Glossary of Pinball Terms - S

S

Slam tilt

This particular form of tilt is given if the machine is nudged with such violence that it risks damaging the hardware. Such an action generally sounds an alarm and causes the machine to reset (hence voiding the credit). A slam tilt is sometimes also given if force is applied to the coin box.

Solid state

A pinball machine design that relies on computers and printed circuit boards to run. This design was introduced in the late 1970s. SS machines are easily recognizable by their scoring displays, which are powered by electricity. Older machines are referred to as electro-mechanical (EM) and have mechanical score reels that spin to display the score.

Special

Some machines allow to earn a free game (called a special in that context) by achieving a specific task (f.e. lighting all monsters and their instruments in Monster Bash).

Spinner

A rotating target, mostly placed at the entrance to a loop/orbit or ramp.

Standup targets (stand-up targets, spot targets)

A standing target on a playfield, similar to a drop target, but which does not drop into the playfield when struck.

Stopper

A small metal post, often with a rubber ring, typically found between and slightly below the bottom flippers. If the ball hits the post, it will bounce up and away, saving it from draining. Skilled players can use the stopper to make trick shots. On some tables, the stopper is made available only as a reward.

Skillshot (skill shot, skill-shot)

It's a bonus that is rewarded in several pinball games. It is earned by performing some particular task when releasing the ball. It requires releasing the ball with a particular strength or shooting a specific target, ramp or loop immediately after releasing the ball. Some games have various levels of skillshots. This is not to be confused with a combo shot.