In the beginning of pinball machine history, the machines would be controlled solely through the nudging motion. As machines had no flippers, in order to score the highest ball drop you would be forced to nudge. But pinball machines have changed, and so has the use of nudging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nudging is allowed in pinball, and it involves moving the machine left or right. As long as you don\u2019t nudge a machine too hard, you can use the technique to save a ball or score more points. Shaking is also allowed, and this is a backwards and forwards movement rather than side to side.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
While nudging is allowed on modern pinball machines, having the right technique is key. Below, we go into more detail about the history of nudging in pinball, and how to nudge and shake a pinball machine properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nudging Early Pinball Machines<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Early pinball machines relied on nudging. But later, flippers were added to prevent abuse of the machines and prevent tilting<\/strong>. When a machine was tilted too much it would warn the player in a few different ways. It could be through a noise, weakened flippers for a certain time period, or locking the flippers altogether, making you lose the ball.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Electronic displays would sometimes show \u201cTILT\u201d on the backglass display to warn the player they have nudged too hard. This resulted in the loss of a ball or even the whole game if it was too violent. Machines were then equipped with a plump bob<\/strong>, or pendulum, that would alert the player if it hit the lower bracket. Allowing this to hit meant you had nudged the machine too far.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is Nudging Allowed In Pinball?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Nudging is allowed in pinball. Machines often have a feature warning the gamer when they push with too much force<\/strong>. Some games award players when they nudge with precision or even have specific areas that can be hardly reached unless you nudge the machine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is a difference between nudging the machine to save a ball or attempt to push it down a specific lane, and nudging the machine because you lost. This is something that you should definitely avoid<\/strong>. Taking your anger out on a machine could get you kicked out of your arcade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t Take Your Anger Out On A Machine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This is the only time when moving the machine is not accepted. Playing and nudging, especially in a competitive environment<\/strong>, is a completely legitimate move to make. You don\u2019t need to worry about the machine, whether it\u2019s your own or another person\u2019s. You have a very slim chance of actually damaging the machine<\/strong> if you\u2019re nudging it properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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