Joker Poker, released by Gottlieb in 1978, stands as one of the most revered electromechanical machines of the late golden era. Designed by the legendary Ed Krynski with iconic card-themed artwork by Gordon Morison, this four-player classic eschews complex toys for the pure, tactical satisfaction of bank-clearing precision. Featuring a unique layout with three flippers, two pop bumpers, and a massive array of drop targets—including banks of three, four, and five—the game challenges players to master the deck to build their bonus.
The objective revolves around completing specific sets of drop targets to climb the bonus ladder, with values scaling from 1,000 points for the 10s up to a rewarding 5,000 points for the Aces and the Joker. Because the requirements for achieving the 5x bonus multiplier shift as you progress through your balls, the game demands adaptability; what was a priority on ball one may be irrelevant by ball three. For those looking to climb the leaderboard, the Queens are widely considered the “bread and butter” targets—they offer a reliable, safer path to high scores compared to the notoriously difficult Kings, which are best left for the final stages of a set.
Tournament play on Joker Poker is an exercise in disciplined aim. While the A and C lanes provide a classic skill shot opportunity at the start of each ball, the real scoring potential lies in managing your drop target progression and identifying when to chase an Extra Ball. By focusing on the lower-risk targets and strategically completing the ABC or Ace/Joker banks, you can extend your play and maximize your bonus. It is a brilliant, uncluttered design that proves you don’t need motorized toys to create a high-stakes, addictive experience—just a sharp eye and a steady hand.