About Labouchere Betting Systems
Labouchere betting systems are built around a progressive staking strategy known as the Labouchere. In this simple guide, we will explain how they work and how you can use them effectively.
We will discuss the progression itself and how flexible it can be. We will then explain why it's important to keep a close eye on your bankroll.
The Labouchere staking progression can appear quite complex when first encountered. However, it is actually quite simple to understand and use.
How Labouchere Betting Systems Work
| Round | Sequence | Outcome | Profit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 | Win | 6 |
| Round 2 | 2 – 3 – 4 | Loss | -6 |
| Round 3 | 2 – 3 – 4 – 6 | Win | 8 |
| Round 4 | 3 – 4 | Win | 7 |
| Total Profit | 15 |
Labouchere betting systems aren't primarily aimed at those who only want to place a single bet and then go home. The Labouchere staking progression was originally created for Roulette players. Such players normally place a whole sequence of bets in a single session at the casino.
Having said that, the Labouchere staking progression has since been used quite effectively in a variety of settings. It can even be used by those who participate in sports betting
Using the Labouchere takes time and patience, as well as plenty of self-discipline. If you can't stick to a plan then it isn't for you.
The Sequence
At the heart of a Labouchere betting system is a sequence of numbers. Any sequence can be used. The potential profit for each cycle of the system will equal the total of the numbers in that sequence. This is assuming that the odds of every outcome that you bet on are 1:1.
To use this system:
- Stake the total of the first and last numbers in the sequence.
- When you win a bet, you cross off the first and last numbers and continue with the remaining numbers. If there aren't any, the cycle has ended and you can either go home or start over.
- Should you lose a bet, add the previous total to the end of the sequence and continue.
For example, let's imagine that we will use the sequence 1-2-3. Our potential profit in this scenario would therefore be $6.
- Our first bet would be the total of the first and last numbers. In our case this would be 1 and 3, so we would stake $4 on the first bet.
- If our first bet wins, we would cross the first and last numbers off our list and continue. This would leave us with 2, so we would stake $2 on the next bet.
- If our first bet loses, we would add 4 to our sequence, giving us 1-2-3-4. Our stake for the next bet would therefore be $5, which is the total of 1 and 4.
The Flexibility of the System
Because this system works with any sequence of numbers, it is very flexible. It can be used according to how long you want to play for or how much you want to wager.
If you want to play for longer, simple use a longer sequence, such as 1-2-3-4-5-6. If you want to bet a little bigger, you could use the sequence 10-20-30.
Of course, it is always a good idea to work through a sequence on paper before using it for real. Flip a coin repeatedly to generate different strings of results and you will see how your sequence fares in each case. You can then tweak the sequence if you find that it doesn't suit your bankroll or it takes too long to end a cycle.
Watching Your Bankroll
Because this system can return a profit in a hurry, it is important to keep an eye on your cash flow. As noted, you need to practice your skills with this, so your bankroll does not suffer in real-time.
Since the system changes each play, a losing streak can be very bad for you very quickly. At one point, unfortunately, you might even end up not being able to bet at all because of the number of losses in a row.
With this in mind, you should prepare in advance for such a possibility. Think about the sequence and try to stay positive on your bets. But be willing to call it a day and cut your losses should your luck go sour.