Betting Systems

Before any discussion of playing systems, it is important to realise that betting systems do not work in the long run. For this reason Learn Blackjack Strategy does not advocate the use of any betting system. Be smart with your money, manage your bankroll well and don’t overdo it at the tables. If you really want an effective ‘system’ learn to count cards accurately and adjust your bet according to the Kelly criterion. Of course, we never said the casino will let you get away with it…

Quick Links: | Martingale | Fibonacci | d’Alembert | Labouchere / Cancellation | Dahl’s progression | Up & Pull | Oscar’s Grind | Paroli | Parlay

While you will not win in the long term following a betting system, some systems may work in the short term. In fact, some systems will provide a great number of small wins. The problem is that such systems will also occasionally leave very large losses in their wake, wiping out any profitable sessions and leaving you considerably down.

Ok, so you’ve read the disclaimer but you’re still thinking “I want to win on my weekend in Vegas!” While we cannot guarantee any wins, we will outline a few of the different betting systems out there, giving the pros and cons of each so you can decide for yourself.

While professional blackjack players know that betting systems don’t work in the long term, these systems are not useless. Often they can be used as ‘camouflage’ in the casino to divert attention from the fact that they are counting. In blackjack tournaments specific tournament systems have proven to be more effective than a simple ‘all or nothing’ mentality.

Betting systems can be divided into two broad categories. ‘Positive progression’ systems advise raising your bets after a win. ‘Negative progression’ systems advocate raising bets after losses. While the former is a relatively conservative system, where a string of losses are unlikely to wipe out your bankroll, with the latter the reverse is true. A string of losses can easily wipe out your gambling budget with a negative progression system.

People use negative progression systems despite this inherent risk because you can still be up in a session where the player’s had many more losses than wins. Since bets after losses are bigger, you do not need as many wins to be back in the black.
Some of the various betting systems, with more information are outlined below.

Negitive progression:

• Martingale
• Fibonacci
• D’Alembert
• Labouchere (cancellation system)

Positive progression:

• Dahl’s progression
• Up and Pull
• Oscar’s Grind/Hoyle’s Press
• Paroli system (and 1-3-2-6 system)
• Parlay/ Let it Ride system