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

WPPR high level pinball player at one point here. Never a great, but once placed around top 100 in the worlds largest pinball tournament.

The real answer is you move the machine. If you watch pro pinball players, if they ever get into the position where the ball is heading straight between the flippers… they will do some quick mental calculus and decide if shoving the machine an inch to the side is worth the risk of tilting the game and losing the bonus points.

This definitely comes with a lot of practice, and knowing the rules of the individual pinball game you are playing. But one thing you will notice when watching excellent players is how much they bump and move the machine as they play. They are doing things to effect and change where the pinball is going. Keep it away from the out-lanes and center drain and back to the safety of their controlled flipper area.

Remember, nudging and bumping the machine around is part of the game, thats why most machines give you 2 Dangers before tilting!