Hi,
I also play Canadian Lotto 649, in a pool (syndicate) of 5 to spread the cost.
I usually use hot numbers (the most frequent) for the latest 50 draws, with additional options for latest 25 draws, 75 and 100 (I do not analyse numbers beyond that). I also use a wheel with 40 tickets - my personal favourite and proven good performer.
Apart from hot I can use several other prediction methods - cold numbers (the least frequent), repetitive numbers (repeated at least twice lately), due to hit numbers based on their appearance pattern, overdue numbers (waiting the longest to be picked), and positive trend numbers (increased frequency now compared with the past).
Logically hot numbers appear the obvious choice. Unfortunately, reality often defies logic. Hot numbers have been performing poorly lately, guess what is winning? Overdue, the ones that supposed to be lousy! How do I know? I usually backtrack my favourite hots and seldom look at others. But for fun of it I checked overdue a few days ago. Results below. Notice win 5 on October 6. In September another wheel also had win 5, again with overdue.
Check overdue numbers --- Canada Lotto 6/49
Wheel name : 3W 5H 26N 40T
30/10/2010 --- no wins
27/10/2010 --- wins: 1 x 3
23/10/2010 --- wins: 3 x 2+bonus, 1 x 3
20/10/2010 --- wins: 1 x 2+bonus
16/10/2010 --- no wins
13/10/2010 --- wins: 2 x 3
09/10/2010 --- no wins
06/10/2010 --- wins: 10 x 3, 3 x 4, 1 x 5
02/10/2010 --- no wins
29/09/2010 --- no wins
25/09/2010 --- wins: 4 x 2+bonus, 1 x 3
22/09/2010 --- no wins
18/09/2010 --- wins: 1 x 3, 1 x 4
15/09/2010 --- wins: 3 x 2+bonus
11/09/2010 --- no wins
08/09/2010 --- no wins
04/09/2010 --- no wins
01/09/2010 --- wins: 3 x 3, 1 x 4
Conclusion: do not get fixated on one prediction method because you may miss something bigger. All methods fluctuate in efficiency. Pick the one that is winning NOW. It could be even cold or overdue numbers. I learnt my lesson.