Labouchere Strategy: Principle, Practical Example and Review

Strategy principle

Unlike other strategies, the Labouchere strategy requires more interaction from the player. Thanks to this, the game moves to a completely different level, because in addition to the game itself, it is also necessary to constantly work with a set sequence.

The principle of the strategy is that when you win, you cross out two numbers (the first and last in the sequence), while when you lose, you add only one number (your last bet).
To create a sequence according to which you will bet, you need to determine the profit you want to achieve. If you choose, for example, £20, you put together a sequence of any numbers that, when added together, have a value of 20.

Labouchere is classified as a strategy with a so-called negative progression. This means that it increases when you lose and decreases after you win. This method should therefore lead to the optimization of profits and losses and reduce the latter to a minimum.

You can bet on so-called straight bets, or bets with a payout ratio of 1 to 1 (black/red, even/odd, high/low 18).

Labouchere Strategy in Practice

However, it will be best to show the strategy on a specific case that will help with a better understanding of the bets and the procedure.

Preparation:

Sequence: 2 – 3 – 5 – 2 – 3 – 5
Desired profit: £20
Bet: black color
Bankroll: £50

Within nine spins we were lucky and achieved the desired win. Our sequence now ends and we leave the table with £20 in the plus, which was our goal.

Although the game was up and down and at one point we got to a relatively high loss, a successful series at the end allowed us to get the desired profit.

Example No. 2:

In the second example we will show what a negative profit could look like:

In this example we see that even though you may be doing well at first and almost finish the sequence, the cards can quickly turn and you will lose everything. Here we have exhausted our entire bankroll and cannot continue the game.

Is it worth using the Labouchere strategy?

The Labouchere strategy is quite risky. In the case of unsuccessful series, the bets climb really high and for some it can be difficult to maintain this pace until the desired profit is achieved.

Problems can also arise in the casino limits in cases where the bets climb too high. This limitation can then lead to the fact that there will be practically no chance of making a profit even with unlimited capital.

Simply put, it depends on each player. The key is to clearly set the limits beyond which you are not willing to go. Labouchere then adds extra fun by crossing out individual numbers.

However, if you are still afraid of losing, you can try the strategy on free online roulette, where you do not play for real money and do not risk anything.

Otherwise, it does not have many advantages compared to other strategies. You can take a closer look at other types of strategies in the articles below.

You can also check out the general article about the best strategies. Here you will find a comparison and rating of all known types.