The Labouchere System Applied to Roulette

Players have wanted an infallible way to play Roulette ever since the game’s inception. But in reality, whichever method we choose, the bank will always hold a slight advantage. However, some methods can improve player performance, from controlling their capital to maximizing their winnings. Specifically, the “Labouchere system” is a Roulette method that’s become popular worldwide. Read on to find out why.

Who Was Henry Du Pré Labouchere?  

You would probably expect a mathematician to be responsible for pioneering a Roulette system. But that’s not the case when it comes to the “Labouchere system”. Henry Du Pré Labouchere was more of a political figure, and he became a British diplomat known globally. However, this was not the career he truly desired.

Expelled from university for copying during an examination and dismissed as a Diplomat, Henry held a seat as Middlesex MP which allowed him to cultivate his passion for play. In this time, he was able to develop a system for the Roulette table.

The Labouchere System: What Is It?

Let’s start with the assumption that this type of system can only make sense if it is applied to games that offer a chance of winning around the 50% mark. Therefore, online and Live Roulette are ideal games for the system as the probabilities of Red or Black, even or odd and Manque (1-18) or Passe (those 19-36) numbers are all around 50%. The presence of “Zero” (or the “Double Zero”) shifts the percentage slightly below 50%.

Prior to playing, all players must assess the amount they are willing to wager. Next, we should write down the first numerical sequence to divide and settle our bets. Take a capital of about 100 units as an example, with an initial sequence that we decided to be 1-2-3-4. Let’s now apply the Labouchere system.

Applying The Labouchere System

1. Point the sum of the first and last numbers of our sequence (in this case, 4+1 or 5 units on the chosen outcome).
2. If we won that bet, we will proceed to the second bet by deleting the two numbers we just used in the sequence (1 and 4) and then proceed to the new bet again adding the first and last bet (i.e. 2 and 3 then again 5).
3. If we had lost the bet, we would have to add the last number, the value of the stake itself, so we would have a sequence of 1-2-3-4-5. And then proceed again for the new bet adding the first and last bet (now 1 and 5 then 6 totals).
4. From point two, if we had lost the second bet, our sequence would have become 2-3-5 (that is, the two numbers left plus the bet lost as the last digit). As a result, our new bet would be the sum of the first and last number in sequence (i.e., 2 + 5, so 7).
5. This is done until we have “deleted” all the numbers in the sequence (in that case, we start over with the same or a new choice).

Pros and Cons of The Labouchere System

As we can see, we are not really acting on the type of bet, i.e., we don’t play any combinations based on Roulette’s statistical outcomes, we only make choices based on our bets and our gaming budget. The real advantage of this method, therefore, is to force us to use constant control over our bets, while trying to optimize our winnings to keep losses down.

To do this, however, it is necessary at first not to choose a numerical sequence that is too narrow for our capital, as this may result in quicker losses.

For example, with our initial 100, it would be meaningless to use an initial sequence of 20-25-30, because in the extremely likely event those numbers aren’t released, our entire budget may be spent within just one or two rounds.

The main con of the Labouchere system is shared to that of other Roulette methods, the bank still has the slight advantage. But overall, applying this system keeps us more in control and allows us to not put our entire budget at risk too soon in the Roulette gaming session.

When the Labouchere System Works Best (and When It Doesn’t)

The Labouchere system is best suited to even-money bets such as red or black, odd or even, or high and low. These bets offer the closest probability to 50%, which is essential for sequence-based systems to function as intended.

However, the system becomes far less effective when applied during long losing streaks. Because losses extend the sequence and increase stake size, a run of poor outcomes can cause bets to escalate faster than many players expect. This makes timing, discipline, and stopping points critical.

The Labouchere system is therefore not designed for aggressive play. It is most effective when used in short, controlled sessions, rather than extended attempts to recover losses.

How to Choose a Sensible Labouchere Sequence

Selecting the initial sequence is one of the most important decisions when using the Labouchere system.

Shorter sequences reduce risk but also limit potential profit, while longer sequences can increase exposure during losing streaks. Many players opt for modest sequences such as 1-2-3-4 or 1-2-3-4-5, as these balance control with flexibility.

The key is ensuring your bankroll can comfortably support the largest possible bet that may arise if the sequence expands. Choosing a sequence that is too ambitious for your budget is one of the most common mistakes associated with this system.

Alternative Roulette Systems To Labouchere

Martingale System

The premise behind this system is that a player would double their bet after every hand they lose. The idea is that, if you do then hit a win, not only does this recover all previous losses but it generates a profit equal to the original bet.

Like any system, it comes with risks; the Martingale requires a large bankroll to fund the potential long losing streak any player could find themselves on, plus you have a real concern of hitting table maximum bet limits, meaning you cannot double the stake from the previous hand’s loss.

Reverse Martingale (Paroli System)

Centred around the premise of doubling bets still, however, this approach advises players to double their bet after each win. Furthermore, if a loss happens, then players are to reset back to the original stake they started the game with and begin the process again.

Although safer than Martingale, it doesn’t come without its risk: a loss could potentially wipe out previously secured profits.

D’Alembert System

Players following the D’Alembert System would increase their bet by one unit after a loss and decrease by one unit after a win – the unit refers to a player’s bankroll, with one unit equalling 1% of that bankroll.

Although a safer approach compared to the likes of Martingale, this system can still lead to substantial losses during long losing streaks.

Fibonacci System

Players follow the Fibonacci sequence to set their stake per hand; the Fibonacci sequence takes the two previous numbers, adds them together, and that creates the sequence. For example, if the minimum bet at a table is £5, and the player wins the opening hand, the sequence is: 5, 5. The second 5 is because there has so far only been one number in the sequence, so 5 + 0 is 5, therefore the wager remains at 5 for the second game. If they win the second hand, the next wager is 10, as 5 + 5 = 10, and the sequence is 5, 5, 10 and so on. However, if a loss occurs, the player moves two steps back down the sequence.

The system is still susceptible to long losing streaks, which could wipe out a player’s bankroll before they’ve had time to get started.

Flat Betting

Throw the fancy Roulette systems book out the window, and simply bet the same amount on each spin, regardless of wins or losses. It is a low-risk system, but does not take advantage of winning or losing streaks should they arise.

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