Abra Ca Dabra pinball rules and strategy

The Strategy

In Abra Ca Dabra, collect numbered lanes 1 through 4 early because they carry between balls, then hit the drop target carrying the moving lit award. When the center target lights, hit it to reset both banks at a higher target value and repeat. On Team One, instead collect its six numbered lanes and finish the two target banks for the add-a-ball awards shown on that version.

The goal

complete 1-2-3-4 early, score the moving lit drop, and use the lit center target to reset the banks and raise their value.

  1. Plunge for a missing number. Prefer 2 or 3 if a 1 or 4 plunge feeds the center.

  2. Complete 1-2-3-4 as soon as possible. The numbers carry between balls.

  3. Shoot 1 and 4 directly. Bank a shot behind lowered drops to reach 2 or 3.

  4. Hit the lit drop targets. Switch hits move the lit target.

  5. If a bank is almost complete, finish its unlit targets.

  6. When the center target lights, hit it to reset the drops and raise the target value.

  7. Repeat. Score the lit drops at the higher value.

Alternative route: Number lanes

Use this plan when the center target or drop rebounds are unsafe.

  1. Shoot the outer 1 and 4 lanes.
  2. Use the lower inlanes to complete missing numbers.
  3. Complete 1-2-3-4 to score and raise the target value.
Need to know
Number lanes
Complete 1-2-3-4 to score and advance the lit drop-target value; number progress carries between balls.
Lit drop
Switch hits move the lit target, so read the bank before choosing a rebound.
Center reset
After the required bank progress, the lit center target resets the drops and raises their value.

Machine setup

  • Identify Abra Ca Dabra or Team One, then read the installed ball count and whether add-a-ball, Extra Ball, and Special awards convert to points.
  • Confirm number-lane carry, lit-target maximum, bank reset, center-target requirements, tournament conversions, and tilt settings.
  • Test every number lane, both drop banks, lit targets, upper exits, slingshots, outlanes, and target rebounds.
Sources and references4 source links and outbound references.
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Playbooks

Abra Ca Dabra playfield

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