The Labouchere System: My Cheeky, Calculated, and Slightly Victorian Guide to Playing with a Plan
Let’s get something out of the way right now: I’m not promising you riches, yachts, or an invitation to George Clooney’s next heist movie. But I am going to introduce you to the Labouchere system. It’s a clever little betting strategy that has been turning gamblers into mathematicians (and sometimes the other way around) since the 19th century.
And yes, it’s French. So it is fancy. Labouchere. Roll the “r” if you’re feeling confident.
We’ll walk through exactly what the system is, where it came from, how it works, when to use it, and how it performs with your favorite casino games. Particularly for roulette, blackjack, baccarat and craps. I’ve even included a table and a bit of colorful Victorian gossip about its inventor. Because frankly, I can’t resist.
Ready? Let’s Labouchere!
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Who Was This Labouchere Fellow Anyway?
So who dreamed up this calculated, calculating little scheme? Henry Labouchere was an English journalist, politician, theatre owner, and all-around Renaissance man. He was a Victorian-era gentleman who dabbled in everything from diplomacy to publishing scandalous newspapers. He also had a love affair with numbers and a peculiar dislike of randomness. As many a gambler before and after him, he decided he could outsmart Lady Luck. What he came up with was what we now call the Labouchere system, also known as the cancellation system, the split martingale, or (my personal favorite) Labby. He originally designed it for roulette, but it’s since found a home in blackjack, baccarat, craps and the occasional pub debate about probability.
But wait. There’s more to this dashing Victorian than a knack for math.
Henry was born in 1831 into a well-to-do family, schooled in corresponding fashion, and promptly tossed into the world of diplomacy like a duck into a very posh pond.
He was shipped off to Washington, D.C. as part of the British embassy in the 1850s. Did he behave? Of course not. He stirred up gossip, hobnobbed with American politicians, and then skipped back to Europe with a mischievous twinkle in his eye and a head full of opinions.
Not one to stay in a single lane, he pivoted to the next whim that took him. This guy liked to keep busy. That whim was journalism, founding Truth newspaper known for exposing fraud and scandal. Think of it as the Victorian equivalent of your favorite online sleuth subreddit. If someone in government was up to no good, chances are Henry was penning a witty takedown about it by candlelight.
He eventually became an MP (a Member of Parliament in the UK’s House of Commons), though he never quite fit the mold. He was anti-establishment, anti-monarchy, and possibly allergic to hypocrisy. Between his publishing crusades and political rants, he somehow also became a theatre impresario, fell madly in love with an actress, and built a house in Florence where he played cards and cultivated his legendary disdain for losing.
In other words, he was a bit of a rascal. One with impeccable penmanship and a flair for strategy, which I guess makes his Labouchere strategy all the more fun. Somewhere between publishing scathing headlines and railing against corruption, Henry devised a betting system that would let him grind out small, reliable profits at the roulette table. And voila! The Labouchere (Labby) was born.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. If this guy was so smart, why isn't everyone using it? Like Duh! Well hold your chips. We’ll get there.
The Core Concept ( A.K.A. My Mathy Little Dance)
At its heart, the Labouchere system is a negative progression betting strategy. Yes, I also thought, negative progression betting strategy?! That’s a fancy way of saying: every time I lose, I increase my bet. But unlike the blunt-force trauma of the Martingale strategy (where I simply double my bet after a loss), Labouchere lets me plan my bets in advance.
Here’s the gist of labby:
How a Labby Works
This is essentially my betting roadmap.
The Labouchere in Action
Let’s say I want to win $100. I might choose this sequence: 10-20-10–10-10-20-10-5-5 That adds up to $100. Convenient right?
Alternatively, I may want to win $200. Then I might choose this sequence:
20-40-60-40-40-40 That adds up to $200. Easy, right? Similarly, I may want to win $150, then I could choose 20-30-50-30-20. Adding up to $150.
If I choose a long sequence with high numbers, I get to make a HUGE profit if I manage to stay the course. Selecting a smaller sequence of lower numbers means my potential profit lowers, BUT there is a lot less risk. This is why it’s important to keep my eye on the money (or in this case chips) and make sure I write my sequence down, so when the going gets tricky, I remember the sequence and have a running tab in my head.
I need to start off by adding the first and last numbers of each sequence. Top'n tail people, top'n tail. My initial stake is now formed. Presuming the sequence is 10-20-10-10-10-20-10-5-5, my bet is now $15. Now it's time to place that bet!
Hey! Wise Guy! Labby only plays nice with bets that are a 50/50 shot - or near enough. None of this longshot nonsense. You’ll find those in all kinds of games, but do yourself a favor: know exactly what you’re bettin’ on before you go all in, capisce? Mess that up, and your labby system’ll sink your bankroll faster than a snitch in cement shoes… unless Lady Luck decides to bail you out.
Let's say I won. First I cross the numbers off the sequence, kind of like Hangman, but without the noose. Then for my second bet, I would copy, paste, repeat and again top ‘n tail by adding first and last numbers sequentially. This time with 10 and 5 crossed off from the example above, my second bet now becomes $25, as I’d be adding 20+5. I then repeat this process until the chain is done, and I’ve won my target amount. (All drinks on me!).
If I have been frowned upon by Lady Luck that evening and I lose, I add the amount I staked for the losing bet to the end of the sequence! Probably while softly massaging my temples. It does get a little tricky, but stay with me and I will explain:
If I were to lose my opening wager on a 10-20-10-10-10-20-10-5-5 sequence, that would leave me with a new sequence of 10-20-10-10-10-20-10-5-5-15. My next stake would then be $25. If I succumb to the evil forces that shall not be named and lose that too, I would then have 10-20-10-10-10-20-10-5-5-15-25 as my sequence. Which means my next bet would be $35. In theory, here, I’m accounting for my losses and waiting for the moment luck does shine on me. And from there, I’m back onto a roadmap that leads me to my goal. Chances of me getting there? Impossible to predict. That’s casino, baby.
So why do I love this system? Because it is weirdly satisfying to cross off those numbers. Like adult bingo, but with more risk and perhaps more gin required too.
I threw a lot at you there. So it might be easier if we try an example.
An Example
I put together this neat little table by recording one of my roulette games, during which I was using a labby. I wanted to take home $150. So I came up with a sequence of 20-30-50-30-20. Which I'm sure you'll have spotted equals my desired 150.
As you can see, it took some perseverance, but i got there in the end.
| #️⃣ Wager | 🔢 Sequence | 💰 Stake | 🥇 Result of Bet | ⚖ Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ First Bet | 20-30-50-30-20 | $40 | Loss | -$40 |
| 2️⃣ Second Bet | 20-30-50-30-20-40 | $60 | Loss | $100 |
| 3️⃣ Third Bet | 20-30-50-30-20-40-60 | $80 | Win | $20 |
| 4️⃣ Fourth Bet | 30-50-30-20-40 | $70 | Win | $50 |
| 5️⃣ Fifth Bet | 50-30-20 | $70 | Loss | $20 |
| 6️⃣ Sixth Bet | 50-30-20-70 | $120 | Win | $100 |
| 7️⃣ Seventh Bet | 30-20 | $50 | Loss | $50 |
| 8️⃣ Eighth Bet | 30-20-50 | $80 | Loss | $30 |
| 9️⃣ Ninth Bet | 30-20-50-80 | $110 | Win | $80 |
| 1️⃣0️⃣ Tenth Bet | 20-50 | $70 | Win | $150 |
Allow me to reiterate that this is an example of a labby working for me. Labby isn't some kind of cheat code. You're not guaranteed to get your money back - far from. It's all entirely down to luck. If I'd lost a couple more of those 50/50 bets, I'd be going home with nowhere near my target.
Put my Chips Down, Flip It, and Reverse It?
If I want to mix it up, I can opt for a reverse labby instead. Therein lies the beauty of the Labouchere system. There is a positive progression system too. Like a secret recipe for my betting cake. The reverse Labouchere is a POSITIVE progression system. So my stake increases after each win. When I win, I simply add the winning amount to the end of the sequence, and after a loss, I cross out the first and last numbers. That feels thrilling and certainly helps me make the most of my winning streaks. Like a buy one, get two deal! Caution though. Big caution. Because the initial sequence ends up representing the amount I am willing to lose rather than win, which may not be as enticing as I first thought.
The Labouchere System: Pros & Cons
The Labouchere System Goes to Blackjack: Doubling Down on Strategy
Blackjack adds some complication to the formula, but the Labouchere system can still strut its stuff. Casino blackjack has a theoretical RTP (return to player) of 99.41%. Which are fantastic odds. My chances of winning a hand are roughly 50%. I can therefore apply the Labby blackjack betting strategy when playing the table version! Of course it goes without saying that odds increase quite drastically if I know what I am doing in blackjack to start with!
I generate the sequence by first deciding how much I want to win. So there’s a goal I work towards. Then I set the sequence I am comfortable with (and can afford, so almost like charting a course) to get there. I could decide I want to win $300, so my blackjack labby sequence would be 20-30-30-40-60-40-30-30-20.
For the first bet I would stake $40, adding the base units at the start and end of the labby. If I’m blessed, my first bet wins, then I abracadabra and cross out the numbers at the start and end of the sequence. Whew! It isn’t as complicated as it seems. If I can get it, anyone can. Then labby becomes 30-30-40-60-40-30-30. So my second stake is $60 for my second labby blackjack bet. If my bet loses, I must add the amount lost to the right sequence.
I would then be left with a labby sequence of 30-30-40-60-40-30-30-60 in this scenario where I won my first bet and lost my second. My third bet would then be for $90, when following labby.
I must keep going until all my numbers are crossed out (just like noughts and crosses) and I’ve earned the profit I set out to make! I get to decide at any time whether I walk away (possibly the wisest option), start the same sequence again (maybe not so wise), or create a new labby blackjack sequence from scratch after a drink and a breather (maybe a better bet). All of this is that bit harder when playing blackjack live, as you'll need to decide fast!
Labby Meets Blackjack
With labby there are no rules regarding splitting cards, doubling down or landing a blackjack when following a blackjack labby system. Most times I add any extra winning to my bankroll and carry on (while silently praying) with the labby blackjack strategy sequence. If I split card, and just have one win, I might decide to leave the labby blackjack strategy sequence untouched for the next bet.
Want to find out more about playing blackjack? Check our ultimate blackjack guide And once you’ve got to grips with that, graduate onto our comprehensive blackjack betting systems guide for good measure.
The Labouchere System at Roulette: My First Love
Roulette was Labouchere’s original muse, so let’s start there. Originally created to teach folks how to play roulette more effectively, it is still hugely popular among more experienced and advanced players. This may not be me! But I will give anything a bash once. Indeed, I've fired through a labby many times while playing live roulette online. Results? Mixed.
Understanding roulette odds is fundamental here if this is to work. I’m channeling my inner roulette whisperer. I focus on even-money bets like red or black, odd or even. These bets pay 1:1 and give me close to 50% chance to win (minus the pesky zero). On that note, I must caution that I generally opt for European Roulette instead of American Roulette. That’s because American Roulette is more assassin like, pushing the house edge up from 2.7% to 5.26%. French is softer (except for the rolling r’s) and cuts the house edge down even further due to a rule called La Partage, which means I only lose half my stake if the ball lands on the zero. I always liked the French.
I recommend finding a roulette table with high betting limits. One always needs to aim high to keep your standards high and roulette is no different. Plus, if your labby's not landing wins, you could soon find your next wager has surpassed the ceiling.
Now I put my labby roulette strategy into practice. I want to make $100 in a session. I’m opting for a sequence of 10-10-10-20-20-20-10. I use the first and last number in the sequence to calculate the stake when playing labby system roulette. My initial bet therefore is $20. If I win, I cross out the 10 at the beginning of the sequence and the 10 at the end of the sequence. This leaves me with a labby of 10-10-20-20-20. If I lose this first bet, I add the loss at the end, resulting in the labby system roulette sequence of 10-10-10-20-20-20-10-20.
Labby Meets Roulette
I've learnt that a roulette sequence can grow long, especially in the event of a losing streak (which I am quite schooled in), and the stakes can become large fast. For example, if I were to lose five times in a row at the start of my labby system roulette sequence, as demonstrated above, I’d end up with 10-10-10-20-20-20-10-20-30-40-50-60. This means I would have to put down $70 as my next stake. THIS is why it’s best that I write my labby roulette sequence down on paper and not on my mobile. It’ll save me the risk of a costly typo. Personally. I’m always prepared with a steady supply of paper and a working pen, ready to place large wagers in the event of a losing streak. But never forget that sometimes it’s smarter to walk away. Almost always, in fact.
You can keep playing and crossing out numbers until you complete the sequence and turn a profit. Theoretically, it’s entirely possible. Remember that you add just one number when you lose and cross out two when you win. But the odds of the game, especially one like roulette, mean nothing is guaranteed. This strategy is no shortcut or magic fix to winning. And you may lose money (unless you play blackjack for free or something).
New to the game? Have a glance at our ultimate guide to understanding roulette payouts, rules, and strategies, written and contributed to by experts of the game. You could also maximize your success (as much as that’s possible, at least) by avoiding common roulette psychological pitfalls.
Labouchere and Baccarat: The Glamourous Pair
Baccarat is often seen as the high-rollers game. But Labouchere can actually make it approachable. A Labouchere baccarat strategy assists me by confirming the amount to wager on each hand. Obviously, I had to brush up on my baccarat skills and be very familiar with rules and payouts first. Otherwise I would have been a non-starter, regardless of strategy. I suggest you do the same! Unless you’re literally James Bond or something.
A popular game amongst online casino-goers due to its speed, the simple rules and low house edge baccarat makes it a gem of a game. Online, its popularity also applies to the live dealer version of baccarat, as well as the video baccarat games, which are software controlled. And yes, those ones are still fair and genuinely random.
Theoretically, the RTP is 98.94% for a banker bet and 98.76% for a player bet. So I can certainly adopt Labouchere as my baccarat strategy. Nice!
Important to note is that you should only apply the labby baccarat strategy to bets that are near about 50/50 in terms of outcome. So that it is a big NO when betting on a tie.
Similar to the labby blackjack and roulette strategy, I start by setting up an amount that I would like to win. I divide it up into any sequence I choose, ensuring the numbers add up to the total I have in mind.
Let’s say I go with 5-10-20-10-5, because I’m wanting to win $50. My first labby baccarat strategy bet is $10, because I always add the first and last number to calculate your stake. Top ’n tail people. If my first bet is a winner, I’m then $10 up. Then I can delete those first and last numbers that I’d used, resulting in 10-20-10. We’re well on track!
If my first bet loses, I put the amount at the end of the sequence, resulting in 5-10-20-10-5-10. My next bet sees me add the 5 and the 10 to get a wager of $15. I simply keep going until I’ve crossed out every number, completed the labby baccarat strategy chain and earned my profit.
Need a refresher on what those bets are all about? Grab a coffee and prepare for the (light and educational) slog that is our baccarat rules and payouts ultimate guide.
Labouchere and Craps: Just Roll with It
Craps is fast, noisy and exciting. Labouchere helps me to tame the chaos. There are always lots of different bets available when you play craps. Even if you play crap.
Thankfully, like Mana from heaven, the labby system is specifically designed for 50/50 bets, so my options are pass, don’t pass, come, don’t come, Big 6 and Big 8. Almost like when you ask someone out on a second date!
Since craps can be more volatile, I recommend shorter or even sequences to keep bets manageable. In my case, I’ll continually bet on pass or Big 8. But I could change my bet each time, as long as I stick to the 50/50 options. If I did wanna do this, I could start my labby betting system by wagering on don’t pass, then for Big 6 then Big 8, then pass, and so on. The odds don’t change, but it keeps the game engaging. You get to go with your own gut and instincts. And that’s what gambling is all about, right?
I always start my labby system with a sequence of my own design. The sum of these numbers in the sequence represents my desired profit. Take the first and last number in the sequence and add them to calculate the amount I should stake for my first bet. If I win the bet, I cross out the numbers, which gives me a shorter labby betting system sequence. If I lose, I add the amount staked onto the end of the sequence, making it longer.
Labby Meets Craps
I find the shorter the sequence for craps, the better. It means I’m starting within reach of my target profit and won’t be getting too bogged down off the bat. Craps is just too chaotic for that. Try to find the craps table that has a high upper limit. Just in case you end up on a losing streak, the numbers in your labby climb in size, and you’re not ready to abandon it.
Even I find craps a little tricky at times. If you need a refresher - or especially if you're coming in fresh - check our craps rules and bets explained guide.
Tips, Tricks, and Things I’ve Learned (The Hard Way)
Let me depart with some wisdom. Morsels of knowledge I’ve scooped up along the path of many abandoned labbys, lost wagers, and the occasional triumph.
- Stick to even-money bets. It’s where labby shines
- Watch the table limits. Don’t get stuck with a bet you can’t place.
- Set a budget before you start. Know when to walk away.
- Keep a record. Write down your sequences, bets and outcomes
- Stay calm. Losing streaks happen. But don’t chase beyond your means.
- Practice online. Free play or low stakes are perfect for getting comfortable.
Final Thoughts
The Labouchere (Labby) system is like a charming Victorian novel, It’s full of intrigue, strategy, and a little dose of madness.
It gives me a structure, a plan, and a way to feel in control at the table. It’s not perfect. It won’t turn you into a casino millionaire overnight. But if you love the idea of managing your bets with a logical, historic system that’s as fun to use as it is to say aloud? Labouchere is your ticket. Just remember. It’s still all going to come down to luck. And that you cannot control. No really, I’ve tried.
Next time you’re at the roulette wheel, blackjack table, baccarat pit or craps line, give labby a whirl. It’s all about the game, the thrill and having a good time.
Now off you go! Go forth and Labouchere.
Other Betting Systems
Believe it or not, Mr. Labouchere and his hair-brained ideas aren't the only show in town.
Check out my rundown on these other common strategies used by casino players worldwide:
Meet The Author
Experience
Lee James Gwilliam has over 10 years as a poker player and 5 in the casino industry. He has been all around the industry, working for a casino, writing more than 3,000 articles for various independent review sites and is an active player of slots, live dealer and poker.
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