WhatIsMust-Hit-By?
A progressive jackpot forced to trigger before reaching a specified ceiling value. MHB progressives are the most mathematically analyzable form of advantage play because the ceiling creates a known upper bound for expected cost calculations.
Why this matters for advantage play
MHB progressives are the cleanest math in slot AP. The hard ceiling makes expected cost computable, and the floor + counter rate let you forecast cycle length. If you're learning AP, start here — every other mechanic is messier than MHB.
MHB Strategy GuideRelated terms
Ceiling
The maximum value a must-hit-by progressive can reach before it is forced to pay out. The closer a progressive gets to its ceiling, the higher the expected value of playing that machine.
Floor
The starting or reset value of a progressive jackpot — the lowest point it returns to after a jackpot hit. The distance between the floor and the current counter value indicates how much has been contributed by players since the last hit.
Midpoint Method
A calculation technique for MHB progressives that estimates the breakeven point by finding the statistical midpoint between the current counter value and the ceiling. Assumes uniform trigger distribution — in practice, some games may be biased toward triggering near the ceiling.
Progressive Jackpot
A jackpot that increases with each bet placed, funded by a small percentage of each wager. Progressives can be standalone (single machine) or linked (multiple machines). When a progressive grows high enough above its reset value, the added value can push the total RTP above 100%.
Threshold
The specific counter value at which a machine transitions from house-favored to player-favorable. Run the Slots calculates trigger thresholds for every supported machine based on base game return, counter rates, and bonus values.
Machines that use this
Proven Must-Hit-By machines on Run the Slots. Tap any title for the full advantage play guide.
88 Fortunes Emperor’s Coins
Ascending Fortunes
Buffalo Link
Play at 1,600+ on the counter
Coyote Moon Deluxe
Fire Wolf 2
Forest Dragons
Jewel Collection: Dragon
Jewel Collection: Vault
Legend of the 3x 2x Phoenix
Lucky Larry's Lobstermania Deluxe
Magic Wishes
Money Storm Deluxe
Common questions about must-hit-by
Regular progressives have no ceiling — they can grow indefinitely. MHB progressives have a published or visible ceiling that the counter cannot pass without forcing a trigger.
It's printed on the machine, usually as 'must hit by $X' or 'awarded by $X'. On some games it's only visible in a help screen or on the par sheet.
The exact trigger value is random within the floor-to-ceiling range, but the trigger is forced before the ceiling. Some games are biased toward triggering near the ceiling, which affects optimal play.
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