The Martingale Betting System in Blackjack
The Martingale betting system is a popular online blackjack strategy where the bet size is double so that the win covers the previous loss. In this guide, we’ll show you how this strategy works and how effective it is when you’re playing online blackjack. You’ll also learn about its pros and cons to uncover whether this is the right strategy for you. Finally, we’ll look at a couple of alternative strategies such as the Reverse Martingale and Grand Martingale.
How does the Martingale system work in blackjack?
When using the blackjack Martingale system, you double your wager after each loss. The aim of this system is to recover from your losses with a subsequent win. This principle is based on the assumption that a win will eventually occur to cover your previous losses. However, that is not always the case and players should be cautious with this approach to avoid chasing losses.
Chasing losses can be detrimental as it may lead to further losses. Also, to put this strategy into effect, you’ll need to consider your bankroll. With that said, let’s look at how to use the system:
- Start with a base bet – say, £5.
- If you lose the initial bet, double the size to make your next wager £10.
- For consecutive losses, keep doubling your bet. So, after losing the £10 wager, the next bet size would be £20, then £40, and so on.
- When you finally win a wager, you will go back to your original bet of £5.
The pros of the Martingale in blackjack
This betting strategy can offer certain pros over other methods when playing online blackjack. These upsides include:
- Simple strategy: The blackjack Martingale strategy is very straightforward as it only requires you to change the bet size after each loss. It is an easy task for all players.
- A win does recover previous loss: As you double your bets after losses, a single win with this approach would recover the previous stakes making it slightly more simple to track.
- Structured betting practice: This strategy provides a disciplined approach to playing rather than placing random bets.
The cons of the Martingale in blackjack
There are also a few disadvantages to consider when you’re using the Martingale strategy for online blackjack. Let’s take a look at the downsides:
- No impact on house edge: The Martingale system cannot alter the inherent house edge of online blackjack. Each hand remains independent of the previous ones with the same odds.
- Exponential increase in bet size: The blackjack strategy “double bet” after losses can rapidly increase the amount you wager.
- Risk of big losses: Losing streaks will shrink your bankroll quickly when you use the Martingale, and this is more than possible in a game.
- Table limits: You will reach the table limit sooner if you’re on a losing streak. At that point, you can no longer double your bet, so the system can no longer function as intended. Therefore, the previous loss can no longer be recovered.
How effective is the Martingale system in blackjack?
The effectiveness of the Martingale system in online blackjack is limited. The typical house edge in a round of blackjack is usually around 0.5% to 1%. Whether you use the system or not, the house edge doesn’t change at all. Therefore, you have the same probability of winning a hand regardless of whether or not you use the Martingale system.
Most online casino tables have maximum bet limits. So, if you encounter a long losing streak, you’ll quickly reach that limit, and the effectiveness of the system will be lost. It’s a risky strategy that can result in rising stakes quickly.
Alternative approaches of the Martingale
There are many other online blackjack strategies you can follow. The Reverse Martingale is a less aggressive option and the Grand Martingale is an even more aggressive strategy. While no strategy assures you a win, knowing them gives you different options for approaching your betting when playing blackjack.
Reverse Martingale
Also known as the Paroli system, this strategy is the opposite of the Martingale. Here, you double the bet size after every win and continue to do so until you lose. After a losing wager, you go back to your initial bet size. So, if you start with £5 and win, you increase the bet to £10. If you win again, you wager £20, then £40, and so on. As soon as you lose a bet, you go back to your original £5 bet.
Grand Martingale
Here, you double a losing bet and then add the initial wager with it. For example, if you lose a £5 bet, your next bet should be £15 (£5 x 2 + £5).
After you win a bet using this strategy, you go back to your initial wager of £5. The Grand Martingale system is even more progressive than its traditional counterpart which is something that must be considered before you decide to use it.