Labouchere Strategy in Gambling – Rules, Examples & Tips

What Is the Labouchere Betting System

The Labouchere betting system — also known as the cancellation system — is a negative progression betting method. This means you increase your stake after a loss, aiming to recover previous losses while still achieving a predefined profit target.

Unlike the Martingale, where bets double after every loss, the Labouchere system works by creating a sequence of numbers that represent your betting units. After each bet, you either cross out numbers from the sequence (when you win) or add new ones (when you lose).

Key points about the system 👇

• Designed mainly for roulette, but can also be adapted for other games like blackjack, baccarat, and even craps.
• Often called the cancellation betting system because you “cancel” numbers after winning.
• It does not change the house edge but helps structure your play and set profit goals.

📌 Fun fact: The Labouchere roulette strategy is sometimes nicknamed the “split martingale” because it uses partial recovery over several rounds instead of all at once.

Cancelling Numbers After a Win

When a bet wins, remove the first and last numbers from your sequence.
💡 Example: Sequence: 1 – 2 – 3 – 2 – 2 → Bet 3 units → Win → Remove 1 and 2 → New sequence: 2 – 3 – 2

This “cancellation” process moves you closer to completing your profit goal.

Adding Numbers After a Loss

If a bet loses, take the stake you just wagered and append it to the end of your sequence.
Example:
Sequence: 2 – 3 – 2 → Bet 4 units (2+2) → Lose → Add “4” to end → New sequence: 2 – 3 – 2 – 4

This builds up the sequence, meaning your bets can grow larger during losing streaks.

📊 Basic Labouchere Sequence Flow 👇

Example of the Labouchere in Action

Let’s walk through a full session to see the Labouchere system example in real play. This will help you understand how wins and losses affect your betting sequence. 🎲

Starting With a Sample Sequence

We’ll set a profit goal of 10 units and break it down into 👇
1 – 2 – 3 – 2 – 2

This sequence will be the basis for our bets.
We’ll apply it to Labouchere roulette strategy on an even-money bet (e.g., red in European roulette).

Tracking Wins and Losses

Here’s how the session could unfold:

📊 Labouchere Sequence Gameplay

• Total profit: 10 units (goal reached)
• Bets ranged from 3 to 6 units
• Sequence completed in 4 rounds

When to Reset the Sequence

Reset your sequence when 👇

• You’ve achieved your profit target
• Your bankroll limit is reached
• You want to switch tables or take a break

Many players using the cancellation strategy reset after each completed sequence to maintain discipline. This keeps risk controlled and prevents long losing streaks from escalating bet sizes too much.

Best Ways to Apply the Labouchere System in Roulette

The Labouchere roulette system works best when applied with careful bet selection and time limits. These tips will help maximize efficiency and minimize risk. ⚖️

Focusing on Even-Money Bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even)

Stick to bets that pay 1:1 — such as red/black, odd/even, or high/low.

• These give you the highest probability of winning in a single spin.
• Avoid inside bets or single numbers, as they reduce your chances and disrupt the Labouchere strategy flow.

Why European Roulette Is Preferred

European roulette has a single zero (house edge of 2.7%), compared to American roulette’s double zero (house edge of 5.26%).

• Fewer zeros mean better roulette odds for the player.
• The French roulette variant can be even better if it uses the “La Partage” rule, which returns half your even-money bet when zero hits.

📊 House Edge by Roulette Variant 👇

📌 With “La Partage” rule on even-money bets.

Ideal Session Length for This Strategy

The Labouchere betting system is most effective in short to medium sessions.

• Play roulette for 30–60 minutes to reduce exposure to long losing streaks.
• Set a win target and a stop-loss limit before starting.
• Always end your session once the sequence is complete.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Labouchere System

The Labouchere system has its strengths and weaknesses. Understanding both sides helps players decide if it fits their style and bankroll. ⚖️

Pros

• Flexible betting goals — You can set your own profit target by adjusting the sequence.
• Allows customized profit targets — Different sequences fit both conservative and aggressive players.
• Works well with disciplined bankroll control — The cancellation system helps maintain structure and avoid random betting.
• Can be adapted to different games like Labouchere system blackjack, Labouchere system baccarat, or even Labouchere craps betting strategy for variety.

Cons

• Complex for beginners — The math and tracking can feel overwhelming without practice.
• Can escalate bets quickly on losing streaks — Long losses lead to large bet sizes.
• No effect on house edge — Like all betting methods, the Labouchere strategy doesn’t change the game’s built-in odds.
• Requires patience and discipline — Impulsive players may break the sequence rules.

Labouchere vs Other Roulette Betting Systems

While the Labouchere strategy is unique in its structure, it’s often compared to other popular betting methods. Here’s how it stacks up. 🤼‍♂️

Labouchere vs Reverse Labouchere

• Reverse Labouchere is a positive progression strategy — you add numbers after wins, not losses.
• Suitable for hot streaks but risky if luck turns quickly.
• The standard Labouchere betting system is better for steady recovery rather than aggressive growth.
  
   

Labouchere vs Martingale

• Martingale doubles the bet after each loss, aiming for immediate recovery.
• While simpler, it can lead to very large bets fast.
• The Labouchere roulette strategy spreads recovery over several wins, making bet jumps less extreme.

Labouchere vs Fibonacci

• Fibonacci uses a mathematical sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8…) where each bet is the sum of the previous two.
• More conservative than Martingale but slower than Labouchere roulette system for reaching profit targets.

📊 Betting System Comparison

Tips for Using Labouchere Successfully

Mastering the Labouchere strategy requires more than just knowing the roulette rules — you need discipline, planning, and smart bankroll control. 💡

Start With a Short Sequence for Lower Risk

• Begin with sequences like 1 – 2 – 3 to keep bets small.
• Shorter sequences limit the growth of stakes during losing streaks.
• Great for newcomers testing the Labouchere betting system in low-stakes games.

Set Clear Stop-Loss Limits

• Decide how much you’re willing to lose before the session starts.
• Stop playing if you reach that limit, even if your sequence isn’t complete.
• This prevents the cancellation strategy from leading to uncontrolled losses.

Avoid Chasing Losses With Overextended Sequences

• Adding too many large numbers can make recovery impossible with your bankroll.
• Keep sequences manageable so you can complete them within your budget.
• Remember: the Labouchere system works best when combined with patience and realistic goals.