Among the many systems one can adopt when gambling on casino games the Oscar’s Grind Betting system stands out among the rest. Also known as Hoyle’s Press and, in German and French, the Pluscoup Progression, this is a progressive betting system based around calculating the size of your bets.
In very short, the size of your bet needs to be as such that you’ll manage to make a small profit even in the case of a losing streak, since gambling is all about winning and losing streaks - at least according to the creators of this system. Not convinced? Then keep on reading, as we’re going to tell you all about the Oscar’s Grind Betting System and how to play online blackjack while following it.
Here are the best online blackjack sites in the UK.
The Rules of the Oscar’s Grind System
The Oscar’s Grind betting system was first mentioned by Allan Wilson in his 1965 book “The Casino Gambler’s Guide.” Wilson was a mathematician who looked into applying the then latest advances in mathematics and computing to the field of casino games. It is a progressive system, meaning you keep on playing as long as your bankroll lasts, and the idea here is to maximise your profits during winning streaks while keeping your losses to a minimum during losing steaks.
The system is used with even money bets and involves following these rules:
- Set a bankroll and decide on a winning goal.
- Your winning goal is equal to 1 unit bet.
- Make 1 unit bet.
- If the bet results in a loss or tie then make another 1 unit bet.
- If the bet results in a win then increase the bet by 1 unit.
- You keep on playing until you either reach your final winning goal (in which case repeat this process) or run out of bankroll.
Note that if you can’t afford to make another 1 unit bet then you can bet as much as is left in your bankroll. In addition, if winning the next bet would mean you overshoot your winning goal then reduce the bet to your winning goal minus your current balance.
The Oscar’s Grind System in Action
The Oscar’s Grind System in Action
With the above description in mind, let’s see how the Oscar’s Grind Betting System can work in a game of blackjack. Blackjack is really well suited for this system, since its odds are almost evens (50/50), plus it’s an easy game to play with a low house edge and a generous RTP. In addition, no matter how you win (be it with a split hand or double down) a win counts as a simple win and you can repeat with a 1 unit bet.
Now let’s say we’re going to play blackjack with a 1 unit bet of £10. Note that, as always, these games always boil down to luck and our results are simulated.
|
Bet # |
Unit/stake |
Result |
Balance |
|
#1 |
1 Unit/£10 |
Loss |
-£10 |
|
#2 |
1 Unit/£10 |
Loss |
-£20 |
|
#3 |
1 Unit/£10 |
Loss |
-£30 |
|
#4 |
1 Unit/£10 |
Loss |
-£40 |
|
#5 |
1 Unit/£10 |
Loss |
-£50 |
|
#6 |
1 Unit/£10 |
Win |
-£40 |
|
#7 |
2 Units/£20 |
Loss |
-£60 |
|
#8 |
2 Units/£20 |
Win |
-£40 |
|
#9 |
3 Units/£30 |
Win |
-£10 |
|
#10 |
2 Units/£20 |
Win |
£10 |
Note how in the last bet the stake was reduced to 2 Units (or £20). This is because the final win goal was of 1 Unit, or £10, and we managed to achieve this result with our final round for this cycle. Once done we could restart playing following the same betting scheme, again with the final aim of making 1 unit bet in profit. This can take more or less than 10 rounds, which does reveal the system’s main weakness - it’s not great when used during choppy games where you quickly alternate between winning and losing.
Which Games is the System Best Suited For?
We’ve already mentioned how the Oscar’s Grind Betting System is perfect for blackjack - the game’s odds are more or less even at around 50/50, and it features a high RTP and low house edge. Since we mentioned making even bets, it stands to reason that roulette is another game this system is ideal for. In this case one has to stick with even bets, whose odds are likewise almost 50/50. This is especially the case with European roulette, which has one green zero pocket on the wheel.
Interestingly, this system can be used for betting on some sports like football - but only when making bets in specific markets. Essentially you’ll need to find bets with almost even odds. This can even work with horse racing bets but again, you’ll need to find bets where the odds are almost even.
The Pros and Cons of Oscar’s Grind Betting System
The Pros and Cons of Oscar’s Grind Betting System
Like any other betting system, the Oscar’s Grind has its positives and negatives. We’ve tabled these pros and cons below to help you make a more informed decision as to whether you should use it or not:
|
Oscar’s Grind Pros |
Oscar’s Grind Cons |
|
Relatively low risk as the stakes remain the same at 1 unit. |
Making a profit can take a long time. |
|
It’s a simple progressive system to remember. |
Like with all games and betting systems, the house edge will ultimately still favour the house. |
|
Well suited for longer betting sessions. |
Recovering from losses can take a long while. |
|
It’s a moderate progression system with low variance. |
As with all gambling a bad streak can, and will, wipe out your bankroll. |
Keep This in Mind When Betting Using Oscar’s Grind System!
No betting system is infallible, and that includes the Oscar’s Grind. This is why it’s important to always gamble responsibly. While the Oscar’s Grind system is easy to learn, a long losing streak will still easily wipe out your bankroll. Stick to the budget you’ve set for your gambling, and never chase your losses. Consider all gambling as a fun activity and not a means to make a profit. So enjoy playing blackjack using the Oscar’s Grind system at the best blackjack sites, and let us know how it works out for you!
