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Gaucho

Gottlieb • 1963 • em

GrdqX-MLW81

Quickie Version

Shoot the roto-target when lit for 100X value with a 3 or higher number visible in either window, otherwise UTAD.

Go-To Flipper

Balanced

Full Rules

Gaucho is basically about getting bumper action up top, somewhat challenging given the narrow gaps on either side of the central roto target assembly and the fact that the large gap between the 2” flippers makes balls drain easily. When the ball is up top, you must nudge a lot and hope you eventually get enough “advance yellow” or “advance purple” lanes to make the roto target worth 100 times the value shown on the dial in either window.

Once the roto target is at 100X value, it becomes the most valuable in the game. Depending on how drainy the roto target shot is, you can then choose to shoot for it or just continue UTAD. Note that once you shoot the roto target, the multiplier resets. One of the roto target values is a star; that gives an extra ball rather than points. It should be left active; you’ll need it\! The best time to hit it is when you have no multiplier progress, that way, the progress reset won’t hurt you later.

The stand-up targets on either side of the roto targets light the red (left) and yellow (right) bumpers. The Spin bumpers spin the roto target to display two different values in the windows.

Gaucho is poorly designed, IMO. It’s too drainy in general and your score is too dependent on how much bumper love you get up top. Replacing the 2” flippers with lightning flippers would seem to be the best option for partial improvement; using full-size flippers might narrow that center gap a bit too much.

Playfield Risk

Up top is at least briefly safe, anything else is not. Expect balls coming down to hit either a bumper or a slingshot, after which you’ll have to scramble for control. Rebounds off of the roto targets only return safely to a flipper after a perfectly aligned hit; most likely you’ll need to scramble then, too.

External Links

Machine Information

Gaucho backglass
Name
Gaucho
Manufacturer
Gottlieb
Year
1963
Type
em
Display
reels
Players
4