If you’ve played casino games before, whether online or in a brick-and-mortar venue, there’s a high possibility that you’ve come across gambling systems such as the Martingale. Wagering systems have been utilized by players for centuries, some have even crossed over into other disciplines and pursuits — the Martingale system is often used by Forex traders, for example.
While plenty of pro casino players rely on a combination of different betting systems, how effective are they for the average online casino user? For instance, are codified systems more profitable than following a basic online blackjack strategy? Let’s take a closer look.
Introducing Gambling Systems
Gambling systems are essentially a set of rules and methodologies that guide players in their approach to making wagers when playing casino games. Casino players use established systems aimed to generate a strategic edge during play or increase their chances of winning by following specific patterns, such as bet sizing.
Ever since popular games like roulette and blackjack first came into play, casino enthusiasts have attempted to create the perfect gambling system, several of which are still widely used today. These include:
Martingale System
The Martingale system is a popular betting strategy that revolves around doubling your bet after every loss. The idea behind this system is that, eventually, a win will occur, and the accumulated losses will be recovered.
Anti-Martingale System
As the name suggests, the Anti-Martingale system takes the opposite approach to the Martingale. When using this system, players increase their bets after a win and reduce them after a loss. The rationale behind this approach is to minimize the potential losses of a losing streak while capitalizing on winning streaks.
Labouchere System:
A more advanced approach to casino wagering, the Labourchere System is often called “the cancellation system”. Using this method, players determine their ideal amount to win and then create a sequence of numbers that total that goal.
Each bet placed equals the sum of the first and last numbers in the system. If the bet is profitable, both numbers are removed from the sequence, but in the event of a loss, the player adds the amount wagered to the end of the sequence.
d’Alembert System:
Another advanced approach to wagering, the d’Alembert, is a moderate progression system that builds on the fundamental methodology of the Martingale. In this system, players bet a fixed amount following a loss and decrease their bets by the same amount following a win. This system aims to strike a balance between mitigating risk (minimizing losses) and winning back any previous losses.
Gambling Systems vs a Strategic Approach
While gambling systems can produce results, they’re not always the best methods to employ if you’re looking to increase profitability at the tables. Gambling methodologies may seem like the complete package. However, they’re typically based on the assumption that casino games play out with inherent patterns and trends. As you should already know, casino games are designed to be random, with each outcome being independent of previous results, making it impossible to consistently predict correct outcomes.
Making use of gambling systems can often result in short-term success, but if you’re looking for a consistent edge, playing with a strategic approach can often be more applicable.
Taking a strategic approach to your favorite casino games acknowledges the fact that to be successful at each discipline, you need to hone your skills, increase your knowledge and deploy strategic maneuvers. Rather than relying on a one size fits all methodology, taking a strategic approach requires learning the intricacies of different games. Studying the odds, knowing the house edge attached to certain bets, and mastering optimal set pieces means you can adapt your approach to the specific game and situation at hand.
Tips to Play More Strategically
Taking a strategic approach to casino gambling can significantly strengthen your chances of success. Here are some of our best tips to level up your game:
Understand the Rules
Before parting with your cash and diving into betting:
- Take the time to understand your chosen game’s specific rules and intricacies.
- Familiarize yourself with the odds associated with different bets and outcomes, especially when it comes to games with a variable house edge.
- Remember that in casino gaming, knowledge is power, so a solid understanding of the mechanics of each game will enable you to make informed decisions.
Practice Makes Perfect
While you may not be able to walk into a brick-and-mortar casino and start playing games for free, in the online realm, plenty of free casino games are available on PCs and mobiles alike. Practice really does make perfect, and taking advantage of free games is the perfect way to build your confidence and skill level.
Manage Your Bankroll
One of the keys to playing strategically is to manage your bankroll properly. Set a budget for how much you’re able to bet for each gaming session and stick to it. Things like setting loss limits, winning goals and remembering not to chase losses are simple bankroll management tips that anyone can follow.