Pinball Preparedness: How to Get Ready for Your Next Tournament

As the summer starts to wrap up and autumn nears, the big season of competitive pinball has begun. Not only are leagues firing back up and casual tournaments becoming more frequent, but major events around the world are coming up with quickness. Stern Pro Circuit tournaments like the Cleveland Pinball Show, UK Pinball Open, Pinball Expo, and Pincinnati are all occurring in the next few months. If you're considering competing in any sort of competitive pinball this season, knowing how to properly prepare can make a big difference in your likelihood of victory. Here are some steps to help you get your head in the game before a pinball tournament, whether you're competing locally or battling the best on the pro circuit.

1. Find the Game List

Like they say on G.I. Joe, “knowing is half the battle,” so as soon as it's posted, look up the game list for your tournament of choice. Game lists for tournaments can often be found on the official website, or if the event is being run through Match Play, search for the tournament and then check the “Arenas” tab. Be sure to make note of machine variants, such as Pro vs Premium models. If any of the games sound unfamiliar, use databases like the Kineticist Games Directory or the Internet Pinball Database to look up the machines and refresh your memory.

2. Do Your Homework

Once you've got a game list to work with, it's time to do your pinball homework. If you don't know the rules of a particular machine, look up the rules online and make an effort to figure out viable tournament strategies. Don't worry, you'll have plenty of help, thanks to the fountain of pinball tips available online. For brief tips and tricks, keep PinTips handy, or get deep dives from YouTube videos like the PAPA Pinball Tutorials. If you're playing in a Classics tournament, Bob's Guide to Classic Pinball Machines is an invaluable tome of knowledge. Of course, you can always check out our extensive list of pinball tutorials on Kineticist, including brand-new releases like John Wick.

3. Give Yourself Plenty of Time

This might sound obvious, but on tournament day, try to arrive early to the venue to give yourself as much time as needed before the big event begins. This is particularly important for Best Card or Herb Style qualifying formats, where you are granted a specific window of time to put up your best scores. These events are usually multi-day affairs, but don't wait until the last minute to start your card. Adding extra stressors to yourself, such as rushing to arrive or trying to beat a qualifying clock, is not going to help your endeavor.

4. Practice on Machines if Possible

There's an odd superstition in competitive pinball, where some players refuse to practice, as to not “waste good balls” or “tire out” before tournament play. In my opinion, not practicing is an easy way to set yourself up for failure. If possible, play a short practice game on every single machine that will be in the tournament. If it's being held at a public arcade or convention, consider spending an extra hour before the tournament to get these games in. Don't even worry about playing a full game; use your practice time to feel out the plunge power, find skill shots, check for sketchy kick-outs, and test the tilt sensitivity. Knowing these vital pieces of information before you step up to play an official match will make your life much easier, especially when the pressure is on.