Many gamblers like to use a system to win at casino games. Many popular systems seem to be foolproof and with some help from Lady Luck they will produce outstanding results. One popular system is Labouchere, which was originally used as a roulette strategy (for the black/red, odd/even, and 1 to18/19 to 36 bets) but can also be used for craps and baccarat. Labouchere works somewhat better with an online casino than a land-based one because the player can keep track of his bets in front of the computer, and the player can set the pace of the game.

Labouchere works like this. Set up a series of numbers, which correspond to betting units. For example, 1, 3, 4, 3, 1. It’s best to keep the series short, and the numbers small, but the numbers can be chosen at random. The sum of the series (12) will be your expected profit. Your first bet is the sum of the two numbers on the end, 1 + 1 = 2 units. If you win, cross out the two winning numbers (1 and 1) and your next bet is the sum of the next two outside numbers, 3 + 3 = 6 units. (You can see why Labouchere is called a cancellation betting system.) If you win, cross out the two threes and your next bet would be four units. A win would give you 12 units of total winnings (2 + 6 + 4). After crossing out all the numbers and winning a series, start all over again with a bet of two units.

The example above assumed you’d win three bets in a row, but what happens when you lose? In case of a loss put the amount you lost at the end of the series and bet the two outside numbers. So if you lose the first bet of two units, your series would now be: 1, 3, 4, 3, 1, 2, and your next bet would be the sum of the outside numbers, 2 + 1 = 3. If you lose again put the amount lost (3) at the end of the series (1, 3, 4, 3, 1, 2, 3), and your next bet would be four units (3 + 1). It’s now apparent why you want to keep the series short and the numbers small.

Experiment on paper with different series made up of various numbers before you actually use Labouchere. Work out some wins and losses so you don’t end up forced to make a huge bet, which exceeds either the house limit or the size of your bankroll.

Visit my website to look at some other gambling systems for use in your favorite casino game.

By Joseph Starr
Joseph Starr (pen name) completed his formal education when he earned a Ph.D. in Finance and Accounting. He taught business, economics, and computer subjects at the college level for thirty years and is now retired. Visit his website to read about popular gambler’s aids to help you win at the casinos.