In a typical 6/49 lotto game, there are certain sets of numbers that you just should not play. Consider all of the possible combinations of numbers using 1 through 49. Now, think about the following analysis. In reviewing over 200 different lotto games, the following statements have been verified: that which is the most possible happens most often and that which is least possible happens least often.
Applying this principle to the average 6/49 lotto game, we can conclude a few things. There are two six-number combinations that players should never choose. If you add up the six numbers in the game, most of the winning number combinations fall within a certain range. Most winning combinations hover around the median which is 150. The minimum is 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 = 21 and the maximum is 44 + 45 + 46 + 47 + 48 + 49 = 279. Each of these is the only combination that adds up to 21 or 279 and are the least likely combinations to occur.
In thinking about numbers to play, numbers that add up to 21 or 279 are not as likely to be selected. It makes sense then that players of a 6/49 lotto game should never play these two combinations if they want the best chance at success. Players should also stay away from choosing six consecutive numbers as those are less likely to be chosen as winners.