Gottlieb’s 1975 release, *Quick Draw*, is a quintessential slice of Western-themed EM mastery designed by the legendary Ed Krynski. Featuring iconic art by Gordon Morison, the machine transports players to the dusty frontier, tasking them with clearing two banks of five drop targets that dominate the playfield. These targets, equipped with a satisfying trip-arm mechanism, provide the rhythmic, mechanical feedback that defines the era. With a two-player capacity and classic reel scoring, the game relies on precision rather than spectacle, demanding a steady hand to navigate the dual inlanes and strategically placed kick-out holes.
The playfield layout is deceptively simple, but seasoned players know that success hinges on mastering the upper lanes. By collecting the A, B, and C lanes, you can incrementally boost the scoring potential of the left and right scoops, turning routine shots into high-value maneuvers. A critical piece of local wisdom for *Quick Draw* veterans is to employ a bounce pass whenever the ball drops through the A or C lanes, setting up a more controlled approach to the drop target banks. Furthermore, if you possess the accuracy to clear all ten lower targets, you unlock the black targets for a lucrative 5,000-point reward.
Strategy on *Quick Draw* shifts as the game progresses, making the final ball the most tense moment of the match. Because the bonus values are doubled during the fifth ball, your gameplay style should pivot from aggressive target-hunting to a defensive, high-stakes conservation strategy. Whether you are alley-passing to snag those elusive lane letters or aiming for the final sweep of the drop banks, the machine rewards the patient gunslinger. It remains a hallmark of Krynski’s design philosophy: an approachable, challenging, and endlessly replayable classic that captures the spirit of the Old West.