The Paroli System, also referred to as the ‘Reverse Martingale’ is one of the most popular and best-known blackjack betting systems. It is a positive progression system where players double their bets every time they win. However, if you manage to get three wins in a row you will start over at your first unit. If you lose at any point you will also start with your first unit. When learning how to play blackjack, this is one of the most common strategies players will use as it is an easy way to demonstrate how the game works. In this Paroli Blackjack guide, we will look at how the strategy works, when is a good time to use it, and whether it pays off in the long run.
The Paroli System is a popular blackjack strategy where players double their money every time they land a winning bet. Whenever you lose using this system, you simply start over and continue betting until you win again. If you manage three wins in a row, you also start over again. It is a popular system because of its simplicity. Players do not need to know any blackjack tips or tricks to understand it; they simply play and double when they need to. Also, it is important to note that the Paroli system should only be used on 1:1 bets, so you should not use any side bets, split, or double down.
As we have mentioned, the Paroli system is extremely straightforward, and players do not need any advanced knowledge of the game to understand how it works. You play your first hand, and, if you win, you double the stake. If you lose, you start over. If you win three in a row you also start over. Let’s take a look at an example:
Stake | Result | Net Profit |
£1 | Lose | -£1 |
£1 | Win | £0 |
£2 | Win | £3 |
£4 | Lose | -£1 |
£1 | Win | £0 |
As you can see, with the Paroli system, the game can go backwards and forwards a lot. It is important to remember that the game is based entirely on luck, and the blackjack odds do not change with each round.
The biggest selling point of the Paroli system is that you do not need any knowledge of online blackjack to use it. You do not need to worry about mastering card counting or basic blackjack strategy; you just need to know that you double when you win and stick when you lose. As such, it has become a popular method to use among newcomers.
Another advantage is that it is a system that can really boost your account if you land consecutive wins. Your bankroll can quickly build up because you’re using a system that rewards winnings, especially if you can land multiple wins.
Like all popular blackjack strategies, the Paroli System is one that rewards winning streaks, and, as we all know, these are never guaranteed. The Paroli System can quickly diminish your bankroll if you are chasing losses. It can also draw players in further with a long winning streak, only to then deal a tough blow and see them lose a lot of money when a loss finally comes.
As you can see in the above sample, the strategy can also see players going up and down over and over again, with no real progress being made.