Buckaroo / Cow Poke pinball rules and strategy

In Buckaroo or Cow Poke, keep hitting the roto-target until the lit numbers form a consecutive run. The factory Buckaroo card awards the first replay at four adjacent spots, while the independent account summarizes five in a row, so confirm the apron and lamps. Your second route is A-B-C-D, then the lit top-center rollover.

The goal

Favor whichever sequence already has progress. Repeated roto-target hits can extend an adjacent run; A-B-C-D creates a direct top-center collect. On Cow Poke, the red-dot roto-target face is an immediate extra-ball opportunity.

  1. Read the lit roto-target numbers and choose the shortest path to a consecutive run.

  2. Shoot the roto-target repeatedly, using the backglass or playfield lights to track the run rather than chasing an unlit side.

  3. If A-B-C-D is closer, collect the missing top letters instead.

  4. After A-B-C-D is complete, shoot the lit top-center rollover for the replay or extra ball.

  5. On Cow Poke, take any clean roto-target shot while the red-dot face can award another ball.

Need to know
Roto-target run
Light consecutive numbered spots; the first award threshold must be confirmed on the installed Buckaroo card.
Adjacent extensions
On Buckaroo, each additional adjacent lit spot after the first completed group awards another replay.
A-B-C-D
Completing the four rollover letters lights the top-center rollover for the edition's major award.

Machine setup

  • Identify replay Buckaroo versus add-a-ball Cow Poke. Confirm the adjacent-number threshold, replay or extra-ball conversion, red-dot award, ball count, and any disabled awards.
  • Test the roto-target and every numbered lamp, A-B-C-D switches, top-center rollover and award lamp, red-dot switch on Cow Poke, animated backglass, bumpers, flippers, and tilt response.
Sources and references
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Playbooks

Buckaroo / Cow Poke playfield

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