What is “Hyena” in Pachinko and Pachislot?
In Pachinko and Pachislot, “hyena” refers to a playstyle where a player targets machines that other players have stopped playing, specifically looking for machines that are in a “high-expectation” state, meaning they have a high probability of leading to a big win or payout.
Just like the animal hyena scavenging for leftover prey, this term describes the act of efficiently taking advantage of the “good parts” left behind by other players.
Main Targets for “Hyena” Play
Here are the primary types of machine states that “hyena” players target:
- Targeting the Ceiling (Pachislot): Many Pachislot machines have a “ceiling” (or “tenjō”) feature, where reaching a certain number of games guarantees a big win or AT (Assist Time). By targeting machines that have already consumed many games and are close to hitting the ceiling, players increase their chances of reaching a big win with less investment. Machines where the ceiling game count is shortened after a morning reset are also prime targets.
- Targeting Zones: For machines with “zones” where lottery odds are boosted or where it’s easier to enter a Chance Zone (CZ) at specific game counts, players will target machines just before they reach these zones.
- Targeting Yu-Time (Shortened Time) in Pachinko: Some Pachinko machines have a “Yu-Time” feature, where reaching a specific number of spins triggers a shortened time (Jitan). Targeting machines close to Yu-Time activation increases the likelihood of hitting a big win with less investment.
- Targeting Hidden Probability Changes (Pachinko): Previously, some Pachinko machines had “hidden probability changes” (senpuku kakuyaku), where the state of increased winning probability (kakuyaku) was not clearly displayed on the machine’s panel. Players could spot these machines and aim for big payouts. However, most current machines display the probability change constantly, making this targeting method difficult now.
- Picking up High-Setting Machines: When another player quits a machine with a good setting (high probability of winning) without realizing its potential, picking up and playing that machine is also broadly considered a form of “hyena” play.
Benefits and Risks of “Hyena” Play
Benefits
- Play only the high-expectation parts: This allows players to minimize wasted investment and efficiently pursue profits.
- Less dependent on overall setting conditions: Even if the hall’s overall setting conditions are poor, players can still operate if there are machines with high expectation.
- More stable income: Since this playstyle is based on expected value calculations, it tends to lead to positive returns in the long run.
Risks and Considerations
- High competition: Machines with high expectation are often targeted by many other players, leading to intense competition.
- Requires extensive information gathering and analysis: Players must accurately understand the ceiling, zones, and optimal stopping points for each machine.
- Hall rules and etiquette: Overt “hyena” behavior or lingering around machines can be considered “nuisance behavior” by some establishments and may result in penalties like being banned. It’s crucial to play with good manners.
- Results may not always align with expectations: As this is a probability-based playstyle, short-term outcomes can still be influenced by luck.
Conclusion
“Hyena” play is an effective strategy for winning efficiently in Pachinko and Pachislot. However, it requires significant knowledge of individual machines and the ability to assess the hall’s situation. Always remember to play with good manners.
