The Lost Game

So I figured we'd try something to make following Lost even more interesting. During each week that there's a new episode, I'll put in a few predictions (with odds), such as these:

1. Jack makes it back to the island. (2:1)
   
2. Locke makes it off the island. (3:1)
   
3. Locke is revealed to not have been dead when he was in the funeral parlor. (10:1)
   
4. Someone directly interacts with an older (or younger) version of themselves via time travel. (15:1)
   
5. It is revealed that the island of Lost is actually a self-contained biosphere floating in space. (5000:1)
   
6. etc.
   

Each week you get $10 to "bet" on the predictions. You must spend all of the money you have, and you can divide it anyway you want among any or all of the predictions to a round dollar amount.

When your prediction comes true during an episode (not in previews for the next one or in the "previously on Lost" segment), the winnings are paid out according to the odds for the prediction. If your prediction does not come true, your bet remains. So you have to weigh the facts: if the prediction comes true and when the prediction comes true. Until your prediction comes true, the money is essentially kept in an iron-clad lockbox. If the prediction never comes true, you've lost that money.

You can only vote on current predictions. You can't put your money on past ones, even if they haven't come true yet.

Post how you want to spend your money each week. Any posts made after 8PM EST (or edited to after 8PM EST) are disqualified.

At this point, if anyone would like to suggest questions, please send me a private message. I'd like to have this week's predictions up by tonight so everyone has at least a full day to participate in the first week.

Let me know your thoughts, etc.

Week One: http://forum.dvdtalk.com/9272770-post17.html

I'd play. Your setup sounds pretty good. By the way, is there a "reverse" version of this game?

Sounds like fun. I'll play.

I'll play.

Sounds awesome, can't wait!

I like the idea. I'm in.

You obviously made a mistake typing so I thought I'd correct the last item on your list.

Will our balances and wagers carry over for season 6?

What if a prediction becomes (seemingly) impossible to come true? Will the money wagered be returned in full or part?

Locke makes it off the island. (3:1)

I'll take this bet, since we've known since the finale last year that Locke makes it off the island!

But does it happen THIS episode?

If it becomes impossible to be true, you've lost your money. The money you sink in with a bet remains with that bet. And some things will become true, like Locke making it off the island. But will it happen by next episode? Or by the end of the season? Or next season?

To clarify: If you make a bet, it continues for the rest of the show. So if it doesn't come true in the next episode, your bet is still active and your money is tied up. But you get a certain amount each week that you play. As the game goes on I may make it higher than $10 so newcomers feel like they still have a chance. (Say, maybe give them $50 if the lowest balance is $200 or something like that).

With a woman?

I would play.

I'm in.

Wait is this real money?

"Make that money back" = payout, right? (i.e.; if I put all $10 in on a 3:1 I'll then have $30 to spend the following week). Perhaps obvious, but your phrasing wasn't clear. In turn, the person with the most "money" at the end of the series wins?

That's correct Superman.

LOST Game — Week One

You have $24 to spend between these predictions. You can bet on any number of predictions. Any unused money is lost.

Predictions are in this format:

{Number} Prediction (Odds)

This week's predictions for Episode 89 ("316") and onward:

{001} A foreign language is spoken. (2:1)
{002} A gun or firearm is fired. (3:1)
{003} The "Lost Numbers" (the whole sequence) are mentioned or used, directly or indirectly. (7:1)
{004} A dead character has a scene.* (9:1)
{005} Jack uses his medical skills to help someone. (8:1)
{006} Walt appears. (13:1)
{007} John Locke is referred to by someone as Jeremy Bentham (or Jeremy or Mr. Bentham). (5:1)
{008} Penelope Whidmore dies. (50:1)
{009} At least three of the Oceanic Six make it back to the island. (4:1)
{010} All of the Oceanic Six make it back to the island. (7:1)

* Example: "Your move Mr. Eko" is valid, as is Ana Lucia appearing in Hurley's dream. If someone where to have a flashback with Charlie in it, that also works. John Locke, for our intents, is not dead (yet).

Off you go! Post your answers here by tomorrow, Wednesday, February 18th at 8PM EST.

Public posting or PMs to you?

Does 003 refer to the entire sequence of numbers or just how portions of them will sometimes pop up?

I just PM'ed him with the same question but wasn't sure if it was meant to be intentionally vague.

Post them publicly please.

Where do you prefer we put our $ amounts? Probably be easier for you if we all put it in the same spot?

Oh yeah, I presume you don't read any spoilers?

$10 {001} A foreign language is spoken. (2:1)
$10 {002} A gun or firearm is fired. (3:1)
$04 {004} A dead character has a scene.* (9:1)

I assume none of your predictions can be answered already by the promo (which I didn't watch)?

$10.00 {001} A foreign language is spoken. (2:1)
$5.00 {002} A gun or firearm is fired. (3:1)
$5.00 {004} A dead character has a scene.* (9:1)
$4.00 {008} Penelope Whitmore dies. (50:1)

The current format is fine. I'll be making one of my overly color-coded spreadsheets soon.