Orphelins in roulette – what it means and how to play

Orphelins represent a specific sector-based arrangement of numbers on the roulette wheel, used exclusively in European and French roulette, as the American version has a different layout and an additional zero. The word “orphelins” comes from French and literally means “orphans,” symbolically referring to their position on the wheel — numbers that don’t belong to any of the dominant sectors.

Players who choose to bet on orphelins often do so because of their unique distribution, which can lead to high payouts if the ball lands on one of the isolated numbers. Unlike other sector bets that cover larger groups of neighboring numbers, orphelins require faster thinking and a more advanced strategy when it comes to bankroll management and chip placement. That’s why it is a popular choice among experienced roulette enthusiasts and passionate casino game connoisseurs.

How orphelins relate to the number layout

The roulette wheel is anything but random — each number has a strategically placed position. In European roulette, the orphelins cover eight specific numbers scattered along the outer edge of the wheel that do not belong to the Voisins du Zéro or Tiers du Cylindre sectors. This distribution makes orphelins unique, as they do not form one compact section but are instead visually separated and geographically spread out across the wheel.

Because of this, orphelins are often perceived as a riskier option compared to other sector bets. However, this risk is often paired with the potential for higher payouts. A player who understands the wheel layout and the positions of the orphelins can gain a notable advantage in certain situations, especially when following a predefined strategy.

Which numbers belong to the orphelins bet

The orphelins bet includes exactly eight numbers: 1, 6, 9, 14, 17, 20, 31, and 34. Unlike other sectors that use a single bet to cover multiple numbers, orphelins require several individual bets to fully cover the group. It’s a combination of straight and split bets, allowing the player to precisely decide how to distribute their stake.

Number 1 is played as a straight bet, meaning the chip is placed directly on the number. The remaining seven numbers are covered with a total of four split bets, which are placed between two adjacent numbers on the table layout. Properly distributing these bets can significantly increase the chance of a win, but it also requires additional experience and a good understanding of the game’s rules.

Orphelins vs. Voisins and Tiers – differences in bets

Roulette offers three main sector bets when playing on a European wheel: Voisins du Zéro, Tiers du Cylindre, and of course – Orphelins. While all three options cover specific sections of the wheel, there are key differences in layout, number of included numbers, and types of bets used.

• Voisins du Zéro covers 17 numbers surrounding zero and uses a complex structure involving split, corner, and trio bets.
• Tiers du Cylindre includes 12 numbers and is played using 6 split bets.
• Orphelins cover the fewest numbers, with 8 in total and a specific mix of straight and split bets.

The main difference is that Voisins and Tiers cover continuous segments of the wheel, while the orphelins are split into two separate areas. This makes playing orphelins a unique experience — the player must have a clear vision and understanding of the number layout, as they cannot rely on the “compactness” of a single sector.

How to play orphelins in a casino

Playing orphelins requires more attention compared to other sector bets, as there’s no single fixed wager that automatically covers all the numbers — unless you’re playing a roulette variant with an “orphelins bet” button. Players who manually place chips must know exactly where to position them: one chip goes directly on number 1, while the rest are placed between pairs of numbers as split bets.

Before placing any chips on the table, it’s recommended that players familiarize themselves with the number layout on the roulette wheel, as the positions on the betting table don’t always reflect the actual physical order. Many players use specialized sections in online roulette interfaces that allow for one-click orphelins betting, which greatly simplifies the process.

Steps for placing an orphelins bet:

• Locate the positions of numbers 1, 6, 9, 14, 17, 20, 31, and 34.
• Place one chip directly on 1 (straight bet).
• Place four split bets: 6/9, 14/17, 17/20, and 31/34.
• Wait for the outcome of the spin and evaluate the success of your strategy.

Pros and cons of betting on orphelins

Like any strategy in roulette, playing orphelins comes with its own set of advantages and challenges. Understanding these factors can help players adapt their playing style and expectations, especially in terms of session length and bankroll management. In understanding these approaches, it is important to know the basics—that is, how to play roulette as this enables better handling of more complex strategies like orphelins.

Advantages of playing orphelins include higher payouts per individual bet, the ability to target less obvious numbers, and the fact that it is often neglected by other players, which creates less competition in strategies.

On the other hand, disadvantages include a more complex betting method, a larger number of wagers needed to cover all numbers, and greater volatility in payouts because the numbers are physically distant on the wheel.

Strategies for betting on orphelins

Betting on orphelins can be unpredictable, but with the right strategy, it can bring exciting dynamics to the game and the potential for high payouts. Players who choose orphelins usually do so as a diversification tactic — they don’t want to place all their bets on traditional sectors, but instead aim for numbers most players avoid.

One of the most common strategies is the combined bet — the player places a base bet on the orphelins and then additionally covers some numbers from the Voisins or Tiers sectors for extra security. This creates a balance between risky and safer wagers. Another approach involves playing only the orphelins for several spins in a row, using a fixed budget and tracking performance.

Most effective strategies

• Fixed Orphelins Playing only Orphelins in each round

• Orphelins + Voisins Combination of safer sectors with Orphelins

• Martingale on Orphelins Doubling the stake after each loss (high risk)

• Number 1 + Splits Focusing bets on number 1 (straight) and 4 split bets

Conclusion: Is orphelins a smart choice in roulette?

Orphelins is a unique and less conventional bet in the world of roulette, aimed at players who seek tactical depth and want to break away from standard patterns. Although it covers only eight numbers, with proper chip placement and a solid understanding of the wheel, it can lead to significant payouts.

Its scattered layout on the wheel requires careful betting and tighter bankroll control, but that’s exactly what makes it both challenging and engaging. For more experienced players looking for something different, orphelins can be an effective and profitable strategy — as long as it’s used thoughtfully.