How to Win at Pinball - Kings of Steel (Bally 1984)

 Minneapolis, MN

How To Win At Kings of Steel

Today we introduce a new type of blog.  We will dig deep into the rulesets of pinball machines to learn how to master them for optimal tournament play.  Now I'm not saying I can succeed at these strategies every time, but knowing what to do to win is the first step to winning.  

Kings of Steel, Bally, 1984

Kings of Steel is a card themed pinball table made by Bally in 1984.  2900 units were made so it isn't considered a rare machine but I have only seen it at 56 Brewing here in Minneapolis so if you plan on visiting and playing in a tournament, you need to really understand the deep ruleset for this machine.  Greg Kmiec designed this gem of a table and probably put his blood, sweat, and tears into getting this machine to market.  

Fig. A

After you plunge the ball and get it in the upper saucer or not, you want to get the ball on your left flipper.  Your first shot is to the stand up target at the end of the dead end ramp.  This will start your bonus points at 20K,

Fig. B

Your 2nd shot is to the stand up target at the end of the dead end ramp. This can also be done via backhand from the tight flipper.  It's a tight shot that needs to bank off of the left entrance to the dead end.  If you hit the stand up target you will be awarded 40k points.

Fig. C

If you have trouble hitting the stand up target at the end of the dead end ramp with the right flipper via backhand, you can post pass by quickly flipping the ball into the bottom post of the right sling.  It will bounce over to the left flipper and then you can hit the stand up target at the end of the dead end ramp for 60k points.

Fig. D

This is where the ruleset gets complex.  For your next 20 to 30 shots hit the stand up target at the end of the dead end ramp.  Scores awarded will be 80k, 100k, 140k, 160k, Light Special, and 200k.  Just keep hitting the stand up target at the end of the dead end ramp.

Fig. E

Eventually you will miss your shot whether it be from fatigue, boredom, dehydration, or any combination of these.  The ball will probably hit a post and head straight back down the middle.  Do not be alarmed, this happens to everyone.  The next steps separate the winners from the losers.  Get a sip of water, have a light meal to sustain you, and get back at it starting at Fig. A.  Just keep doing this until you have no balls left and you might end up winning your round.

I hope you enjoyed this new installment.  Keep checking back for more "How To Win at Pinball posts in the future.

If you missed, MN Summer is in Full Swing, check it out.  It won't help you win at pinball but you might be entertained.