Like many other card games, blackjack success largely depends on luck, as it is determined by the cards you are dealt in each hand.
However, systems such as 1-3-2-6 can help players manage their blackjack bankroll in a more controlled and strategic way.
If you want to know this approach better, keep reading. You’ll learn:
- What is the 1-3-2-6 method in blackjack
- How does this strategy work, with an example
- Variations and alternatives to it
Let’s get into it.
What is the 1-3-2-6 Bankroll Strategy?
The 1-3-2-6 strategy is a popular bankroll management approach for games like roulette and blackjack, as it can help the player to more efficiently manage their bankroll. Although it doesn’t impact the way the game is played, it dictates the value of plays that should be placed at each stage, giving more control over the values being played.
It is a positive progression strategy, which means play values are increased after a win and decreased after a loss. As the name suggests, the way in which play values are increased after a win follows the sequence one, three, two, six. This can help to take advantage of winning streaks and conserve the bankroll after losses.
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How Does the 1-3-2-6 Blackjack System Work?
Using the 1-3-2-6 blackjack system is easy. You just need to follow the steps below:
- Choose your play value unit
- Place a play of 1 unit on the first hand
- If you win, place a play of 3 units on the second hand. If you lose, return to step 2
- If you win, place a play of 2 units on the third hand. If you lose, return to step 2
- If you win, place a play of 6 units on the fourth hand. If you lose, return to step 2.
- After four hands, return to step 2.
This process can be repeated as many times as desired.
If you’re a more visual learner, you can also see a diagram below that illustrates the steps set out above.
Blackjack 1-3-2-6 System in Action
Let’s take a look at some examples of the 1-3-2-6 blackjack approach being used to place plays.
First, choose a base unit. To keep things simple, let’s use 1 gold coin (GC).
The first example of the 1-3-2-6 blackjack strategy in action shows a winning streak:
| Play Value | Result | Outcome | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GC | Win | +1 GC | 1 GC |
| 3 GC | Win | +3 GC | 4 GC |
| 2 GC | Win | +2 GC | 6 GC |
| 6 GC | Win | +6 GC | 12 GC |
As you can see, after each win, the plays placed are dictated by the 1-3-2-6 sequence. After these four hands, you’d return to placing a play of 1 GC for another play cycle.
This means that after four hands, you could get a return of 12 GC, or 12x your chosen unit.
But, what if that fourth and final hand of the sequence resulted in a loss?
| Play Value | Result | Outcome | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GC | Win | +1 GC | 1 GC |
| 3 GC | Win | +3 GC | 4 GC |
| 2 GC | Win | +2 GC | 6 GC |
| 6 GC | Loss | -6 GC | 0 GC |
With just one loss, the return is 0 GC (in other words, you’d break even). This shows that the returns during the 1-3-2-6 blackjack bankroll management strategy can go up and down quite quickly, particularly when you’re placing plays of 6x your chosen unit.
That said, one of the benefits of the blackjack 1-3-2-6 system is that after any loss, you return to the starting unit, which can minimize losses. Take a look at this, for example:
| Play Value | Result | Outcome | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GC | Win | +1 GC | 1 GC |
| 3 GC | Loss | -3 GC | -2 GC |
| 1 GC | Win | +1GC | -1 GC |
| 3 GC | Loss | -3 GC | -4 GC |
If you were to lose four times in a row, the return would also be -4 GC. While this might seem significant compared to the potential returns of 12 GC, this is not that big of a loss in the grand scheme of things. Plus, the ability to estimate potential losses can be a benefit to some players.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Blackjack 1-3-2-6
With all blackjack strategies, there are advantages and disadvantages to employing them. It is important to make an informed decision, so here are some of the key pros and cons of the blackjack 1-3-2-6 system for you to consider.
Advantages of 1-3-2-6 Blackjack
Some pros of the 1-3-2-6 blackjack strategy are as follows:
- You don’t need to be a blackjack expert to use the 1-3-2-6 strategy. The steps and sequence are clearly defined and easy to follow, which makes it a popular choice with beginners.
- You dictate the play unit size, which makes this system suitable for players with both large and small bankrolls.
- You’ve got the potential to be up 12x your chosen unit after four hands, if you’re on a winning streak.
- While winning and losing in blackjack is a matter of luck, this system can help limit potential losses.
- Equally, the structured system can reduce the risk of chasing losses or wins alike, as you must follow the sequence. In other words, it can take emotions out of the decision-making process.
Disadvantages of 1-3-2-6 Blackjack
It is important to consider the disadvantages as well. So, here are some cons of the 1-3-2-6 blackjack system:
- The 1-3-2-6 blackjack system is only suitable for 1:1 plays. This means there will always be a 50/50 chance of a loss or a win, and you may be restricted in which games you can use this strategy in.
- You need to get at least one win before you can use the sequence and start increasing the value of the plays you place.
- The returns can fluctuate quite quickly depending on what step of the sequence you’re at
- Like all strategies, there is still an element of risk. Winning and losing in blackjack has everything to do with chance, and previous results do not affect future hands. This strategy can help to manage your bankroll more effectively, but it cannot affect the outcome of any games.
- Once you start using the 1-3-2-6 blackjack method, you need to stick with it. Switching up the steps of the sequence undermines the strategy.
Variations of 1-3-2-6 Blackjack System
One variation of this strategy implies swapping around steps three and four, increasing the play value from 1 unit to 2 units, then 3 units, and 6 units after each win. You can also find the 1-2-3-5 blackjack bankroll strategy. This is the same as above, except the play value for the final hand is 5 units.
Another variation is the 1-3-2-4 strategy. This sequence increases plays from 1 unit to 3 units, then 2 units, and ends on 4 units. The premise of both 1-2-3-5 and 1-3-2-4 is that the reduced play on the fourth hand reduces the risk of depleting returns.
Alternatives to the 1-3-2-6 Blackjack System
Feel free to try out a range of different blackjack strategies before settling on which one works best with your playing style. Some other positive progression alternatives to the 1-3-2-6 blackjack system include:
You might also consider popular strategies like:
Things to Know When Using The 1-3-2-6 Blackjack Method
Perhaps the key thing to keep in mind when using 1-3-2-6 blackjack is that it can only be used on 1:1 plays. With this in mind, you’ll only be able to use it for standard plays, such as whether your hand will beat the dealer’s.
Therefore, you can’t use this approach for side, split, or insurance plays, nor double downs. You may be able to use it for blackjack plays, but this depends entirely on the game at hand.
Standard blackjack usually rewards at 1:1 odds, but some games can offer 6:5 or 3:2, depending on the rules.
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Wrapping Up
As you can see, there’s no right or wrong answer when choosing a blackjack strategy. This is because it doesn’t have an effect on the results of the game, but does help you to manage your bankroll in a way that suits your playing style.
If you’re looking to test out the 1-3-2-6 or any other strategy, you can try them out at McLuck social casino, where you’ll find a variety of blackjack games available to play for free. All that’s left for you to do is give it a go and see if it works well for you.
