A lot of the old timers would say go back 12 draws. At least that is what I have read. However, if say the #6 has hit the most, say 4 times, but those 4 hits were 9,10,11,12 draws back is it still a hot number? No.
You could always arrange the numbers in order from hotttest to coldest, but you will find it isn't always the hottest numbers that always hit. If that was the case cold numbers would never get hot and vice versa.
Best thing to do is set up a skip-hit chart and track the digits on a daily basis. Pay attention to the number of skips between hits. This will tell you when a number is heating up or cooling down. Some numbers may just stay warm by having a steady 2,3,4 skips rather than hitting 2 or 3 days in a row or say 4 times in 5 days.
Now what about cold numbers? When do you play those? If you have say 3 or 4 numbers that are out 6-10 draws and one hits after 8 skips and two days later another one hits after 8 skips maybe that,s the current trend.
Now what about the number that's out 12-15 days? IGNORE it!!! Now a lot of folks here will say play it because it's cold or due, but what guarentee is that there that it will hit in the next couple days? None. It could very well not hot for another 10 - 12 days. If you played it, well you just lost your $$$.
Now what if that cold number hits, then hits again back to back? Again, ignore it. It may even hit a third time, ignore it, because this is just a short time correction and will most likely go right back on another cold streak. Look back and see when was the last time it hit. How many skips before then? Example, in Md eve. the #1's last 3 skips are, 16 skips, 1 hit, 11 skips 1 hit, 11 skips 1 hit, 4 skips, hit tonight. See what I mean?
Remember, numbers are like stoves not light switches. In other words, they gradually get hot and gradually get cold. Hot or cold streaks do not happen instantly like a light bulb. Best thing is to just watch your state. See what it does, how it behaves with hot or cold numbers. Example, how many times does a number usually hit in a row? 2, 3, or maybe once in awhile 4? What are other numbers doing right now? They will give you clues.
One thing I like to do on my charts is highlite all the skips that are 5 days or longer. It makes it easier to see the cold numbers. Remember, the numbers will tell you what numbers to play. Pay attention to the numbers.
Good Luck!!!