The Who's Tommy Pinball Wizard rules and strategy

The Strategy

In The Who's Tommy Pinball Wizard, an active Union Jack mode continues during Multiball, but a new mode cannot start or relight after Multiball begins. Start a mode first, spell T-O-M-M-Y at the mirror, then start Multiball at the Tommy hole and advance through the ramp, mini-Jackpot, and Super stages.

The goal

Start a useful Union Jack mode, spell T-O-M-M-Y at the mirror, then start the four-ball version at the Tommy hole and work from ramp Jackpots to the Tommy-hole ladder and right-ramp Double Super.

  1. Test the mirror, Tommy hole, both ramps, and right-scoop eject before choosing the opening mode.

  2. Start a useful Union Jack feature at the right scoop, then continue spelling T-O-M-M-Y at the mirror.

  3. When the mirror lowers, shoot the Tommy hole for the four-ball multiball whenever that feed is controllable.

  4. Collect the left-ramp Jackpot and upper-flipper right-ramp Double Jackpot to advance the first stage.

  5. Take one relit ramp Jackpot in the next stage, then shoot the Tommy hole five times to spell T-O-M-M-Y through mini-jackpots.

  6. At the Super stage, choose the right-ramp Double Super when the upper-flipper feed is controlled; take the easier left-ramp Super when certainty matters.

  7. If no opening Jackpot is collected, use the relit Tommy hole or left-scoop two-ball restart and rebuild ball count through a Jackpot.

Alternative route: Left-scoop start

Use this when multiball is lit but the exposed Tommy-hole shot is rejecting.

  1. Shoot the left scoop for the three-ball start.
  2. Collect an immediate ramp Jackpot to add a ball.
  3. Continue the normal jackpot stages with the restored ball count.
Need to know
T-O-M-M-Y
Mirror hits spell TOMMY and lower the mirror to light regular multiball.
Best start
The Tommy hole starts four balls and larger base awards; the left scoop starts a smaller three-ball version.
Opening jackpots
Left ramp scores Jackpot and upper-flipper right ramp scores Double Jackpot; collect both to advance.

Machine setup

  • Confirm ROM, mirror timing, mode starts, and ball saves.
  • Test both scoops, both ramps, and blinders.
Sources and references3 source links and outbound references.
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Playbooks

The Who's Tommy Pinball Wizard playfield

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