Martingale vs D'Alembert
Which roulette betting strategy is right for you? Compare these two popular systems side-by-side.
Martingale Strategy
Double your bet after each loss to recover losses plus a small profit when you win.
very-aggressivesimplenegative progression
D'Alembert Strategy
Increase bet by one unit after a loss, decrease by one after a win.
moderatesimplenegative progression
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Martingale | D'Alembert |
|---|---|---|
| Style | very-aggressive | moderate |
| Complexity | simple | simple |
| Progression Type | negative | negative |
| Best For | Short sessions | Conservative players |
Martingale
Pros
- ✓Simple to understand and follow
- ✓Guarantees profit on each winning sequence
- ✓Works well in short term
Cons
- ✗Exponential bet growth can wipe out bankroll
- ✗Table limits can break the system
- ✗Large bets for small rewards
D'Alembert
Pros
- ✓Very slow and safe progression
- ✓Easy to understand
- ✓Lower variance than Martingale
Cons
- ✗Takes longer to recover losses
- ✗Still cannot beat house edge
- ✗Profit potential is limited
Quick Summary
Quick Simulation: Martingale on Red
Starting balance: $1,000 | Base bet: $10 | European roulette odds
Quick Simulation: D'Alembert on Red
Starting balance: $1,000 | Base bet: $10 | European roulette odds