1-3-2-6 Betting Strategy

What Is the 1-3-2-6 Betting System

The 1-3-2-6 betting strategy uses positive progression to boost profits during brief winning streaks while keeping losses in check. You increase your bet after each win according to a fixed sequence: 1 unit → 3 units → 2 units → 6 units, then reset.

Instead of doubling after every loss (like in Martingale), this system limits your exposure while helping you lock in profits if you win several rounds in a row. The entire cycle is based on betting units, where 1 unit can be any amount of money you choose — for example, $5, $10, or more.

It’s simple to remember and often used with even-money bets — wagers that pay 1:1, such as red/black in roulette or banker/player in baccarat, especially when following a structured baccarat strategy.

How to Use in Baccarat, Roulette, and Blackjack

You can apply the 1-3-2-6 system in any game offering bets with near 50/50 outcomes:

• In baccarat, use it on banker or player bets (avoid tie bets).
• In roulette, use it on even-money bets like red/black or even/odd.
• In blackjack, combine it with basic strategy for consistent play on even bets.

✅ Tip: Stick to even-money options only. The system is not designed for high-variance bets like straights or corners in roulette.

How it Works: Step-by-Step Betting Sequence

The system follows a fixed path 👇
1 → 3 → 2 → 6 units

📊 Here's what it looks like in action:

• ✅ Win all four? You profit and restart.
• ❌ Lose at any point? You return to step 1.

Resetting the Cycle on a Loss or Win

One of the key principles of the 1-3-2-6 blackjack betting strategy is automatic reset 👇

• Lose any bet? Go back to 1 unit.
• Win all four bets? Collect profits and start over.

This reset mechanism protects your bankroll and stops losses from escalating out of control.

Ideal for Even-Money Bets

The 1-3-2-6 system is optimized for bets that offer close to 50/50 odds, such as 👇

• Baccarat: Player or banker
• Roulette: Red/black, even/odd, 1–18/19–36
• Blackjack: Standard player bets using basic strategy

Because these bets have predictable odds and simple payouts, they match perfectly with the structure of the system.

🎲 Example: In online craps, the pass line bet also qualifies as an even-money wager where this system may apply, especially when paired with a well-planned craps strategy.

Practical Example of 1-3-2-6 in Play

Let’s see how the 1-3-2-6 betting system works in a real betting sequence. This will help you understand when it pays off — and what happens when you hit a losing round.

Simulated Betting Round (Win-Win-Win-Win)

Suppose your base unit is $10. Here's how a perfect 4-win streak plays out 👇

After four straight wins, you've risked $120 total, but your net profit is also $120. You then reset the system.

💡 That’s the power of riding a short winning streak.

What Happens on a Loss at Each Step

📈 Let’s break down what happens if you lose at any stage:

💡 Key Takeaway:

• If you lose early, the loss is small.
• If you lose after winning 2 or 3 rounds, you still walk away with a profit.

The 1-3-2-6 betting strategy is designed to protect against losing streaks while giving a strong reward during wins.

Bankroll and Profit Scenario

Let’s imagine you play 20 rounds of roulette, using a $10 unit. Here’s a projected outcome based on common win/loss patterns 👇

✅ This strategy works best with short bursts of wins — not long grind sessions.

Advantages of the 1-3-2-6 Strategy

The 1-3-2-6 betting strategy isn’t just easy to remember — it’s also surprisingly effective for the right type of player. It blends solid risk control with the chance to lock in profits if you catch a hot streak. Let’s break down the main strengths.

Locking in Small Profits on Winning Streaks

Every time you complete the full sequence (1–3–2–6) without losing, you secure a sizable profit without reinvesting previous winnings.

• After the second win, your third bet ($20) uses only a portion of your total gains.
• The fourth bet ($60) is made using profits only — not your original bankroll.

🎯 This means you’re essentially risking the casino’s money, not yours, once the sequence gets going.

Controlled Risk Exposure

Because you always reset after a single loss — regardless of where it occurs in the sequence — your exposure remains minimal.

• You never chase losses.
• You never double your bet endlessly.
• You never let emotions push you off track.

Unlike negative progression systems (like Martingale), this system is budget-friendly and safer for most players.

📌 It’s especially useful in games where even-money bets are available.

Simple, Low-Stress Structure

One of the biggest appeals of the 1-3-2-6 betting strategy is how easy it is to remember and stick to:

• No advanced math.
• No counting cards or adjusting based on odds.
• Just follow the four-step sequence.

🎯 For casual players who want to enjoy the game without stress, it offers a smart and disciplined approach.

Weaknesses and Limitations

While the 1-3-2-6 betting system has many benefits, it’s not perfect. Like any system, it has limitations — and knowing them helps you use it wisely.

Doesn’t Change House Edge

No matter how clever a system sounds, it cannot overcome the built-in house edge in games like blackjack, roulette, or baccarat.

• In roulette, the green zero(s) still tilt the odds.
• In blackjack, misplays or dealer blackjacks eat into your success — that’s why using a solid blackjack strategy is crucial for minimizing mistakes and improving your odds.
• In baccarat, the house edge on the banker bet still exists — even if it’s small.

⚠️ This strategy manages how you bet, not what you bet on.

Not Effective in Choppy or Losing Streaks

If your session alternates wins and losses — or you hit a long losing streak — the strategy doesn’t have time to build momentum.

Examples of tough sessions 👇

• W-L-W-L-W-L (too choppy to reach 4 wins)
• L-L-L-L (you just keep losing first bets)

When this happens, you might lose several units without ever hitting a full profitable cycle.

🎯 It’s a streak-friendly system, not a recovery system.

Best for Short Sessions, Not Long-Term Play

Since the 1-3-2-6 system relies on brief winning streaks, it's best used in short, disciplined sessions. Trying to grind it out long-term can backfire 👇

• The house edge wears you down over time.
• Emotional tilt might cause you to break the pattern.
• Rare full cycles can’t cover for dozens of failed starts.

🔁 Always plan session limits and walk away after a few profitable rounds.

Best Games to Use the 1-3-2-6 System

The 1-3-2-6 system works best with games that offer even-money bets and simple payout structures. These include classic casino games like baccarat, roulette, and blackjack. Below we’ll break down how it fits into each one.

Baccarat: Banker and Player Bets

Baccarat is one of the most popular games for using the baccarat 1-3-2-6 strategy. It offers two main betting options with nearly 50/50 odds:

• Player bet – Pays 1:1, house edge ~1.24%
• Banker bet – Pays 1:1 (minus 5% commission), house edge ~1.06%

Use the system only on these two — never on tie bets, which have a much higher house edge.

Roulette: Red/Black, Even/Odd, 1–18/19–36

European or French roulette is another strong option for applying the 1-3-2-6 betting system for roulette, especially when combined with a consistent roulette strategy. Stick to even-money bets:

• Red / ⚫ Black
• Even / Odd
• 1–18 / 19–36
  
   

Avoid American roulette (has double zero), as its higher house edge reduces your chances of finishing a full 4-win cycle.

📌 European roulette house edge: 2.70%

📌 American roulette house edge: 5.26%

Blackjack: With Flat Strategy + Basic Play

You can also apply the blackjack betting strategy 1-3-2-6 — especially when using a flat betting approach combined with basic strategy.

Here's how 👇

1. Always follow basic strategy to lower the house edge (hit/stand/split/double decisions).
2. Use the 1-3-2-6 progression only on your base bet.
3. Don’t increase side bets or insurance — stick to the pattern.

Tips for Using the System Effectively

To get the most out of the 1-3-2-6 betting strategy, it’s important to play smart and stay consistent. These tips will help you reduce risk, stay disciplined, and increase your chances of locking in profits.

Set Win/Loss Limits Before Starting

📝 Before you begin any session, decide:

• How much you’re willing to lose
• How much profit you want to walk away with

This prevents emotional decisions and keeps your bankroll under control — especially important if you’re playing online.

Example session rules 👇

• Stop after completing 3 full 1-3-2-6 cycles
• Quit if you lose 5 first-step bets in a row
• Cash out when profit hits 5× your unit size

Avoid Deviating from the Sequence

Stick to the structure — no improvising.

If you’re on step 3, don’t suddenly bet more “because you feel lucky.”
If you lose step 2, don’t repeat it “just once more.”

Breaking the pattern kills the entire purpose of using the 1-3-2-6 system.

✅ Consistency is what makes the strategy work.
❌ Chasing losses or skipping steps leads to chaos.

Use a Fixed Unit Size and Stick to the Pattern

Choose your base unit carefully based on your total bankroll. A common rule is 👇

• 1 unit = 2% or less of your total bankroll

That way, even a string of losses won’t wipe you out. Once chosen, never change your unit mid-session.