Top Hand, a 1973 release from Gottlieb, stands as a quintessential example of Ed Krynski’s design mastery during the company’s golden era of wedgeheads. Featuring classic card-themed artwork by Gordon Morison, this single-player electromechanical machine challenges players to master the deck across four distinct banks of drop targets. With a solitary pop bumper and a layout that demands precision, the game relies on its “Add-a-ball” specialty to keep the intensity high, rewarding players who can maintain their momentum across multiple balls.
The gameplay loop is centered on strategic target management; because card progression carries over from ball to ball, players are encouraged to take calculated risks to clear full suits. Completing a suit is the key to massive scoring, vaulting your bonus potential from a standard 400 points to a lucrative 4,000. While the center scoop offers high-reward scoring, it remains a dangerous shot that requires nerves of steel. Smart players will also pay close attention to the outlanes, as they serve a dual purpose: they are one of the few ways to collect your hard-earned bonus, making lane management a defining factor in tournament play.
For those looking to get a head start, the skill shot is essential—a clean plunge into the lit top lane nets an instant 1,000 points. However, the true test of a Top Hand master is the ability to clear the four-bank drop targets systematically while navigating the tight geometry of the playfield. It is a game of patience and tactical accumulation, where a steady hand at the flippers is the only thing standing between a high score and an early end via the tilt bob.