The D'Alembert strategy is grounded in the theory of progression and shares many similarities with the Martingale method. However, unlike the latter, this system is much less aggressive. It also involves increasing and decreasing the bet size after positive and unsuccessful outcomes. However, the increment here is calculated on an arithmetic, rather than geometric, progression. As a result, the potential losses for the user in a series of losing bets are significantly lower.
Basics of the Strategy
According to the D'Alembert system, the user should make predictions on outcomes with equal chances. These are bets that lead to one of two results with a probability close to 50-50. A vivid example of this is predictions on red or black, even or odd in roulette. In the event of a win, the person receives a payout and either keeps the bet size at the initial level if it was the first one for the session, or decreases it by one step. In case of failure, the amount of the bet increases.
Unlike the Martingale strategy, the D'Alembert system does not involve covering all previous losses with one lucky spin. It may take several spins before the user comes out ahead. However, this drawback is completely offset by reduced risks. While geometric progression of bet size allows for just a few consecutive predictions, arithmetic progression offers the opportunity to prolong the session and protect against variance.
The D'Alembert strategy, like any other betting system, does not guarantee a win. It merely reduces the casino's mathematical advantage over a short distance.
This strategy can only be applied in games where bets on equal chances are provided. If the probabilities of one of the two outcomes are not the same or are far from 50%, the system will not work even in theory.
Example of Using the D'Alembert Strategy
Initially, the user must determine the starting bet size. This can be done by dividing the deposit amount into several equal parts. For example, into 30 parts. Then the user chooses an outcome and bets one hypothetical unit on it. If the result is positive, the prediction is repeated. In case of an unsuccessful outcome, the bet remains the same, but the amount increases by one hypothetical unit.
Let's consider an example. The user has deposited $1500. Dividing this amount into 30 equal parts, the initial bet size is determined. It is $50. The user's further actions are presented in the table.
| Spin number | Rate, dollars | Result | Balance, dollars |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 50 | Winning | 50 |
| 2 | 50 | Defeat | 0 |
| 3 | 100 | Defeat | -100 |
| 4 | 150 | Defeat | -250 |
| 5 | 200 | Winning | -50 |
| 6 | 150 | Winning | 100 |
Thus, with an equal number of positive and negative outcomes, the user ended up ahead by two initial bets.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the D'Alembert Strategy
This betting system is based on arithmetic progression. This means that the effectiveness of the strategy is mathematically justified. However, the practical effectiveness may differ from the theoretical one. The strategy was developed assuming that predictions would be made on outcomes with a 50% probability. However, any gambling game gives the casino a slight advantage. In the case of roulette, for example, it's the zero field, reducing the chances of red and black to 48.65%. Over a few spins, this may go unnoticed, but over a distance, the deviation is noticeable.
In American roulette, the casino's advantage is 5.25% due to the presence of two zero cells on the field. The deviation from equal chances is even more pronounced here.
At the same time, the D'Alembert strategy has several important advantages over other betting systems:
- It is less demanding on the deposit amount, as it is based on arithmetic progression.
- For the same reason, the system is considered less risky and allows for long sessions.
- The influence of variance is noticeably reduced compared to the Martingale.
- It is easy to learn, and there are no difficulties in calculating the bet size during its application.
From these advantages also arise some disadvantages. The main one is that after a long series of failures, it may take a lot of time to come out ahead. Previous losses are not covered by a single successful prediction.
During the application of the D'Alembert strategy, it is important not to succumb to emotions and to maintain a sequence of actions. If you deviate from the instructions even once and make an incorrect bet, the cycle will have to start over.
