D'Alembert vs Labouchere

Which roulette betting strategy is right for you? Compare these two popular systems side-by-side.

D'Alembert Strategy

Increase bet by one unit after a loss, decrease by one after a win.

moderatesimplenegative progression

Labouchere Strategy

Create a sequence of numbers and bet the sum of first and last. Cross out on win, add on loss.

aggressivecomplexnegative progression

10,000 Simulated Sessions Each: D'Alembert vs Labouchere

We ran both systems through 10,000 simulated sessions on a European wheel under identical conditions: $1,000 bankroll, stopping at $1,500 (win), $500 (loss), or 500 spins.

Measured over 10,000 sessions	D'Alembert	Labouchere
Sessions ended in profit	36.6%	46.2%
Average session result	−$155	−$84
Average spins per session	163	47
Average worst drawdown	−$413	−$408
Best single session	$565	$525
Worst single session	−$610	−$960
Hit the table limit	—	0.5%

In this run, Labouchere came out ahead on both measures — more sessions in profit and a smaller average loss. The house edge still won overall: both averaged a losing session.

How D'Alembert sessions ended

Losing sessionsWinning sessions

Lost over $800

Lost $400–$800

63.4%

Lost $100–$400

Lost up to $100

Won up to $100

Won $100–$400

Won $400–$800

36.6%

Won over $800

How Labouchere sessions ended

Losing sessionsWinning sessions

Lost over $800

1.1%

Lost $400–$800

52.3%

Lost $100–$400

0.4%

Lost up to $100

Won up to $100

Won $100–$400

Won $400–$800

46.2%

Won over $800

Methodology: fixed-seed runs from our open simulation engine, using the same settings as the strategy guides and interactive simulators — the numbers here match each system's guide page and can be reproduced there. Both systems lose on average because no betting progression changes the house edge; the comparison shows how differently they get there.