Blackjack: Positive Progression Betting

Progressive betting systems are common among casino players. The concept of progressive betting is simple and easy to use and involves following a set of rules. Many players apply this style of betting on blackjack for real money because it helps to manage bankroll and minimize loss or maximize wins.

There are two main types of progressive betting systems: positive and negative progression betting. However, in this article, our focus is on positive progression betting. You'll get to learn what positive progression betting is about, its history and concept, as well as the various types of positive progression betting.

What is positive progression betting in blackjack?

The use of progression betting has a long history with mathematicians like Blaise Pascal and Pierre de Fermat laying the foundation for probability theory which later influenced many gambling strategies including the positive progression system. According to research by Akhil G., Gautam C. and Hemanta K.S., the correspondence between Fermat and Pascal started in the context of “The problem of division of stakes proposed by Chevalier de Mere in 1654.” 

The problem concerns a game of chance with two players who have equal chances of winning each round. Each player contributes equally to the pot and agrees the first player to win a certain number of rounds will collect the entire prize. But if the game is interrupted by an external circumstance before either player achieves victory, how does one divide the pot fairly?

This theory gave rise to the development of the Martingale betting system (a negative progression system) in the 18th century. But gamblers sought safer alternatives where they could play high-stakes and low-stakes live blackjack which led to the positive progression system. The concept behind positive progression betting is that it will help players maximize profit during a winning streak. Using the positive progression keeps losses to a minimum when losing. And to some extent, the theory of positive progression betting is logical, but it has its advantages and drawbacks.

Advantages of the positive progression system

• Limits losses during losing streaks
• Capitalize on winning streak to maximize profits
• Minimize stress and impulsive betting of chasing losses
• Promotes responsible gambling habits
• Flexible system as it is applicable in various casino games 

Drawbacks of the positive progression system

• Requires large bankroll
• Losing streaks can wipe out gains
• Relies of winning streaks

Types of Positive Progression Betting

As you already know, the general concept of the positive progression system is to minimize the risk of losing by adjusting stakes accordingly. And the manner in which you adjust your stake and by how much you adjust your stake varies. As such, there are different variants of the positive progression betting system you can use on a blackjack game and below we highlight the most common types.

Paroli Betting System

The paroli betting system dates back to the 16th century when players used it in a card game called Basset. This betting system requires players to choose a base wager amount which typically ranges between 2% to 5% of their bankroll. After a win, the player should double the next bet. But the player should stop doubling bets after three consecutive wins. After a loss, the player should return to their base bet. The table below sheds more light on how the paroli betting system works:

Reverse Martingale Betting System

The reverse martingale system is another positive progression system that amplifies winning streaks and minimizes the impact of losing streaks. It is the opposite of the traditional martingale system that was introduced by mathematician Paul Pierre Levy which is based on the theory of “Increasing the amount allocated for investments, even if its value is falling, in expectation of a future increase.” The reverse martingale system is similar to the paroli system with the exception that you will keep doubling your wager after every win, and reset to base bet only after a loss. The table below shows an example of how to use the reverse martingale system:

The Reverse Labouchere Betting System

The reverse Labouchere betting system is a type of sequence-following betting system similar to the Labouchere betting system. However, in the reverse Labouchere betting system, the sum of the numbers in the first sequence forms the base bet, which is then multiplied by the sum of the first and last numbers in the sequence to form the bet amount. After every win in a game, you add the numbers at the left and right ends of the sequence for the next number in the sequence, and after a loss, you delete the numbers at the left and right ends of the sequence similar to the Labouchere betting system. The table below explains how the reverse Labouchere betting system works.

The Contra D’Alembert Betting System

The contra D’Alembert betting system also known as the reverse D’Alembert betting system is the opposite of the original D’Alembert betting system. In the Contra D’Alembert betting system, you increase your bet by a unit after a win and decrease it by a unit after a loss. Take for example, if you choose a bet size of £10 and a unit size of £5, the table below shows a practical use of the contra D’Alembert betting system.

Test Your Luck with Positive Progression System – Play Smart, Play Safe 

In summary, there are many advantages of using the positive progression betting system on a casino game such as blackjack. As you can see from the various types of positive professional systems, it allows you to bet safely without the risk of potentially losing a bit. Also, it is important psychologically because it makes players have a calmer mind which in turn leads to better decision-making rather than chasing losses. If you have a low-risk appetite, positive progression betting is ideal for you. So, when next you want to play blackjack, especially in a live casino environment, consider using any of the various types of positive progression betting systems to stay ahead of your game.