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Keno Patterns Explained: Balancing Strategy and Chance

29 August 2023 - 3 min read

Keno is, essentially, a game of luck. Keno draws are completely random, drawn by random number generators to ensure fairness and impartiality. Why then do people believe that their pattern has the potential win over anyone else’s?

Table of Contents

 

What are Keno Patterns?

The concept of keno patterns is that arranging numbers in specific patterns will help to increase a player’s chances of winning. This is despite the fact that keno is a game based entirely on luck. Why then, would an otherwise rational player believe that they could boost their chances by adopting this strategy?

The Illusion of Control

As humans, we have minds that are predisposed to seek patterns and order in chaos. This tendency is better known as pareidolia – essentially seeing a pattern where there isn’t one. As keno is random game with no predefined outcome or order, the phenomenon of pareidolia can be attributed to leading players to believe that specific arrangements of numbers hold strategic importance. Suddenly, geometric shapes and clusters appear to offer structure within the chaos satisfying our need for order.

Anecdotal Evidence

It is not often that we hear from friends or the media about the times that people lost in keno. Indeed, an article with the headline “Punter losses $2 in Keno” is hardly likely to attract your attention! However, when we hear about the biggest keno wins ever – some of which reach millions of dollars – our ears prick up and we want to find out more. How did they win? Where did they win? Could I win too?

 

Sometimes these winners share that they used significant dates in their lives in their lives to form their own keno pattern. The birth dates of children and wedding anniversaries have been known to be used by big winners, so perhaps we may think maybe that will work for me too!

 

Most Common Keno Patterns Explained

 

Despite the fact that keno really is random, patterns can offer a little bit of fun to picking numbers. We may find ourselves a little bit more invested in a draw if the birthdays of our loved ones are involved. Equally, if we have spent a while crafting a pattern, we may be that little bit more engaged in the outcome. With that in mind, here are some of the most common keno patterns that players currently use.

 

1.     Straight Lines

 

Using straight lines is simple and too the point. Players simple choose number that are next to each other in either vertical, horizontal, or diagonal lines. Some players will claim that this specific arrangement of numbers helps to boost their chances of winning, while others will use it simply for convenience.

 

2.     Geometric Patterns

 

By geometric patterns we mean shapes like squares, rectangles, and triangles. These shapes may seem simple, but they have captured the imagination of keno players for generations! Some are merely attracted to the symmetry of this patterns, but others believe there is a strategic benefit to be had. These players believe – despite all evidence to the contrary – that forming number patterns in these shapes improves their chances of winning.

 

3.     Birthdays and Special Dates

 

Adding a personal touch to the game can make it more engaging, and perhaps more exciting for players. Choosing numbers based on the important events of your life is certainly one way to give keno a personal touch. It is unlikely that people who use this strategy truly believe that it will reap massive rewards, but using numbers of sentimental value can help to maximise the enjoyment of a game.

 

4.     Hot and Cold Numbers

 

The term “hot and cold numbers” refers to how often a certain number has been drawn. A “hot” number is one that has been frequently drawn, while a “cold” number is one that is less frequently drawn. Some players will review past keno draws to identify which numbers are “hot” or “cold” and use that information as the basis of their keno pattern. Some players will choose “hot” numbers, perhaps seeing them as “lucky”, while others may choose “cold” ones with the view that there are more likely to be hit.

 

Some players will attribute their success in keno to the keno pattern that they used for that particular game. The truth is that their fortune is almost certainly down to luck rather than them being a keno strategy savant! However, that is not to say that you should not use keno patterns. If playing with shapes, special dates, or hot and cold numbers increases your enjoyment of the game then you have our full support! Whether you playing keno for a $20 million jackpot or just a few dollars,  having fun is the reason we are all here, right?