Match 'Em

The Match pinball machine, manufactured by Bally Manufacturing Corporation in 1936, is an early example of electromechanical (EM) pinball, from a period predating many of the innovations that would come to define modern pinball. The fact that this machine has survived for nearly nine decades is a testament to the craftsmanship of its creators.

Gameplay on Match is relatively simple, as was typical of the era: the ball was launched by a plunger and players relied on gently nudging or tilting the cabinet to influence its path, since flippers had not yet been invented (they would not appear until 1947). As a payout machine, its scoring was geared toward wagering rather than the multi-featured shots of later designs.

Despite its age, Match retains a certain charm, with a plain, largely unadorned playfield that is reflective of the era in which it was created; pinball at this time was still in its infancy, and manufacturers were more focused on refining gameplay mechanics than developing elaborate themes. Little is known about Match beyond its basic specifications, but its rarity and historical significance make it a valuable addition to any serious collector's or museum's collection.