The 1-3-2-6 strategy for blackjack may seem a bit complicated or strange since it is just a series or sequence of numbers but the system is actually fairly easy to learn and to use. This particular system is less risky that other well-known betting systems like the Parlay or Martingale system and is actually more similar in principle to the Paroli betting system which we have already examined. Essentially the 1-3-2-6 system is a positive progression system and requires an increase in stake after each win. Like other positive progression betting systems (Paroli) there is a determined cycle with a beginning and an end that is applied at all times. The real stand out difference between those systems and the 1-3-2-6 system is the actual betting sequence involved.
1-3-2-6 Blackjack Strategy Fact-Sheet
- This strategy is based on a positive progression system
- Easy to learn and to implement
- Ideal system for beginners and intermediate Blackjack players
- Similar in principle to Paroli but with a different betting sequence
Additional Strategies
1-3-2-6 Betting Strategy Basics
How to Start?
The 1-3-2-6 strategy is very popular particularly among novice and casual Blackjack players as there is not a lot to have to learn or memorize. Unlike counting cards and other more complex techniques, the 1-3-2-6 system only requires that you bet in a certain sequence on winning bets. Pretty simple, and very easy to implement without a lot of charts or complicated mathematical formulas to get in the way. Quite simply, the 1-3-2-6 strategy is so named as that is the exact sequence that a player is expected to make bets in. The numbers represent the unit amount in each wager as well as the sequence in which those unit amounts are to be wagered. As with the Paroli betting system, the cycle begins with a single unit. Determining the value of the single unit is largely up to the player to decide although it is usually recommended that players, especially novice players begin with the table minimum as their single unit value.
Step by Step
1-3-2-6 Blackjack Strategy
We now understand the 1-3-2-6 betting system a little better, we know that the sequence of numbers represent the amount of each unit in the sequence that is being wagered. Let’s look at a practical example of the 1-3-2-6 strategy: The system requires that a cycle (the first bet at the table) begins with a single unit, if the bet wins then the next bet is increased to 3 units and if that bet wins then the next bet increases again, this time by 2 units and, if that bet wins, then the final bet in the sequence increases to 6 units. The 6 unit bet marks the end of the cycle and the process begins again at 1 unit. The same rule applies if a bet loses, you return to the single unit bet until the bet wins and so on. In a real world example, let’s say you were at a Blackjack table and you were playing in dollars:
- You decide that your bet size is going to be £10, so your 1 unit bet would = £10
- If you won this initial bet your next bet would be £30
- If you won this bet then you would make your third bet £20
- If you also won your third bet, your fourth and final bet of the all-winning sequence would be £60
- You would then return to your first bet of a single unit =£10
Here is a different scenario to consider:
- You place your first bet of 1 unit = £10 you win this bet
- You place your second bet of 3 units = £30 you win this bet
- You place your third bet of 2 units = 420 you lose this bet
- You revert back to your 1 unit bet (£10)
- You stay with your 1 unit bet until your bet wins
- You start the cycle over again
Take a look at this simple video which demonstrates their modified version of the 1-3-2-6 system, changed slightly to a 1-3-2-4 system. The same principles as explained in the above real life example would still apply though.
Summary
- Start with a single unit bet which you determine the base value of (try the table minimum of you’re a novice)
- Follow the sequence as your bets win going from 1 to 3 units to 2 units and finally 6 units
- If your bet loses return to a single unit and start the sequence over
- Stay on a 1 unit bet until a winning hand emerges
Advantages and disadvantages
of the 1-3-2-6 strategy
One of the biggest advantages to the 1-3-2-6 Blackjack betting system is that it is an incredibly easy system to learn and it means that novice or casual players can begin to implement the strategy on their next online Blackjack game without any problems. There are no complicated charts to learn or mathematical formulas like there are in the Kelly Criterion betting system. Another advantage to this system is that there is no increase in bet size on losing bets as there areas in other negative progression systems like the Martingale system. On the negative side of the line we can clearly see that there is quite a bit of risk involved as the unit increments increase, this is especially true of the 6 unit wager. If you have managed to win every bet in the sequence to get to the 6 unit bet, you are essentially making the biggest bet of all and if that bet loses you lose quite a bit and undo all the work that came before it. Having said that, you will break even in this case which isn’t so bad. The system also does nothing to alter the house edge and it only works on even money bets.
Chances and risks using the 1-3-2-6 system
Is This Strategy for Me?
The 1-3-2-6 Blackjack betting system is a fairly simple and easy to use system that just about any Blackjack player can use but who should ideally be looking at implementing this system? What are the risks, if any involved with the system and will you make money? To answer these questions, let’s break it down into the following points:
Who is most suited to this strategy?
While the 1-3-2-6 Blackjack betting system is simple and easy to use and implement we think that the group of players that would most benefit from the system would be novice Blackjack players, mid-level players and casual weekend Blackjack players who enjoy the odd online Blackjack game or two. The profit yield, even on positive winning streaks through the cycle may not be enough for advanced Blackjack players who should rather consider a card counting strategy for better and bigger long term results. The 1-3-2-6 Blackjack betting system would only really help novice players build up some confidence playing as it helps to determine bet sizes and sequences easier.
How high is the risk?
The risk in involved in the 1-3-2-6 betting system is less than a negative progression system such as the Martingale system which essentially has you increasing bets after a loss. The risk involved with any incremental bet size system occurs at the high end of the cycle, when you have put more on the table than before. Having said that, the riskiest bet in the 1-3-2-6 system is on the fourth bet where a 6 unit wager is being made. The risk scenarios on the 1-3-2-6 system can be broken down as follows:
- Lose first bet = lose 1 unit
- Win first bet/lose second bet = lose 2 units
- Win first two bets/lose third bet = win 2 units
- Win the first three bets/ lose the forth = breakeven
- Win the cycle of four bets = win 12 units
Are wins guaranteed?
Wins are not guaranteed as the system is not designed to predict wins in the way that a card counting system attempts to do. The 1-3-2-6 system is designed to determine betting unit sizes for a cycle or sequence if bets, if a hand loses then the bet is lost and the cycle starts from the beginning again. In one aspect, because the cycle is so short, small sized wins are virtually guaranteed and losses are less than in some other systems where the risk is much greater.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Is the 1-3-2-6 betting system worth it?
The 1-3-2-6 betting system is certainly better than a lot of the progression systems out there and is definitely worth a look if you are a novice or casual Blackjack player. The system is easy to learn and does not require a great deal if time investment before you can implement the system in a Blackjack for real money game. If you want to try out the 1-3-2-6 betting system for yourself to see how it works for you, then checkout these tips and tricks:
Highlights
- low risk
- a lot of different outputs possible
- Winning is possible even if not all rounds be won
Tips/Tricks
- Pick an online casino that offers a good selection of Blackjack games. The best way to do this is with our online casino comparison
- While you are deciding on which casino to choose, don’t forget to do a casino bonus comparison at the same time, choosing an online casino with a good welcome bonus will help you to try out the 1-3-2-6 betting system at less of a risk to your own money
- When starting with the system try to choose the lowest betting unit, usually the table minimum