Labouchere Betting Progression
Build your own number sequence to target a profit goal
The Labouchere progression (also called the Cancellation System or Split Martingale) lets you set custom profit targets through flexible number sequences. Learn how to design sequences, cancel numbers strategically, and manage risk with this sophisticated bet sizing system.
What is the Labouchere Progression?
The Labouchere is a negative progression where you create a sequence of numbers representing your desired profit. Each bet equals the sum of the first and last numbers in your sequence. When you win, cross out those numbers. When you lose, add your bet amount to the end.
Goal: Cancel all numbers in the sequence. When complete, you've achieved your target profit (the sum of all original numbers).
Why "Cancellation System"?
Because you literally cancel (cross out) numbers as you win. Originally developed by British politician Henry Labouchere in the 19th century, this system gives players control over profit targets and bet sizing.
How Labouchere Works
Basic Rules
Example Sequence: 1-2-3 ($10 target profit)
| Spin | Sequence | Bet (First+Last) | Result | Total P/L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1-2-3 | $4 (1+3) | Loss | -$4 |
| 2 | 1-2-3-4 | $5 (1+4) | Win | +$1 |
| 3 | ̶1̶-2-3-̶4̶ | $5 (2+3) | Win | +$6 |
| 4 | All crossed out | — | Complete | +$6 |
Result: Sequence complete after 3 spins (2 wins, 1 loss). Net profit: $6 (original target was 1+2+3 = $6).
Designing Your Sequence
Common Sequence Patterns
| Sequence | Profit Target | Starting Bet | Risk Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-1-1 | 3 units | 2 units | Low | Conservative play |
| 1-2-3 | 6 units | 4 units | Low-Medium | Beginners |
| 2-3-4-5 | 14 units | 7 units | Medium | Balanced risk/reward |
| 5-5-5-5 | 20 units | 10 units | Medium-High | Faster profit targeting |
| 1-2-3-4-5-6 | 21 units | 7 units | High | Aggressive play |
Sequence Design Principles
Advantages and Disadvantages
- Flexible profit targeting — design sequences for any profit goal
- Customizable risk — adjust sequence length and numbers to match comfort level
- Win with less than 50% — can profit with ~40-45% win rate
- Psychological satisfaction — crossing out numbers feels rewarding
- Better than Martingale — slower bet escalation on losing streaks
- Sequences can grow uncontrollably — losses add numbers, increasing complexity
- High variance — bet sizes can escalate quickly in bad runs
- Requires tracking — must maintain sequence accurately (SpinStrategy automates this)
- Not guaranteed profit — completing sequence doesn't mean overall profit
Example: Sequence Explosion
Starting sequence: 1-2-3 (6 units target)
| Losses in Row | Sequence | Next Bet | Total Wagered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1-2-3 | 4 | 0 |
| 1 | 1-2-3-4 | 5 | 4 |
| 2 | 1-2-3-4-5 | 6 | 9 |
| 3 | 1-2-3-4-5-6 | 7 | 15 |
| 4 | 1-2-3-4-5-6-7 | 8 | 22 |
| 5 | 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 | 9 | 30 |
After 5 losses, you've wagered 30 units to chase a 6-unit target. Bet size doubled from 4 to 9.
Implementing Labouchere in SpinStrategy
Create a Labouchere Progression
See the Progressions documentation for how to configure sequences, or the Strategies documentation for a full walkthrough.
SpinStrategy Automation
Best Practices for Labouchere
When to Reset
Advanced Techniques
Reverse Labouchere
Opposite of standard Labouchere:
Modified Cancellation
- Split wins: Only cross out one number per win (slower, safer)
- Capped additions: Limit new numbers to max value (e.g., don't add numbers > 10)
- Partial resets: Remove last 2-3 numbers if sequence grows past threshold
Combining with Triggers
Use SpinStrategy triggers for smarter Labouchere:
Labouchere vs. Other Progressions
| Factor | Labouchere | Martingale | Fibonacci |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complexity | High (needs tracking) | Low (just double) | Medium (remember position) |
| Flexibility | Very High (custom sequences) | None (fixed doubling) | Low (fixed sequence) |
| Bet Growth | Variable (depends on design) | Exponential | Moderate |
| Profit Certainty | Defined target (if completed) | Fixed (1 unit per cycle) | Variable |
| Best For | Experienced players | Quick sessions | Balanced play |
Common Mistakes
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose my starting sequence?
Start with 1-2-3 or 1-1-1-1 for conservative play. Once comfortable, increase to 2-3-4-5 or 5-5-5-5 for higher profit targets. Never exceed 10% of your session bankroll as the sum.
What happens if I complete the sequence while still down overall?
Completing the sequence means you've won back your target profit from that sequence, not necessarily overall session profit. Track cumulative P/L separately.
Can I use Labouchere on Dozens or Columns?
Yes, but adjust your sequence. With 2:1 payouts (vs. 1:1 on Red/Black), you need ~38% win rate minimum. Use shorter, more conservative sequences.
Should I restart with the same sequence after completion?
Depends on goals. Repeat same sequence for consistent targets, or increase for progressive profit building. Many players "ladder up" (1-2-3 → 2-3-4 → 3-4-5) after each completion.
Conclusion
The Labouchere strategy offers unmatched flexibility and profit targeting. It's ideal for players who want control over their betting system and don't mind the complexity of sequence tracking.
- Customizable profit targets and risk levels
- More flexible than fixed progressions
- Can profit with less than 50% win rate
- Psychologically rewarding (crossing out numbers)
- Sequences can explode on long losing streaks
- Requires careful tracking (or SpinStrategy automation)
- Higher complexity than Martingale or Fibonacci
Related Guides
Learn the Martingale betting progression for roulette. Complete guide covering how this bet sizing system works, pros and cons, examples, and best practices for implementation.
Learn the Fibonacci betting progression for roulette. Complete guide covering how this mathematical sequence works in gambling, pros and cons, examples, and implementation strategies.
Learn the D'Alembert betting progression for roulette. Complete guide covering how this equilibrium-based system works, pros and cons, examples, and implementation strategies.
Learn what roulette progressions are and how they control bet sizing. Compare Martingale, Fibonacci, D'Alembert and more. Build yours free in SpinStrategy.