Labouchere Strategy
The Labouchère system — also known as the cancellation system or split Martingale — is a negative progression roulette strategy that uses a custom number sequence to determine bet sizes. Unlike simpler systems like Martingale or Paroli, the Labouchère 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.
What Is the Labouchère System?
The Labouchère is a cancellation-based betting system for even-money roulette bets (red/black, odd/even, low/high). You start by writing down a sequence of numbers that add up to your desired profit. Each bet is 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.
The system is complete — and your target profit reached — when all numbers in the sequence are crossed out. This structure means you only need to win about one-third of your bets to achieve your goal, which is the system’s main attraction.
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 |
How the System Works
The rules are simple but require tracking your sequence on paper or in your head:
| Step | Action | When |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Write your number sequence (e.g., 1–2–3–2–2) | Before playing |
| 2 | Bet the sum of the first + last number | Every spin |
| 3 | Win: Cross out the first and last numbers | After a win |
| 4 | Lose: Add the bet amount to the end of the sequence | After a loss |
| 5 | Repeat until all numbers are crossed out | Goal reached |
If only one number remains in the sequence, that number is your bet. When the last number is crossed out, you have reached your profit target.
Full Game Example
Target: €10 profit. 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 profit |
Result: 3 wins and 1 loss = €10 profit in 4 spins. The system only needed a 75% win rate in this example, but over longer sessions, approximately 33% wins is sufficient to complete the sequence.
The Reverse Labouchère
The Reverse Labouchère flips the system: add numbers after a win, cross out after a loss. This turns it into a positive progression system — 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.
Advantages & Risks
| Advantages | Risks |
|---|---|
| Clear profit target before you start | Losing streaks extend the sequence and increase bets |
| Only ~33% win rate needed to complete | Long losing runs can push bets toward table limits |
| Flexible — customize your sequence | Requires tracking numbers (pen and paper recommended) |
| More gradual progression than Martingale | Does not change the 2.70% house edge |
Practical Tips
Start small — use a low target and flat sequence for your first sessions. A sequence like 1–1–1–1–1 (target: €5) keeps bets between €1–€3.
Use pen and paper — the system is hard to track mentally. Write down your sequence and physically cross out numbers as you go.
Set a stop-loss — if your sequence grows to 10+ numbers, consider stopping. The bets are getting too large relative to your original goal.
Play on a European table — the single zero wheel gives you better odds (2.70% edge vs 5.26% on American). On a French table with La Partage, even-money bets drop to just 1.35%.
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