Big Hit pinball rules and strategy

The Strategy

Big Hit serves each ball from a center autoplunge when a flipper moves, so defend that return first. Use upper drop banks and aligned 5,000-point corner horseshoes for broad scoring, and repeat a vari-target only after a full-depth hit returns safely.

The goal

Defend the center autoplunge, then test a vari-target return. Repeat safe vari-targets or use upper drop targets and aligned 5,000-point horseshoes.

  1. Prepare both lower flippers before the first flipper stroke serves the ball.

  2. Track the full center autoplunge and defend a weak return.

  3. Send the ball toward the upper drop-target banks.

  4. When an upper flipper aligns with a corner horseshoe, shoot it for 5,000.

  5. Test one vari-target and watch whether the return reaches a flipper safely.

  6. Repeat the vari-target only when it avoids the bumpers and center drain.

  7. Otherwise, continue upper drop-target and horseshoe play.

  8. Move the cabinet briefly so the playfield shifts under the ball, changing its speed or path after contact with a post, rubber, or wall. side-lane feeds for bumper action before the ball reaches an outlane.

Alternative route: Upper-target flow

Use this plan when either vari-target sends the ball into bumpers or toward the center drain.

  1. Stop direct vari-target shots.
  2. Send the ball to the upper drop-target banks.
  3. Flip through a corner horseshoe only when the upper-flipper alignment is clear.
  4. Use double and triple side-lane feeds for natural bumper action.
  5. Repeat upper play without trying to Hold a raised flipper so a slow ball settles against it, giving you time to plan your next move. on an upper flipper.
Need to know
Center autoplunge
A flipper stroke serves each new ball from the outhole between the lower flippers.
Vari-target route
The vari-targets score well only when their returns avoid the bumpers and fall safely toward a flipper.
Upper drop banks
The two upper five-target banks provide the main broad targets during upper-playfield flow.

Machine setup

  • Confirm the single-player 1977 Gottlieb Big Hit, ball count, tilt, replay and Special treatment, and whether the event scores points, runs, or both.
  • Test the center autoplunge from both lower-flipper buttons, both vari-target depths and returns, upper drop registration, four flippers, and corner horseshoes.
  • Observe both double and triple side-lane feeds, 1,000-point bumper registration, center-chute returns, and any weak serve before choosing the repeatable route.
Sources and references4 source links and outbound references.
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Big Hit playfield

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