What is the Labouchere roulette strategy?
Challenge yourself with the Labouchere roulette strategy when you next join a game. This strategy is slightly more complex than others, but suits anyone who’s good with numbers. This cancellation system was created in the 19th century and is still enjoyed by roulette players to this day. Read on to understand how it works.
How the Labouchere roulette strategy works
Step 1 - Decide how much you’d like to win
First you need to decide how much you’d like to win, for example $10. Make this a realistic number that won’t stretch your bankroll too much. Then you need to split that number into smaller, random numbers. For example, our $10 goal could become 1, 2, 4, 1, 2.
Step 2 - Combine your numbers
Take the furthest left number and the furthest right number from the sequence. In this example that would be 1 and 2. Combine these to make your first bet for $3.
Step 3 - Place your bet
Bet $3 on an even bet like red, black, odd, even, 1-18 or 19-36.
Step 4 - Repeat the second step
If you win, you cross off the furthest left and furthest right numbers from your sequence. Here you’d be left with 2, 4, 1. Repeat the second step, which would give you 2 and 1, so you would make another $3 bet.
If you lose, don’t cross off any numbers and add the bet you just made ($3) to the far right of your sequence. You should have 2, 4, 1 and 3 now. Now repeat step 2 and in this case your bet would be $5.
Step 5 - Repeat until you win
Repeat the steps until you have cleared your sequence and won your goal number. If you are on a bad losing streak, never chase your losses and know when to call it a day. Equally, if you’re on a winning streak, stop after the first loss to retain your profits.
Example of the Labouchere strategy in action
Sequence: 1, 2, 4, 1, 2.
| Bet | Sequence | Outcome | Result | Profit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3 | 1, 2, 4, 1, 2 | Lose | -$3 | -$3 |
| $4 | 1, 2, 4, 1, 2, 3 | Lose | -$4 | -$7 |
| $5 | 1, 2, 4, 1, 2, 3, 4 | Win | +$5 | -$2 |
| $5 | 1, 2, 4, 1, 2, 3, 4 | Lose | -$5 | -$7 |
| $7 | 2, 4, 1, 2, 3, 5 | Win | $7 | $0 |
What are the pros and cons of the Labouchere strategy?
Pros
- It’s satisfying crossing the numbers out
- It can help you manage your budget better
- You can do well from winning streaks
Cons
- Your sequence can get really long if you’re on a losing streak
- You need to pay attention to the sequence and follow it carefully
- It doesn’t improve the house edge so your odds won’t be affected
The Reverse Labouchere strategy
If you enjoy the original strategy, the Reverse Labouchere should have the same appeal. The difference in the reverse version is simple. You cross off the numbers you’ve bet when you lose and you add the sum of the numbers you’ve bet onto the right when you win. It still only applies to even bets and you still need to break your goal down into smaller numbers.
Example of the Reverse Labouchere strategy in action
Sequence: 1, 2, 4, 1, 2.
| Bet | Sequence | Outcome | Result | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3 | 1, 2, 4, 1, 2 | Lose | -$3 | -$3 |
| $3 | 2, 4, 1 | Lose | -$3 | -$6 |
| $4 | 4 | Win | +$4 | -$2 |
| $8 | 4, 4 | Lose | -$8 | -$10 |
| $4 | 4 | Lose | +$4 | -$6 |
Try other roulette strategies
- D'Alembert system
- For first-timers
- Martingale system
- For high rollers
- Fibonacci system
- For risk-takers
- Andrucci system
- For high rollers
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