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21 Apr 2025

Blackjack: Labouchere Blackjack System

The Labouchere system is a negative betting strategy used in blackjack. It offers a structured way to place wagers in blackjack that helps you maintain disciplined bankroll management to minimize risks. However, the Labouchere system is one of the more complicated betting progressions that take some getting used to.

But despite its complexity, the basic betting principle of the Labouchere betting system remains similar to negative progression systems. So, if you're curious about how to play with live blackjack games using the Labouchere system, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, you'll get to understand the origin of the Labouchere system, how the system works, factors influencing it as well as its pros and cons.

deck of playing cards and chips on a table

Brief History of the Labouchere System

The Labouchere system also known as the split martingale or cancellation system is a betting system that dates back to the 19th century. It was first proposed by a wealthy British aristocrat and politician Henry Labouchere, thus the name of the system. He was educated at Eton and Trinity College, Cambridge, and according to Labouchere’s account “He was insubordinate and indolent, with a passion for gambling, losing £6000 to gambling in two years.”

Labouchere love for gambling led him to devise this betting system for roulette tables, particularly even money outside bets such as black or red, or even or odd wagers. However, this betting system is also applicable in wagering on sports betting, baccarat, and blackjack.

⚠️ Disclaimer: There is no guaranteed way to win. These strategies are meant to provide guidance on gameplay and assist with bankroll management. The house always maintains the edge. Players should never attempt to recover losses by increasing their bets. The results of the games are solely determined by chance.

How Does the Labouchere Blackjack System Work in Blackjack?

The Labouchere system like every other negative betting progression works by increasing your wager after every loss. However, the Labouchere system works by following a sequence. This sequence can be simple or complex, depending on the player’s preference, and whether it is a high or low-stakes live blackjack game.

Take for example, if a player chooses a simple sequence such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, n+1, the wager will always be the sum of the first and last numbers in the sequence. As such, in a sequence such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, the wager for this sequence will be 1+5 which is £6.

If a player wins a wager, you remove the first and last numbers in the sequence. In the example above, if you win the wager, the new sequence will become 2, 3, 4 and the new wager will be 2+4 which is £8.

On the other hand, if you lose a wager, you will add the lost wager to the right end of the sequence. In the sequence above, if you lose the wager, the new sequence will become 2, 3, 4, 8 and the new wager will be 2+8 which is £10.

Take note that after adding and removing numbers from the sequence, it gets to a point where the sequence comes to an end. This situation is when you can no longer remove numbers from the sequence. At such time, you go back to the initial sequence you began with. The table below gives a more detailed explanation of how to use the Labouchere system.

Round	Sequence	Outcome	New Sequence	Profit/Loss
Round 1	1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5	Win	2 – 3 – 4	£6
Round 2	2 – 3 – 4	Loss	2 – 3 – 4 – 6	£6
Round 3	2 – 3 – 4 – 6	Win	3 – 4	£8
Round 4	3 – 4	Win	Sequence Complete	£7
Round 5	1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5	Win	1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6	£6
Round 6	1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6	Loss	2 – 3 – 4 – 5	£7
Round 7	2 – 3 – 4 – 5	Win	2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 7	£7
Round 8	2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 7	Loss	3 – 4 – 5	£9
Round 9	3 – 4 – 5	Win	3 – 4 – 5 – 8	£8
Round 10	3 – 4 – 5 – 8	Loss	4 – 5	£11

Factors to Consider When Using the Labouchere Betting System in Blackjack

The Labouchere system is an even betting system, but in blackjack, it gives players a lot of freedom as they can choose any sequence to play. The algorithm of the Labouchere system in blackjack can be considered a Las Vegas algorithm.

A paper by Ben Baral on “A Las Vegas Algorithm for the Ordered Majority Problem” described the Las Vegas algorithm as “A class of randomized algorithms that always produce the correct result but the running time is a random variable that depends on input.”

As such, there is no guarantee that a player will reach the desired goal before running out of money known as the risk of ruin. To minimize the risk of ruin, players need to consider several factors that influence the effectiveness of the use of the Labouchere betting system in blackjack.

four aces on a table

Dealer hit or stand on soft 17

One of the first factors you want to consider is if the blackjack table you're playing at the dealer hits or stands on soft 17. Preferably, choose a blackjack where the live dealer hits on a soft 17. It increases your chances of winning the hand, which reduces your losing streak when using the Labouchere system.

Doubling down rules

Additionally, there are some real money blackjack tables that allow doubling down on any two cards while there are tables that restrict it to 9, 10, or 11. A blackjack table that allows double down on any two cards is advantageous when using the Labouchere system because it helps you recover losses quickly.

Splitting rules

Furthermore, some blackjack tables allow multiple splitting, while some tables limit the split to once per round. A blackjack table that allows splitting rules preferably liberal splitting rules that allow multiple splitting and resplitting aces gives you the opportunity to increase your bet size, letting you adjust the Labouchere sequence accordingly to your advantage.

Surrender option

Also, some blackjack variation allows a late and early surrender option that lets players forfeit half of their bet when they are facing a bad dealer hand. Playing on such a table helps you control your losses when using the Labouchere system from escalating too quickly.

Advantages and Limitations of the Labouchere Blackjack System

The reason many players are attracted to using the Labouchere system like most negative betting progression is that it can return a profit through winning fewer bets than you lose. However, like most betting systems, the Labouchere system in blackjack comes with its fair share of benefits and limitations. As such, we have highlighted the pros and cons of the Labouchere system below to help players know if the system is right for their risk appetite.

Advantages

Structured betting approach
Flexible system allowing you to choose a sequence based on your bankroll and risk tolerance
Works well for short sessions
Can lose more bets than you win and still make a profit
Efficient at determining and managing wagers

Limitations

Can be difficult to manage over complex sequence
Longer series of losing streaks can lead your bankroll to bankruptcy

Test Your Luck with Labouchere Betting System – Play Smart, Play Safe

In summary, the Labouchere system is not an aggressive betting system to use when playing blackjack. Also, using this betting system or any other betting is not synonymous with winning in a casino game of chance. However, it is an excellent method to manage your bankroll to limit losses in a losing streak and maximize profit. So, if you have a low-risk appetite, and are a fan of playing blackjack, consider using the Labouchere system in your next play.