Roulette is definitely game of chance rather than skills. It is non-interactive game which means that the outcome of the roulette spin doesn’t depend on other players’ betting decisions and actions. From a strategic point of view the only possible way to influence the game results is to keep the house edge to a minimum. Roulette rules are designed to give advantage to the house that’s why in any case the casino has greater chances to end winner. Learn a few rules that you are to apply in your roulette strategy to improve your chances to win.
The first and foremost rule covers the “surrender” option that can’t be confused with Blackjack rule with the same name. At roulette surrender option can be used in case of to outside bets, such as odd/even, red/black, and high/low. When used this option gives you the chance to lose less on bets on the 0 or 00. Thus, when the ball lands on the 0 or 00 you lose only half of the betting amount rather than the whole sum. Surrender rule influences greatly the house edge. As you know the payouts for outside bets are not very high but if you manage to find roulette table with surrender option you can increase your odds considerably.
One of the most interesting and very important points in roulette rules is single (0) and double zero (00) pockets. When you are going to play roulette always look for European roulette table (with only one 0) as it gives quite attractive house edge from the player’s point of view. If you play European roulette the house edge reduces to 2.7% from 5.26% (at American roulette table). For more information about correct betting decisions you may refer to Probabilities page. As the name says European roulette tables can be primarily found in Europe, however at the Internet casinos they are just a click away. Always remember about the difference between American and European roulette and it will lead you to more successful play.
The third rule concerns one more option known as “en prison” rule that can be applied when the roulette ball lands on the 0. According to this rule in case the player makes an even-money outside bet he or she doesn’t lose the bet, but it remains on the board for the next spin, in other words the bet is “en prison”. The next spin decides the outcome of the made bet. If the bet happens to win in the next spin of the wheel the player receives money back but without any extra winnings. Otherwise the bet is losing and the chips are swept away from the table. If the ball lands again on the 0 “en prison” rule works again.
Of course, you may hear about various strategies, systems and tactics used at roulette game but in fact in most cases they do not work. Such methods simply help to gamble systematically but can’t influence somehow the winning chances. Really, if the number 18 comes up once in 2,000 spins the odds of it coming up are not lower or higher on the next spin, but the same.
Hence, the best roulette strategy doesn’t concern mathematics. It just says that you must never play American roulette in which the house edge is twice bigger compared to European roulette. Thus, always play European roulette if it is available and look for the “surrender” and “en prison” options that can reduce the casino advantage in your favor. Get well-prepared for the game and enjoy your win!