Make or Break
About This Machine
Make or Break, manufactured by J. H. Keeney and Company Incorporated in April 1937, is an early electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine built around a Blackjack theme, offering a glimpse into the origins of card-themed pinball.
The gameplay mimics Blackjack: players try to accumulate points by hitting spring bumpers with up to 5 balls per play. The first bumper hit scores 8 points, and each subsequent hit adds 1 point, with the goal of reaching a hand of 16 to 21 without going over. Players can then "stand" by pressing a button on the front of the cabinet, which flashes the Dealer's hand on the backglass; beating the Dealer, or the Dealer busting, awards the player between 2 and 20 points.
Make or Break features a minimalist design with a focus on functionality over elaborate artwork, reflective of the early days of pinball, when machines often emphasized gameplay over aesthetics. Despite its age, it remains an intriguing piece for collectors and enthusiasts, offering a look at the game's nascent years and the experimentation that shaped modern pinball.
Images (2)
Technical Details
- Theme:
- Playing Cards - Blackjack - Gambling
- Notable Features:
- Up to 5 balls per play. Spring bumpers (14). Balls hitting bumpers add points to players "hand" (backglass score). First bumper hits scores 8 points. Subsequent hits add 1 point each. Player tries for a hand of 16 to 21, but not over 21. Once a desired score is achieved, the player "stands" by pressing a button on the front of the cabinet which flashes the Dealer's hand on the backglass. If player beats Dealer, or if Dealer busts, the player is awarded between 2 and 20 points.