There are many different betting strategies used by roulette players including the Labouchere Strategy, however perhaps one of the most popular is the Martingale System. The reason for its popularity is the fact that it is so simple to use, and even a novice roulette player can get to grips with it in no time at all.
Explained: The Martingale System
So, what exactly is the Martingale System? Well, it’s essentially a system whereby you double your bet each time you lose, therefore meaning that when you eventually win, all of your losses will be covered. Because of its simplicity, it can be used in games other than roulette, such as baccarat, blackjack and craps.
If you were play in a land-based casino, the dealer would soon get suspicious of your tactics, call their manager, and you’d find yourself out of the door pretty quickly. Because online roulette is simply played using software though (unless you play live dealer roulette), you shouldn’t find yourself making a swift exit from the table.
So, here’s a rundown of how the Martingale System works:
- You place a bet of £5 on the ball to land on red (it’s important to pick an even-money bet for this system), however when the action is over, you find that your bet was a losing one. You are now £5 down.
- On your next bet, you place a £10 bet on red (double the amount of your previous bet). You’re still unsuccessful though. You are now £15 down.
- On your next bet, you place £20 on red, and this time you win. You have now covered all of your losses, and are up £5. Now you can start the process again, and by the end, you’ll be up £5, regardless of how many losses you have in a row.
So, it sounds really simple, and it actually is. By doubling your bet each time, you are always ensuring that any potential wins cover all of your losses. As the next section explains, it isn’t quite as simple as that though…
Does It Really Work?
From a purely mathematical standpoint, the Martingale System works. Life, however, doesn’t work on mathematical theories. Those with a bigger bankroll will stand more chance of succeeding with it though, as they can afford to carry on betting for longer. Those with smaller bankrolls could find themselves losing all their money if they happen to go on a long losing streak.
Even if you had an unlimited bankroll though, the strategy might not work. This is because most casinos have upper limits on the amount that can be bet, so when you reach that limit, your plan will have been scuppered. Therefore, if you do want to use the Martingale System, it is vital to check the limit before you start playing.
All of this means that the Martingale System is only suitable as a short-term strategy. This is because the longer you play, the more likely you are to have one of those unlucky runs at the roulette table. So, by all means use it for a few minutes, but avoid it if you plan on a mammoth roulette session.
