A method for controlling an antislip-regulated friction brake system of a rail vehicle or rail vehicle train having a number of braked axles which subjects at least two selected axles to a braking pressure exceeding the braking pressure required for braking; measures at least one variable representing the maximum transmittable frictional force in each case between the wheels of the selected axles and the rail; prepares a list associating the selected axles with the respectively transmittable brake friction force; identifies at least one brake-slipping axle from the selected axles in which a brake slip exceeding a predetermined extent occurs; calculates lost braking work; identifies from the list at least one axle in which brake-slipping does not occur or occurs to a permissible extent; and applies the brakes on at least one axle.