Big Deal

The Big Deal pinball machine, designed by Steve Kordek and manufactured by Williams in 1963, is an enjoyable piece of electro-mechanical (EM) history. Its cards-and-gambling theme reflects the era's fascination with games of chance and skill, a perennial favorite subject in pinball design. A confirmed 1,350 units were produced, with 391 of those built for export.

Big Deal offers a gameplay experience that rewards precision and strategy. Players navigate three pop bumpers, four passive bumpers, and two slingshots, with four drop targets and four rollover buttons providing the main scoring objectives. A large non-kicking rebound rubber sits between and below the flippers, an unusual touch that changes how balls behave in the danger zone at the bottom of the playfield. The cabinet features a distinctive reverse wedge head, and the maximum displayed score is 1,999 points.

The backglass artwork features playing card imagery brought to life with light animation - the cards light up during play - and includes a feature awarding a Special that carries over from game to game. Sharp-eyed players will also spot the words 'Steve's Diner' in the upper left corner of the backglass, an apparent tip of the hat to designer Steve Kordek himself. It's a charming signature on a game that captures Williams' early-1960s style.