Roulette is a casino game that might seem simple on the surface but actually has a few curious tricks and twists up its sleeves. In fact, many players use systems and strategies to try to make the most out of the game! It doesn’t have to be all about choosing random numbers.
One of the more complex strategies out there is the Labouchère roulette system. It’s a methodology that some players swear by, and in this guide, I’ll show you how it works. However, always remember that roulette (like any casino game) is completely random, and you should never chase wins or loses!
Try the Labouchère system for yourself at Tonybet.
What is the Labouchère roulette system?
The Labouchère roulette system is a somewhat complex strategy that’s sometimes known as the cancellation system. It’s a game strategy dating back to the 19th century and involves ‘cancelling’ or removing numbers in a list when you lose, and adding some when you win.
The aim of Labouchère is to maximise wins as much as possible. However, if you only have a small bankroll, it can be a very risky system to follow!
How does the Labouchère roulette system work?
Players using the Labouchère system take an initial goal prize and split it into numbers that they add to a list, before combining them to make smaller bets. Depending on whether the bets win or lose, players will then need to start crossing off or cancelling numbers, continuing until the goal prize is won.
This system is typically used on even-money bets, meaning that you should stick to red vs. black, odd vs. even, and low vs. high.
Remember, there’s no guarantee that Labouchère will work, as you often have to keep playing for a long time (with a fairly large bankroll) to get to your ideal goal. That said, it’s still worth looking at how you can put this strategy into practice if you’re intrigued.
Steps to using the Labouchère roulette system
Here’s how to use the Labouchère roulette system:
- Set a goal prize amount. For example, let’s say you want to win €10. Keep it fairly low; otherwise, you’ll run through your bankroll very quickly! This is the amount you are aiming to win through the Labouchère system.
- Split this number into smaller digits and list them on a horizontal line. So, for this example, let’s list the €10 as 1, 3, 2, 2, 1, 1, 1.
- Now, for your first bet, add the furthest left and right numbers together. So, here, you’ll bet €2 on an even market (such as red vs. black).
- If that bet wins, cross off both of those numbers (so here, it’s the 1 to the furthest left and the 1 to the furthest right). Move inward now and bet €4, which is the 3 and the 1 left furthest left and right.
- If the bet loses, you have to add the total of your bet to the far right of your list. So, for this first bet, you wagered €2. Add that to the end of the line.
- You now simply keep following this pattern until all your numbers are cancelled, by which point you should have won your goal prize.
Again, it’s worth taking this system with a pinch of salt, and making sure that you set careful betting limits (and gameplay time limits) before you get too deeply into it.
Pros and cons
As you can imagine, there are advantages and disadvantages to using the Labouchère roulette system, and it’s certainly not a system that appeals to everyone. Here are some pros and cons to keep in mind.
Pros
- It’s extremely flexible, meaning that you can adjust it to fit your bankroll and your attitude to risk.
- Crossing out numbers tells you that you’re getting closer to your goal prize.
- It’s reasonably easy to manage your budget.
- It capitalises on winning streaks (though you should never chase wins).
Cons
- If you keep losing, you’ll keep adding numbers – it’s easy to get stuck.
- This system won’t change the odds set by the casino.
- It’s still relatively easy to run through your bankroll if you only have limited funds.
- It’s a system you’ll need to pay careful attention to.
Labouchère strategy tips and tricks
If you’re completely new to the Labouchère roulette system but still want to give it a try, there are thankfully some tips and tricks that can help you work it to your advantage:
- Add zeroes to your number list to make your bankroll travel further. This is a good option if you want to avoid making large bets, but keep in mind that it will result in your betting sequence lasting longer than expected.
- Set a time limit instead of chasing wins and losses. Time limits will help you to walk away and to avoid falling deeply into a seemingly endless chain of number cancelling and bet raising! Tonybet’s team can help you set time and bankroll restrictions – all you have to do is ask.
- Mix up your bets. If you’re not seeing much luck from red vs. black, try odd vs. even. Mixing up your markets, even midway through a Labouchère sequence, can help to keep the game fresh. Again, however, don’t expect to win just because you change what you’re betting on. Still keep your mind open!
- Be willing to stop the sequence. One of the main pitfalls of Labouchère for some players is that once they start, they don’t want to break away from cancelling and adding numbers. In this case, be reasonable and don’t hold yourself hostage to the system!
Is this the right system for you?
The Labouchère roulette system is certainly one of the most intricate strategies for playing the game, but this doesn’t always mean that it’s going to convert on your bets every time. If anything, for many players, it can keep the game going for longer and can keep their ideal prizes in sight.
For beginners and players who want to keep greater control of their bets and bankrolls, meanwhile, Labouchère isn’t always the best system. Yes, it offers lots of flexibility and can be good for budgeting, but at the same time, it focuses on keeping playing until you get a win. Chasing these outcomes isn’t always healthy, and for that reason, caution is advised.
That said, it is an interesting way to spin roulette on its head – but you’ll just have to be willing to ride it out!
Try it at Tonybet
Tonybet has a range of roulette games and live tables where you can try out the Labouchère system for yourself. Always play responsibly and set betting and time limits. And remember that you don’t have to stick to the system unless you feel completely comfortable doing so!
The Tonybet team is on hand to help you with any limits or other support you may need while playing games. Give the strategy a try, but know when to back away!
Check out world-class roulette games here at Tonybet!
