High Hand

High Hand, released by D. Gottlieb & Co. in 1973, was a classic electro-mechanical pinball machine that capitalized on the popularity of poker themes during that era. The machine's artwork and gameplay mechanics cleverly incorporated playing card imagery and poker hand combinations, making it instantly relatable to casual players while offering strategic depth for enthusiasts.

The playfield featured innovative design elements for its time, including drop targets arranged to represent poker hands, multiple pop bumpers, and a unique card-themed scoring system. Players could complete various poker hands through skillful shooting, with royal flushes offering the highest scoring opportunities. The machine's distinctive backglass artwork showcased detailed playing card illustrations and classic gambling motifs that epitomized the artistic style of early 1970s pinball design.

High Hand was produced during a significant period in pinball history, just years before the industry would transition to solid-state electronics. It represents one of the last waves of purely electro-mechanical machines that helped establish many of the fundamental pinball gameplay concepts still used today. The machine's reliability and straightforward but engaging gameplay made it a popular choice for operators, with a respectable production run for its era.

The legacy of High Hand lives on in collecting circles, where it's appreciated for its pure electro-mechanical engineering and the way it successfully integrated its poker theme into both visual design and gameplay mechanics. It remains a sought-after example of early 1970s pinball craftsmanship, particularly among collectors who specialize in card-themed amusement devices.