The invention discloses an air stand-by brake system and brake method. The air stand-by brake system comprises a brake controller, an equalizing reservoir, a relay valve, an input valve and a throttle valve; the air stand-by brake system is connected with an original train pipe of a locomotive through the input valve, and connected with an original main blast line of the locomotive through the throttle valve; if a main brake control system is power-off, the input valve is used for being opened to a switch-on position, so that an air channel is communicated; the brake controller is used for controlling the pressurization and depressurization of the equalizing reservoir; the equalizing reservoir is used for taking the pressure of the equalizing reservoir as the pilot pressure of the relay valve; and the relay valve is used for controlling the pressure change of the train pipe according to the pressure change of the equalizing reservoir, wherein the pressure of the equalizing reservoir and the pressure of the train pipe are in a synchronous state. According to the embodiment of the invention, the brake function of the locomotive can be ensured, so that the locomotive can continue to run and maintain to a locomotive depot, and then is maintained, in such a way, the locomotive does not stop on a trunk railway for a long tine, thereby reducing the effect on the order of a railway.