Bank Shot / Sure Shot pinball rules and strategy

The Strategy

Bank Shot / Sure Shot assigns collected pool balls to two upper-saucer values. Plunge the center lane for ball 1, collect the numbered balls that raise the safer saucer, and repeat that saucer while leaving one number unlit when completing all fifteen would reset the built value.

The goal

Plunge the center lane for ball 1. Collect the pool balls that raise the two upper saucers, then repeat the safer saucer.

  1. Plunge the center lane to collect pool ball 1.

  2. After ball 1 is lit, plunge any top lane that collects a missing pool ball.

  3. Read the playfield arrows and prioritize missing balls that raise either upper saucer.

  4. Shoot each upper saucer once early to learn its kickout.

  5. Use lanes and necessary standup targets until most keyed balls are lit.

  6. If Special has no point value, leave one pool ball unlit.

  7. Shoot the upper saucer with the safer kickout and the stronger current value.

  8. Repeat that saucer while its kickout remains controlled.

Alternative route: Early saucer collect

Use this plan when another standup or lane feed is more dangerous than the current saucer value justifies.

  1. Stop direct attempts at the unsafe pool ball.
  2. Compare the current values of the two upper saucers.
  3. Choose the saucer with the safer tested kickout.
  4. Collect its current value instead of forcing another pool-ball shot.
  5. Repeat the saucer while the return remains controlled.
Need to know
Ball 1 skill shot
The center top lane is the only feature that collects pool ball 1.
Pool-ball bonus
Each different collected pool ball adds 1,000 to the end-of-ball bonus.
Saucer values
Each upper saucer scores 1,000 per collected keyed number and 100 per unlit keyed number.

Machine setup

  • Identify Bank Shot model 391A or Sure Shot model 385 from the backglass and instruction card before using edition-specific awards.
  • On Bank Shot, confirm add-a-ball and WOW treatment plus the six spotted reset numbers; on Sure Shot, confirm the 1,000-point bumper groups.
  • Confirm ball count, replay and Special treatment, full-game tilt consequence, and whether Special has a point conversion.
Sources and references5 source links and outbound references.
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Playbooks

Bank Shot / Sure Shot playfield

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