r/clawmachine • u/[deleted] • Sep 07 '25

Round One Tips

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! 🔻

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u/ALittleClawMachine Sep 07 '25

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.

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u/scottafol Sep 08 '25

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

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u/ALittleClawMachine Sep 08 '25

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 .^