Online Roulette

Tips for playing roulette

The fact is that all numbers have an equal likelihood of winning on any given spin of the roulette wheel. Were six to come out six times in a row, it would be as likely as any other number to come out on the seventh spin.

What this means is that in roulette there can be no strategy per se to improve your chances. Certain variables in casino rules do affect your odds, particularly the use of a single zero wheel. Though the single zero wheel is called a 'European' wheel, there are American casinos which include it among their offerings.

Further, minimum and maximum wagers vary from table to table and casino to casino. You might object to a casino whose minimum roulette bet is $5 rather than say $2, and you might object to a casino whose maximum bet is $200 rather than $500.

There also exist any number of "systems" for betting on roulette. While they do not necessarily improve your chances, they do lend order and discipline to the betting process and are part of the culture of roulette.

Among the more frequently encountered roulette systems are:

• The Fibonacci System
• The Fibonacci System
• The Ecart System
• The Parlay System
• The Pivot System
• The La Bouchere System
• The Reverse La Bouchere System

By far the most popular systems are:

The D'Alembert System - The D'Alembert requires that you begin betting with one unit. Each successive time you lose, you replace the bet with one extra unit. Each time you win, you place the next bet with one unit less. By way of examples; If by virtue of losing you had worked your way up to a bet with four units, and you lost again, you would place your next bet with five units; If on a bet of four units you won, you would place your next bet with three units. If you won on three more successive spins, you would be down to zero units, at which point you could either start over with one unit or, as many experienced players might recommend, you could leave with your winnings.

The Martingale System - This system requires that you double your bet each time you lose. If on your first bet you wager $1, your second wager should be $2 and the third wager $4. This system is counter-indicated for even money bets which could be swept away by a losing 'En Prison' situation, as well as in casinos with low maximum bets.

One point in favor of any roulette system is that the house has nothing to do with it and thus if you wish to alter the system you are using or abandon it altogether, nothing can stop you from doing so.

Unlike poker and blackjack, roulette is a pure game of chance rather than a combination of skill and chance. Of course, it helps if you know the rules and the different bets, player odds and payoffs, but in the end, Lady Luck plays a supreme role in the outcome. Peruse this collection of tips and tricks for maximizing your chance at winning Lady Luck's heart at the roulette table.

What Factors Contribute to Your Luck?
Before we look at specific tips, it's important to know what factors contribute to your overall luck:

1. We all have hot and cold days. If you're having a lucky day, that luck will probably extend to the roulette table. Conversely, if you're having an off day in general, expect the lack of luck to rear its head at the roulette table. It goes without saying that mental attitude is important whenever you enter a gaming establishment.
2. If you know when to quit, that is, when to cut your losses and how to keep your winnings, you have a better chance at a positive outcome.

1. Try to win more money with fewer spins.
2. Statistically speaking, previous outcomes are no indication of future outcomes. Each and every spin holds the exact same probability (odds) for an outcome. However, if you're one to believe that previous outcomes indicate probable future outcomes, bet with the flow, otherwise known as streaks. Just remember that over the long haul, probability rules.
   
3. When you hit a losing streak, exchange your chips for a smaller denomination, preferably $1. Then, play a few spins in the following manner: pick a number in the middle column, and paint the corners of the number. For example, you could select the black 29. Place a chip on each corner surrounding the 29. Then place a chip between the 0 and 00. You've bet five chips and covered eleven numbers. This gives you time to 'take five,' a quick breather without spending much money.
   
4. The Five Numbers bet doesn't make sense. It gives the house a ridiculous advantage of 7.89%. Do you want to hand the house an additional 2.63% edge just for the heck of it?
   
5. Do you play single zero or double zero roulette? Player odds are significantly better at the single zero wheels.
   
6. The surrender rule gives players slightly better overall odds. Find a game that offers the surrender rule.
   
7. Find tables that allow the 'en prison' rule. This rule reduces the house edge by 50% on even-money bets.