Reverse D’Alembert Betting System Explained

Atanas Tanev
Approved by Atanas Tanev
Updated:

The Reverse D’Alembert betting system is a positive progression betting strategy that increases the stake by one unit after a win and decreases it by one unit after a loss, usually without going below the initial base stake. In this article, we will examine how the Reverse D’Alembert strategy works, its potential advantages and limitations, and how it compares with the standard D’Alembert system.

Dr Catalin Barboianu, Mathematician and Philosopher of Science PhD
picture of Catalin Barboianu, gambling expert
Reverse D’Alembert is a positive progression betting system, which increases exposure after winning bets and reduces exposure after losing bets. The system does not guarantee that equal numbers of wins and losses generate zero profit, since the wins tend to occur at lower stakes earlier in a winning run, while subsequent losses can occur at higher stakes.

In Reverse D’Alembert, the profit increases quadratically with the length of the winning streak, while the stake increases linearly. As such, a sustained winning streak generates a quick increase of profit because progressively larger stakes are wagered while the player is winning.

Reverse D’Alembert capitalizes on the persistence of winning outcomes, but becomes progressively more exposed while the winning streak continues.

The math behind Reverse D’Alembert is structurally similar to that behind the standard D’Alembert; however, as a consequence, the former capitalizes on wins, unlike the latter, which is designed to recover losses.
Content Navigation

Silentbet’s Calculator for the Reverse D’Alembert

Our calculator allows you to simulate the Reverse D’Alembert betting sequence. We also compare the D’Alembert and Reverse D’Alembert systems and provide practical guidance on how the progression works.

Reverse D’Alembert Betting Simulator


Bet #Bet AmountOutcomeProfit/Loss
Katerina Gadzheva, Betting Expert & Writer for SilentBet
katerina gadzheva igaming writer
I have tried the Reverse D’Alembert system and have had mixed results. While I found it less effective than the regular D’Alembert betting system, I found the progression relatively straightforward to follow and easier to manage than more aggressive systems.

What is the Contra D’Alembert System?

The Contra D’Alembert, also known as the Reverse D’Alembert, is a positive progression betting strategy primarily associated with even-money bets and other bets with relatively stable payout structures.

The basic principle is straightforward: increase the stake by one unit after a win and decrease it by one unit after a loss, normally returning to the base stake if a loss occurs after a series of wins.

The goal of the Reverse D’Alembert system is to increase the amount wagered during a winning sequence and reduce the stake when losing outcomes occur.

However, the strategy does not change the underlying mathematical advantage of the casino. It cannot predict future outcomes or guarantee a profit. A winning streak can increase the amount won, but a subsequent loss can also occur after the stake has increased.

Key Stats & Facts:

  • The Reverse D’Alembert increases the stake after wins and decreases it after losses.
  • It is a positive progression system because the player increases exposure following a favourable result.
  • The system does not eliminate the house edge or guarantee a profit, regardless of the betting sequence.

How Does the Reverse D’Alembert Work?

As you might imagine, the Reverse D’Alembert system works in the opposite direction to the standard D’Alembert progression. The basic rule is simple: increase your bet by one unit after a win and decrease it by one unit after a loss, without normally going below the base stake.

Here is an example of the Reverse D’Alembert at work using a base unit of $50. The example assumes even-money bets, meaning a winning $50 wager produces a $50 profit.

Bet #Bet AmountOutcomeCumulative Profit/Loss
1$50Win$50
2$100Win$150
3$150Lose$0
4$100Lose-$100
5$50Win-$50
6$100Lose-$150

The example shows why the Reverse D’Alembert system does not guarantee a profit simply because the player wins as many bets as they lose. The player wins three bets and loses three, but the cumulative result is a $150 loss.

This happens because the winning and losing bets were placed at different stake levels. The first two wins produced $150 in profit, but the subsequent $150 loss removed that entire amount. The later $50 win was then followed by a $100 loss, resulting in a final cumulative loss of $150.

This is an important limitation of all progression systems: the number of wins alone does not determine profitability. The size and sequence of the bets also matter.


D’Alembert vs Reverse D’Alembert

Given that the Reverse D’Alembert is essentially the opposite progression of the standard D’Alembert, the main difference between the two is straightforward: with the standard D’Alembert, you increase your stake after a loss and decrease it after a win. With the Reverse D’Alembert, you increase your stake after a win and decrease it after a loss.

The two systems therefore approach losing and winning sequences differently. Standard D’Alembert attempts to increase the stake after losses in the hope of recovering previous losses, while Reverse D’Alembert increases the stake during winning sequences to capitalize on favourable runs.

Neither system has a mathematical ability to overcome the house edge. Which progression a player prefers is largely a matter of risk tolerance and betting style rather than a difference in the underlying probability of winning.


Tips for Implementing this Sequence When Betting

Understanding the rules before using the Reverse D’Alembert strategy can help you keep the progression under control. However, the system does not improve the underlying odds of the game, so these tips should be viewed as bankroll-management guidelines rather than ways to guarantee success.

  • Tip 1: Decide on a budget and stop-loss limit – Set the maximum amount you are prepared to lose before you start and stop betting once that limit is reached. A profit target can also help you decide when to end a session.
  • Tip 2: Keep the base unit reasonable – Your base stake should be small enough that several consecutive losses do not put excessive pressure on your bankroll. Remember that a winning streak increases your stake and therefore your exposure to a subsequent loss.
  • Tip 3: Follow the progression consistently – If you choose to use the system, understand the progression before starting and avoid increasing stakes beyond the rules because of emotions or an attempt to recover losses.

Pros & Cons

  • The progression is simple and easy to understand.
  • It increases the stake during winning sequences, allowing the player to wager more while a favourable run continues.
  • The stake decreases after losses, which limits the progression from continuing upward during a losing sequence.
  • The system can be applied to various bets with predictable payouts, although the mathematics will differ depending on the bet type.
  • A winning streak increases the stake and therefore the potential size of a subsequent loss.
  • The system does not recover losses automatically or guarantee a profitable session.
  • Equal numbers of wins and losses do not necessarily produce a break-even result.
  • The system does not reduce the house edge or change the underlying probability of the game.

Bottom Line: Should You Use It or Not?

The Reverse D’Alembert system can be a reasonable choice for players who prefer a simple positive progression and want to increase their stakes during winning sequences. However, it should not be viewed as a way to avoid losses or generate guaranteed profits.

The key trade-off is simple: the longer a winning streak continues, the larger the stake becomes, but this also means that a subsequent loss can have a greater impact on the bankroll. For this reason, setting a budget, base stake and stop-loss limit is more important than trying to predict when a winning streak will continue.

Katerina Gadzheva, Betting Expert & Writer for SilentBet
katerina gadzheva igaming writer
I will admit, I am not a big fan of progression betting systems, but the Reverse D’Alembert is one of the easier ones to understand. The rules are simple, although simplicity does not make the strategy profitable in the long run.

FAQs

Who should apply this system when gambling?

The Reverse D’Alembert may appeal to players who prefer a simple positive progression and want to increase their stake after wins rather than after losses. It is not suitable as a guaranteed-profit strategy.

Are there specific games where the Reverse D’Alembert system works best?

The system is most straightforward when applied to bets with predictable payouts, such as even-money bets in roulette. It can also be adapted to other betting markets, but the results depend on the odds and payout structure. No game becomes more favourable simply because the Reverse D’Alembert progression is used.

Are there variations or modifications of the Contra D’Alembert strategy?

There can be variations in how players set the base stake, unit size, minimum stake and maximum stake. Some versions may also introduce a maximum progression level or reset the sequence after a certain result. These modifications change the staking rules but do not remove the underlying risk.

Is the Reverse D’Alembert suitable for both land-based and online casinos?

Yes. The Reverse D’Alembert is a staking sequence rather than a feature of a particular casino, so it can generally be followed in both land-based and online casino games where the relevant bets and stake limits allow it.

How does variance affect the success of the Reverse D’Alembert betting system?

Variance can have a significant effect on the results of the Reverse D’Alembert. Because the stake increases after wins, a reversal following a long winning sequence can produce a relatively large loss. The system does not reduce variance or eliminate the mathematical disadvantage of the underlying game.

0 comments for “Reverse D'Alembert
Post comment

    No reviews added yet. Be the first!


    Author: Katerina Gadzheva
    Certified Betting Expert
    Katerina Gadzheva
    Katerina has 10+ years of experience in iGaming. She has been a player long before that. Using her skills as a content writer and first-hand knowledge of the online gambling industry, she reviews and compares online casinos for Silentbet. She also runs the whole website as its Project Manager.
    owl-img
    Subscribe and receive latest bonuses, promotions and news about the best casinos for your country!