Kicking Off the New Season: Ball Busters Pinball League Season 4 Week 1

The Ball Busters Pinball League kicked off its fourth season on September 11, 2024, with a group of 13 dedicated players ready for some friendly competition. The event took place at 6:30 PM and lasted just under two hours, with the clear skies and a comfortable 77°F setting the perfect tone for a night of pinball at the Pinball Gallery in Malvern, PA. With five rounds of intense, single-game matches, players battled for the top spot.

The Pinball Gallery Experience

Pinball Gallery, located at 81 Lancaster Ave #20 in Malvern, PA, is more than just an arcade—it’s a pinball enthusiast’s paradise. Walking through the doors, you’re greeted with a staggering variety of pinball machines, ranging from antique classics to the latest releases. The sheer volume of games is jaw-dropping, and they’re all meticulously maintained, which makes every flip feel smooth. This isn’t just a place to play; it’s a place where pinball history is alive, with rare gems like all three Black Knight machines side by side. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, Pinball Gallery gives you an immersive experience that’s hard to match.

Game Spotlight: Oktoberfest – A Festive Showdown Leads to Strategy

Round 5 saw a high-energy face-off on Oktoberfest by American Pinball, a game packed with layers of strategy, and it’s no surprise that this match kept everyone on their toes. Anita Thallmayer’s experience and strategic gameplay shone as she took on Jennifer Gold and Ruth Parks. In the midst of chaotic stein hoists and carnival tents, Thallmayer clinched first place by locking in multiball modes and making the most of her Beer Stein Power-ups. It was a masterclass in knowing when to push for the big points and when to pull back, something every tournament player could take notes on.

But how did she do it? Let’s dive into a quick tournament guide for Oktoberfest to see how you can take home a win, just like Anita.

Oktoberfest Tournament Guide

First things first—Oktoberfest isn’t a game you can casually stroll through. It’s jam-packed with features, from Tent Modes to multiple multiballs, so in a tournament setting, your goal should be clear: rack up points efficiently without taking unnecessary risks.

Multiball is Your Friend

When it comes to high-stakes play, multiball is your best ally. The more balls in play, the more chances you have to hit those high-value shots and stack up points. The key multiball you’ll want to activate first is Otto Multiball. To get it going, you’ll need to spell “O-T-T-O” by hitting specific shots across the playfield. Timing matters here—try to trigger Otto Multiball when you’ve already got another mode running. Anita’s success came from stacking multiballs with modes, unlocking a flood of points.

Another big point booster is Beer Barrel Multiball, which you trigger by shooting balls into the Beer Barrel. The game’s design encourages stacking these multiballs, so make sure you time them right. Activate this multiball while you’re working through Tent Modes or other objectives to maximize your score. And don’t forget to snag a Beer Stein Power-up while you’re at it, which can further boost your performance in multiball.

Tent Modes: Prioritize and Stack

Oktoberfest offers 14 unique Tent Modes, each with its own objective, but not all are worth chasing in a tournament setting. The trick here is to pick the modes you can complete quickly and stack them with multiball. For instance, “Stein Hoist” and “Chicken Dance” are generally fast and relatively easy, so you can knock them out without losing too much momentum.

Don’t Forget the Beer Steins!

The Beer Stein Power-ups are one of Oktoberfest’s coolest features, and in a tournament, they can give you the edge you need. As you play, you’ll collect different Beer Steins, each granting you a unique perk. Some are essential in a competitive setting—like the one that gives you a ball save, or another that extends your multiball time. For example, the Barrel of Monkeys stein increases multiball time, which can be a game-changer when you’re aiming to extend your high-scoring opportunities.

Mastering the Mini Playfields

While the game’s mini playfields like the Duck Shooting Gallery and the Food Stand are fun, they shouldn’t be your main focus in a tournament. However, there’s a strategic advantage to the Duck Gallery—it offers an add-a-ball feature during multiball. So if you find yourself deep in Otto or Beer Barrel Multiball, use the Duck Gallery to add another ball into play and keep your scoring opportunities alive.

Control is Key

The chaotic nature of Oktoberfest can easily lead to uncontrolled shots, but the best players, like Thallmayer, know how to stay focused. In a tournament, ball control is crucial—consistent, repeatable shots win games. Aim for the ramps and orbits, especially the right ramp, which opens up more objectives. Avoid sending the ball into unpredictable areas like the slingshots unless it’s part of your strategy. Anita’s game came down to control. By keeping her shots tight and avoiding risky areas of the playfield, she maintained her lead and sealed the win, leaving her opponents scrambling to catch up.

The Tournament Takeaway

In a competitive setting, Oktoberfest is all about prioritizing multiballs, stacking them with Tent Modes, and making smart use of Beer Steins. Don’t waste time chasing every mode—focus on the ones you can complete efficiently. Utilize the mini playfields for quick bonuses, and, most importantly, control your shots to stay in the game. Whether you’re going for Otto Multiball or trying to extend your multiball time with a well-chosen Beer Stein, consistency and timing are the keys to success.

By sticking to these strategies, you’ll be ready to take on even the most experienced players, just like Anita did in Round 5.

Tournament Highlights: Pinball Machines in Play

The Ball Busters Pinball League had a fantastic lineup of machines for the event, offering a great mix of classic and modern games. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout machines that players had to master during the tournament.

• Cyclone (1988, Williams): A true carnival-themed classic, Cyclone transports players to the amusement parks of the 80s with its ferris wheel and roller coaster ramps. Unlike many modern games, this machine doesn’t feature a multiball, so every shot feels like it counts even more. It’s all about precision here—hitting the ramps and the Comet and Cyclone rides requires skill. The carnival barker voiceover and colorful playfield artwork immerse players in the chaotic fun of a day at the fair, making Cyclone one of those machines that’s easy to play but hard to master.
• Bad Girls (1988, Gottlieb): With its neon pool hall aesthetic, Bad Girls is a fast-paced game that doesn’t hold back. The gameplay focuses on building combos through sharp, quick shots, and it has a unique ball lock system for multiball that requires strategic thinking. This machine is packed with 80s flair, from its edgy backglass artwork to its synth-heavy sound effects, making it a favorite for players who appreciate both style and substance. Its challenging layout forces players to make quick decisions, rewarding aggressive, combo-heavy play styles.
• Earthshaker (1989, Williams): Earthshaker is a pinball machine that brings natural disasters right to the playfield. With its iconic “earthquake” feature, the machine literally shakes, adding an extra layer of unpredictability to gameplay. The game has plenty of ramps, targets, and modes that challenge players to hit key shots before the “freeway” collapses. Its lighthearted approach to a serious theme—complete with humorous callouts—makes it a fan favorite. The combination of physical playfield movement and strategic shot-making means it’s not just fun to play but also offers a challenge even to seasoned players.
• Jack•Bot (1995, Williams): Oh, Jack•Bot—my old friend (and occasional competitor, depending on who you ask). Part of the iconic Pin•Bot series, Jack•Bot takes the casino theme to the next level. The game features classic elements from its predecessors but adds a variety of bonus modes and unique multiball opportunities that ramp up the stakes. The “Casino Run” mode is a fan-favorite, where players can rack up big points or risk it all by betting their score. As the Bride of Pin•Bot, I always feel a bit conflicted about this one. Sure, it’s flashy and exciting with all its jackpots and betting, but let’s be honest—when you’ve married into the Pin•Bot family, watching Jack•Bot hog all the attention is a little… grating. That said, I’ll admit that even I’ve been tempted by the glittering lights and tempting jackpots on this one. Players are always on edge, deciding whether to play it safe or go all in for the big score.

Tournament Champions: A Well-Fought Battle

With 13 players battling through five rounds of competition, it was Terri Morton from Pennsylvania who rose to the top. Known for her solid play and strategic use of game modes, Terri’s experience (155 IFPA events under her belt) helped her secure the win. The second-place finisher, Anita Thallmayer, kept up the pressure, especially with her impressive Round 5 performance. Kathy Hecht, with only two IFPA events to her name, showed promising potential by placing third. Meanwhile, Becky Egolf, despite her lower ranking, made it to the top four, proving that pinball is as much about skill as it is about persistence.

1. Terri Morton – 1st place (State Rank: 66th, IFPA Rank: 2485)
2. Anita Thallmayer – 2nd place (State Rank: 274th, IFPA Rank: 2989)
3. Kathy Hecht – 3rd place (IFPA Unranked)
4. Becky Egolf – 4th place (IFPA Rank: 41959)

Pennsylvania IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings:

Closing Thoughts

What a night it was at the Pinball Gallery! With players like Terri Morton taking home the win, and fierce competition from Anita Thallmayer and Kathy Hecht, it was a thrilling start to the new season. Special thanks to Bill Disney for organizing such a seamless event and, of course, to the Pinball Gallery for providing such a top-tier location. Stay tuned for more pinball news and follow-ups—you won’t want to miss the action in the coming weeks!