What is the D’Alembert Blackjack Method?

14 Oct 2019

Emma Hall 14 Oct 2019

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Learn about the simple yet effective D’Alembert Blackjack Method

D’Alembert Blackjack Method at the casino

Learn how to use mathematics and the D’Alembert Method to significantly increase your blackjack results.

Simplicity is often the key to success when implementing a blackjack betting system and the D’Alembert method is one which exemplifies this ethos. Although similar to the Martingale system in its premise, this strategy differs in the amount players have to risk to put it into practice.

The D’Alembert Blackjack Method

For many the Martingale System is the go-to strategy when thinking about blackjack profits, however this method has one major flaw: it requires a huge bankroll.

Because you must double your bets every time you lose, the money you need to wager can quickly spiral out of control when you hit a losing streak using this method.

For example, even if your opening bet was £5 you'd find yourself needing to stake £80 after five losses. Obviously this is beyond the financial scope of many novice players, bit fortunately this is where the D’Alembert method comes into play.

Although not originally conceived as a blackjack betting system, Jean le Rond D’Alembert's mathematical theory has been used by professional players over the years as part of a solid overall strategy, The main premise of the D’Alembert method is:

"Players must increase their bets by one unit following a loss and decrease their wagers by one unit following a win."

The D’Alembert Method in Practice

Taking this premise an applying it to a real life example, you could apply this betting system at the blackjack table by first betting £5.

If you lost this hand, you’d increase your next wager by one unit (£10 total). Assuming you lose this hand as well, your next bet would be three units (£15 total). If you came back and won the following hand, your next wager would be two units (£10 total).

Essentially you must increase your bets if you lose then decrease them by one unit if you win and over time it's expected that everything will even out to leave you with a profit.

Indeed, the basic mathematics behind this blackjack betting system is that the fluctuations in your stake should mimic and thus offset the flow of variance in the game. So, as the pendulum of luck swings towards you and away from you your bets should counteract any negative effects.