CLUB (noun) “an association or organization dedicated to a particular interest or activity”
Amusement devices are created with a single purpose in mind, to separate people from their pocket change and the best of them do so in way that is highly addictive — that “I’ll try it just one more time” level of addiction.
Why would anyone form a club around an amusement device? You don’t see too many slot machine clubs. pitching machine or fortune telling machine clubs.
Clubs are typically structured around an activity such as shooting, tennis or golf. The club gives access to an expensive course, court or range as well as access to the other members for socializing, swapping tips and competing.
Pinball is closer to a sport than a mindless amusement machine like a slot machine or TV. Pinball machines are highly engaging machines, lights flash, music changes, sound effects reward target hit as the player score points using a steel ball, navigating obstacles and targets on an inclined playfield using the flippers and nudging the machine to direct the ball, score points and try to trigger rewards like extra balls and free games.
There is physical element of man merging with machine, using flippers as an extention of arms to fight against gravity and the heavy steel ball’s instinct to head to it’s home – the drain.
There is the mental challenge of trying to predict the ball’s path and time flipper reaction just so to make the ball go where it’s needed for maximum points or to start multiball or a game mode.
The machine taunts the player. Lights blink, voices call out challenges, the music quickens. Decisions need to be made. Shoot for the bonus multiplier and risk a bounce into an outlane or take the safe shot? Try to start a multiball or finish a mode?
The Pinball Community
Playing pinball might be a solitary activity, a contest between player and machine, where one aims to beat their highest score, elevate the game to new heights, or just play long enough to make the cost worthwhile. However, the experience can be greatly enriched by the presence of fellow enthusiasts.
With pinball’s rich history, addictive gameplay, and status as a cultural icon, the love of pinball has inspired a host of opportunities for enthusiasts to socialize around the game.
There are pinball podcasts, pinball social media site, pinball streaming, pinball shows such as Pintastic, industry conventions, pinball tournaments, leagues like the New England Pinball League, and special events at local arcades. Some events are even hosted in enthusiasts’ homes using their private collections.
Why Join A Pinball Club?
While pinball shows and events occur a few times a year, a pinball club offers a year-round venue for enthusiasts to meet, challenge one another, share knowledge, and buy, sell, or store machines.
A pinball club allows members to socialize, try out machines, swap repair skills, learn how to score big points or repair machines and share in the over head costs of housing the club’s changing collection of machines.
Let’s face it, pinball has a few major obstacles that prevent ownership by individuals.
- Pinball machines are big,bulky and heavy beasts
- Pinball machines are expensive
- Pinball machines require maintance
- Pinball machines are not easy to swap out
- Pinball machines accumulate and multiply – enthusists tend to run out of space quickly
Just the size and weight of pinball machines means you have to employ some help moving them. Pinball socializing opportunity number one – the friend with a truck.
Certainly, you can locate a broken, worn-out machine from the 1970s for $500 on Craigslist, but prices escalate from there, with brand new machines reaching up to $15,000 for the latest, top-of-the-line collector’s edition.
And pinball fanatics tend to not stop at just one machine. One becomes two, which becomes three…until they spread from the basement into the dining room, the bedroom…
Another issue with pinball machines is their inevitable breakdown. Aside from flipper control and ninja-like nudging skills, what pinball machine owners truly need are solid troubleshooting abilities. A pinball machine is essentially a wooden box packed with electronics, lights, circuit boards, and plastic parts, all subjected to the chaos of a heavy steel ball bouncing around—breakdowns are bound to happen.
Waxing playfields, replacing broken rubbers, changing fuses, and swapping out burnt bulbs are all fundamental skills required by pinball machine owners. However, when it comes to more complex tasks like adjusting switches, installing a shaker motor, identifying a burnt coil, or undertaking a flipper rebuild, having a network of pinball enthusiasts for technical and moral support can be invaluable.
Pinball clubs offer numerous benefits, including participation in tournaments, league nights, opportunities for solitary practice to sharpen skills, access to a beer fridge, various events, and socializing with fellow enthusiasts.
Pinball Clubs are Beginner Friendly!
Pinball clubs are typically started by enthusiasts wanting to spread to joy of pinball in their area so they are very focused on helping beginners learn about the game.
Take newcomer Capital Pinball for example. Capital Pinball in Concord, NH offers Pinball for Begineers every second and fourth Sunday of the month from 2 – 5 PM.
“This casual event is perfect for anyone who’s curious about pinball, just getting started, or looking to meet others at a similar skill level.
At Pinball for Beginners, we’ll keep things relaxed and collaborative. Whether you want to practice solo, learn game techniques together, or swap tips, there’s something here for everyone. Occasionally, we’ll even remove the glass from a machine to show you the inner mechanics, diving into what makes pinball both challenging and thrilling. And if you’re feeling up for it, we can play beginner-friendly competitive formats like PinGolf, where you’ll shoot for achievable target scores.”
Join us for a low-pressure, high-fun environment where we focus on enjoying the game, supporting each other, and discovering all the excitement pinball has to offer.
So seek out and visit a pinball club in your area!
Pinball Clubs in New England
Capital Pinball – Concord, NH – https://capitalpinballclub.com/
Capital Pinball is a community centric membership pinball club. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious newcomer, our club offers an exciting mix of competitive play, community events, and a space to hangout. 70 Pembroke Road, Concord, NH 03301
Southern New Hampshire Pinball Club -Nashua, NH – snhpinball.wixsite.com
Southern New Hampshire Pinball Club. Established 2016, one of the first membership based pinball clubs of its kind. Open 24/7 for members. 134 Haines St, Nashua, NH 03060
Western Mass Pinball Club – Three Rivers, Ma –https://www.facebook.com/westernmasspinball/
A location in Western Mass to play competitive pinball! League play, tournament play. All skill levels will be welcome. Games ranging from electromechanical to the newer LCD titles.4 Springfield St, Three Rivers, MA 01080-1222
The Pinball Co-op – Burlington, VT – http://www.thepinballcoop.com/
Open Wednesdays & Fridays, 6-10 PM. BYOB, $15 all you can play. 1881 Williston Rd, South Burlington, VT 05403
Edward Fielding is a writer, photographer, and pinball enthusiast residing in the Upper Valley region of New Hampshire. His work can be viewed at his online gallery.
