Fixed and Random Try Games

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• In the "Pick & Click" bonuses, the number of attempts that the player receives to open cells, items or other hidden elements plays a key role. This number can be fixed or random, and the mathematics of the slot, the frequency of large winnings and the overall dynamics of the bonus directly depend on this.

1. Fixed number of retries

Bottom line: The player always gets the same number of clicks when launching a bonus, regardless of the trigger conditions.

Features:

• Predictability: The player knows how many picks he'll have.
• EV stability: The mathematical expectation of the bonus remains constant every time you start.
• The frequency of big prizes: lower than in random systems, but the minimum results are also more stable.
• Balancing: The developer can adjust the weight of the prizes so that the average winnings stay within a given RTP.

Pros:

• Transparency of mechanics for the player.
• No dispersion spikes.
• Easy prediction of the result within the specified ranges.

Cons:

• Less "surprise effect."
• Limited potential for super-large payouts without extra tiers or jackpot.

2. Random number of attempts

The bottom line: the number of clicks is randomly determined at the time the bonus is launched or during its passage.

Features:

• Variability: Each bonus can yield a different number of choices (e.g. 3 to 10).
• Luck factor: a large range allows you to get significantly greater gains at the maximum attempts.
• Increase in variance: The difference between the worst and best outcome increases.
Implementation:
• Dropping a random number of attempts before the start (selection animation or dice roll).
• Getting additional clicks during the bonus ("Extra Pick" or "+ 1 Pick" symbols).

Pros:
• High excitement and engagement due to uncertainty.
• Potential for rare but very large winnings.

Cons:
• Disappointing rounds are possible with a minimum of attempts.
• Higher volatility, which is not always suitable for players with a small bankroll.

3. Comparison of formats



Parameter	Fixed	Random
Predictability	High	Low
Volatility	Medium	Medium-high
Excitement from start	Below	Above
Win Range	Already	Wider
Suitable for	Players who value stability	Risk and surprise lovers


4. Impact on math and RTP

The fixed format is easier to balance: the developer lays down a fixed number of attempts and builds prize weights for the target RTP.
A random format requires a redistribution of probabilities: with a larger number of attempts, the average gain increases, therefore, to preserve RTP, part of the prizes must be less valuable or less common.
Overall effect: Random attempts increase variance and broaden the range of possible outcomes.

5. Psychological aspect

A fixed bonus is perceived as a guaranteed reward, especially valuable for players who prefer stability.
A random bonus enhances the surprise effect and can form "peak" emotions - both positive (with a large number of attempts) and negative (with a minimum).

6. Combined approaches

Some slots use mixed mechanics:
• Base fixed number of attempts + chance to get extra clicks during bonus.
• Random range, but with a minimum threshold guarantee (for example, at least 3 attempts).
• Multi-level selection, where at each stage you can increase the remaining clicks.

Result

The difference between a fixed and random number of attempts in Pick & Click bonuses lies in the balance of stability and excitement. Fixed ones provide predictability and even distribution of winnings, random ones add emotional dynamics and a chance for a major result, but increase variance. The choice of format is a matter of player preferences and slot design tasks.