Learn to Play Pinball in Gilbert

This event is Free and open to anyone (members and non-members)

If you’ve had the unfortunate experience of engaging me (John) in small talk about “Got any fun plans for the weekend”, you found out the hard way that I like to play pinball.  A lot of pinball.

If you weren't aware, there’s a thriving community of pinball enthusiasts in the valley. At the moment, 3 of the top 100 players in the world are Arizonans. This pinball community is large enough that you could literally play in a tournament every night of the week somewhere within a 30-minute drive of Gilbert.  I'm talking anything from a small 12-person tournament at the Beer Research Institute Taproom & Arcade in downtown Mesa on Wednesday evenings to a 120-player tournament at the Electric Bat in Tempe on Tuesdays (yes, 120 people show up to play in a pinball tournament on Tuesdays)……and much much more.

I took a 3-decade break from pinball. Then in March 2019 I happened to walk through Tilt Studio at Arizona Mills and noticed a lot of people playing pinball on a weeknight. There was a lady who looked like she was managing the event. She told me that it was a weekly pinball tournament and to show up next week. I showed up the following week, and I was hooked.

Here’s the thing………. if you've never played pinball, or haven’t played in years, you might be thinking that modern games are too complex to be any fun for someone trying to get the hang of the game. 

The reality is, yes, modern pinball games have deep rulesets. Success is more complex than aiming for whatever is lit up or blinking (although that can sometimes result in good scores 😀).  It can get frustrating or overwhelming quickly.  With some basic know-how, you can step up to any game like JAWS (just released this month, and it’s awesome) and have a good experience.

Two good resources for when you walk up to a pinball that you aren't familiar with are PinTips and Tilt Forums. These sites will give you both basic and deeper strategies for pinball machines.

I wanted to mention an event scheduled for Sunday April 14, 2024 geared for anyone who’d like to better understand pinball, and walk away from the event addicted to enthusiastic about the game of modern pinball.  This event is being put on by 2 friends of mine (Olivia and Kaydee). They are local advocates of the game of pinball.  They're also very good players and pinball technicians. You’ll be in good hands.  Details and copy of the invite below 👇 .

Sunday School Pinball Lessons - FREE

Everything you ever wanted to know about pinball, but were afraid to ask

Join Outpost Kodelia at Taproom-120 on Sunday morning (April 14, 2024) for a pinball clinic where you can learn the ropes of the game alongside friends. Whether you're a hesitant newcomer eyeing tournament play or a seasoned regular aiming to refine your skills, this event caters to all skill levels and aspirations.

Contrary to common belief, mastering pinball is an attainable feat. By grasping a few fundamental techniques and strategies, you can witness significant enhancements in your gameplay. With the glass off, they'll guide you through mastering basic pinball control, shot timing, and perhaps delve into game-specific tactics. The best part? It's completely free to attend, with all pinball machines available for FREE play, fostering a low-pressure environment conducive to learning.

Open to individuals of all ages, genders, and proficiencies, feel free to bring along friends, family, and even furry companions for a morning of education, camaraderie, and overcoming any reservations about competitive pinball. Plus, they'll provide a selection of breakfast pastries, while the bar offers mimosas, beermosas, micheladas, and juices to cater to all tastes and ages.

Get Directions (it's right beside Caldwell County BBQ)
Taproom-120
18302 E Nunneley Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85296

Where to play pinball in Gilbert and surrounding cities (Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, even Surprise)

Uncle Bear's Brewery (Dangerzone Arcade Bar)
Starfighters Arcade
Tilt Studio
Taproom- 120 (Outpost Kodelia)
Hop Central Brewery
The Electric Bat
Beer Research Institute Taproom & Arcade
Atomic Age Modern
Player One Arcade (Surprise)
Level One Arcade Bar (Downtown Gilbert)
Level One Arcade Bar (Downtown Mesa)