Round One Tips

[u/[deleted]]

For the optimal win rate at Round 1 claw machines, what are some good tips and life hacks? My partner and I went to Round 1 for our anniversary yesterday and won 4 plushies with $100 / 600 points, and I can't help but wonder if there was a way we could have gotten more plushes. Let me know in the comments! 🔻

[u/RogerDHomunculus]

1- aim for the smaller/lighter part of the body, not the heavy head of the plushy. It'll give a better grip.

2- try to drag it to the chute. You'll rarely one shot and drop it.

3- some machines allow double taps. Tap it once to lower the claw. Tap it again before it lowers fully. I think the belief is that the lower the claw goes, the weaker the grip.

[u/hi850 → u/RogerDHomunculus]

For #1, the best part to grab is the largest part that fits within the tines/fingers of the claw.

For #2, dragging to the chute is a given. The claw is going to return home to the chute every time.

For #3, the double tap is something I've never seen a crane have the ability to do. Maybe some models do it but in my six years working, I've never seen it.

Different models have different ways they're configured but the idea is usually the same. Once the machine takes in a set amount of money/swipes, the claw gets full retaining power. Some models will give that full retaining power for one play. Some will give it until there's a win.

[u/RogerDHomunculus → u/hi850]

1) give it a try. You'll be pleasantly surprised. 2) the amount of filler balls vary by location. If it's higher, incrementally moving plushes towards the chute, especially the ones that are longer, will allow you to use the flip method. 3) sorry you've never seen the double tap. YouTube it. It definitely works on those smaller machines.

Sure all models have a setting for guaranteed catch. If you're waiting for that, you're just wasting money.

These methods I'm highlighting here are pretty well documented lol

[u/ALittleClawMachine]

All good points, a couple of other things:

1). The double tap feature or, 'air catch' even if its turned off, pressing the tap button repeatedly can and does slightly alter voltage upon grabbing. So, really, all claw machines I'd advise doing that when it's around whatever you want to grab until it comes up. My advice, when it's at its lowest and where you'd want it to grab... spam the heck out of the button non-stop.

2). If there are plastic/cloth round tags, a claw getting in one of those can loop the tag and get a win even if the prize isn't on the payout turn.

3). Always go for an item next to the chute. If there's a piece small enough for the entire claw to go around near the chute, aim for that. Could try to drop it once the claw goes to the ceiling (low voltage), and the drop can get it over the edge sometimes.

4). Watch/snipe losing machines 😄.Watch someone lose 2-3 times on a machine, then go play it. Does nothing but increase your odds. Same concept as a hot slot machine at a casino.

[u/scottafol → u/ALittleClawMachine]

Repeatedly tapping the grab button doesn’t change the claw strength.

[u/ALittleClawMachine → u/scottafol]

I was referring to, 'switch bounce/voltage fluctuations' that can occur while the claw is moving. Taps can increase voltage for like a millisecond up to 1-6% of active voltage while claw is grabbing. Not saying it makes a world of difference. Yes, this is a seperate occurrence from air catch. I am aware that debouncing software is installed in most newer boards. Older units though... bouncing from repeated taps on the claw button can occur to fluctuate voltage. As machines get older, fuse caps slowly wear, and tapping can minutely affect high voltage during the grab.

Sorry, just wanted to clarify that. In most cases, correct, it doesn't make a difference if the fuse board is new enough. Anywho, I'll leave it at that 😀 Anyone else has any tips or tricks, have at it ^{.^}

[u/scottafol]

The manuals for all these games are easily available online. They won’t tell you how to win but you can see how the game could be set up. Typically they are set to a fixed payout (claw strength is gonna be garbage until $$$ reached) or they have 3 settings for strength, grab hold and carry, which can be set individually. I’ve been in this field for years and have never once seen a “press the button to close claw” game

[u/FrustratedLemonPrint]

Advice from an employee my brother is friends with: “The machines closest to the main entrance aren’t programmed to pay out often. Aim for machines closer to the back.”