Game Theory (1)

Jun. 18, 2015 | 4:00 AM

This month, Superelectric Pinball Parlor opens its Gordon Square Arts District spot, giving anyone a chance at pinball wizardry. So we asked co-owner Ben Haehn to show us the finer points of the 1965-built Cowpoke pinball machine.

1. Active bumpers

Older pinball designs included passive bumpers, which just give points when hit. Active bumpers, which were added to boards in the early '40s, quickly bounce the ball back. "This is pretty much what a modern bumper looks like."

2. Roto target wheel

The wheel corresponds with the circled numbers below it. Hit four consecutive numbers over the course of one turn, and you get a free ball. "Instead of being limited by [static] targets, you had a target that would rotate."

3. Flipper posts

The three metal posts below the bumpers are a feature not found in many games and give the player a chance to rattle the ball and save it. "Players that aren't as skilled have a great time playing because your ball stays active."

4. Art

Pinball machine artist Roy Parker often got in trouble for making the women on his games too scantily clad. "The original drawings had the skirts a lot higher and had their busts showing. They made him scale it back."