# Around the Playfield with Chuck Ernst
by [Jeff Patterson](/author/jeff-patterson) · April 26, 2018 · [This Week in Pinball](/news/category/this-week-in-pinball)

> Interview with Chuck Ernst of Stern Pinball.

![Book or poster title about Chuck Ernst and the playfield](https://media.kineticist.com/posts/around-the-playfield-with-chuck-ernst/inline/6839bb63d2ea95c4a90540fc_657caf8b82e77a684fd60ede_Screen-Shot-2018-04-22-at-11.20.21-AM.png)

## **Flyer**

[Chuck Ernst](/pinball-people/chuck-ernst) is the Computer Graphics Art Director for [Stern Pinball](/pinball-manufacturers/stern-pinball-inc).

# **Around the Playfield with Chuck Ernst**

### **The Start Button: How did you first get into pinball?**

*Played off and on since I was a kid. When the opportunity came up to work for Stern I jumped on it.*

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### **The Plunge: What was the first pinball machine you bought?**

[*Mr and Ms Pacman*](/pinball-machines/mr--mrs-pac-man-1982)

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### **The Skill Shot: What is your best pinball achievement or favorite pinball moment?**

*Kicking* [*Steve Ritchie’s*](/pinball-people/steve-ritchie) *champion name off my* [*Elvis*](/pinball-machines/elvis-2004) *machine.*

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### **Good Shots, Bad Bounces: What is your favorite and least favorite pinball machine?**

[*South Park*](/pinball-machines/south-park-1999)*… the sound clips from the show make me insane.*

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### **The Wizard Mode: What is your dream theme you’d like to see made into a pinball machine?**

*Hands down* [*Blade Runner*](/pinball-themes/blade-runner-pinball) *(original)*

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### **The Tilt: What is the dumbest mistake you’ve made in pinball (mishap moving a machine, messing up trying to fix a machine, etc.)?**

*Every time I open a machine up*

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### **The High Score: Describe the pinball hobby in one word.  
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*Addiction*

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### **Match – Next Game: Where do you see the pinball hobby in 5-10 years?**

*Hopefully the equipment doesn’t change too much and the kids can’t get enough of it.*

## Related
- Game: [South Park](/games/pinball/south-park)

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