The Martingale
system: (Money management betting systems, gambling
systems.)
Negative progression system, the oldest known
system.
(See also "The Ormond System"
below)
The Martingale system is a very old and extremely
simple system. It is based on the probability of losing
infinite times in a row and is usually applied to
'even money' bets.
You start with one bet. If you win, you start again
with one bet. If you lose, you double your bet. Each time
you lose, you double your last lost bet. Eventually you
are bound to win. When you win you would recover all your
lost bets plus one unit (or chip) profit against your
initial wager.
Although infallible in theory, the Martingale system
requires a large bankroll, has a very low return and is a
very risky one because of the maximum bet limits imposed
by the casinos. If you run out of money or reach the house
limit, you can lose a lot with no chance to recover your
losses.
The Ormond System:
Negative progression, a variation of the Martingale
System.
Assumes you will win before you reach the house limit
and can bankroll the losing run. Bet an initial amount
(N). For each win, on the next bet N again. For each lose
bet N*x+N where x is the number of losing bets. Thus if
you finally win, you will recover all bet money, plus N
for every loss. The progression would look like this on a
$5 table. 5, 15, 35, 75, 155, 315, etc. As with all
negative progressions, and this one even more so, it
requires more capital and is employed to force a winning
outcome following a losing streak.
Anti-martingale System:
Positive progression.
Remarks: pre-decide a win, say 7 units
Bet on red. if win leave the two on red (or switch to
black if you feel like it). If win again leave the four on
another even chance. If win the third in a row skim the
seven and restart with one. Every time you lose restart
with one.
* Negative progression betting systems: You
increase the bet when you lose. Require more capital and
usually employed to force a winning outcome following a
losing streak. (Nerve-wracking, very painful when you
lose. Avoid these systems if you can.)
