Systems library

Labouchere Roulette System – Cancellation, Lines & Hidden Risk

A structured line‑based system that can quietly build large stakes.

This guide explains how the system works step by step, why players like it, how it really behaves under streaks, and how it fits into the bigger picture of roulette math.

Use it alongside the Probability Calculator, EV Calculator and Losing Streak Calculator to see the numbers behind the ideas before risking real money.

1. What Labouchere is trying to do

Labouchere, also called the cancellation system, uses a written line of numbers to control stake size on even‑money bets. Each number represents one or more units of your base stake. You bet the sum of the first and last numbers, cross off numbers after wins, and add numbers after losses.

The goal is to “cancel” the entire line and lock in a predefined profit in units. The structure feels disciplined and purposeful, but long losing stretches cause the line to grow and embed larger and larger stakes into future bets. That slow, sometimes invisible growth is where volatility and bankroll risk really sit. The volatility & bankroll guide explains how those streaks play out in practice.

2. How the cancellation line works

A simple Labouchere line might be:

1 – 1 – 2 – 2

Each “1” or “2” is a unit of your base stake (for example, $5). The sum of the line (1+1+2+2 = 6) is your target profit in units if you successfully cancel the whole line. The rules:

1

Your first bet is the sum of the first and last numbers: here, 1 + 2 = 3 units.
2

If you win, cross off the first and last numbers used for that bet.
3

If you lose, append the stake size (3) to the end of the line.
4

Repeat: always bet the sum of the first and last remaining numbers until all numbers are crossed out or you stop.

3. Example Labouchere session

Using the line 1 – 1 – 2 – 2 with a $5 base unit:

Spin	Line before bet	Stake (units)	Stake ($)	Result	Line after bet	Cumulative P/L
1	1 – 1 – 2 – 2	3	$15	Lose	1 – 1 – 2 – 2 – 3	−$15
2	1 – 1 – 2 – 2 – 3	4	$20	Lose	1 – 1 – 2 – 2 – 3 – 4	−$35
3	1 – 1 – 2 – 2 – 3 – 4	5	$25	Win	1 – 1 – 2 – 2 – 3	−$10
4	1 – 1 – 2 – 2 – 3	4	$20	Win	1 – 1 – 2	+$10

Even in this short run you see the core personality: losses make the line longer and embed bigger numbers; wins shorten it and release profit. In longer bad runs, the line can become very long and contain large numbers, which translates into large future bets.

4. Volatility, hidden exposure & bankroll impact

Labouchere’s volatility is sneaky. Stakes often don’t explode as visibly as in Martingale, but the line itself can represent a huge commitment.

Line growth

Each loss appends a new number, which increases both the target profit and the size of future stakes.
Psychology

Crossing off numbers feels good and can hide how deep into the sequence you are.

From a bankroll perspective, the key risk is being “trapped” deep in a long line with large numbers at both ends. The next few bets may be much larger than your original intentions. The volatility & bankroll guide puts this in context by showing how streaks create these oversized lines and what that means for a finite session bankroll.

5. Pros, cons & realistic verdict

Aspect	Pros	Cons
Structure	Clear written plan; many players like the feeling of crossing off numbers.	Record‑keeping errors can completely change results.
Volatility	Less obviously explosive than Martingale.	Hidden line growth can still lead to very large stakes.
Psychology	Provides a sense of “working toward a goal”.	Goal orientation can encourage overstaying bad runs.
Math reality	Good example of how structure doesn’t change edge.	House edge from odds & edge still rules.

Labouchere is a fascinating structure to analyze but not a way to beat roulette. If you use it at all, pairing very small units with strict bankroll and time limits is more important than the line you write down. For common misconceptions (“the line always gets cancelled eventually”), see roulette system myths.