The realm of pinball machines saw a vibrant era of innovation and distinct design in the late 1970s, a period where Electro-Mechanical (EM) technology began its transition into Solid-State (SS) systems. Emerging from this juncture was Joker Poker by D. Gottlieb & Company, a pinball machine released in June 1978. Gottlieb, a manufacturer with a history of delivering captivating and mechanically robust games, conceived Joker Poker to embody a classic casino and card theme, a concept universally recognizable and visually appealing.

The creative forces behind Joker Poker were Ed Krynski, responsible for the game's design, and Gordon Morison, who brought the theme to life through his artwork. Krynski's design philosophy often emphasized skill shots and target progression, a characteristic evident in Joker Poker's challenging layout. Morison’s artistic contribution, featuring "Gottlieb girls" alongside playing card imagery, infused the machine with a distinctive visual identity that resonated with the era's aesthetic preferences. This partnership resulted in a pinball machine that married intricate gameplay mechanics with compelling visual storytelling. Joker Poker was produced as an EM machine with a production run of 820 units, a comparatively modest number. Of these, 136 units were for domestic distribution, while 684 were designated for export markets. This limited production run contributed to its status as a collectible within the pinball community. Notably, Gottlieb simultaneously released a solid-state version of Joker Poker in the same year, allowing players and operators to experience the core design through different technological lenses, a unique approach for the time.

Signature Features and Design

Joker Poker's identity is defined by several standout features that collectively enhance its gameplay and aesthetic appeal. The most prominent of these is its remarkable array of fifteen drop targets, a design choice that immediately distinguishes it from many contemporaries. These targets are not merely numerous but are strategically arranged across the playfield in various configurations: two banks of three targets, one bank of four, and one bank of five. This abundance of drop targets ensures that players consistently have clear objectives, directly feeding into the game's poker theme as players aim to clear "hands" of targets.

Complementing the extensive drop target layout is the inclusion of a smaller, upper flipper, positioned to interact with specific targets and paths that would otherwise be difficult to access from the main lower flippers. This upper flipper, while initially seeming "awkward" to some players, is a deliberate design element that adds a layer of precision and skill to the gameplay, opening up unique shot opportunities. The artwork by Gordon Morison contributes significantly to the machine's allure. The backglass and playfield art feature a vibrant palette and detailed illustrations of card suits, aces, and stylized female figures, seamlessly blending the pinball action with the casino motif. This visual cohesion ensures that the thematic elements are not just superficial but integrated into the experience, inviting players into the world of high-stakes card games. The sounds generated by Joker Poker's electro-mechanical components – the satisfying clatter of drop targets resetting, the distinct chime sounds for scoring, and the emphatic thwack of the knocker for replays – are integral to the game's immersive quality, providing tactile and auditory feedback that is characteristic of EM machines.

Playfield and Mechanics

The playfield of Joker Poker is a testament to Ed Krynski’s design philosophy, balancing open areas for flow with intricate target arrangements that demand accuracy. At the bottom, players interact with three flippers: two standard flippers at the apron and the smaller, strategically placed upper flipper on the right side. This upper flipper is positioned to allow shots at the upper playfield elements, particularly some of the drop target banks and rollover lanes.

The fifteen drop targets are dispersed thoughtfully across the field. Two 3-bank drop target sets are typically located on the left and right sides of the mid-playfield, providing accessible yet challenging targets. A 4-bank drop target is often situated towards the upper-center, requiring a precise shot. The final 5-bank drop target, often associated with a higher value or specific bonus progression, might be positioned in a more challenging area, possibly near the top. An interesting mechanical detail is that the "10" and "J" drop targets are reset by the same coil, adding a unique interaction dynamic. Beyond the drop targets, the playfield features two pop bumpers, which add chaotic rebound action, and a single slingshot. There is also at least one standup target for additional scoring opportunities.

Crucial to scoring and skill are the A-B-C rollovers, often found at the top of the playfield or as part of the inlane/outlane system. These rollovers require a precise shot, usually from the bottom flippers up, rewarding players for accurate ball control. The game's flow, while appearing straightforward, is deceptively challenging. It encourages players to make specific, controlled shots to clear the drop target banks rather than relying on random bounces. The playfield artwork and lighting reinforce the card theme, with suits and card values often illuminated as targets are hit or goals achieved. The overall aesthetic is clean and functional, with the vibrant colors and detailed illustrations making the targets and paths clear. The mechanical reels for score display further ground the game in its EM roots, offering a satisfying visual and auditory progression of points.

Gameplay Dynamics

Joker Poker is a game of precision and strategic target elimination, built around a primary objective of clearing drop target banks to accumulate points and advance game features. The game's progression revolves around the 15 drop targets. Players are incentivized to methodically clear these targets, often in sequence or specific combinations, to maximize scores. Each target hit contributes to the score, but the larger rewards come from completing full banks.

The scoring system, while intuitive for basic target hits, includes an unusual bonus system. While players are rewarded for clearing drop targets, the accumulation of significant bonus points (up to 30,000) requires a strategic approach to target selection and completion, as clearing many targets does not always directly translate to a large end-of-ball bonus. This demands players not just hit targets, but hit the right targets, adding a layer of depth. For example, hitting the inlanes for the "headshot" is a difficult but highly rewarding maneuver. The A-B-C rollovers are another example of a genuine skill shot, requiring careful aim to light or complete.

The upper flipper, despite its perceived "awkwardness" by some, is central to specific shot strategies, enabling players to attack the upper drop targets or rollover lanes that are less accessible from the main flippers. Mastering this flipper is key to unlocking the game's full scoring potential and achieving higher scores. Joker Poker maintains a constant challenge, punishing errant shots with swift drains, particularly along the side outlanes. This difficulty, however, is a primary driver of its replayability. Players are continually drawn back to refine their aiming skills, improve their ball control, and strategize target clearing for optimal scoring. The game supports 3 or 5-ball play, and can be set up for either add-a-ball or replay functionality, catering to different competitive or casual play styles.

Reception and Legacy

Joker Poker by D. Gottlieb & Co. holds an overwhelmingly positive standing within the pinball community, particularly among enthusiasts of Electro-Mechanical machines. Its defining feature, the fifteen drop targets, consistently earns it the moniker of the "King of the drop targets," cementing its reputation as a premier example of this gameplay style. Players frequently laud the game for its challenging yet addictive nature, noting that its demanding shot accuracy and unforgiving drains contribute to a rewarding learning curve. This difficulty fosters replayability, as players are driven to improve their skill and strategy with each game.

The artwork by Gordon Morison is another point of consistent praise. The classic card theme, vibrant colors, and detailed illustrations are frequently described as "stunning" and "beautiful," enhancing the machine’s visual appeal and thematic cohesion. While some players find the small upper flipper "awkward" to use, many others consider it a well-thought-out design choice that adds a unique skill element and strategic depth to the playfield, opening up shots that would otherwise be impossible.

Despite the widespread acclaim, Joker Poker does receive specific feedback on certain aspects. The bonus system, while offering the potential for significant points, can sometimes be perceived as confusing or counter-intuitive by new players, as clearing drop targets does not always translate directly into a proportional end-of-ball bonus. Additionally, the EM sound package, characterized by chimes and mechanical sounds, is considered enjoyable and authentic by many but described as "average at best" by those accustomed to more complex sound designs of later machines.

Joker Poker's legacy is significant. It stands as one of the most celebrated EM pinball machines, frequently cited as a "keeper" or "crown jewel" for collectors who appreciate challenging, skill-based gameplay centered around drop targets. Its influence lies not in direct mechanical innovation for future machines, but in solidifying the appeal of extensive drop target layouts and challenging shot-making. The game’s concurrent EM and SS releases also highlight a pivotal moment in pinball technology, offering a fascinating comparison for enthusiasts. For many, the EM version of Joker Poker is preferred over its solid-state counterpart due to its raw, mechanical feel and the distinctive feedback of its chimes and relays. The machine continues to be highly sought after, reflecting its enduring appeal and status as a hallmark of late 1970s pinball design.