The 1-3-2-6 Betting System: A Structured Approach to Gambling Success
The 1-3-2-6 betting strategy is one of the most engaging positive progression strategies available to online casino players today. Unlike negative progression systems that increase bets after losses, this method focuses on capitalising on winning streaks while protecting your profits.
In this guide, I'll walk you through how the 1-3-2-6 system works, where it's most effective, and whether it might be the right strategy for your playing style.
What is the 1-3-2-6 Betting Strategy?
The 1-3-2-6 betting system is a positive progression strategy where you increase your bet after wins according to a specific sequence of numbers (1, 3, 2, and 6). This approach aims to maximise profits during winning streaks while minimising losses during cold runs.
Ratings Table for the 1-3-2-6 System
| Metric | Our Rating | Pro Community Says |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | 🟡 Medium | Bets are adjusted gradually, offering moderate risk compared to other systems. |
| Skill vs Luck | 🎯 40% / 🎲 60% | Players control the progression of bets but are still subject to random outcomes. |
| Bankroll Needed | 💰💰 | Ideal for players with moderate bankrolls. A bankroll of $100–$500 AUD is sufficient. |
| Complexity | ⭐ Easy | Simple to follow, making it a great choice for beginners. No complex calculations required. |
| Best Used In | ⏱️ Short to Medium Sessions | Most effective in even-money bet games like roulette and blackjack, particularly for short to medium sessions. |
The Basic Concept
The 1-3-2-6 system follows this simple pattern:
- First bet: 1 unit
- After first win: 3 units
- After second win: 2 units
- After third win: 6 units
- After fourth win: Return to 1 unit and start again
If you lose at any point, you return to betting 1 unit and begin the sequence again. The goal is to capture profits from winning streaks while limiting exposure during losing runs.
History of the 1-3-2-6 Betting Strategy
The 1-3-2-6 system evolved from the Paroli betting system, another positive progression strategy that dates back several centuries. While its exact origins are unclear, it gained popularity in the late 20th century as players sought alternatives to riskier negative progression systems like Martingale.
The strategy's appeal lies in its balanced approach—offering the excitement of increased bets during winning streaks without the catastrophic risk that comes with continually doubling after losses.
Which Games Can You Use 1-3-2-6 In?
The 1-3-2-6 betting system works best with games that offer close to even-money bets. Here's where you'll find the most success with this strategy and where you might want to avoid using it:
Best For:
Not Great For:
How the 1-3-2-6 Betting Strategy Works
- Choose Your Base Unit: Select a base betting unit that's comfortable for your bankroll. For a $200 AUD bankroll, a $5 base unit would be reasonable.
- Follow the Sequence:
- Bet 1 unit
- If you win, bet 3 units
- If you win again, bet 2 units
- If you win a third time, bet 6 units
- If you win a fourth time, return to 1 unit and start over
- Reset After Any Loss: If you lose at any point in the sequence, return to betting 1 unit and start over.
Example of the 1-3-2-6 System:
Bankroll: $200 AUD
Base Unit: $5 AUD
| Round | Bet Amount | Result | Bankroll |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5 | Loss | $195 |
| 2 | $15 | Win | $210 |
| 3 | $10 | Win | $220 |
| 4 | $30 | Win | $250 |
| End of Cycle | $5 (reset) | Reset to $5 after cycle | $195 |
In this example, completing the full cycle (rounds 1-4) resulted in a profit of $60 from an investment of $60 (5+15+10+30), effectively doubling your total stake. Even with subsequent mixed results, the player maintained a solid profit.
How to Use 1-3-2-6 in Roulette
The 1-3-2-6 system works particularly well in roulette when applied to even-money bets. Here's how to implement it effectively:
Step-by-Step for Roulette:
- Stick to Even-Money Bets Only Focus exclusively on Red/Black, Odd/Even, or High/Low bets which offer close to 50% chance of winning (actually 48.65% on a European wheel).
- Set Your Base Unit For a typical $200 bankroll at an online casino, I recommend a $5 base unit.
- Follow the Progression Strictly
- First bet: $5 on Red
- If you win: $15 on Red
- If you win again: $10 on Red
- If you win a third time: $30 on Red
- Complete cycle: Return to $5
Practical Roulette Example:
| Round | Bet Amount | Result | Bankroll |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5 | Loss | $95 |
| 2 | $15 | Win | $110 |
| 3 | $10 | Win | $120 |
| 4 | $30 | Win | $150 |
| End of Cycle | $5 (reset) | Reset to $5 after cycle | $95 |
Warning for Roulette Players:
- Table Limits: Be aware of table minimum and maximum bets. Some high-end tables have minimums that might be too high for this strategy, while low-limit tables might have maximums that restrict your 6-unit bet.
- The Zero Factor: European roulette (single zero) is significantly better than American roulette (double zero) for this system, as it reduces the house edge from 5.26% to 2.7%.
- Streak Volatility: Roulette can experience long streaks against your chosen colour. Be prepared to weather these periods by having a sufficient bankroll.
How to Use 1-3-2-6 in Blackjack
Blackjack requires some adjustments to the 1-3-2-6 system due to the possibility of doubles, splits, and varying payouts.
Blackjack Implementation Tips:
- Base Units and Bankroll With blackjack, I recommend a slightly larger bankroll ($300+) as you might need to accommodate doubles and splits which can temporarily disrupt your sequence.
- Handling Special Situations:
- For Doubling Down: Count the original bet in your sequence. If your base bet is $5 and you double down on your initial bet, consider it as having wagered 1 unit regardless of the outcome.
- For Splits: Similar to doubling, count only the initial bet in your sequence, not the additional bet for the split.
- For Blackjack Payouts (3:2): Still move to the next step in the sequence, but enjoy the extra profit from the better payout.
- Stick to Basic Strategy The 1-3-2-6 system only manages your bet sizes, not your gameplay decisions. Always play according to basic blackjack strategy to minimise the house edge.
Risk Considerations for Blackjack:
- Dealer Blackjack: When the dealer shows an Ace or ten-value card, there's a risk of dealer blackjack which can quickly end your progression.
- Table Rules: Look for tables with player-friendly rules (3:2 blackjack payouts, dealer stands on Soft 17, etc.) to maximise the effectiveness of the 1-3-2-6 system.
- Variance Impact: Blackjack naturally has less variance than roulette, making this a slightly more stable application of the 1-3-2-6 system.
How to Use 1-3-2-6 in Baccarat
Baccarat is perhaps the ideal game for the 1-3-2-6 system due to its simplicity and near 50-50 odds.
Baccarat Implementation Tips:
- Choose Your Betting Side
- Banker Bet: Has a slightly lower house edge (1.06%) but typically charges a 5% commission on wins.
- Player Bet: Slightly higher house edge (1.24%) but no commission to complicate your calculations.
Both options work well with the 1-3-2-6 system, but I prefer the Banker bet for its lower house edge despite the commission.
- Sample Progression with Banker Bet For a $5 base unit:
- First bet: $5 on Banker
- If you win: $15 on Banker (win $14.25 after 5% commission)
- If you win again: $10 on Banker (win $9.50 after commission)
- If you win a third time: $30 on Banker (win $28.50 after commission)
- Commission Considerations When betting on Banker, account for the 5% commission in your profit calculations. This doesn't change your bet sequence, but it does affect your overall returns.
Avoid Tie Bets:
- Never place the 1-3-2-6 progression on the Tie bet in Baccarat.
- With a massive house edge of approximately 14.4%, the Tie bet will quickly deplete your bankroll despite its attractive 8:1 payout.
- The system simply isn't designed for bets with such low probability of success.
Pros and Cons of 1-3-2-6 Betting Strategy
Pros
- Built-in Profit Protection: The sequence is designed so that after winning the first two bets, you're playing with house money.
- Controlled Risk: Unlike negative progression systems, your largest bet (6 units) only occurs after you've already won three consecutive bets.
- Exciting Play Experience: The strategy adds a layer of anticipation and structure to your gambling session.
- Realistic Win Goals: The system aims for achievable wins rather than unrealistic massive payouts.
Cons
- Requires Winning Streaks: The system only generates significant profits when you win multiple bets in succession.
- Limited Recovery Power: Unlike negative progression systems, it doesn't help you recover losses quickly.
- Potential for Missed Opportunities: Some players find it frustrating to reduce their bet from 3 units to 2 units after two consecutive wins.
Expert Tips for the 1-3-2-6 System
Bankroll Management
Proper bankroll management is crucial with any betting system. For the 1-3-2-6 strategy:
- Your base unit should be 0.5-1% of your total bankroll
- Be prepared to complete at least 20-25 cycles in a session
- Set both win goals and loss limits before you begin playing
Modified Versions
Some players prefer these variations:
- 1-3-2-4 System: Similar but with a smaller final bet, reducing risk but also potential reward.
- 1-3-2-6 with Hold: After completing a successful cycle, set aside a portion of winnings before starting the next cycle.
How the 1-3-2-6 Strategy Compares to Other Betting Systems
| Strategy | Risk Level | Complexity | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3-2-6 | 🟡 Medium | ⭐ Easy | Gradual increase and decrease of bet size |
| Martingale | 🔴 High | ⭐ Easy | Double the bet after each loss |
| Fibonacci | 🟡 Medium | ⭐⭐ Moderate | Follow Fibonacci sequence to recover losses |
| Paroli (Reverse Martingale) | 🟢 Low | ⭐ Easy | Increase bet after wins |
Comparison Insights:
- The 1-3-2-6 system offers better bankroll protection than Martingale while still providing structure.
- Unlike D'Alembert, which increases bets after losses, 1-3-2-6 only increases after wins, making it psychologically easier to follow.
- Compared to the Paroli system, the 1-3-2-6 system has a more defined structure with varying bet sizes that can yield higher returns in winning scenarios.
Is the 1-3-2-6 Strategy Right for You?
The 1-3-2-6 system is ideal for players who:
- Prefer a disciplined approach to betting
- Enjoy the thrill of increasing bets during winning streaks
- Want to protect their bankroll from rapid depletion
- Play even-money games like blackjack or baccarat
- Have the discipline to stick to the system even after near-misses
However, it may not suit players looking for aggressive recovery strategies after losses or those seeking very conservative approaches with minimal risk.
Other Popular Betting Systems
Conclusion
The 1-3-2-6 betting system offers a balanced approach to gambling that can add structure and excitement to your casino experience. While no betting system can overcome the house edge in the long run, this strategy helps manage your bankroll effectively while maximising profits during those lucky streaks we all hope for.
By sticking to the sequence, setting appropriate limits, and applying it to the right games, you can enjoy a more controlled and potentially more profitable gambling experience. Give it a try on your next visit to an online casino - you might find it's the perfect balance of risk and reward for your playing style.
1-3-2-6 Betting Strategy FAQ
Emily is our seasoned content writer. She writes easy to read and helpful game guides, so you can quickly understand the rules of each game and get some useful tips that can help boost your chances of winning.
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