How the Martingale Strategy works in Roulette

The Martingale technique is a centuries-old gambling strategy. It continues to attract interest in the online casino world, particularly in roulette. 

This article explores the basics of this technique, how to apply it, and its many different variants. 

What is the Martingale technique? 

The Martingale technique is a gambling strategy based on the principle of doubling the stakes after each loss, in the hope of recovering previous losses and making a profit equal to the initial stake. 

Although often used in games of chance such as roulette, blackjack, and even sports betting, the Martingale method involves significant risks, and can quickly have a negative impact on your balance. 

This technique can lead to substantial losses if the losing streak persists. That's why we always recommend using it with great caution.  

Variations of the Martingale method 

Although the classic Martingale method remains the most famous, there are many variations of this strategy. Many players experiment with them in the hope of emerging victorious. 

It's crucial to remember, however, that these variations in no way alter the probability of winning. 

Classic Martingale 

The classic Martingale method is a gambling strategy in which the bettor doubles his stake after each loss. In doing so, the aim is to recover all previous losses and make a profit equal to the initial stake. 

Mainly used in games of chance such as roulette, the Martingale method is based on the idea that, in the long term, a win will cancel out all previous losses. 

However, this approach carries significant risks, as a series of consecutive losses can quickly lead to large stakes and considerable losses. 

The Grand Martingale 

The Grand Martingale is a variant closely related to the classic martingale, but just as simple to understand. Here, too, the strategy is based on simple odds, such as Black/Red, Even/Odd, or Miss/Pass. 

For example, if the ball stops on red, the strategy is to bet on black systematically in the next round, betting on the fact that this color will fall at some point. 

The Grand Martingale is also distinguished by its more aggressive betting system, which not only doubles the previous bet in the event of a loss, but also adds a unit to it. 

In the event of a win, this approach aims to reimburse losses while generating additional profit compared with the classic Martingale. 

The Martingale Piquemouche 

The Martingale Piquemouche is designed, above all, to minimize losses and prolong playing sessions. It differs from the other variants in its betting system. 

If you win, you continue with the same stake, but if you lose, a unit is simply added. 

Only after three successive losses is the stake doubled. This lower-risk approach allows for longer playing sessions, albeit with more modest winnings. 

However, the need to string together consecutive wins complicates the recovery of losses, making it harder to achieve a positive win. 

The d'Alembert Martingale 

This variant of the Martingale method is inspired by the d'Alembert pyramid, designed by the mathematician of the same name. Like the Martingale Piquemouche strategy, this approach is primarily aimed at containing losses and prolonging the gaming session. 

Its mechanism is extremely simple to understand. You start with one unit, then you must continue with another if you win. In the event of defeat, the stake is increased by one unit for the next bet. 

In the event of success on the following turn, the unit bet is reduced to one unit. In the event of defeat, an additional unit is added, and so on. 

The major advantage of this technique lies in the considerable limitation of risk. The sum of the bets remains relatively modest, close to the initial amount. This makes it easy to stay within the budget established at the start of the game, thus prolonging its duration. 

The main disadvantage is the need to win one game after another to recover all the money lost during the game. 

The Wells' Martingale 

The Wells' Martingale system is based on d'Alembert's and follows the same principle. It is primarily aimed at players who wish to bet 5 units at the start of a session. 

After a losing bet, the stake is increased by one unit, and in the event of a win, it is reduced by one unit. 

The invaluable advantage of Wells' Martingale lies in the possibility of decreasing the stake amount from the first winning bet, unlike d'Alembert's Martingale, which imposes a constant stake. 

This low-risk approach encourages good balance management by prompting the player to reduce his initial stake. As a tactic recommended for players on a limited budget, it may even prove fruitful in the long term. 

Paroli's Martingale 

Paroli's Martingale is a gambling strategy that contrasts with the classic Martingale. When you win a bet, you double your stake for the next one, aiming to capitalize on your winning streak. 

Unlike Martingale, this approach minimizes risk by increasing bets only after consecutive successes. Once a winning streak ends, you return to your original stake. 

This method is also a double-edged sword, however, since having to increase the stakes with each win can cause extra stress. It also forces you to risk part of the profit you've just built up. 

Martin Yung's Martingale 

Martin Yung's Martingale is a variation on the Paroli Martingale method, named after its creator. Although potentially lucrative, it's essential to emphasize the high-risk nature of this strategy. 

This Martingale variant is based on a continuous reduction in the number of moves to be played, in relation to the player's potential losses. The strategy is based on a sequence of five rounds. 

The stakes increase progressively, regardless of the outcome. If you win all five rounds by betting consecutively 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 units, your final win will be 31 units. 

If you lose on your first bet, you lose one unit. You'll then bet 2 units on the next turn, but now aim for a target of four winning moves. 

The undeniable strength of this strategy lies in its ability to generate large winnings in a single winning round. If this sequence is repeated several times during a game, the player naturally reaps the benefits. 

However, a series of unfavorable results can lead to a rapid loss of your balance. 

Whittaker's Martingale 

Whittaker's Martingale is a gambling strategy based on a specific mathematical sequence. Unlike the classic martingale, it does not involve doubling the stakes after each loss.  

The calculation to determine the next bet is the sum of the two previous bets, creating an arithmetic sequence (1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, etc.). This approach is characterized by a progressive increase in stakes.  

However, the disadvantage is that at least two consecutive successes are required to compensate for initial losses. The advantage of Whittaker's Martingale lies in the margin created in the event of successive losses. 

Once a win occurs, you start again at the beginning of your sequence.

The Belgian Martingale 

The principle of the Belgian Martingale lies in the progressive increase of one unit with each loss. Starting with a bet of one unit, you move up to two units after a loss, then three, four and so on. 

As soon as the first profits are made, the strategy evolves towards that of Paroli. For example, if you bet 5 dollars and win 10 dollars, the next round will consist of betting this freshly won sum. 

The advantage of the Belgian Martingale is demonstrated by two consecutive successes. This technique offers the advantage of a moderate increase in stake in the event of an unfavorable series. 

The Belgian Martingale 

The principle of the Belgian Martingale lies in the progressive increase of one unit with each loss. Starting with a bet of one unit, you move up to two units after a loss, then three, four and so on. 

As soon as the first profits are made, the strategy evolves towards that of Paroli. For example, if you bet 5 dollars and win 10 dollars, the next round will consist of betting this freshly won sum. 

The advantage of the Belgian Martingale is demonstrated by two consecutive successes. This technique offers the advantage of a moderate increase in stake in the event of an unfavorable series. 

Cyclical Martingale 

This strategy is based on a cyclical pattern and is particularly useful in the event of a negative sequence.  

Let's take the example of a three-cycle Martingale. Suppose you've suffered a loss of five units. In this case, you would follow the following cycle: 1, 1, 1, 3, 3, 3, 9, 9, 9.  

It's crucial to note that as soon as you're no longer negative, the cycle ends. So, it's essential to keep a close eye on your progress. 

Caution is advised, as the Cyclical Martingale only works in the event of a winning streak. This technique is therefore rather irregular and unstable, and the recovery of losses is not guaranteed. 

It's best suited to experienced gamblers capable of patience.

The Sawtooth Martingale 

When following this Martingale variant, you start with 10 units, decreasing by one unit after each loss. After two successive losses, the stake is considerably reduced to a single unit, until the next win.  

Once you win a turn, you return to the initial 10-unit stake. This approach is particularly interesting, as it limits losses while facilitating judicious management of your balance. 

The American Martingale 

The aim of the American Martingale is to cancel two losses with each win. After two losses, the stake becomes the sum of the two losses.  

In the event of consecutive losses, you play the sum of the first and last losses that have not been wiped out, repeating this process until the losses are completely eliminated. 

While particularly interesting, this Martingale method requires methodology and concentration. We recommend that you make a note of your losses and cross them off as you go along. 

Are Martingale techniques allowed in online casinos?  

Although these techniques can be interesting, the vast majority of online casinos are not keen on allowing their players to use any variant of the Martingale technique on their platforms. 

They often impose wagering limits on the tables, making it difficult to apply the Martingale method over the long term.  

What's more, their terms and conditions may limit or even prohibit the use of such strategies.