Smart Set, a 1969 release from Williams, captures the mid-century obsession with leisure and high-society boating. Designed by the legendary Norm Clark, this four-player electro-mechanical table is a masterclass in the era’s minimalist charm, featuring iconic, stylized artwork by Christian Marche. While modern games aim for sensory overload, Smart Set relies on a balanced playfield layout that demands precision, utilizing a classic two-flipper configuration to navigate a field populated by four pop bumpers and a series of strategic kick-out holes.
The gameplay is defined by its pursuit of “affluence,” tasking players with hitting the six standup targets to build their score and navigate the playfield’s hazards. A standout mechanical feature is the center up-post, which acts as a vital guardian for the drain, offering players a brief but critical safety net if they can activate it at the right moment. The inclusion of a ball-return gate in the right outlane adds a layer of depth often missing from machines of this vintage, rewarding careful nudging and ball control.
With a production run of 4,500 units, Smart Set remains a quintessential example of Williams’ late-60s design philosophy, where the challenge lies in mastering the physics of the kick-out holes rather than chasing complex modes. It is a deceptively simple machine that rewards players who focus on consistent target accuracy and smart post-management, making it a beloved staple for collectors who appreciate the tactile, rhythmic satisfaction of vintage EM pinball.