As of lately, this has been a very hot topic:  lotto freaks.  They are scary.  Make me nervous.  Hell, in some players eyes they 'disrespect' the game.  However, I will never turn down a challenge from a lotto freak.  I do enjoy reminding them of why they shouldn't lotto but the outcome is not always learned to the opponent.  Anyway, we learn from the best and sometimes from the worst.  I am no expert in stratego but I do consider myself a formidable opponent.  Perhaps I have nothing important to teach anyone who is ranked above me but I am always eager to challenge them as I am often excited at the opportunity to defeat a top ranked opponent.  So here are some of my tips on how to beat a lotto freak.
 
Rule #1:  ALWAYS surround your flag w/ bombs.
Rule #2:  Do not put more than 3 bombs in the back row.
Rule#3:  It is a safe measure to put 1 or 2 bombs in the second row in between the lakes.  This way you can trap your opponent on either side w/ your 1 or your 2 to prevent him from lottoing down the middle.  
Rule #4:  DO NOT put bombs in the first row.  They most likely will probe w/ weak ranked pieces.  Save them for a more strategic placement.  The 2nd and 3rd rows.
Rule #5:  Lotto freaks normally don't buy bluffs.  Change your strategy if you must.
 
These 5 rules are good tools to abide by.
 
Other advice:  keep a 3 or 4 in the rear row.  By the time the lotto freak exposes the rear row he'll probably have a 4 left as well.  
 
Also, use your 8's as probes as well.  You probably won't need them all but 1 or 2 near the end of the game as you should have him out ranked on his pieces.
 
I welcome any feedback negative or positive.  
 
                                                     Venom

I've lost my share of games to lottoes but I would have to say your advice sounds pretty much correct.  
 
The only point I might disagree with is about using 8s as probes. There is always some danger that the lottoer will reach the remaining 8s if you use too many of them to scout. I would only do that if I had my remaining 8s in well protected positions.
 
Also putting bombs in normally safe spaces like next to a triangle bomb formations or putting 2 bombs right next to each other sometimes works against lottoing.

Of course its appropriate. Oftentimes there is no hope except for dumb chance.  
 

The best defense that I've seen players use against lottoers is to place all your power on one side and the 6 bombs placed in the middle and other flank. That way, if they come down on your power side you've got them right where you want them and if they attack middle and other flank, why it's nothing but a mine field.

If Venom is the best you have ever played, you must not have played many  

My post obviously wasnt meant as a shot at you Venom, but we both know you aren't one of the sites best.
 
As for that bogus statistic, as of Oct of '06 I happen to be 8-6 in classic vs. you.  That doesnt even start to include barrage.
 
Reason I picked October was that is what the current rankings include, and takes away games when I was just a beginner.

I liked your observation of the lottoing technique and believe it to be true . I believe also that when you are playing defensive minded players,you have a better shot at a good lotto in the front two rows . Those players who play defensive sit back and do alot of waiting and I am jealous because I have either not the time or just plain not patient enough. Ty All ,except for Mission ,for helping improve my game ,I know I have a long way to go but it sure is a fun climb and there are days I just feel like blowing something up,lol. Might as well be in a game ,and not sewer caps .Has anyone seen what a quarter stick of dynamite can do to a sewer cap,lol. Well that was back in the day ,phew .the things we do when we are young ,crazy. God Bless All ,and have fun win or lose,preferably win,sven. 0811-Heavy Artillery,M198s

Best way to win against a lotto player?
 
Resign  
 
That advice is free.
 
Muhahahahahaahahahahahahahhaha
 
The NUMBER #1 LOTTO FREAK ON THIS SITE.
 
Come play me to see.