Pat Hand

Pat Hand, released by D. Gottlieb & Co. in 1975, represents a classic example of mid-1970s electro-mechanical pinball design during the golden age of pinball. The machine's poker-themed gameplay and artwork reflected the popular casino and card game motifs that were prevalent in pinball designs of this era.

The playfield featured traditional standup targets, drop targets, and rollovers that were arranged to simulate various poker hand combinations. Players could build poker hands through skillful shooting, with different point values awarded based on the poker hand rankings. The machine utilized the reliable electro-mechanical technology of the period, with relay-based scoring and chime units providing the distinctive sounds that characterized pinball machines of this era.

Pat Hand was produced during a pivotal time in pinball history, just a few years before the industry would begin its transition to solid-state electronics. The machine's straightforward but engaging gameplay mechanics, combined with its poker theme, made it a popular choice for locations ranging from bars to arcades. While not necessarily groundbreaking in terms of innovative features, Pat Hand represented the solid, reliable engineering that Gottlieb was known for during the electro-mechanical period.