Original Blog Entry: Jackpot number selection using range reduction

hypersoniq — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 15:13:35 GMT

Regardless of the system used to pick numbers (except for quick picks), you can craft a pick using range reduction, working from both ends... (using a 5 of whatever format)

Step 1, pick the low number. In a non replacement draw, picking the column 1 number first gets you a lower bound. No numbers can be the same or less than this number.

Step 2, pick the high number... this gives an upper bound. No number can be the same or higher than this number.

Now that you have your range, time to reduce it...

Step 3, pick your next lowest number. This must be 1 higher than the lowest, and no more than 3 lower than the highest. This sets the next low bound.

Step 4, pick your next to last highest number. This must be at least 1 lower than the high bound, and at least 2 higher than your new low bound from step 3.

Step 5, your new bounds set you up to pick from what remains in the center section.

Sounds like unhelpful obvious info, but when you are selecting numbers based on some metric, it can help. The simple setup is in a spreadsheet, using cell formatting to black out the numbers no longer in play at each step. It can also be easily reset when looking at other possibilities.... [ More ]