series. As an example we have the following number series: $ 1, $ 2, $ 3 and $ 4. The total profit according to this strategy is therefore € 10. You start your bet with the first and last number. This is together $ 5.
Do you win? Then you cross out these two numbers. You now have $ 2 and $ 3 left. You add these up and bet again. Your next bet is again $5. Do you lose? Then write down the loss at the end of the sequence. You are now going to combine 2 numbers again with your new sequence.
When do you stop playing?
In principle, you continue playing as long as the series remains intact. Can you cross out no more numbers? Then you have won and your profit is exactly the sum of your Labouchere sequence. The advantage of this strategy is that you determine in advance how much money you are going to win.
The only disadvantage of this strategy is that you don’t know in advance which number sequence is the smartest option. In addition, the system does not determine for you which cards you are going to take next. Experienced players often play with a large number sequence and choose consecutive numbers for their winnings.
Advantage of this system
The biggest advantage is that your bets are constantly changing. Because the system automatically changes when you lose, you know that you will end up with a profit. It just takes a lot of discipline to keep the sequence and stick to it while playing. For some players the system is higher math, but once you get the hang of it, it follows naturally.
Determine the sequence
In principle, you determine the sequence yourself. You may decide how long it is. You make the sequence based on your intended profit. If you want to make a profit of $ 30, you will have to make a series that is worth a total of $ 40.
If you want to take more risk, you can make a short series with higher numbers. For example, the following series: $ 2, $ 4, $ 4, $ 20. You can also dampen the effect by putting a zero in it. This way you can create your own sequence and start playing.
Tip for Playing Labouchere
We would like to give you one Blackjack tip if you are going to play according to this strategy. That is, always stop when your losses are high. You can keep trying to win it back, but at some point you simply have to take a loss. If you don’t do this, your losses can only get higher. Especially with a betting strategy that increases your bet when you lose.