General pinball strategy

[Sumez]

Link? It's wright there, in the post you quoted

 

[SlamCitySkates]

There already are tabe specific strategy guides to be found on this forum. I thought it might be handy to also have some general pinball tips, for people who are really really new to the game.

-disrupt the flow of the ball as often as possible. Some flow-play may be nessecary to gain momentum for ramp-shots, but learning to hit shots from a stationary scenario is the best way to maintain controll over the game.
-During multiball choose a flipper for knocking the balls around, and one flipper to keep upright and hopefully cradle a ball or two. This is how you milk it.
-Nudge after a miss. Tables are designed to drain your ball if it's left at it's own devices after a miss. A nudge might spoil those plans.

Those are based on my measily experience. I'm curious what meta-strategies you could share.

GEnerally its all about learning the tables, but in particular:

[a] Always learn where the extra balls are and go for them first. On TPA also go for the Specials. There is usually an easy Extra Ball on every table - you just need to learn where it is - this is your priority
Most tables have a natural trap shot. On RBION you can catch the ball out of the Bozo hole by merely holding up the left flipper. If it bounces off the slingshot, just hold up the right flipper and itll pass to the left flipper. Similarly, a ball coming out of the MErlin saucer in MM can be trapped on the right flipper. You used to be able to trap the balls coming out of the castle on the left flipper on WPHOF, but now it seems it can be pushed too easily into the outlane.
[c] Not all tables have natural trap shots - TOM, for instance, is a pure combo table
[d] Learn the shots to play when you have the ball trapped on either flipper. Generally use the safest.
[e] Stack modes if you are able to.
[f] Multiballs are different on every table. For some its all about getting the jackpots - for others its taking advantage of the ball saver and the ball ricochets to make shots you wouldnt normally make. Like the idol shot on RBION or a lamp/trapped ball shot on TOTAN. Of course, once the ball saver is gone or you are down to two balls, then you can have a more controlled experience.
[g] Most SDTMS can be saved. The best way to save is to nudge. Nudging is a two way process, mind. You nudge then choose the correct flipper to use. Can take a bit of getting used to
[h] Outlane drains are harder to control, but if your ball is bouncing horizontally between the slingshots you could be in trouble. Change its course, maybe with a nudge upwards rather than side to side. But generally keep the ball off the slingshots.
Youll lose less balls if you are in control. Only practice can really achieve this
[j] Very often the difference between a good score and a very good score is the 2x Multiplier (or more if the table has it). Its not only a matter of lighting it, but lighting it at the right time
[k] Play safe unless there is a BIG reward for not doing so. Then dont
and finally
[l] Dont restart if you drain. Each drain is a learning experience.

 

[Carl Spiby]

The best piece of advise I can give is to relax.

Stop and go play is best, trap the ball whenever you can, compose yourself and look at the playfield to see what you're meant to be shooting for.

Don't be afraid to not flip when the ball in coming towards your flippers, bounce pass is incredibly useful to regain control.