Skill versus Luck?

[pukerslaker]

I have had my first pachinko for a couple days now and am really enjoying all the light flashing, ball bouncing, video playing loveliness, but I still not sure if I fully understand it. I have a couple pinball machines, which over time, I have got pretty good at - and continue to get better. There is of course an element of luck, but skill plays a big part to. I know pachinkos are not pinball machines - but from what I have read (sweet spots for example) you should be able to 'learn' a pachinko and get better at it. Mine currently feels entirely luck based, and very little skill - is this normal, or am i just crap?! Cheers for any pointers you may have, I am eager to learn more!

[FatherTed]

The only element of skill I can see (admittedly after only owning one a month) is trying to get the balls to drop down near the top Start entrance to maximise the chance of hitting either of the two Starts rather than just the one lower one as the balls bounce past.

hmm that makes more sense in my head than it does now I've typed it. I hope you understand what I mean.

[chaz70]

If you notice the strength the balls are launched into the machine varries even when the launch knob is held in place and not moved.

I tend to over analyse things, but when I play my machines I am constantly adjusting for the machines "moods" in ball launching strength. I guess that is somewhat skill as I can get the balls in the start pocket a lot more thus more chance of a bonus. I notice my Godzilla machine tends to give out more wins if you can keep the saved spins up near 3 or 4.

In contrast my 8 yr old son likes to find the sweet spot and hold it there. He does well but doesnt seem to get the wins like dad does.

[rupan777]

There is skill but it doesn't exist much in the physical game, although pin-reading, the ability to look at the pins and understand the route(s) the balls would pass, is considered a skill. The real skill in pachinko is understanding the data (ie spins to wins, reach occurrences, etc.) and using that information to predict a win.

I've seen this topic frequently enough lately so I'll start a thread about it sometime before the weekend is over.

[slotter]

There is skill but it doesn't exist much in the physical game, although pin-reading, the ability to look at the pins and understand the route(s) the balls would pass, is considered a skill. The real skill in pachinko is understanding the data (ie spins to wins, reach occurrences, etc.) and using that information to predict a win.
I've seen this topic frequently enough lately so I'll start a thread about it sometime before the weekend is over.

Highlighted again for emphasis. Thanks, Rupan.

[pukerslaker]

Thanks guys. I look forward to your thread Rupan

[arbycoffee]

I have had my first pachinko for a couple days now . . .

Minutes to learn a life time to master. It come with time and play. answer this question next year yourself.

[jwegger]

Skill has something to do with it but there is alot of luck involved, like when my 12 year old hit a bonus round on Pink Panther on her second ball. After the bonus round she went to Thunderbirds and hit another bonus after about 10 balls.