Royal Flush

The Royal Flush, a 1957 electro-mechanical machine from D. Gottlieb & Company, is a rare and highly sought-after gem among pinball collectors. Notably, it was Gottlieb's first single-player game to include the "match" feature, and its backglass carries the company's famous slogan: "Amusement Pinballs, as American as Baseball and Hot Dogs!"

Gameplay-wise, the Royal Flush boasts an impressive array of features that set it apart from other machines of its time. Two flippers, three pop bumpers, and four passive bumpers ensure high replayability and challenge players to master their skills. The inclusion of slingshots and gobble holes adds a unique twist, while the roto-target provides an additional layer of strategy. Notably, when lit, the gobble holes can score a staggering 1 million points, making them a coveted target - a feat shared with only two other EM games of the era, Williams' Arrow Head and Billares Cordoba's Ferry-Boat.

Design-wise, the Royal Flush is notable for its metal cigarette holders on the side wood rails, which add to the game's period charm. The card-themed artwork and design elements pay homage to the world of poker and cards, transporting players to a bygone era of Vegas glamour. As a distinctive example of Gottlieb's 1950s output, the Royal Flush is a must-play for pinball aficionados seeking an authentic taste of electromechanical gaming history.