I used to pick games like I pick snacks. I’d scroll, get bored, click something shiny, and repeat. Now, I run the same quick rules every time. In about 30 minutes, I end up with 5–7 games that fit what I want today. Read on to see how I do that.
While I build a shortlist, I like Lucky Seven Casino because the lobby makes quick filtering easy: 5,000+ games, clear buckets for slots, live tables, Megaways, jackpots, and crash titles. There’s also a welcome offer, a VIP points track, many payment methods (cards, e-wallets, crypto), and fast sign-up right away.
Secret 1 — Start With One Session Goal, Not a Genre
First, I pick the feel I want. That’s what I look for:
- Stretch Play: I want steady action. Fewer long dead patches.
- Spike Hunt: I accept cold runs if the upside is big.
This matters because it stops random picks. If my goal is Stretch Play and I jump into a high-swing monster, I’ll hate the first 10 minutes and tilt into bad choices. The goal is my guardrail.
Secret 2 — Write a Tiny Rules Card
I open Notes and type a rules card at the top. No fancy sheet needed. Here’s one I use a lot:
- RTP: 96%+ shown clearly
- Volatility: medium (or high if I’m in Spike mode)
- No-Go Features: bonus buy, progressives, weird add-ons
- Quick Check: clear paytable + clear feature rules
- Pace: normal or turbo, no slow “cinema spins”
Secret 3 — Use a 3-Step Filter That Cuts Fast
I filter hard, and I don’t feel bad about it. My approach:
Step 1: Drop Games With Missing Info
If I can’t see RTP, rules, or key limits in a few taps, I skip. Examples:
- RTP shows “varies” but no version listed
- Feature rules feel vague
- Max win not shown anywhere
Step 2: Remove Feature Traps That Don’t Fit Your Goal
Some features look fun, but they wreck the vibe for a lot of players. I watch for:
- Bonus Buy Buttons: fun, but it can turn a calm session into a burn test
- Progressives: great for dreamers, awful if you hate long dry spells
- Extra Side Choices: pick-a-box, mini wheels, extra bets… more clicks, more chaos
Step 3: Keep Only What Matches Your Goal
Now I do the “match check.” For Stretch Play, I keep games that drip small hits and don’t feel empty. For Spike Hunt, I keep games that can pay big in one moment, even if they stay quiet for a while.
At this point, I usually drop from “too many options” to around 12–15 games.
Secret 4 — Run a 10-Spin Fit Test (It’s Not About Luck)
I test the feel, not the results. For that purpose, I do this:
- Spin 10 times at the same stake. No stake jumps.
- Watch the base pattern. Does it give small hits, or does it go dead-fast?
- Look for feature signs. Teases, scatters, bonus symbols… do they show up at all?
- Check the speed and friction. Long animations, forced popups, and slow counting are an instant nope.
Secret 5 — Give Each Shortlisted Game a Role
I don’t want 7 “same vibe” games. I want options with a purpose. Here’s my role setup:
| Role | What It Does | What I Look For |
| Base Game (2 picks) | Easy, steady play | clear rules, smooth pace, not too swingy |
| Feature Hunter (2 picks) | Bonus chase without chaos | bonus triggers that feel reachable, no messy add-ons |
| High Swing Pick (1 pick) | The “big mood” slot | high volatility, big max win, simple base |
| Wildcard (1 pick) | New test | one new game that fits the rules card |
Secret 6 — Use a Simple Scorecard So Mood Can’t Hijack You
I score each game from 1 to 5. Quick and blunt.
- Fit: does it match my goal?
- Clarity: do I understand the rules fast?
- Pace: does it feel smooth?
- Swing: can I live with the ups and downs?
One more rule I add when the cashier flow matters: the game only stays on my shortlist if the site supports my go-to method without friction. If that method is Euteller, I use a quick directory like euteller kasinot to confirm support before I even rate the game. Examples from my notes:
- Game A: Fit 5, Clarity 5, Pace 4, Swing 3
- Game B: Fit 4, Clarity 3, Pace 5, Swing 4
Game A goes higher on the list. Game B might stay, but not as my first pick.
Secret 7 — Set Swap Rules Before You Start
I don’t let a bad mood turn into endless scrolling. My swap rules are simple:
- If I feel bored or annoyed, I swap inside the shortlist. No new browsing.
- If a game feels slow or sticky, I drop it for the day.
- If I break the rule once, I write “NO LOBBY” at the top and stick to it.
Secret 8 — Save Shortlists Like Playlists
As a result of my vetting process, I keep 3 saved lists, and I reuse them:
- Chill List: calmer picks for regular days
- Chase List: high swing picks for Spike mode
- Mixed List: my “safe bets” when I don’t want to think
After a session, I edit the lists. I add one new game, or I remove one that annoyed me. Over time, the shortlist gets sharper, and the 30 minutes turns into 10.
Let Your Mood Pick the Music, Not the Game
I still play for fun, but I don’t let vibes run the lobby. With one goal, one rules card, and a fast filter, I end up with a shortlist that fits me right now. And that’s the real win.