Black Hole pinball rules and strategy
The Strategy
Black Hole requires an open re-entry gate before the inverted lower playfield is useful. Complete the lower-right standups and lane, prepare 3x with both upper banks, lock one ball below and one above, then plunge the Gravity Tunnel for Multiball.
The goal
Complete the four lower-right standups and their lane to open the lower re-entry gate, then complete one upper bank for 2x or both for 3x lower-playfield scoring. Lock one ball below and one above, then plunge the Gravity Tunnel to begin the full multiball sequence.
Complete the four lower-right standups and their lane to open re-entry, or open it by completing either lower-playfield bank.
Complete either upper drop bank for 2x lower scoring or both banks for 3x.
Lock one ball in the always-active lower capture, then return above through the open re-entry gate.
Complete either upper bank or visit the lower playfield to light the upper lock, then collect it.
Plunge through the Gravity Tunnel to start A qualified ball is locked below and another is locked above. The next ball enters the lower playfield and releases the lower lock for two-ball play..
- A qualified ball is locked below and another is locked above. The next ball enters the lower playfield and releases the lower lock for two-ball play.: A qualified ball is locked below and another is locked above. The next ball enters the lower playfield and releases the lower lock for two-ball play.
- Return through the open lower gate. The upper lock then releases so three balls continue on the main playfield.: Return through the open lower gate. The upper lock then releases so three balls continue on the main playfield.
During lower two-ball play, use controlled Gravity-loop and target shots under 3x. Return through the gate before control breaks.
During upper three-ball play, hit the upper drop-target bank with the safer return. Rebuild the gate before another lower entry.
Alternative route: Controlled Gravity loops
Use this when a lock switch, shared lock, or multiball release is unreliable.
- Complete the four lower-right standups and their lane to open the lower re-entry gate.
- Send one controlled ball through the Gravity Tunnel.
- Collect the safest lower-playfield scoring and return through the open gate.
- Repeat only after the gate is confirmed open again.
Need to know
- Lower re-entry gate
- Complete the four lower-right standups and their lane, or either lower bank, to open the gate before committing to the inverted playfield.
- 2x and 3x lower scoring
- Complete either upper drop bank for 2x lower-playfield scoring or both banks for 3x.
- Lower lock
- Hit the lower lock targets, then shoot the lower capture to lock one ball while the re-entry gate is open.
Black Hole requires an open re-entry gate before the inverted lower playfield is useful. Complete the four lower-right standups and their lane first, finish both upper banks for 3x, collect both locks, then use the Gravity Tunnel for two-ball play below and return through the gate to release the third ball above.
The goal
Complete the four lower-right standups and their lane to open the lower re-entry gate, then complete one upper bank for 2x or both for 3x lower-playfield scoring.Lock one ball below and one above, then plunge the Gravity Tunnel to begin the full multiball sequence.
- Complete the four lower-right standups and their lane to open re-entry, or open it by completing either lower-playfield bank.
- Complete either upper drop bank for 2x lower scoring or both banks for 3x.
- Lock one ball in the always-active lower capture, then return above through the open re-entry gate.
- Complete either upper bank or visit the lower playfield to light the upper lock, then collect it.
- Plunge through the Gravity Tunnel to start A qualified ball is locked below and another is locked above. The next ball enters the lower playfield and releases the lower lock for two-ball play..
Black Hole Multiball and Three-ball transition rules
- A qualified ball is locked below and another is locked above. The next ball enters the lower playfield and releases the lower lock for two-ball play.: A qualified ball is locked below and another is locked above. The next ball enters the lower playfield and releases the lower lock for two-ball play.
- Return through the open lower gate. The upper lock then releases so three balls continue on the main playfield.: Return through the open lower gate. The upper lock then releases so three balls continue on the main playfield.
- During lower two-ball play, use controlled Gravity-loop and target shots under 3x. Return through the gate before control breaks.
- During upper three-ball play, hit the upper drop-target bank with the safer return. Rebuild the gate before another lower entry.
Builds toward: Full three-ball Black Hole Multiball
- Complete the four lower-right standups and their lane to open the lower re-entry gate.
- Complete both upper banks for 3x lower scoring.
- Lock one ball below and one ball above.
- Use the Gravity Tunnel plunge to begin two-ball play below, then return to release the third ball above.