Archived 2026-10-16 from
https://pavlovpinball.com/how-to-get-ahead-at-pinball-pavlov-pinball-talks-to-world-champion-bowen-kerins/
(posted 13 June 2014). A summary with the key points, not a byte-perfect copy.
Cited from design/research/story-chain/scoring-benchmark.md for dominant strategies and what
suits new players.
The best competition games let players choose different paths and change plans during play.
Addams Family is his main example (multiball, modes, or the side ramps and graveyard); also
Attack From Mars, Medieval Madness, AC/DC, Monster Bash and Iron Man.
Whitewater, Creature, Iron Man and Metallica have harder shots that pay off well when made: any
ball can change the outcome. World Cup Soccer's big bonus for nine cities is rarely played for in
tournaments because few can reach it. Addams Family's multiball (six or seven shots, 25-40 million
on average) is his example of comparing points per shot between goals.
Star Wars is a good game to start on because the ramps pay more each time, which teaches
newcomers; the same simplicity makes it a poor competition game.