Polar Marble Circuit
A number-and-marble planning game with a light wheel twist. Below is a detailed description, a clear rule set, and examples you can follow to understand the mechanics. Nothing here implies guaranteed outcomes.
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What it is
Polar Marble Circuit is an educational game format used to explain how “draw-like” prize mechanics can be structured: you pick a small set of numbers, a round produces results, and you record outcomes consistently.
The “marbles” are a visual metaphor for results (they represent numbered outcomes). The “wheel step” is a simple constraint that changes how many outcomes are counted in a round.
Before you start
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Budget capPick a fixed amount you are comfortable losing (entertainment money only).
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Time capSet a timer (for example, 20–30 minutes). Stop when it ends.
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Stop signalChoose one clear stop reason (fatigue, frustration, chasing, distraction).
If you can’t follow your own limits today, don’t start.
Setup
- Choose a number range: 1–36 (easy to track).
- Pick 5 numbers as your “selection set”. Keep it fixed for the session.
- Create a simple record sheet with columns: Round, Wheel, Drawn Numbers, Matches, Notes.
- Define your wheel options (3 outcomes): Count 2, Count 3, Count 4.
The wheel is not a “win booster”; it’s only a structured way to vary how many drawn numbers you consider per round.
Round flow
- Wheel step: select one option (Count 2 / Count 3 / Count 4).
- Draw step: generate 4 random numbers from 1–36 (your “marbles”).
- Count step: only count the first 2/3/4 results based on the wheel option.
- Match step: compare counted results to your 5-number selection set.
- Record: log matches and a short note (calm / rushed / tempted / neutral).
Consistency matters more than “smart” tweaks.
Rules
- Fixed set rule: keep your 5-number selection unchanged for one session.
- Wheel honesty rule: choose wheel options randomly or in a repeating pattern; don’t chase outcomes.
- Stop rule: stop when you hit your budget cap, time cap, or stop signal.
- Reset rule: if you break any rule, end the session and reset another day.
Recommendations
- Use a timer. It removes “just one more round” behavior.
- Keep rounds short (10–20 total). More rounds often increases impulsive decisions.
- Take notes on mood; mood shifts are often the first warning sign.
- Never use borrowed money. Never attempt to “recover” a loss.
Example session
Selection set: 4, 11, 19, 23, 31 (kept fixed).
Round 1
Wheel: Count 3
Drawn marbles: 31, 7, 19, 2
Counted: 31, 7, 19 → Matches: 2 (31, 19)
Note: calm, followed timer.
Round 2
Wheel: Count 2
Drawn marbles: 15, 11, 28, 4
Counted: 15, 11 → Matches: 1 (11)
Note: neutral, no changes.
The example shows how rules stay stable even when results vary. The goal is controlled participation and clear record-keeping.
Simple instruction sheet
Copy/paste this into your notes:
1) My budget cap: ____
2) My time cap: ____
3) My stop signal: ____
4) My selection set (5 numbers): ____
5) Wheel options: Count 2 / Count 3 / Count 4
6) Rounds today: ____ (max 20)
If you want a deeper safety checklist, open Responsible Play.