Reverse Labouchere Betting System Explained 

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The Reverse Labouchere betting system is considered to be a progressive betting system that many use to strategise while playing…

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The Reverse Labouchere betting system is considered to be a progressive betting system that many use to strategise while playing roulette, and its many live variations, such as Lucky Ball Roulette Live or Lucky 6 Roulette. The system can be used while playing other table casino games, such as blackjack, baccarat, and craps, with minor modifications. In this guide, we will introduce you to the Labouchere Staking, and explain its reverse version if you want to implement it next time you game. 

How to use the Labouchere Staking in Betting 

The Labouchere staking system, also known as the Cancellation System or Split Martingale, offers a structured approach to betting, originally designed for roulette but adaptable for various gambling forms, including sports betting. Here’s how to use the Labouchere system in betting in simple steps: 

  1. Set your target profit: Let’s say you’ve decided to play Mega Roulette. You should next decide how much money your goal is to win, let’s take £100 as an example. Remember, a win of this size is not guaranteed. 
  1. Create your number sequence: You then represent your profit goal as a sequence of numbers adding to your target. For example, the numbers from 1 to 10. 
  1. Calculate your first bet: Add the first and the last numbers to calculate your first bet. Following the example, the first bet should be £11. 
  1. Place the bet and adjust the sequence: If you win the first bet, you should cross out the first and last numbers you used and repeat the steps until all the numbers are crossed out. If you lose, add the amount you bet to the end of your sequence, so now you operate with numbers 1 to 11. 

It’s important to note that the Labouchere system is simply a structured way to manage your betting. It’s not a guaranteed way to reach your target profit goal – no betting system guarantees wins. The Labouchere system doesn’t change the inherent odds of the game and should be used with a sufficient bankroll. 

Labouchere and the Reverse Labouchere 

Labouchere Betting System birthed many variations, the most popular one being the Reverse Labouchere system, where you add the winning wager to the sequence end. Labouchere is more “conservative” as its goal is a fixed target win. When it comes to the Reverse Labouchere Betting System, a positive progression system, controlling the losses is more important than winning. 

How to Play the Reverse Labouchere 

Let’s break down the Reverse Labouchere System in easy steps. 

  1. Choose your number sequence: Choose a game you play first. Let’s lend on Roulette Live. Then, pick a sequence of numbers. Let’s pick 1, 2, and 3. The numbers are a representation of the maximum tolerated loss. 
  1. Calculate your first bet: Add the first and last number to get the initial bet. 1+3=4, so you should bet 4 units. 
  1. Adjust after each bet: If you win, add the bet amount to the end of the sequence (now: 1, 2, 3, 4). If you lose, cross out the last number in the sequence (now: 1, 2) 
  1. Repeat the process: Continue the process, adjusting the sequence as you go. 
  1. Know when to stop: When you clear your sequence, reach your target, or hit your bankroll limit, end your betting session.  

Reverse Labouchere Example 

Let’s say you’re playing Auto Roulette, your bankroll is £100, and you want to apply the Reverse Labouchere system to your game session. First, you should choose a sequence of numbers – you should start small – so 1, 2, and 3 will work. Each number is a unit, and if we consider that a unit is £1, your initial bet is £4 (1+3=4). 

  • If you win, add the number 4 to the system. Now your sequence is 1, 2, 3, 4. 
  • Your next bet is 5 units, or £5: 1+4+5. If you manage to win, your sew sequence is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. 
  • The next wager is £6 (1+5). If you lose, your sequence becomes 2, 3, 4. 
  • Your new bet is £6 again (2+4), and if you win, your new sequence is 2, 3, 4, 6. 

The sequence grows if you win and shrinks when you lose. It’s crucial you keep track of your bets and not exceed your bankroll limit. In our example, with a £100 bankroll, starting with £1 units and a short sequence could help manage risks as the sequence adapts with your play. 

The Problem with (Some) Betting Systems 

Some betting systems create an illusion of control in games where games are led by randomness. You should also always acknowledge the House Edge, a built-in house advantage, where long-term profits are unlikely. Progressive wagering systems, such as Reverse Labouchere, require you to increase your bet after you lose, which can lead to relatively big losses if you aren’t responsible. And lastly, the main problem with the betting systems as a whole is that they cannot guarantee you continuous profits.  

Does Labouchere Staking Work? 

Frankly, the success of any betting system, including the Labouchere Staking system, is debatable at best. It can lead to more structured betting and being more meticulous with your bankroll management.  

Setting Limits 

In order to wager responsibly while using the Reverse Labouchere System, or the Labouchere System, or whichever other system you prefer, it’s crucial you set limits. These limits aren’t only limited to the financial limits, like bet, loss, or bankroll limits. You should define clear boundaries limiting your playtime and use betting tools available at reputable online casinos committed to safer gambling. If you think you can’t stick to your limits, gambling responsibility organisations can help you.  

How to use the Reverse Labouchere System 

We have already gone through the steps of using the Reverse Labouchere System, but here, we can highlight that you should practice using this betting system in demo games before you start playing roulette for real money. Remember that gambling and the use of betting systems are there for your entertainment first and foremost. If it isn’t conducive to your overall well-being, take a break and perhaps review your gambling habits. 

Other Positive Progression Systems 

Apart from the Labouchere System, other positive progression systems include Paroli or Reverse Martingale, Oscar’s Grind, Fibonacci Progression, and the D’Alembert System, and they can be used for many games such as European Blackjack or Heart Bingo European Roulette. The positive progression systems capitalise on your winning streaks, where you increase the bet after you win. The Reverse Labouchere system is, therefore, a negative progressive betting system.