Roulette Strategy

Best Roulette Strategies Explained

The game of roulette has become one of the most popular among the gambling community. It attracts many people with its easy rules and various betting options. It is often referred to as a game of chance, where the player needs to court the Lady of Luck. That is absolutely reasonable, but it does not mean that you need to place foolishly your bets.

• The Choice of a Strategy
• The Martingale
• The Grand Martingale
• The Reverse Martingale
• The D'alembert System
• The Reverse D'alembert System
• The Labouchere System
• The Reverse Labouchere System
• The Fibonacci System
• The Paroli System
• The 1-3-2-6 System
• Biased Roulette Wheels
• The Dealer’s Signature
• FAQ

The game has developed considerably over the years so that there are certain strategies, which may turn out to be very useful. To play in accordance with a plan will prevent you from substantial losses. In fact, many inexperienced players believe that there is no logic in roulette and just place their bets in a totally random way. This is far from reality and the following article will provide you with knowledge in some of the most widely used strategies by versed players.

Most importantly, players should know that there is no strategy guaranteeing success. However, many strategies can contribute to reasonable budget management. Based on the amount of money players can afford to wager on each spin of the wheel, we can distinguish between positive and negative progression systems. We will cover the most popular systems, including the Martingale, the Grand Martingale, the Reverse Martingale, the D’alembert System, the Reverse D’alembert System, the Labouchere System, the Reverse Labouchere System, the Fibonacci System, the Paroli System, and the 1-3-2-6 System. Additionally, we will look into the concept of biased roulette wheels and the impact of the dealer’s signature.

The Choice of a Strategy

Many people believe that the methods of playing roulette are inefficient. The reason is that they tried to play in accordance with them and experienced substantial losses. The reason is that to stick to a certain strategy, every player should bear in mind their own betting preferences, win goals, loss limits, and gambling budget. Moreover, you not only need to know the basics of the system, which you go for, but you also need to be familiar with the finest details of it. There is no strategy, which will guarantee you a life-changing amount of money, but the suggested methods work for reasonable goals.

Experts in the gambling industry have calculated the odds of winning while playing roulette and have also taken into consideration the house advantage. This advantage is generally referred to as the house edge. In the French style of roulette, the house edge is said to be around 2.7%. For American roulette, the house edge is known to be roughly 5.26%, making the French style of the game much more favorable for regular gamblers.

Despite the clear unfavorable risk associated with the game of roulette, it has undoubtedly become one of the most well-liked games in not only brick-and-mortar, but also in internet casinos as well. Several strategists have devised theories that aim to give an advantage to the player. Most of these theories are proven to be ineffective. However, some of them do provide an interesting perspective.

We can outline 2 major categories when it comes to strategies. Depending on the amount of money you place after every spin of the wheel, there are positive and negative progression systems. When talking about a positive progression system, players increase the stake in case of a win and decrease it in case of loss.

The Martingale

The Martingale betting system is indeed one of the most widely-used systems because of its straightforwardness as there is no need to memorize any complicated equations. With this in mind, the Martingale betting system might seem like a path to easy money, but gambling enthusiasts should remember that they will need to take a high risk to get a humble reward.

The idea is that players double their wagers after their bet loses and return back to the amount they have staked at the beginning when their bet wins. In that way, even if players lose a couple of times, only one win will leave them with a profit, which equals the original bet. To make it clearer, here is a simple example of the strategy.

It is important to note that if players want to make the most out of the Martingale system, they are advised to stick to bets that pay even money. In spite of the fact that these bets give the lowest payouts, the odds of winning are the highest.

You start with $1 and you lose. Then you place $2 and you lose again, during the third round you lose $4. In the fourth round, you place $8 and you win. As you can see, you win at the highest point of the cycle, which is one of the biggest advantages of the system. Thus, so far, you have lost $7 in total and you have a profit of $1 at last. As you can see, if you play in accordance with this strategy, you need to double the wager after every loss and reduce it to its initial value after you win. This is an example of a negative progression system.

Unfortunately, by applying this strategy, you risk facing the table limits very fast, so that you cannot continue to stick to it. Many people will consider that the chance of long consecutive losing streaks is minimal, but the wheel is a game based on random events. So, do not count on the mercy of fate.

If you are about to start using the Martingale betting system, you should take into account that the system will not work well for you, if your bankroll is limited because the staked amount will quickly escalate when they see multiple losses in a row.

Moreover, keep in mind that casinos are familiar with these systems and that is the reason why the minimum-to-maximum limits are set.

The Grand Martingale

Being a variation of the Martingale strategy, the logic behind its grand version is very similar. You double your bet, but also add one more unit to it. This is even a faster way to reach the limits of the table, because when you lose, the staked amount will increase at a faster pace.

For example you start again with $1, the next spin you place $3 (1 X 2 + 1 = 3), then next round you bet $7 (3 X 2 + 1 = 7) and so on. The advantage of this strategy is that after you hit a winning score, you will gain much greater profit than just the initial bet. The strategy is applicable for even-money outside bets.

For example, after you have lost $7, you need to place $15. In case you win an even-money bet, you win $30. This means that you have lost $26 and you have won $30, so your net profit is $4. Thus, we may conclude that the gain is the initial bet plus 1 unit for each loss in a consecutive streak. Being a more aggressive variation of the Martingale, it also represents a negative progression system.

These systems are worthwhile for players, who have more funds and are willing to take higher risk. Players should be rather cautious with the Grand Martingale betting system because the chances of bumping up against the table limit or a complete bankroll loss are significantly higher.

The Reverse Martingale

As one may understand from the name of this strategy, the main idea is just the opposite of the one from the Martingale system, and therefore, the bets will be taken in the opposite direction. Being just the opposite of the Martingale, The Reverse Martingale is a positive progression system.

You double your bet, but only after every win and turns to the initial one after every loss. But the system is a bit tricky, since you may lose all the profit after a winning streak.

For instance, you bet $1 and you win $2. Then you place $4 and you win $8. After the first loss, though, you will lose all the $8 (the profit plus the initial bet). Since each spin of the wheel equals to a random winning number, it cannot be predicted when the winning streak will be over. Therefore, this strategy is applicable only for short-term betting sessions. One of the biggest weaknesses of the betting system is that placing one losing bet will be enough for players to waste the profit they have accumulated. In addition to this, although the losing bets will not cost players so much money, they should be prepared to see such more often. Finally, players should also consider the possibility of seeing a complete bankroll loss because of a long losing streak.

The D’alembert System

What is most attractive in this strategy is that your bankroll stays under reasonable limits. That is the reason why this strategy is favored by many players. The method is also known as a pyramid and the whole idea behind this strategy is to decrease the bet by one unit after a win. In case of a loss, players increase the next bet with one unit. The advantage of applying this strategy is that it is relatively safe. The D’alembert system is very appropriate for tight bankrolls. Moreover, players are not in danger of reaching the maximum table limits as fast as with the Martingale system.

As was the case with the above-mentioned roulette system, the D’alembert method also works best for even-money bets simply because these bets will even out after time. Before they start using the system, roulette fans should pick a bet unit, which should not exceed 1% of their funds.

What is most interesting about the D’alembert strategy is that if the number of wins and losses is the same, the net profit of the player equals the number of wins. For example, in case of 5 wins and 5 losses, your net gain will be $5.

The biggest advantage of this betting system is that it is not as aggressive as the above-mentioned ones, meaning that the chances of hitting the table limits are reduced to a minimum. The straightforwardness of the betting system is worth mentioning as well, and mastering it will be a breeze for players, including total novices.

The biggest disadvantage of the D’alembert system is that players cannot win a substantial profit. But everything comes at a price. In roulette, the risk-averse systems do not offer a striking payout, but rather safety. The other disadvantage of the strategy is the low initial bet. In a long run of wins, players will reach the minimum table limits and the winning streak will be interrupted.

The strategy gives very good results, when used on a French table with only one zero pocket.

The Reverse D’alembert System

That is the positive progression counterpart of the regular D’alembert, meaning that the rules players should stick to will be turned around.

Therefore, it is not a surprise that the contra-Alembert system means that players increase the initial bet after every win by one unit and decrease it in case of a loss.

This strategy counts on sequences of wins, but the problem is that no one can pre-determine when a winning streak will be over. Moreover, in case of an equal number of consecutive wins and losses, you will be in minus by the number of losses. Therefore, players should bear in mind that to gain a net profit by applying this strategy, they need to have more wins than losses.

Still, the Reverse D’alembert can be used by players with a limited bankroll or risk-averse ones. Besides, it allows roulette fans to recover from a long losing streak without risking too much of their funds.

Roulette Outside Bets

Roulette Call Bets

Roulette Money Management

Roulette with Live Dealers

The Labouchere System

Probably the name does not ring a bell to amateur players, but this system is quite popular among versed players. In fact, it is also known as a cancellation strategy, and it is one of the most widely used roulette systems because it makes it more likely for players achieve the goals they have set. Still, it is one of the most complicated strategies, and it is used only on even-money outside bets. To apply this method, one may need a pen and a note, because it is related to some calculations.

The first thing players will be required to do before they start using the betting system is to set a win goal. Then, players start by writing down an arbitrary sequence of numbers on a piece of paper that should add up to the value of the win goal they have set. For example, your sequence is 1, 2, 3, so the total value of the numbers is 6, and that should be the profit you want to come by.

The amount of your bet is calculated on the basis of the sum of the first and last numbers from the sequence. In the case with the aforementioned numbers, that would be 1 + 3 = 4, therefore the amount of the bet is $4. If you win the bet, then the first and the last numbers of the sequence are cancelled. So, you cross the numbers off the note. Then, you continue with the other numbers. In our case, we have left only with one number, which should be the total amount of the bet. So, you place $3. But, if we have the sequence 1, 2, 3, 4, then you need the sum of 2 + 3 = 5. So, $5 should be your next bet. In case you win, then the cycle is over and you need to start with another sequence.

Every time you lose the wager, you add one number to the cycle. Let’s take the same example with the sequence 1, 2, 3. After you have lost the first bet of $4, you need to add the amount, which you have staked to the end of the sequence. In case of one loss, the number cycle looks as follows: 1, 2, 3, 4. When losing a wager, do not scratch off any numbers, but you add one more.

Let’s say you win the first wager, you “cancel” the numbers 1 and 4 and you are left with the numbers 2 and 3. Your next wager should be $5, but in case you lose it, you need to add 5 to the sequence, since the amount of the last bet is the next number, which should be added in case of loss. Then, your sequence will be 2, 3, 5.

Interestingly enough, no matter how long the chain is, after “canceling” all the numbers, you will be left with a net gain, which equals the total sum of all the numbers from the initial sequence, and this is when players will know that they have reached the win goal they have set at the beginning of their betting session.

The Labouchere is a negative progressive system, which inexperienced players should steer clear of because of its complexity. Many players are attracted by it, because it brings a profit through winning fewer bets than you lose, i.e. “canceling” 2 losses with only one win. The problem is that the wheel has no memory and you never know when the bad run will abandon you. It is a mistaken belief that it is impossible to lose two identical outside bets in a row. This is known as gambler’s fallacy, which led many players to lose a fortune.

The other problem of the strategy is that in the long run of losses, players take the risk to bump into the maximum limit of the table meaning that the streak should be interrupted. This immediately eliminates any chances of recovering the lost money by following this strategy.

The Reverse Labouchere System

Similar to the regular version of the strategy, the Reverse Labouchere also requires a sequence of numbers and the first bet is the sum of the first and last number of the sequence. From that point on, differences occur. In the reverse version, players need to add the amount of the last bet as a number to the sequence in case of a win. If a loss occurs, then the first and the last numbers of the cycle are “canceled”. When the numbers from the line are all scratched off, then players generate a loss instead of win.

The Fibonacci System

It is used with placing even-money outside bets. The strategy relies on negative progression, because every time players generate a loss, the wager is increased. The Fibonacci sequence of numbers starts with 0, then 1 and all the following numbers are the sum of the previous two. The sequence looks as follows: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13 etc.

When applying the strategy in a game of roulette, it should be mentioned that 0 is ignored. To apply this method, you need to have planned how much you will wager per unit. The amount is chosen by the player, but it is highly recommended that it should represent between 2% to 5% of the overall bankroll for the betting session.

Following the Fibonacci system means that your first bet should always be one single betting unit, because the first number from the sequence is 1. For example, you would like to place $5 in the beginning. In case of a loss after the first spin of the wheel, players need to move to the second unit from the line, which is again 1. So, the second stake will be again $5. For a two-unit wager, the stake should be $10. Therefore, every time you experience a loss, you go up the line. On the other hand, in case you win the bet, you need to go down two numbers in the line. Let’s say you win after betting 34 units, sticking to the logic of the system means you need to stake 13 units for the next round.

Similar to the other negative progression systems, the main problem with the Fibonacci strategy is the risk of a long losing streak. In that case, you will go up the line and your stakes will get high enough to reach the table maximum. Thus, you need to strictly follow how much you are winning or losing, so that you can stick to the rules of the strategy. When playing in a brick-and-mortar casino that may be difficult because of all the distractions. That is the reason why players, who would like to try the Fibonacci strategy, are highly recommended to play in an online casino.

The Paroli System

The Paroli strategy is often referred to as the counterpart of the Martingale betting system, and aside from roulette, it can also be used in craps and baccarat. This is a positive progression system because players double the bet after generating a win and cut it to its initial amount in case of a loss. This system is favored by many players, because of its simplicity, and its main purpose is not to reduce the losses players have seen, but to maximize the wins they have amassed. Moreover, it will protect you from chasing the losses, because after generating the third win in a row, you need to start playing with your base stake. Another advantage of the Paroli betting system is that players will be less likely to end up with an emptied bankroll because of the limit, which is imposed on the bet amount.

This strategy is appropriate for even-money outside bets. The betting unit, which you place should not be higher than 5% and not lower than 2% of the overall budget for the certain betting session.

The 1-3-2-6 System

Similar to the Paroli strategy, this is a positive progression system, where the risk of substantial losses is insignificant. Being simple enough, it is highly recommended to beginners. Here, you place your bet again on even-money outside bet. Determine your betting unit and place your first stake. By doing so, you start a sequence, which is complied with the following 1-3-2-6 pattern. In case you win, you go up the line of the sequence. For instance, you place $10 on the first spin, your next bet should be $30, then $20, and at last $60. But if a loss comes up, then you need to start with the sequence from the beginning.

What is most worthwhile about this strategy is that it is not based on increasing the bet after a loss. Moreover, it offers moderate bets in accordance with your initial betting unit. The drawback of the strategy is the presence of the house edge. Of course, no strategy eliminates the house edge, but you can go for playing on the European or French table, where the rules are more favorable to the player, especially if the special rules are available.

There are several different approaches one can take at the roulette table. It should be noted that the purpose of all the strategies is not to beat the wheel, but to keep you safe from substantial losses. By following some of these methods, it will be easier for you to manage your bankroll in a smart way.

Biased Roulette Wheels

In spite of the fact that roulette is a game, which gives players good chances of winning, especially if they go for the single-zero variants, avid casino fans should not forget that the house invariably holds the upper hand. Even if players opt for European Roulette where the house advantage is 2.70% or go for French Roulette where the special rules cut the house edge in half, there is nothing players can do in order to overcome the house edge.

Still, in an attempt to guarantee themselves a profit, some players prefer to use the above-mentioned betting system during their roulette betting system, while others are tempted by the idea to look for defects in the roulette wheels. Unfortunately for players, finding a biased roulette wheel was more likely in the past as currently, the technology is significantly refined.

When land-based casinos are concerned, the casino management should make sure that the wheel is in perfect working order to guarantee that the outcomes of the rounds are not predictable. Thus, they will make sure that it is not even slightly off, the depth of all pockets is exactly the same, and that there are no areas from the wheel that make the ball change the way it spins. Such defects will make the ball spin in a predictable way, which is something more attentive players might notice and take advantage of.

Of course, finding a biased roulette wheel is by no means a walk in the park, and players should keep track of a large number of spins in order to detect such. In other words, if gambling enthusiasts check the scoreboard which shows the outcomes from the previous 20 rounds, and see that one of the numbers has come out several times, this should not make them think that the wheel has a true bias. Instead, they might think that the roulette wheel is biased if a specific number or numbers come out consistently after thousands of rounds have taken place.

Therefore, finding roulette wheels with such defects will work to the advantage of players as they will be able to make up for the edge of the house and gain a profit as they will already know which number or group of numbers to bet on.

There are different reasons for the appearance of biased roulette wheels, most of the time, this happens because of frequent use. Something essential to bear in mind is that while some roulette wheels show pocket bias, with others, the ball favors whole sectors. The primary causes of bias include loose or higher frets, difference in the pocket size, deadening of the surface, or deformed ball, among others.

As for online roulette games, the outcomes are controlled by a Random Number Generator, which creates the same outcomes as a perfect roulette wheel will.

The Impact of The Dealer’s Signature

While trying to gain an advantage over the house, some roulette fans keep a watchful eye on the way the dealer releases the ball, which is also known as the dealer’s signature. In fact, the question of whether the dealer can land the ball in the pocket he/she prefers is highly controversial, and while some experts reject this idea, others agree with it only partially.

The main reason why many players frown upon the idea of the dealer’s signature is that roulette wheels have impediments that are known also as diamonds or pins, and the aim of which is to make the small white ball bounce. The presence of these impediments will make the ball change its course, which therefore makes it impossible for the dealer to determine the pocket in which it will ultimately land.

Another thing gambling enthusiasts should remember is that the ball also bounces because of the frets, which is yet another obstacle the dealer will face if he/she wants to determine the pocket where the ball will fall.

Identifying patterns in the way the dealer releases the ball will easily be an effort, but even if you notice such, you should know that the dealer might be unaware that he/she releases the ball in exactly the same way on each round. Although some players might think that this approach will help them achieve the win goals they have set, it might not be as effective as they expect because roulette wheels are designed to produce random outcomes.

FAQ