Blackjack Systems » All about Progression Betting

Q: Are blackjack systems also suitable for beginners?

The betting systems we’ve highlighted are easy to understand . These systems are predominantly based on progressions and each reflects a slightly different take on risk in games of luck. All you have to do is choose the right one for you! Which one is right usually becomes clear after a short time in practice ; that is, whether its logic suits your own, and if the system actually delivers what it promises. The ideal opportunity to test systems is at the free blackjack tables, at any of our recommended casinos.

Q: Do my chances of winning increase if I play using a blackjack system?

Blackjack systems have no influence on your odds of winning , as they are not aimed at improving the individual game results. And this is an extremely important fact to remember! After all, blackjack is a mix of skill and luck, the outcome of which is destined by the cards you’re dealt. Systems give you a predefined way to bet , with the idea that by adjusting your stakes, you can balance out losses with your wins , despite the results of individual hands. As for increasing your chances of winning, we’ve covered this in our Blackjack Tips & Tricks article . There’s also strategy for when to hit , stand, or fold, etc., which we also encourage you to read.

Aria Brown

Stefan Weber

8 min read

Although the outcome of each hand in blackjack is primarily a matter of chance based on the luck of the cards, quite a few systems have developed over time and are now widely used, to mixed reviews.

While some players swear by a particular game system, others find the learning curve too complicated to bother, or don't like the rigidity. Furthermore, some of these systems simply aren't particularly suited for blackjack even though they're being touted as such.

There are, however, those that can definitely give you an advantage if you follow them rigorously. And by following their sequence, they can at least save you the hassle of figuring out how to bet on follow up hands, .

To help you out, we've put together this short guide on the numerous blackjack systems, including Martingale and d'Alembert, and their basic principles, plus a few tips to get you started.

Keep in mind, blackjack systems are entirely different than strategies. If you're interested in learning about that, you can read the numerous tips for improving your odds in our comprehensive blackjack strategy review, including details on when to hit, hold, fold, and even count cards.

The most popular blackjack systems in 2024
Similarities and differences between the different blackjack tactics
Playing blackjack with a system - the advantages and disadvantages
Tips & tricks for using a blackjack system
Expert tip: Is there a surefire blackjack method you should be using?
Blackjack Systems FAQ
Conclusion

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The most popular blackjack systems in 2024

Martingale blackjack system

Some people may be familiar with the Martingale betting system in connection with roulette. But interestingly, this strategy can also be applied to blackjack, although its use here is controversial.

The principle is relatively simple in theory. Basically, if you lose a round, you would double your stake in the following round. So if you started with a basic bet of $5, that would be upped to $10, $20, $40, $80 and so forth. You keep doubling your stake following each successive loss, until you win.

Key features of the Martingale method:

Also known as "doubling", because that's how bet amounts are decided.

After a loss, your stake is doubled with every game until a win is achieved (= negative progression or loss progression sequences).

You may soon reach the table limit when doing this.

Overall, it has a low profit margin.

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The intention behind the Martingale tactic is to achieve a long-term profit by increasing your bet amount, following rounds with a negative outcome. This theory is based on that of a coin flip. Being that if you flip a coin, and get it wrong, eventually odds dictate that you'll get it right, and since you're doubling your bet amount, you'll cover your losses at the end of the day.

For blackjack, the system is problematic because there are more than two options - it's not a matter of heads or tails like in a coin flip, or red or black like in roulette.

Also, sooner or later your bet amount can collide with the table limit set by the casino. This risk exists especially if the basic stake you start with is particularly high, or if the series of losses continues for a longer period of time. At that point, it would no longer be possible to achieve a profit that would compensate for your losses in the previous rounds.

Labouchère blackjack system

The Labouchère betting system is essentially a special form of progression game that is attributed to the British politician, journalist, and avid gambler, Henry Labouchère, who first devised it.

As it's a bit complicated, you'll need to get out a pen and paper to get started. First off, you need to decide how much you want to win. Let's say $100 is your goal for simplicity's sake. You would then create a sequence of numbers that adds up to 100. So let's say 5-10-20-30-30-5.

The game is then played in a sequence, meaning, your bets will be placed in sequences, based on those numbers, using the first and last number combined to form each bet, then scratching off those two numbers from the list.

Using the number we've listed, your first bet would be $10 (5 and 5 combined).

If you win, the numbers played are deleted from the list, and your second bet is the sum of the next two numbers from each end of the list, i.e. 10 and 30 for a $45 bet in our case.
If you lose, the lost sum – the $10 bet – is added to the sequence. Your next bet is the sum of the next first and last numbers in the list, so 5 and the 10. This would give you $15 for your second bet in our example.

Key features of the Labouchère method:

Also referred to as the Cancellation system, American Progression, or Split Martingale system.

The cross-off progression manner of plays has it so that if you lose the progression (i.e. the number of rounds left to play) is lengthened; if you win, it's shortened.

The sequence of numbers you want to use is selected individually by you at the beginning, and based on how much you want to win.

After a bet loss, the bet is raised in the next round.

The game series ends when there are no more numbers on the list.

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Like the Martingale system, the Labouchère betting system is generally more popular in roulette play, though there are many blackjack players who employ it as well. It can even be used in craps and baccarat games.

Essentially, it is based on betting on presumably simple odds (ie. a ratio of 1:1, or 50/50 chance like even and odds in roulette), with losses offset by profits at the end of your number series.

Paroli blackjack system

The Paroli betting system is the best-known counterpart to Martingale, which is why it's also called the Anti-Martingale. Instead of doubling your bet in the event of a loss, you double your bet in the event of a win. That's why it's what is called a positive progression system.

To begin, choose a base stake, say $10. On your first bet you'd wager $10. If you lose, you'd stick to that amount on your next round; but if you win, double it to play $20 on your next hand. And if you win on that, $40 on the hand after that. After three consecutive wins, go back to your base stake. You don't want to push luck too much – although some gamblers do take it up to five wins in a row.

Key features of the Paroli method:

You determine the base amount to work with.

Double your bet on each winning round, up to three wins in a row.

The risk of loss can be kept small by returning to base bet after three consecutive wins, rather than pushing your luck.

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The Paroli method can also be used in sports betting and is very popular in roulette. It can also work well in blackjack in helping secure a profit.

With this positive progression system, you only increase bet size with a win so it keeps your stake size very controlled even on a losing streak. The built-in rule for returning to base stake also helps minimize risk, which makes this a great system for those who are on a more limited bankroll.

Fibonacci blackjack system

Developed by Leonardo da Pisa, an Italian mathematician better known as Fibonacci. The Fibonacci method is a negative progression manner of play, with your bet increased with each loss, according to the Fibonacci sequence: 1-1-2-3-5-8-13-21-34-55-89-144-233, and so forth.

That is, you multiply your base amount against each of these numbers in the sequence as you progress through rounds of play.

Key features of the Fibonacci method:

The game is played according to the sequence 1-1-2-3-5-8-13 etc.

On loss, progress to next number in sequence

On win, move two numbers down in sequence

Higher risk of loss.

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If we use just $1 as your base bet, if you lose, your next bet would also be $1, then $2, $3, $5, $8, $13 and so on. If you win, you move two numbers back in the sequence from your last bet sum.

As with any loss progression system, you'll need to pay attention to the table limit, as high rollers in particular could quickly reach the max using this sequence.

D'Alembert blackjack system

A negative progression system, the D'Alembert method is based on what the French mathematician Jean-Baptiste le Rond d'Alembert called "the equilibrium of nature".

In this system, units are used for how your bets will progress with each round. The progression does not end with a win or a loss; rather in the event of a loss, you'd increase your bet by one unit, and if you win, reduced by one unit.

Key features of the D'Alembert progression method:

Set your base stake. This is one unit.

Your stake increases by one unit after a loss and decreases by one unit after a win.

Considered good for cushioning against dramatic losses.

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This principle differs from other progression systems in that the bet is not doubled based on the hand's results. Nor is the bet amount reset to the initial sum if a round is successful. Rather it moves up and down by predetermined units.

For example, if you start with a $5 wager and lose, you'll bet $10 on the next hand. If you lose again, $15, then $20, and so on. If you win, the amount is reduced to the previously invested amount. So if you won on a $20 hand, then your next bet would be $15.

1-3-2-6 blackjack system

The numbers in this system's name specifies the wager amount for four game rounds, always in relation to the basic stake. This is a positive progression system and you only increase on wins.

For example, if you start with $5 (one unit) and you win, the bet in the next round increases to $15 (three units). If you win the second round, you go to the next number in the sequence (two) and multiply it with your base stake ($5) so your next bet is $10. If you win again, then repeat with the next number (six) against your base stake ($5) for a $30 bet size.

Key features of the 1-3-2-6 method:

Only move up in sequence if you win.

On a loss, start again at 1.

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A lost round means that you go back to the beginning of the sequence (1), that is back to the starting amount. So in our example, your bet would be $5 following a loss.

Oscar's Grind blackjack system

Also known as Hoyle's Press or Pluscoup Progression in German and French, Oscar's Grind is a modified version of the Labouchère and Martingale systems, with the goal of exit with a plus after several rounds of play.

It's based on a roulette observation, where winning and losing outcomes alternate when making simple bets with 50-50 odds, such as black/red. Thus losing streaks can be compensated by winning streaks by adjusting bet sizes.

Key features of the Oscar's Grind method:

On win, increase bet size

On loss, bet size remains the same.

The progression ends once 1 unit has been won from the series.

The "grind" infers you grind out small wins on a regular basis following this system.

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Let's use $10 as your base unit. On your first bet with the Oscar's Grind system you always wager one unit, so that's $10. If you lose the bet amount stays the same, so your next bet would also be $10, repeated at that sum so long as you lose.

If you win, however, you'd up your wager to two units, so that would be $20 on the next hand. If you then lose, you'd remain at two units at $20. But if you win, you move up to three units, or $30.

The cycle ends when you win one unit of profit, or in our case $10.

Parlay blackjack system

The Parlay system is similar to the Paroli and is Considered by many blackjack experts to be one of the safer systems. It's a positive progression strategy, with your bet increased after a win. While best for betting on simple odds (1:1 as in a coin flip or black/red of roulette), it is also employed in blackjack.

Start with a chosen base bet. After each win your next bet will be for the original amount, plus some of your profit. Some people will put the full profit into the next bet following a win, while others will set a percentage, eg. 50% of the win to the next bet. This is up to you.

Key features of the Parlay method:

Also known as the Let It Ride betting system.

Similar to compound interest betting. Profit progression format in which the basic bet plus income generated make up the next wager on a win.

The higher the percentage of your winnings going into the next bet, the higher your potential loss.

Setting a personal limit is highly recommended.

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It's important to remember that the longer your winning streak continues, your odds of a losing hand increase. As the Gambler Kenny Rogers so famously sang, "know when to walk away, and know when to run". Or at least when to start over from the beginning of the cycle with your base stake.

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Similarities and differences between the different blackjack tactics

If you read through all of the methods above, it seems there are only subtle differences between the different systems. But the gist is that each essentially addresses how to bet after a winning or losing hand.

The main difference you'll find is that systems such as the Martingale one are based on what is called a loss progression in which you increase your bet after a loss. On the other hand, methods like Paroli or Parlay are positive progression betting systems, in which you increase your bet after a win.

Bets at the blackjack table are specifically increased or decreased depending on the underlying gaming system you're using.MoreLess

A distinction must also be made between systems that double the stake and those in which the bet is increased by units. The latter applies, for example, to the progression rate for the D'Alembert method in which in the event of a loss you increase your bet by one unit, and for a win, reduce it by one unit.

The unit is decided by you, according to your budget. So it can be $1, or $50, or whatever your risk and bankroll can accommodate.

To summarize, the main differences between the systems have to do with:

Whether you increase or decrease your bet after a loss or win.
How much you increase or decrease your bet for each outcome.

None of these systems require any experience, and even the ones that seem complicated can be learned quite easily, even by the greenest of players.

Playing blackjack with a system - the advantages and disadvantages

One of the biggest advantages of playing blackjack with a specific method is that you simply follow the prescribed steps for how much you'll bet next. One less decision to make.

You basically choose between two approaches, namely a positive or negative progression, and how you see the right way to handle losses or wins. One principle is based on the idea of making up for losses, while the other is about investing profits sensibly.

Not everyone uses a system. Many prefer to simply go with the flow. But there are definitely advantages and disadvantages to sticking to a system in any given gambling session. Though that being said, it can be interesting to try out different methods to find what really works for you.

Now, none of this answers how you'll play your actual hand – for that you'll have to rely blackjack strategies. But it does eliminate agonizing over how to handle your budget.

Advantages of blackjack systemsDisadvantages of blackjack systems

Can easily be used by anyone who plays blackjack.
Positive and negative progression options to suit different "philosophies".
Free testing possible when you play blackjack in demo mode.
Applicable to almost all blackjack game variants.
Help you maintain control over your own gaming behavior.

Profit is usually rather low.
Progressions that are too long and only increase can exhaust the table limit and/or your individual budget.
Most are designed for games with simple odds (1:1) and are not always optimally applicable to blackjack.

Aria Brown: "As an expert, there are a few things I recommend keeping in mind. First of all, progression strategies are not always as relevant for blackjack as many are for simple odds, like black or red in roulette. Also, especially in the case of negative progression betting systems, a win at the end of a losing streak might not outweigh the sum of your previous bets. In addition, the table limit or your personal gaming budget might not allow the progression to be followed to its natural end."

Tips & tricks for using a blackjack system

Try it out for free first. A blackjack system may sound appealing, but you have to actually try it out to see if it suits your style. The easiest way to test the opportunities and risks that arise from using such mathematical methods is at free gaming tables. A classic blackjack game in demo mode is great, though these types of strategies can easily be transferred to any other variant.
Check the table limit before the game starts. Every table has a betting limit, which applies per round and must be adhered to. In order for the system to work, the first bet should take this limit into account. For example, if you start with $5 in round 1 and the table limit is $500, you will exceed this limit with 8 consecutive losses with the Martingale system.
Choose a base bet amount that suits your budget. Blackjack systems adjust your bet from round to round according to fixed principles. This makes it all the more important to set a personal limit in advance. Especially in the case of loss progressions, the bets are paid out of your own pocket before the desired profit hopefully comes. If you have a decent bankroll, then this may work. But if you have a tighter budget, you may want to start more at the $1 level for your base bet – or even avoid negative progressions.
Opt for positive progressions. Some will undoubtedly swear by their negative progression systems, but for those on a tight budget, it may make more sense to only increase your bet after a win has been achieved. This way you're playing with the casino's money and protecting your own bankroll. On the other hand, consecutive wins are rarer than consecutive losses, and the risk of loss remains with your increased bet size. So you'll still need to know when to call it a day.

Expert tip: Is there a surefire blackjack method you should be using?

At the end of the day, there are very few guarantees in life, and even less in gambling. While blackjack is considered a skill based game, there is an element of chance. There can be no guarantees.

As such, be careful with promises on the internet. Again and again we come across websites that advertise supposed "secret weapons" and surefire blackjack systems - and of course agree to pass on their knowledge, for a fee.

Such a promise is dubious and creates false hopes. Plus the gaming systems we highlighted are all part of freely available knowledge. Most of them are number sequences that have been known in mathematics for decades or even longer.

FAQs

Are blackjack systems also suitable for beginners?
Do my chances of winning increase if I play using a blackjack system?
Are there any risks involved when using blackjack systems?
Can I learn blackjack systems for free?
Is playing a blackjack system legal?

1. Are blackjack systems also suitable for beginners?

The betting systems we've highlighted are easy to understand. These systems are predominantly based on progressions and each reflects a slightly different take on risk in games of luck. All you have to do is choose the right one for you!

Which one is right usually becomes clear after a short time in practice; that is, whether its logic suits your own, and if the system actually delivers what it promises. The ideal opportunity to test systems is at the free blackjack tables, at any of our recommended casinos.

2. Do my chances of winning increase if I play using a blackjack system?

Blackjack systems have no influence on your odds of winning, as they are not aimed at improving the individual game results. And this is an extremely important fact to remember! After all, blackjack is a mix of skill and luck, the outcome of which is destined by the cards you're dealt. Systems give you a predefined way to bet, with the idea that by adjusting your stakes, you can balance out losses with your wins, despite the results of individual hands.

As for increasing your chances of winning, we've covered this in our Blackjack Tips & Tricks article. There's also strategy for when to hit, stand, or fold, etc., which we also encourage you to read.

3. Are there any risks involved when using blackjack systems?

Many betting systems in gambling are based on the principle of progression, ie. adjusting the bet from round to round. You might however reach the table limit before a win . This is especially true in negative progressions where you increase with each loss. Additionally, negative progressions in a losing streak may lead to many large bets with no guarantee that they will be recouped within the limited number of bets of your finite bankroll.

With a positive progression, you can better avoid this risk, as you only increase bets following a win. The profit potential is however not meaningfully related to the risk of loss, since you are more likely to see a loss after a win.

4. Can I learn blackjack systems for free?

Even if there are charlatans on the internet who want you to believe otherwise, gambling systems are not secret knowledge. And we assure you, no one has special insights into how to get any given system to work better, so please don't be tempted.

This information is freely and easily available, with some systems having been around for centuries. You can always refer to our overview of the most important blackjack systems in our article above to get started for free. And then play blackjack for free at a reputable operator. You can easily perfect any system's ins and outs, on your own, at zero cost.

5. Is playing a blackjack system legal?

In principle, any of the systems that we presented can be used at the blackjack tables - online or at a brick-and-mortar casino. There is no law prohibiting their use, certainly none of those we outlined in this review.

The house rules of many casinos only prohibit blackjack strategies such as card counting, but not the use of betting systems. Ultimately, it is up to each player to decide what bets are placed. If there's a system that appeals to you, feel free to go for it.

Conclusion

And that in summary is our review of the various blackjack systems available. Martingale, Labouchère, Paroli, the Fibonacci sequence, and so forth. We've given you an intro to the various methods available, and how they work.

At the end of the day, any system is essentially a set of rules concerning your bet size.

Now it's up to you to decide if you want to try them out. You can systematically work your way through each one to find which works best for you, or based on what you've read, simply start using the one that appeals to you most. There's no right or wrong here, nor a sure-fire result. Explore and change things up as you see fit.