Betting Systems: The D’Alembert System
Gamblers are always looking for a sure fire betting system to make them a winner. And while most feel that no system is a sure thing (and they aren’t) there are several well known “systems” out there that can make the evening more interesting. One such system is The D’Alembert System.
The D’Alembert system (sometimes called just the Alembert System) is a betting system designed to maximize your wins and minimize your losses by decreasing one betting unit after a win, and increasing a bet by one unit after a loss.
The D’Alembert system uses some techniques from the Martingale betting system (albeit in a somewhat opposite fashion). The Martingale System is a system where you pocket every win but double the bet (if possible) after every loss. Martingale supporters believe an eventual win will compensate for the previous loses.
The logic behind the D’Alembert system is that there is an order or logic to the universe, probability, or just a balance to wins and losses (we don’t mean to get too deep or spacey here, but that’s what it depends on.)
This betting system incorporates the popular gambler’s belief that something that hasn’t happened yet has a greater probability of happening in the future. So if you lose four games in a row, it’s believed that your next hand has a greater chance to win because you have to balance out the losses. Many D’Alembert supporters believe winning and losing balances out – if you win, the chances are you will lose next time, so decrease your bet. If you lose, chances are, you will win next, so increase your bet. So it’s somewhat similar to the Martingale System in this regard.
One of the main criticisms against the system is that it does not really allow for winning and losing streaks, nor does it allow one to get too excited after a win (or too down after a loss). Gamblers like to think they have some outcome over luck-based situations (like shouting “c’mon lucky number 7” or perhaps even wearing their lucky underwear!) So the D’Alembert System principle of assuming a loss after a win does not sit well with these kinds of players – you won’t see a D’Alembert disciple screaming “let it ride, baby!!”
But to many, that sort of cavalier attitude is the reason they game in the first place. So it’s generally up to you to determine if the system is right for you – is your play style more pessimistic / passive? If so, then the D’Alembert System might be right up your alley.
But if you’re the “let it ride” type, well, pack your lucky underwear for your trip to Vegas!
