Blackjack Labouchere: All You Need to Known

If you’re familiar with blackjack or other classic casino games, it’s likely you’ve already heard of strategies to manage your bankroll.

In this article, you’ll get to know one of the most popular: the blackjack Labouchere system, which is 200 years old and is used by savvy players in all kinds of casino table games.

By the end of it, you’ll know:

How it works, with an example of a simple progression
What’s it most suited for – and also its disadvantages
Other systems that might work better for you

Let’s start.

What is the Labouchere System?

The Labouchere system is also known in some quarters as the “cancellation system”. It was conceived by British politician and player, Henry Labouchere, way back in the 1800s. Labouchere developed the strategy to provide a framework for playing in even-play casino games like roulette and blackjack.

The basic premise of Labouchere is to use a numerical sequence that represents the number of units you want to win. By adding the first and last numbers of the sequence, you can determine your next move. If your next hand wins, you cross those numbers off the sequence.

If it loses, add the amount you just played to the end of the sequence. The end goal being to eliminate all numbers in the sequence.

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Why Use the Labouchere System in Blackjack?

The Labouchere system can be applied seamlessly into the game of blackjack as it’s mostly an even-play game (not accounting for doubles and split hands). Additionally, it’s also a game with elements of strategy, so skilled players can use basic strategy to try and minimize the game’s house edge.

There’s one other big benefit to using Labouchere in blackjack. Play amounts don’t escalate as quickly when using this system as they do with Martingale, where losses can compound and rapidly spiral out of control.

Put simply, if you’re looking for a blackjack system that lets you stop playing after hitting a profit target, the blackjack Labouchere approach has a lot to offer.

Practical Examples

Let’s create our own basic Labouchere sequence: 1, 2, 3, 4.

Your first play amount should be 5 units (1 + 4). If your hand wins, you can cross both numbers off the sequence. The remaining sequence is 2, 3. In this scenario, you’d play another 5 units (2 + 3). If the next hand loses, you’d add 5 to your sequence, becoming 2, 3, 5.

Using the same sequence, let’s try a different scenario:

Your first play is 5 units (1 + 4). Your hand loses, so you add 5 to the end of the sequence.
Your next play is 6 units (1 + 5). Your second hand also loses, so you add 6 to the end of the sequence.
Your third play is 7 units (1 + 6) and this one wins, so you can cross off 1 and 6 from the sequence.
Your fourth play is 7 units (2 + 5) and this wins too, putting you in profit by 3 units over four plays – 2 losers and 2 winners.

Pros and Cons of the Labouchere Blackjack Strategy

Let’s break down the benefits and drawbacks of the Labouchere style at the blackjack tables:

Pros

Easily define profit targets from a single session of blackjack
Slower loss escalation than other systems like Martingale
Greater sense of control and discipline over your play
Customize your sequence lengths and goals over time

Cons

Not an ideal system for those with modest bankrolls
Can be time-consuming to track sequences manually
Can still lead to big losses with lengthy losing streaks
It can’t alter the game’s house edge – it’s more about loss management

Positives and negatives of the Labouchere system applied to the blackjack casino game

Alternatives to Labouchere for Blackjack Players

If the cons of the Labouchere bankroll management approach outweigh the pros for blackjack in your opinion, all is not lost. There are several other systems that can be used to good effect too.

Martingale

The Blackjack Martingale system is one of the simplest and easiest blackjack strategies to remember from the casino world. The premise is easy – each time you lose a hand you must double the size of your next play. The idea is that you’ll eventually win and recoup all previous losses, plus one unit of profit.

Let’s imagine you place your first play on a hand of blackjack at 10 – and it loses. You must then place a 20 play on your next hand. If this loses, you should then double your play again to 40. Let’s say that your 40 hand wins. You’ll then receive a 40 profit, recouping the two losing hands (10 + 20) plus one unit of profit (10).

Although blackjack is an even-play game, there’s no reason why you can’t lose ten or more hands in a row. If you start playing at 10 a hand, this would escalate to 3,840 per hand after ten losing hands. Ultimately, if you have unlimited bankroll, Martingale works fine. But if your bankroll is finite, it could hurt your play.

Flat Play

The flat system for blackjack players is even simpler than Martingale. That’s because you just play the same amount on every hand of blackjack you play. It doesn’t matter whether you lose, win, or push. Once you’ve set your base play, you continue to play this amount throughout the entirety of your session.

It’s low-risk in so much as you never upscale your play value and risk too much of your bank to chase losses. The bankroll swings are fewer and further between unlike progressive systems like Martingale or even Labouchere.

The number-one advantage to flat playing in blackjack is that you can manage your bankroll effectively and put a ceiling on how much you’re likely to lose. Sure, you’re less likely to walk away with a massive win, but you’re also more likely to make your bankroll last longer and have more fun with it.

Paroli System

The Paroli bankroll management system for blackjack players is known as a positive progression strategy. It’s considered the antithesis of the Martingale system. That’s because you double your play amount after a win rather than a loss. The overarching goal is to ride the wave of winning streaks while keeping losses to a minimum during those unlucky streaks.

Imagine you start playing at 10 per hand. If you win your first hand, you would increase your play to 20 per hand. If you win again, your play doubles to 40. Many players cap the progression in play amount at three successive wins before resetting. If you suffer a losing hand at any point, your next play returns immediately to your 10 base play.

It’s another easy-to-use system for blackjack players that incentivizes you to be disciplined with your bankroll, shielding you from heartbreaking losses.

Fibonacci System

The Fibonacci system is known as a negative progression strategy. While it’s similar to Martingale when it comes to increasing play amount after a loss, you only move one step up instead of doubling the play (as you would if following the Martingale system).

If you start at 10 per hand and you lose, you’d play 10 again as it’s the second “1” unit in the Fibonacci sequence. Imagine you lose again: your play would turn into 20, then 30 and 50 if you continued to lose hands.

When you eventually win, your plan is to return back two steps in the sequence. This approach lets you recoup previous losses in a more gradual fashion than the Martingale system that’s comfortably the most aggressive approach of the ones we’re covering.

How to Use the Labouchere System in Blackjack

Keen to put the blackjack Labouchere system to the test? Here are some important pointers to get the most out of the strategy:

Be Wise With Your Sequencing

Don’t set your Labouchere sequence too long – keep your sequences brief to begin with. This will give you clear win targets while limiting risk.

Don’t Forget About Basic Blackjack Strategy

Just because you use the Labouchere approach doesn’t mean you should abandon basic blackjack strategy. Use the same blackjack charts to make optimal moves.

Manage Your Bankroll Responsibly

Don’t be too greedy with your bankroll. Break your bankroll down into 100 units to help weather losing streaks.

Know When to Walk Away

If you complete a Labouchere sequence, use this as a signal to end your blackjack session. Restarting a new Labouchere sequence may tempt you into longer losing cycles next time.

Track Play Sequences

If you play live dealer blackjack, it can be tough to track sequences in real time. Use tools or apps to manage sequencing on your behalf.