Fortune Pick: How to use this preset
What the selection means
Fortune Pick draws one paper slip from a fixed list of 20 answers. The answers include affirmative, negative and uncertain responses. It is a conversation game: the selected phrase comes from that list and does not interpret your question or predict what will happen.
Using the controls
Start a pick to mix the paper slips and reveal one answer. Reset before another round. There is no need to type a question into PhysPicks; the answer is selected from the same fixed list each time.
An activity to try
Think of a light-hearted yes-or-no question, start a pick and read the revealed phrase. Use it as a prompt for a group discussion or a fictional character’s next move. To replace the stock answers, open the custom text selection mode and enter your own list; keep one answer per entry.
Create your own version with PhysPicks
Add your own names or options, choose how many to pick, and create a paper-slip selection game.
Create a name or text pickerAll 20 answers in Fortune Pick
The list below is the list used by the chamber in the selected language. Under an equal-chance model, each answer would have probability 1/20 (5%); the categories would be 50%, 25% and 25%. These are counts-based theoretical proportions, not measured simulator frequencies. The phrase is a conversation prompt, not an assessment of your question.
Affirmative · 10 answers
- It is certain
- It is decidedly so
- Without a doubt
- Yes definitely
- You may rely on it
- As I see it, yes
- Most likely
- Outlook good
- Yes
- Signs point to yes
Uncertain · 5 answers
- Reply hazy, try again
- Ask again later
- Better not tell you now
- Cannot predict now
- Concentrate and ask again
Negative · 5 answers
- Don't count on it
- My reply is no
- My sources say no
- Outlook not so good
- Very doubtful
Why a yes-or-no answer game? The Magic 8 Ball connection
The Strong traces Magic 8 Ball to 1946 and describes its 20-answer mechanism. Fortune Pick uses the same question-and-answer game idea as a conversation starter, with visible paper slips instead of a sealed toy. Asking a playful question gives a group something to react to; no question analysis takes place.
Magic 8 Ball is a Mattel brand. PhysPicks and Fortune Pick are independent and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Mattel. The name is mentioned here for historical comparison.