Labouchere System Calculator
Calculate cancellation betting progressions and analyze bankroll requirements
System Parameters
Configure your Labouchere sequence and analyze the risks
Labouchere Analysis
What is the Labouchere System?
The Labouchere system (also known as the cancellation method or split martingale) is a negative progression betting strategy invented by Henry Labouchere in the 19th century. Unlike the Martingale system that doubles bets after losses, the Labouchere uses a sequence of numbers to determine bet sizes, offering more flexibility and control over your betting progression.
How It Works
Step 1: Create a sequence of numbers (e.g., 1-2-3-4)
Step 2: Bet the sum of first + last numbers
Step 3 (Win): Cross off those two numbers
Step 3 (Loss): Add your bet amount to the end
Goal: Cross off all numbers to achieve target profit
Example: Starting with 1-2-3-4, your target profit equals 1+2+3+4 = 10 units. First bet = 1+4 = 5 units.
Labouchere Sequence Strategies
Conservative (1-1-1-1)
Best For: Risk-averse players, beginners
Target Profit: 4 units
Pros: Minimal bet growth, easier bankroll management
Requires smaller bankroll (20-30x target profit) but slower profit accumulation
Balanced (1-2-3-4)
Best For: Intermediate players
Target Profit: 10 units
Pros: Reasonable progression, moderate risk
Most popular sequence, requires 50-70x target profit bankroll
Aggressive (2-3-4-5-6)
Best For: High-risk players with large bankrolls
Target Profit: 20 units
Pros: Faster profit potential
High variance, needs 100x target profit or more to sustain losing streaks
Critical Risks of the Labouchere System
Rapid Sequence Growth
During losing streaks, your sequence grows quickly. Three losses can double your sequence length, causing bet sizes to escalate dramatically even without doubling like Martingale.
House Edge Persists
No betting system can overcome negative expectation. Every bet faces the same house edge. The Labouchere only organizes your losses differently - it doesn't eliminate them.
Table Limits
Extended losing streaks can push your bet requirements beyond table maximums, making it impossible to continue the sequence and locking in your accumulated losses.
Bankroll Depletion
The sequence can grow so large that completing it requires more money than your total bankroll, forcing you to abandon the system and realize losses before achieving your target profit.
Best Practices vs Common Pitfalls
Best Practices
- Use short, conservative sequences (4-6 numbers)
- Maintain bankroll of 50-100x your target profit
- Set maximum sequence length limit (e.g., 10 numbers)
- Establish stop-loss at 30-50% of bankroll
- Only use on even-money bets (red/black, odd/even)
- Track every bet and sequence progression carefully
Common Pitfalls
- Starting with aggressive sequences beyond your bankroll
- Continuing the sequence when it grows beyond control
- Believing the system "guarantees" profit
- Abandoning the system mid-sequence randomly
- Using inadequate bankroll (less than 30x target)
- Increasing bet sizes beyond the system's rules
Real-World Calculation Examples
Example 1: Successful Sequence (1-2-3-4)
Base Unit: $10
Bet 1: (1+4) = 5 units = $50 - WIN
Sequence now: 2-3
Bet 2: (2+3) = 5 units = $50 - WIN
Result: Sequence complete! Profit = $100 (10 units x $10)
Example 2: Mixed Results (1-2-3-4)
Bet 1: $50 (1+4) - LOSS → Sequence: 1-2-3-4-5
Bet 2: $60 (1+5) - WIN → Sequence: 2-3-4
Bet 3: $60 (2+4) - LOSS → Sequence: 2-3-4-6
Bet 4: $80 (2+6) - WIN → Sequence: 3-4
Bet 5: $70 (3+4) - WIN → Complete! Net: -$20
Example 3: Losing Streak Impact (1-2-3)
Start: 1-2-3 (Target: $60 at $10/unit)
After 5 losses: 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 (sequence doubled)
Next bet: (1+8) = 9 units = $90
Total wagered: $300 trying to win $60
Professional Labouchere Tips
Start Small
Begin with minimal unit values ($1-$5) to test the system and understand sequence dynamics before risking significant money.
Set Sequence Limits
Abandon the sequence if it grows beyond 10-12 numbers. At that point, the required bankroll to complete it becomes impractically large.
Use Session Caps
Set time limits (30-60 minutes) and stop-loss thresholds (30% of bankroll) before you start. Emotional decisions destroy bankrolls.
Understand Probability
With 48.6% win rate on roulette, you'll face 5+ losing streaks regularly. Your bankroll must withstand this mathematical reality.
Document Everything
Keep detailed records of each sequence, outcomes, and bankroll changes. This helps you recognize when variance exceeds your plan.
Never Chase Losses
If you abandon a sequence due to losses, do not immediately start a larger sequence to recover. Take a break and reassess.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Labouchere betting system?
The Labouchere system (also called the cancellation method) is a negative progression betting strategy where you create a sequence of numbers representing bet units. You bet the sum of the first and last numbers, crossing them off when you win, or adding your bet to the sequence when you lose.
How does the Labouchere system work?
Start with a sequence like 1-2-3-4. Bet the sum of the first and last numbers (1+4=5 units). If you win, cross off those numbers. If you lose, add your bet amount to the end. Your goal is to cross off all numbers to achieve your target profit.
Is the Labouchere system profitable?
No betting system can overcome the house edge in negative expectation games. While the Labouchere can produce short-term wins, the house edge applies to every bet. Your sequence may grow rapidly during losing streaks, potentially exhausting your bankroll before completion.
What sequence should I use for Labouchere?
Conservative players use short sequences like 1-1-1-1, while aggressive players might use 2-3-4-5-6. Shorter sequences require less bankroll but offer smaller target profits. Your bankroll should be 50-100 times your target profit for safety.
What are the risks of the Labouchere system?
Main risks include rapid sequence growth during losing streaks, potential to hit table limits, exhausting your bankroll before completing the sequence, and the mathematical certainty that house edge applies to all bets regardless of betting patterns.
How much bankroll do I need for Labouchere betting?
Your bankroll should be at least 50-100 times your target profit. For example, if your sequence totals 10 units at $10 each ($100 target), you need $5,000-$10,000 to withstand inevitable losing streaks and sequence growth.