Can you devise strategies in games where the outcome is purely dependant on RNG

Can you devise strategies in games where the outcome is purely dependant on RNG

Games have been a popular form of entertainment for centuries. From board games to video games, people have always enjoyed the thrill of competition and the challenge of strategic thinking. One element that has been increasingly incorporated into modern games is Random Number Generators (RNG).

RNG introduces an element of chance or unpredictability into games, making them more exciting and unpredictable. However, it can also lead to frustration for players who feel that the outcome is entirely out of their control. As such, it is essential to understand how RNG works and how it can impact gameplay.

Understanding RNG in games

Random Number Generators (RNG) are algorithms used in games to introduce an element of chance or unpredictability. They generate a sequence of numbers that are statistically random and cannot be predicted. RNGs are commonly used in many types of games, including casino games, role-playing games, and even sports simulations.

There are two types of RNGs commonly used in games: True RNGs and Pseudo-RNGs. True RNGs rely on physical sources of randomness. Pseudo-RNGs, on the other hand, use mathematical algorithms to generate random numbers. While True RNGs are considered more random, Pseudo-RNGs are more commonly used due to their efficiency.

PRNGs operate by starting with an initial number, called a seed, and then applying a series of mathematical operations to generate a new, seemingly random number. This number then influences various outcomes within the game, such as the roll of virtual dice, the distribution of cards, or the appearance of items and enemies. The effectiveness of PRNGs in creating a fair and unpredictable gaming experience is crucial, especially in competitive and gambling-related games where the integrity of the game mechanics is paramount.

Understanding RNG is important for game developers and players alike. Game developers must use RNGs ethically to ensure fairness, while players must understand how RNGs impact gameplay and develop strategies accordingly. In some cases, RNG can make a game more exciting and unpredictable, but in others, it can lead to frustration and a feeling of unfairness.

True Random Number Generators

In board games and other non-digital games, true random number generators (TRNGs)  is achieved through physical methods that naturally incorporate unpredictability due to their reliance on physical laws and natural variability. Here are some examples of these methods in traditional games:

1. Dice

Dice are perhaps the most classic example of a physical random number generator in board games. When a dice is rolled, the outcome is determined by a complex interaction of factors including the force and angle of the roll, the surface it rolls on, and the dice’s design. This randomness is sufficient for the needs of most board games.

2. Coin Flips

Like dice, flipping a coin introduces randomness through physical means. The outcome (heads or tails) depends on how the coin is flipped, the air resistance, its weight distribution, and where and how it lands. This method is often used to decide starting players or resolve simple binary decisions in games.

3. Spinner Wheels

Many board games use spinner wheels to generate random results. Players spin the wheel, which then randomly stops on a number or instruction. The randomness comes from the force of the spin and the physical characteristics of the spinner.

5. Drawing Lots or Tiles

In some games, players draw lots, tiles, or other objects from a bag or container where they are mixed. The random drawing of these pieces is crucial for games like Scrabble, where players draw tiles from a bag without looking, ensuring the selection is random.

6. Pop-O-Matic Bubble

Used in games like Trouble, this device encases a die within a plastic bubble on the game board. Players press down on the bubble, which flexibly deforms and pops back up, tossing the die. This method randomizes the dice roll in a contained space.

7. Physical Roulette Wheels

In non-digital casino games, the roulette wheel is a prime example of generating randomness. The ball’s final position is influenced by the wheel’s spin, the ball’s initial force and trajectory, and physical interactions with the wheel’s numbered slots.

But of course in the digital realm of online games, all these things use a PRNG. Except in the case of Live casino games where dealers deal real cards and spin real wheels. PRNG are used in all slots games. But all RNGs are random and depend on luck. There is no way to predict their outcome, have any impact on their outcome, or control their outcome.

Games where RNG is a significant factor

Random Number Generators (RNGs) play a significant role in all online games, where chance and unpredictability are essential elements. The impact of RNG on gameplay can vary from game to game, from being a minor factor to determining the entire outcome. For example, in games like poker or blackjack, the randomness of the shuffle and deal can significantly impact the outcome of the game, while in video games, RNG can be used to simulate the unpredictable nature of sports events or to determine the outcome of character actions in role-playing games.

While RNG can add excitement and unpredictability to games, it can also frustrate players who feel that the outcome is entirely out of their control. In some cases, players can develop strategies that incorporate RNG, such as knowing when to take risks or when to play it safe. However, in other games, RNG may play too significant a role, making it difficult to develop successful strategies.

RNG is a critical part of the gambling industry, ensuring that games are fair and enjoyable for all players, Casinos would probably not be as popular if RNG didn’t exist. Because it is the most important factor in having someone go through full range of emotions while playing games at a casino. Many agree that games of chance would not be as addicting if it weren’t for the randomness. Some online craps games listed by Mercury News where RNG is a significant factor, highlight the importance of RNG in modern gaming. Understanding the role of RNG in games is essential for players and game developers, as it can affect the overall experience and success of the game. Ultimately, the question of whether it is possible to devise successful strategies in games with RNG is a complex one that requires an understanding of the specific game and the RNG algorithms involved.

Can you devise strategies for games with RNG

Developing successful strategies for games with RNG can be challenging, as the outcome is largely determined by chance. However, there are some approaches that players can take to increase their chances of success.

Most game players understand the strategies involved in card games, even online card games such as poker and blackjack. Understanding the probabilities of dealt cards is a huge part of the game.

But RNG games such as roulette or slots require a different kinds of strategy, and they all involve betting. Your betting systems and strategies can help you win and not go broke.

Can you devise strategies in games where the outcome is purely dependant on RNG? The answer is Yes but it’s not what you might have thought. You can have zero impact on the numbers that are generated by an RNG. But you can have impact on whether you win or lose, and whether you enjoy yourself while playing.

Use a Betting strategy

Most successful gamblers have their own betting strategies. But there’s actually no perfect betting strategy – what works for one gambler doesn’t work for another. And this is because the true success of a strategy is not the strategy itself. It’s the way the strategy, any strategy, keeps a player on their toes, keeps them paying attention, and helps control loss of focus as well as emotional reactions such as tilting.

Using a betting strategy will help you manage your bankroll, and will help you enjoy your experience more over the long run. A betting strategy is like making a commitment to yourself. It might be something simple like, “I’m going to leave the table when I’ve doubled my money.” or it might be something complicated like the Fibonacci Sequence. Some strategies require a long-term commitment. My mother’s strategy (ladder betting) worked for her but only over along period of time – she kept monthly records, and reported a small profit on an annual basis. My mother loved blackjack and played it a lot. Her strategy kept her at the table, and at the same time kept her from going broke.

Understand the role of luck in gaming

Luck plays a significant role in gaming, particularly in games with RNG. For some players, luck is a defining factor in their success or failure in gaming. Luck can be seen as an equalizer, allowing players who may not have the same skill level to still have a chance at winning. However, luck can also be frustrating for players who feel that their skill and effort are not being rewarded. A run of ‘bad luck’ can sometimes lead to player tilt, when a lot of bad decisions start being made.  Some players may simply enjoy the unpredictability and excitement that luck brings to games, while others may prefer skill-based games which are less reliant on chance.

My mother believed firmly in what she called the ‘Lucky Streak’ and she developed her betting strategies in order to take advantage of a lucky streak, when she would win big, and not lose too much money when she was on a ‘Losing Streak.’ However, even my mother would not play RNG games like roulette or the slots. She preferred to play games where the cards were the TRNG. Sadly she passed away before the advent of online casinos. I often wonder how she would have fared playing online.

The last word

Understanding the role of RNG in games is crucial for players and game developers alike. It can affect the overall experience of the game, and players who are more familiar with RNG can develop more effective strategies.

It is also important to recognize that while skill and strategy are crucial, luck can play a defining role in the outcome of the game. And the thing about LUCK is that it is quite random. The RNG has no pattern, ever. Pushing a button or pulling a lever in certain ways has no impact of the RNG. However, some people do seem to experience more luck than others. This reminds me of something I heard once, which I keep in mind at all times: “Luck is applied skill.” 

So apply your skill and good luck!