Top Hand

Top Hand is a rare Add-A-Ball conversion of Gottlieb's 1973 electro-mechanical (EM) machine of the same name, produced by LORI of Bologna, Italy. Its exact production year remains unknown, but its existence highlights the Italian practice of reworking American EM machines for the add-a-ball market. This version features 6-digit scoring, and its playfield kick-out hole was replaced with a standing target; the card holder retains an opening to view kicked-up balls.

Gameplay on Top Hand centers on its 16 drop targets, which players hit to score points, alongside two flippers and a single pop bumper. The heavy reliance on drop targets as the primary scoring mechanism, rather than the roll-over lanes common on many EM games, gives it a distinct rhythm.

The playing-card theme is woven into the design and artwork, with suit and card imagery decorating the playfield. As a lesser-known Italian conversion of a well-regarded Gottlieb title, Top Hand offers collectors an intriguing variant on a familiar game.