Beating the odds is the name of the game.  Many people have their own ways and means, whether legitimate or otherwise.

Henry Du Pre Labouchere (1831-1912), was a British writer, publisher, politician and among other things, the owner of a theatre.  Although his name suggests he was born on the continent, it has bred a particular gambling strategy utilised in Roulette, Black Jack, and Baccarat.

Having scripted many literacy works, he was also a keen gambler and wrote the rules for his own method to beat the system.

How Labouchere works

Interestingly, it is also called the Cancellation System. To be successful using the Labouchere system it is understood that the player needs to have a 34% success rate. Despite most gamblers not really having a winning figure in mind before they start, instead hoping to be greeted after one go on the slots with an ear-piercing sound, bright flashing lights, and champagne; this strategy demands the player to set what is known as a ‘profit objective’.  After all; winning takes focus.

In Blackjack, players begin by writing a string of completely random numbers on a piece of paper, that doesn’t necessarily have to make sense. For example; 1 1 2 4 5 6 7 8

Betters begin by adding the first and last numbers in the sequence together, so for their first bet, they will wager nine units (1+8=9).  If they are successful with their hand, they cross off these outside numbers and move onto the next outside figures in the sequence.  Applying this method, the next bet would be the sum of one and seven, equalling eight.

Stick or Twist

However, it is very unlikely that the shrewdest of odds makers would give odds on anyone winning every single hand. When a hand is lost, the amount the better loses is added to the end of the sequence.  In this case, nine is added after eight.

This formula is then repeated; the theory being that with every loss the amount staked increases each time.  Triumph is achieved when each player has all of their numbers crossed off, though it is sensible to assume that a modest bankroll is needed. Betters pre-determine the amount they eventually win; based on how high or low the numbers are in their original list.  And, they only need a pen and a piece of paper. Oh, and a bit of nerve.

No doubt, Labouchere’s theatre had many a king performing on his stage.  He trumped even himself in his career, and came up aces with his own unique betting methodology.