I believe that the "width" of the B division last year was only 3 points. Meaning that having four less points was the difference between being at the bottom of A and the top of C. If you're playing well enough to make A or B, you don't want to end up in D by throwing a round...I don't think it will be that enjoyable.

My favorite advice to give is that every point matters. Thinking about how many points you need to average, or taking the attitude like "oh well, I guess this round is a bust, I'll make it back next round" isn't the best strategy in my opinion. A point in the 1st round is just as good as a point in the 5th round. And as I mentioned above, a whole division is contained in just a three point window. Pulling out a first place in that final game of a round where you had zero points can jump you up 200 spots.

Every point matters. When you're in last place going into your final ball, don't adopt a "first or bust" scoring strategy. Pass the person in third, then do what you need to do to pass second place. And so on. Don't tilt away a bonus that will jump you past other players in your group.

Can't wait!

Also, Comet Pinball is doing free in-person delivery at Pinburgh for any international orders placed by midday on Tuesday. I'd love to meet! I'll be wearing my blue Comet shirt and trying not to get too stressed out about how I'm playing. Come say hi and let's chat (about bulbs, games, strategies...anything).

This may be an A Division thing, but both years I made it into A, and in both cases Day 2 was way less fun than Day 1. People were more stressed and generally not happy about their performance. This year I'm going to try and be better about that, and enjoy myself regardless of my groupmates!

Both are a near certainty. We've been on a collision course for a while now. Just hoping it isn't on GOT.

I was chilly in a t-shirt. I'd bring long sleeves.

This. The pins in the tournament bank are awesomer. After the final round ends on Friday, all of those games are open to the public except the 40ish? used in finals. Plan for a late night Friday...it'll be your first shot at those games, and most of the tournament players will be sick of playing by then.

This is wrong. Nearly all tournament games are available for all once round 10 has finished (Friday night). At least, that's how it was the last two years.

I believe he plans to talk the entire time, so just wander around listening for his voice. That's my plan anyway!

Was his name Escher? If so, he's the reigning PAPA World Champion

This is what 7-7-5-10-8-8-7-8-8 looks like. Not pictured, the 2 in round 10 that plummeted me out of the top 40.

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Of all the tournaments, Pinburgh is designed to make you play well across all games and all eras...and with no warm up or practice.

If you ask me who the best craftsman is, it's the person who can build whatever you ask for on the spot. I'm less impressed by the person who got 50 practice attempts before having to make the one that counts.