A school teacher named Chris Menke played the same Pick 3 number every day for a year and won big twice, so I decide to stick with one I’ve already played—fruitlessly so far—4-0-8. Just in case, I purchase a couple paper publications behind Tom Thumb’s counter.
The first is called the Lottery Bible and is only $1.25. “We have the stars,” it says, and inside the first fold-out are 10 rows of 10 numbers. “First check to see if the number you are playing is on the above list.” 408 is one of them—hot damn! “If it is you may be on the right track.”
Another pamphlet called Sneaky Pete’s Grandma is simpler, more handmade, and also cost $1.25. Printed on one folded piece of blue paper are a number of figures, and a number of types. Believe it or not, one of the “Super Power” numbers is mine, 408! Next to it is an ad for the Casino Jackpot Necklace. “Now you can win at the casino with this attractive necklace,” it states. All I have to do is send $25 to Verona, New Jersey. I think I’ll hold on to the cash and buy some more booklets.
Three more Sneaky Pete’s publications—two for $1.95 and one for a buck—yield more suggested numbers. One is 46 pages thick with all sorts of predictions and ads, but no 408. All three of these appear to be based around astrological signs and birth dates, but seem rather random to me. I think I’ll stay with 408. Two out of five ain’t bad.