People have very different mechanisms for selecting their specific numbers and, it must be said, that given the random nature of the draw, there is no proven right or wrong way. However, there is, arguably, one set of numbers which may significantly reduce your odds of winning should you choose to play them.
The theory is this: you should not select numbers that have a coincidental relationship.
One of the most popular number selections is that of 1,2,3,4,5,6. Mathematically these numbers should have the same probability of appearing as any random selection of six numbers. Yet, by asking for numbers that have a coincidental relationship you are also reducing your chances of winning.
This applies to any set of numbers that have a coincidental relationship…consecutive, all even or all odd, multiples of a number.
Equally, it might apply to the number’s positioning on the playing card – all down the left hand side or choosing the four corners and two others. By selecting numbers that have a relationship you are asking for a coincidence to occur.
This is very different from an individual’s selection where they base their numbers on those that have personal meaning for them, for example, on family birthdays. This effectively amounts to a random number selection.
Similarly, the lucky dip option is a random selection of numbers. There is no coincidence between them. It merely replaces your own selection. There may, arguably, be a coincidental relationship if the number selecting machines were related. But they are not.
Now mathematically, probability-wise, this theory is a non-starter. Six numbers with a coincidental relationship are as equally likely to be drawn as any six random numbers. This theory struggles for any mathematical credibility. Yet there is a logicality to it. It would seem to make sense.
Compare the selection of lottery numbers to looking for a needle in a haystack, on finding one you then see that there are five others in a line next to it. That would be a remarkable coincidence. One would naturally suspect there to be other forces at work in the arrangement of such an eventuality. You can hear the clamour already: “It must be rigged.” “That can’t be for real.” “Somebody’s fixed that.”
Technically, mathematically, it’s not impossible for those coincidental numbers to be selected. It’s just highly unlikely. Whether or not their likelihood can be measured I don’t know – I am no mathematician.
For me, by selecting six numbers with a coincidental relationship, you might just be making it less likely for you to be a winner.
We should also look at the historical evidence. Has there ever been six numbers with a coincidental relationship? The Lotto draw started in 1994 with an additional Wednesday draw being added in 1997. Although I haven’t been through each individual draw I am unaware of any startling coincidental relationship.
Similarly, other countries have their own lotteries. Have any of them produced a series of numbers that have had a coincidental relationship? What is the closest there has been to a coincidental relationship?
Whether this theory has any validity or not my advice would be to select numbers that don’t have a coincidental relationship. That way, you’re not asking for that extra eventuality. After all, why make it harder for yourself?
©Copyright Steve Oxley 2020
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