Reverse Labouchere
Overview
The positive-progression mirror of the Labouchere system: instead of crossing off numbers after wins, you add the stake to the sequence after wins. Cross off after losses. This means your stakes grow during hot streaks and shrink during cold ones — the opposite of standard Labouchere.
How It Works
- Write a starting sequence (e.g., 1-2-3)
- Each bet: stake = first + last number
- Win: Add the stake amount to the end of the sequence
- Loss: Cross off the first and last numbers
- When the sequence is empty (all numbers crossed off from losses), accept the loss and restart
Example (1-2-3, even-money):
- Bet 1: stake = 1+3 = 4. Win → sequence becomes 1-2-3-4
- Bet 2: stake = 1+4 = 5. Win → 1-2-3-4-5
- Bet 3: stake = 1+5 = 6. Lose → cross 1 and 5 → 2-3-4
- Bet 4: stake = 2+4 = 6. Win → 2-3-4-6
The sequence grows on wins (compounding hot streaks) and shrinks on losses (limiting damage).
Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
sequence |
number[] | [1,2,3] | Starting number sequence |
cap |
number | — | Optional maximum sequence length |
Risk Assessment
- Risk Level: Medium
- Max Drawdown: The initial sequence sum (e.g., 1+2+3 = 6 units). Losses shrink the sequence.
- Recommended Bankroll: 10× initial sequence sum
- Ruin Risk: Low — you only lose the initial sequence, and it shrinks during losses
When to Use
- Your winners cluster in streaks
- You want a positive progression with more structure than Paroli
- You enjoy the sequence-based mechanics
When to Avoid
- Isolated winners (sequence never grows meaningfully)
- You find sequence tracking tedious
Comparison: Labouchere vs Reverse
| Labouchere | Reverse Labouchere | |
|---|---|---|
| After win | Cross off numbers | Add to sequence |
| After loss | Add to sequence | Cross off numbers |
| Stakes during hot streak | Shrink | Grow |
| Stakes during cold streak | Grow | Shrink |
| Risk | High | Medium |
Betfair Exchange Notes
- For lay Reverse Labouchere, track sequence based on liability rather than stake
- Commission reduces the effective addition to the sequence after wins
Related Plans
- Labouchere — Standard (negative progression) version
- Lay Labouchere — Lay-specific standard Labouchere
- Paroli — Simpler positive progression (just double, no sequence)
Sources
- Plan mechanics: Classic betting system (public domain)
- Plan catalog reference: The Staking Machine — staking plan software with 50+ plans