Developed by a French mathematician in the 18th century, the D Alembert strategy is both easy to learn and enjoyable to use. This method has stood the test of time and is often compared to the Martingale strategy, but with less risk. Let’s explore with HunnyPlay how it works and how to use it effectively.
What is the D Alembert Strategy?
The D Alembert strategy, or D Alembert system, is a negative progression betting system developed by the French mathematician Jean Baptiste Le Rond D Alembert.
The system is simple: after every loss, you increase your bet by one unit, and after every win, you reduce your bet by one unit. The cycle continues until you return to your initial stake.
This strategy is most commonly used for even-money bets—bets with nearly a 50/50 chance of winning. In roulette, for example, this could include betting on red or black, or even or odd numbers.
While primarily associated with roulette, the D Alembert strategy can also be applied to other games with even-money wagers like blackjack or craps. Some sports betting markets with similar odds may also be a good fit for this method.
By balancing increases after losses and decreases after wins, the D Alembert strategy aims to control risk while giving players a structured, manageable approach to gambling.
How Does the D Alembert Strategy Work?
As a negative progression system, the D Alembert strategy shares similarities with betting methods like Martingale and Fibonacci.
However, it’s much less aggressive, increasing bets in a more controlled and conservative way after each loss.
The principle is simple: after a loss, you increase your bet by one unit. When you win, you reduce your stake by the same amount. This method is ideal for players with smaller bankrolls or those who prefer a balanced betting approach.
How it works in practice:
- Set your base unit (for example, $10).
- Place your first bet at even money. If you win, you pocket $10.
- Keep the same $10 bet for the next round. If you win again, you’ve earned another $10.
- Bet $10 once more but lose this time.
- Increase your next bet to $20. If this loses, move to the next step.
- Raise your stake to $30 after the loss. If you lose again, continue.
- Bet $40, and if you win, you earn $40.
- Decrease your stake back to $30 after the win. If this bet wins, your cycle is complete.
By the end of this sequence, you will have wagered $150 in total and made a $30 profit. While this return may seem smaller compared to the Martingale system, it’s much safer, as you avoid committing large portions of your bankroll to chase losses.
The D Alembert strategy offers a steady, controlled approach to betting, ideal for those who want to manage risk without overly aggressive tactics.
The D Alembert betting system module (Source: PlayToday)
The D Alembert Strategy Example
| Bet amount | Outcome | Result | Profit |
| 2 | Lose | -$2 | -$2 |
| 3 | Lose | -$3 | -$5 |
| 4 | Lose | -$4 | -$9 |
| 5 | Win | +$5 | -$4 |
| 4 | Win | +$4 | $0 |
Reverse D Alembert
The Reverse D Alembert is a positive progression strategy, working in the opposite way to the traditional D Alembert. In this approach, you increase your bet after a win and decrease it after a loss.
This method focuses on capitalizing on winning streaks rather than chasing losses.
Many players prefer to raise their stakes when they’re winning, making the Reverse D Alembert strategy an appealing choice. It’s also less risky than the Reverse Martingale but not as popular as the Paroli system.
If you like building on wins while keeping risk moderate, the Reverse D Alembert might be the right strategy for you.
The D Alembert Strategy: Pros and Cons
When it comes to betting strategies, the D Alembert system has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a breakdown of the key pros and cons to consider:
Pros
- Chasing losses: This system is ideal for players who want to recoup losses gradually. With one win, you can offset multiple previous losses.
- Small wins: The strategy focuses on earning consistent, small wins without the need to increase bets after a victory.
- Low bankroll requirement: You don’t need a large budget to use the D Alembert. Unlike the Martingale system, table limits are rarely a concern.
- Simple to follow: The D Alembert is easy to understand compared to more complex systems like Fibonacci, allowing you to focus on the game.
- Bankroll control: This method offers better control over your finances, avoiding random bet amounts.
- Longer play sessions: The system can lead to extended sessions, which is great for accumulating loyalty points at casinos.
Cons
- Gambler’s fallacy: The strategy is based on the flawed belief that wins or losses are due after a streak, which has been proven false.
- Doesn’t erase all losses: Unlike Martingale, the D Alembert doesn’t cancel out all previous losses with a win.
- Risk of large bets: Even though it’s low-risk, a long losing streak can force you to place higher bets, which might be intimidating.
- Misses winning streaks: The system reduces your bet after each win, meaning you won’t capitalize fully on a winning streak.
- Limited to even-money bets: This approach only works with even-money wagers, which restricts its flexibility.
In summary, the D Alembert strategy offers a more controlled and less aggressive approach to betting, but it doesn’t guarantee the erasure of losses and may not suit every player’s style, especially during long losing streaks.
The D Alembert system is ideal for players who want to recoup losses gradually. (Source: Internet)
Using the D Alembert System for Specific Cases
For Roulette
The D Alembert strategy is perfect for even-money bets, which is why it’s often associated with roulette. In this game, you have several “outside bets” that offer a 1:1 payout.
These include betting on Red/Black, Odd/Even, or High (19-36) or Low (1-18). Essentially, each of these bets gives you a near 50% chance of winning.
Though there are many betting options in roulette, it’s a fast-paced game. You’ll likely place numerous wagers in a short time frame.
To manage this, it’s wise to start with a minimal bet unit, such as $1. This allows you to ease into the strategy without risking too much too quickly.
The version of roulette you choose also makes a difference. European roulette, for instance, only has a single zero, which gives it a 97.30% RTP.
In contrast, American roulette includes an additional zero, lowering its RTP to 94.64%. By opting for European roulette, you can better preserve your bankroll and improve the overall effectiveness of the D Alembert system.
The D Alembert strategy is perfect for even-money bets like roulette. (Source: Internet)
For Blackjack
Blackjack is a popular casino game with a high RTP, often exceeding 99%. This makes it a great option for players who want to use betting systems like the D Alembert strategy.
Since each hand results in either losing your bet or doubling your money, the D Alembert system fits naturally into blackjack’s gameplay.
Start by betting a single unit, then adjust your bet based on the outcome. If you lose, increase your next bet by one unit. If you win, decrease your bet by one unit.
It gets a bit more complex when you double down or split cards. If you double down and lose, increase your next bet by two units.
Conversely, if you win after doubling down, reduce your next stake by two units. The same rule applies when you split: increase by two units if you lose both hands, and decrease by two if you win both.
By using the D Alembert strategy, you can maintain a controlled approach, even with these more complex blackjack scenarios.
For Sport Betting
When applying the D Alembert system to sports betting, the key is to focus on even-money outcomes.
However, this can be more challenging due to the vigorish (commission) charged by online sportsbooks, which typically results in a 4.77% house edge.
To effectively use the D Alembert strategy in sports betting, aim for outcomes as close to even money as possible. You’ll need to win about 55% of your bets to stay profitable.
This requires careful match analysis and detailed research on competitors to make well-informed decisions.
For frequent sports bettors, the D Alembert system offers a way to simplify betting by providing structure. It also allows you to recover losses more conservatively, which is important given the unpredictable nature of sports outcomes.
The key to applying the D Alembert system in sports betting is to focus on even-money outcomes. (Source: Internet)
Tips for Using the D Alembert System
To get the most from the D Alembert strategy, keep these key tips in mind:
- Set a manageable bet unit: Start with a bet size you can afford, especially in fast-paced games like roulette.
- Be prepared for losing streaks: Negative progression systems increase bets after losses, so ensure you have the bankroll to handle losing runs.
- Focus on even money bets: Prioritize 50/50 bets like red/black in roulette to boost your recovery chances.
- Use data for sports bets: In sports betting, aim for odds near +110 and make decisions based on thorough research and analysis.
These tips will help you use the D Alembert system more effectively while managing risks.
D Alembert Strategy: FAQs
Q: How does the D Alembert system work?
A: The D Alembert system is a negative progression betting method. After a loss, you increase your next bet by one unit.
For example, if you lose a $10 bet, your next bet should be $20. After a win, you reduce your next bet by one unit, lowering the stakes as you recover your losses gradually.
Q: What is the difference between Oscar’s grind and D Alembert?
A: Both systems involve adjusting bet sizes, but with Oscar’s Grind, you increase the bet after a win to take advantage of streaks.
In contrast, the D Alembert strategy increases bets after a loss to recover from it. Oscar’s Grind focuses on building on wins, while D Alembert aims to balance losses and wins over time.
Q: What is the reverse D Alembert strategy?
A: The Reverse D Alembert flips the traditional system. Instead of increasing your bet after a loss, you raise the bet after a win.
If you lose, you decrease the bet by one unit. This method tries to capitalize on winning streaks, making it a positive progression approach.
Conclusion
While no betting system guarantees success, the D Alembert strategy provides a structured way to manage your bankroll, making it a useful tool for both beginners and seasoned players alike. Try to apply this system at HunnyPlay to understand its strengths and limitations. You can use this strategy effectively in games that feature even-money bets.