How do people who are “good” at pinball manage to consistently avoid those random bounces that just go right down the middle out that there is no counter-play for?

Question

I have always wanted to get into pinball. But the few times I decided to really give it a go. I could do alright but most of my games seemed to end with a bounce that went straight down the middle out with nothing I can do about it.

When you watch professional pinball players. It doesnt matter what game it is they always seem to be able to avoid those shots even if its their first time on a machine.

So there has to be a method or developable skill to it. But I cant for the life of me understand it.

In: Other

Answer 1

Hi there! Competitive pinball player here.
I think the big thing that people aren’t saying is this:

***You’re allowed to move the game***

On most games you will get two warnings before you’ve moved it too much and your ball ends (“Tilt”), and even on older games without warnings you can bump and nudge them a little without tilting.

First players will prioritize safer shots to minimize how often the ball goes toward the middle, but eventually it will. When that happens players will move the actual machine to “close” the gap. Often this is what’s called a “Slap Save” where you slap the hell out of each side to move it a bit one way and then a bit back. But sometimes (particularly on newer games) you’ll see people slide the machine or rock it really hard to move it such that the ball hits a flipper instead of the middle.

You can also move it *before* it’s coming down the middle. You’ll see some players smack up on the side of the machine so instead of getting fed down the middle it will bounce off something higher on the playfield and end up on a flipper instead.

Other than that the biggest difference between high level players and us mere mortals is control. The slower you play, the more accurate you are, the less time the ball is in space and in danger of draining. Things like flipper transfers, drop/live catches, or simply letting the ball bounce instead of flipping at it can drastically decrease the amount of time your ball is in danger.

Play slow. Have fun. If you’re not tilting you’re not trying.