Using the Labouchere System Blackjack Betting Strategy

I'm not exactly a fan of the Labouchere system blackjack betting strategy, but it can be useful for those who have not yet mastered the basics of the game. I've found that it is overly complicated for its intended us and that there are plenty of other options out there that will work just as well. You'll first need to figure out how much profit you want to make during your session, and then you'll need to determine how much you actually have to spend. At that point, you'll create what is called a number line that you will use as you progress through your session.

Now, the number line you create will need to be based upon your bankroll, and this is where things tend to get a little complicated for me. For instance, let's assume that I have $100 that I can spend during a session, and I want to place $10 bets along the way. I'd need to create a number line that totals $100, so it might look something like 1-2-2-3-2-1. When all of these are added together, it totals 10 units at a value of $10 each for a total of $100. Of course, I could have done this in any number of ways. A line such as 1-1-1-2-2-1-1-1 would work, as well.

Once you've created your line, the next step involves placing a wager. To follow it, you'll start by adding together the two numbers on each end of your string to determine your bet. Using the first example of 1-2-2-3-2-1, I would add 1+1 for a total of 2 which is the equivalent of $20. If I win, I will mark those numbers off of my line and then move on to the next two. However, if I lose, I will take the number 2, which is the amount that I wagered, and add it to the right side of the string. Then, on my next wager, my line would be 1-1-2-2-3-2-1-2, and I'd place a total bet of $30 (1+2=3 or $30 when multiplied by my chosen base unit). You can customize the entire thing in any way you'd like, but remember that larger numbers are riskier while smaller ones tend to be the safest bets.

Overall, the Labouchere system blackjack betting strategy isn't my favorite. I prefer the ones that are easier to follow because not only do they work, but they make blackjack fun in a way that following a huge string of numbers simply does not. Of course, in order for this or any other system to work for you, you're going to want to find a strategy chart that follows the house rules according to the variant you have chosen and takes into account the number of decks that are in the shoe. This way, you can look at your cards and the dealer's up-card before referring to the chart. In this manner, you will have a mathematically sound idea of the best moves to make in any situation that will give you the best possible odds.