Labouchère strategy in crash games: the cancellation system tested
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The Labouchère strategy (the cancellation system) has you write a line of numbers, such as 1-2-3-4, and bet the first plus the last at a 2x cash out. Win and you cross both off; lose and you add your stake to the end. Clear the whole line and you’ve won its total, 10 units. It’s clever, flexible and great fun to run, but losing runs make the line and the bets grow quickly. Our 10,000-session test shows how fast. Part of our crash game strategy guide.
Labouchère, step by step
Line 1-2-3-4, unit $10, cash out at 2x:
| Round | Line | Bet | Result | Running total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1-2-3-4 | $50 | Loss | −$50 |
| 2 | 1-2-3-4-5 | $60 | Win | +$10 |
| 3 | 2-3-4 | $60 | Win | +$70 |
| 4 | 3 | $30 | Win | +$100 |
Line cleared: up 10 units ($100). Each win cancels two numbers while each loss adds only one, so you can clear a line while losing more rounds than you win.
The catch
The opening bet is already five units ($50, 10% of a $500 budget), and every loss pushes the next bet higher. A run of four losses turns the line into 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 and the next bet into $90. In our test, the average session wagered $4,570, more than four times flat betting, and at about 3 cents lost per $ wagered, that adds up.
What 10,000 sessions show
$500 budget, $10 units, 2x, 100 rounds: median $0, best 10% at $1,750 or more, and 78.6% of sessions ran out of money. It’s the most explosive system we tested, with the biggest top-end wins and the highest bust rate. Compare it with the Martingale strategy (50.2% ran dry) and gentler Anti-Martingale (1%).
Making it more playable
- Shorten the line: 1-1-1 (bets of two units) grows far slower than 1-2-3-4.
- Cap the bet at 10% of your budget.
- Stop after a cleared line and start fresh next session.
Every system ranked side by side: best betting system for crash games. Prefer something steadier? See flat betting.
Try Labouchère
Test your line in the simulator below before using it in Aviator or JetX. Stake Crash has a 99% RTP, which trims the cost of high-turnover systems like this one.
Play smart: a cleared line is a win. Take the 10 units and stop; the next line starts with the same risk.
Strategy simulator
- Median final bankroll
- Unlucky (10th percentile)
- Lucky (90th percentile)
- Chance of going bust
- Median max drawdown
- Average rounds played
Example: 1000 sessions of 100 rounds, bankroll $500, base bet $10, target 2x, 3% edge
| Strategy | Median final bankroll | Unlucky (10th percentile) | Lucky (90th percentile) | Chance of going bust |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labouchère | $0 | $0 | $1,800 | 76.5% |
| Fixed bet | $480 | $360 | $600 | 0.0% |
Run it a few times with different settings to find the approach that fits your bankroll and playing style.
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Frequently asked questions
How does the Labouchère system work?
Write a line of numbers, such as 1-2-3-4. Bet the first plus the last. Win: cross both off. Lose: add your stake to the end. Finish the line and you’re up its total.
Does Labouchère work in Aviator?
Finished lines win, which feels great, but a few losses make the bets big very quickly. In our test 78.6% of 100-round sessions ran dry.
What target should I use with Labouchère?
2x, because the system is designed for even-money bets.
Why is it called the cancellation system?
Because you cancel (cross off) numbers from your line as you win.
How can I make Labouchère safer?
Use a shorter line, a small unit, a maximum bet and a hard session stop.
By Daniel Foster · Crash Game Maths & Mechanics Analyst
Daniel focuses on the mathematics and mechanics behind crash games. His reviews examine RTP disclosures, volatility, multipliers, game mechanics and the mathematical principles behind different crash titles.
Fact-checked by Alex Morgan
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