4 Aces

The 4 Aces pinball machine, designed by Steve Kordek and manufactured by Williams Electronics in 1970, is a distinctive widebody electro-mechanical game with a card-and-gambling theme, produced in a confirmed run of 1,650 units. Its four-flipper layout has an unusual twist: pressing the flipper buttons triggers the upper flippers first and then the lower ones. The machine's unique setup also has players press a button on the lockdown bar to shoot the ball into play from between the flippers, adding an extra layer of strategy.

Key gameplay features include seven hanging targets, two standup targets, and stop magnets, which create multiple opportunities for scoring. Additionally, the dual outlanes and spinning posts provide varied challenges for players. The machine's Bonus feature is particularly interesting: hitting either of two designated hanging targets when lit will temporarily stop the ball with an electromagnet, allowing bonus points to be scored before releasing it back into play. Lighting the playing cards along the top of the backglass awards a Special, a feature that carries over from game to game.

One curiosity for collectors: the game shipped with a spinner that was prone to damage from repeated ball hits, and some owners replaced it with a pop bumper, so surviving examples vary. With its four flippers and distinctive mechanics, 4 Aces is a memorable entry from the late electro-mechanical era.