You’re Going to Lose | Keep Playing Anyway | W/ Special Guest Host Rob!!

PRP Website - This week on the Punk Rock Pinball Podcast, Steph is away, so PRP HQ member Rob jumps into the co-host chair to talk about what it’s really like to be a newer player trying to break into competitive pinball. Rob has only been playing tournaments for a matter of months, and we get into the good, the bad, and the frustrating parts of trying to improve when you’re surrounded by experienced players. We talk about tournament nerves, obsessing over standings, dealing with losing, learning modern pinball rules without getting completely overwhelmed, and why sometimes the best strategy is to learn just one or two things on a game and build from there. We also talk about the importance of having a welcoming pinball community, why playing well by yourself doesn’t always translate to league or tournament play, and whether competitive pinball needs more beginner-focused events. Plus, Rob checks out Super Jumbo Arcade in Aurora, plays Sonic, Beetlejuice, Evil Dead and Transformers, we debate different eras of pinball, talk about the San Diego Pinball Club cheat sheets, and celebrate the fine art of being perfectly mid at pinball. If you’re new to competitive pinball, thinking about playing your first tournament, or just trying to get better without driving yourself crazy, this one is for you.