Strategy
Labouchere Strategy
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The Labouchère system — also known as the cancellation system or split Martingale is a negative progression strategy that uses a custom number sequence to determine bet sizes. Unlike simpler systems, it gives you a specific profit target and a structured path to reach it. It demands more attention at the table, but offers greater control over your session.
Custom
Profit Target
~33%
Win Rate Needed
1:1
Even-money Bets
Linear
Bet Growth
What Is the Labouchère System?
The Labouchère is a cancellation-based betting system for even-money roulette bets — Red/Black, Odd/Even, or 1-18/19-36. You start by writing down a sequence of numbers that adds up to your desired profit. Each bet equals the sum of the first and last numbers in the sequence. When you win, you cross out both numbers. When you lose, you add the lost amount to the end of the sequence.
How it differs from Martingale: The Martingale doubles after every loss, leading to exponential bet growth. The Labouchère grows linearly — your bet rises by one or two units per loss instead of doubling — keeping bet sizes more manageable.
Setting Your Profit Goal
Before placing any bets, decide how much you want to win. Then create a number sequence that adds up to that target. The sequence can be any combination — it determines your bet sizes and session length.| Target Profit | Example Sequence | Starting Bet | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| €10 | 1 – 2 – 3 – 2 – 2 | €3 (1+2) | Conservative, smaller bets |
| €15 | 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 | €6 (1+5) | Moderate progression |
| €20 | 2 – 4 – 4 – 4 – 6 | €8 (2+6) | Aggressive, higher stakes |
| €10 | 2 – 2 – 2 – 2 – 2 | €4 (2+2) | Flat, predictable bets |
Beginner tip: Start with a low target (€10–€15) and a flat sequence like 1–1–1–1–1. This keeps your bets small while you learn the system. You can always increase later.
How the System Works
The rules are simple but require tracking your sequence on paper or in your head:Write your number sequence
Choose a sequence that adds up to your profit target. Example: 1–2–3–2–2 = €10 target.
Bet first plus last number
Always bet the sum of the leftmost and rightmost numbers in your current sequence on an even-money position.
After a win: cross out both
Eliminate the first and last numbers. Your sequence shortens, bringing you closer to the target.
After a loss: add to the end
Append the lost amount as a new number at the end of the sequence. The sequence grows, but the path remains structured.
Repeat until empty
When all numbers are crossed out, you have reached your profit target. If only one number remains, that single number is your bet.
Full Game Example
Target: €10 profit. Starting sequence: 1 – 2 – 3 – 2 – 2. Betting on Red.| Spin | Sequence | Bet | Result | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 – 2 – 3 – 2 – 2 | €3 | Win | Cross out 1 and 2 |
| 2 | 2 – 3 – 2 | €4 | Loss | Add 4 to end |
| 3 | 2 – 3 – 2 – 4 | €6 | Win | Cross out 2 and 4 |
| 4 | 3 – 2 | €5 | Win | Cross out 3 and 2 |
| 5 | empty | — | Done | Target reached: +€10 |
The Reverse Labouchère
The Reverse Labouchère flips the system: add numbers after a win, cross out after a loss. This converts it into a positive progression — similar in philosophy to the Paroli. The advantage: losses are capped at your original sequence total. The disadvantage: you need a sustained winning streak to see meaningful profit.When to use the reverse: The Reverse Labouchère limits your maximum loss to a fixed amount — the sum of your starting sequence. Nothing more. It is the safer choice for risk-averse sessions.
Advantages & Risks
Advantages
- Clear profit target before you start
- Only ~33% win rate needed to complete the sequence
- Flexible — fully customizable sequence
- Linear progression, not exponential like Martingale
- Mentally engaging — feels like a puzzle
Risks
- Losing streaks extend the sequence rapidly
- Long losing runs can push bets toward table limits
- Requires tracking — pen and paper recommended
- Does not change the 2,7% house edge
- Harder to use at fast-paced live tables