🎓 MasterClass: Batman 66 (Stern) — High-Level Competitive Pinball Strategy
Welcome to Wizards and Warriors: MasterClass, hosted by Frisco Pinball and JL4ND, where elite competitive pinball strategy is broken down for tournament play.
In this episode, we dive deep into Stern’s Batman 66 — one of the most complex, multiplier-driven machines ever coded. This is not casual advice. Joining us is Roland Nadeau, world-class competitive player and Top 100 IFPA-ranked competitor, who walks us through high-level tournament strategies, villain prioritization, and how elite players build billion-point games on Batman ’66.
🦇 What You’ll Learn:
• The optimal Ball 1 path that sets up billion-point games
• How to stack shot, playfield, main channel, and King Tut multipliers
• Why Bookworm, Mr. Freeze, and King Tut are critical in competition
• When to stack multiball — and when it actively hurts you
• Smart Ball 3 comeback strategies when you’re behind
• Hidden value in Egghead modes, gadgets, combos, and mystery awards
If Batman ’66 feels overwhelming or chaotic in tournaments, this episode provides a clear competitive roadmap.
TIMESTAMPS
0:13 – MasterClass intro & Batman ’66 overview
2:04 – Roland Nadeau introduction & competitive pinball journey
6:45 – Batman 66 basic game info & core structure
13:33 – Multipliers explained (Commissioner Gordon, major villain combos)
18:03 – Joker mode & massive scoring potential
19:37 – Villain multiball qualification & stacking
25:46 – Minor villains explained & strategy
28:18 – Freezing timers & why Mr. Freeze is overpowered
29:43 – Main Channel strategy & TV switching
32:36 – Ball save discussion
33:24 – Skill shots, mystery awards & bonus X value
39:54 – Bat-Turn mode & playfield multiplier setup
42:00 – Ball 1 tournament strategy (step-by-step)
51:21 – Minor villain wizard modes
53:10 – Gadget usage & common mistakes
57:12 – Tournament adjustments & machine variance
1:00:58 – Ball 3 comeback strategies
1:03:58 – Egghead strategy
1:07:12 – Shame multiball & safety plays
1:10:33 – When NOT to stack multiball
1:12:03 – Elite stacking concepts & final thoughts
1:19:39 – Thank you & outro
🙏 Thank You!
• A special thanks to Roland Nadeau for sharing his deep knowledge and passion for the game.
• Huge thanks to Colin McAlpine and TiltForums for the Batman ’66 rules guide:
https://tiltforums.com/t/batman-66-rulesheet/2463
👍 Like, subscribe, and share with your tournament crew.
💬 Questions in the comments may be answered in future MasterClass episodes.
🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more!
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Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Wizards and Warriors Master Class series!
We’re kicking off this new series by diving deep into the competitive meta of Stern’s Rush pinball machine. We're not just playing it—we're dominating it!
Hosts Frisco Pinball (Hadi) and JL4ND (Joe) are joined by two of the world's most electrifying competitive players and top-ranked wizards: Preston Currie (IFPA Open Ranking #15) and Gregory Kennedy (IFPA Open Ranking #11).
The masters break down the rules, the shots, the mode stacks, and the secrets to consistently winning matches on this high-octane machine in tournament play. Get ready for an episode that will turn your good game into a Grand Champion performance!
Wizards & Warriors - Episode 11 | Lessons in History: IFPA President Josh Sharpe on WPPR v6.2, Growth, and the Future of Competitive Pinball!
Dive into Episode 11 of the competitive pinball podcast, Wizards & Warriors! This week, hosts Hadi and Joe sit down for an in-depth "Lessons in History" interview with Josh Sharpe, the President of the International Flipper Pinball Association (IFPA).
Josh gives us an exclusive look at the proposed WPPR v6.2 changes for 2026, specifically focusing on updates to the TGP rules for Flip Frenzy and Amazing Race formats, which are critical for the competitive future of the sport. He also covers the origins of the IFPA, the evolution of the WPPR ranking system, and his vision for growth and inclusion.
Before the main interview, we cover the latest tournament results from PAPA 22, CLEPIN, UK OPEN 2025, PINBALL EXPO FLIP OUT, and preview a list of major upcoming events.
⏱️ Full Episode Timestamps:
📺 Watch More Wizards & Warriors: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPJ1aC6t4Whe9YwJzMkeAOR_nQP72ACNh&si=5rXtTqGAP-4XiKLP
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🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more!
#WizardsAndWarriors #Pinburgh2025 #PinballTierList #IFPA #JoshSharpe #CompetitivePinball #FriscoPinball
🎙️ Wizards & Warriors - Episode 10: 2025 Pinburgh Bank Tier List & Analysis with Top 30 Pro Preston Currie
In Episode 10 of Wizards & Warriors, we’re breaking down the full 2025 Pinburgh game bank with one of the top-ranked players in the world — Preston Currie (IFPA Top 30). From modern beasts to brutal classics, Preston shares his thoughts, strategies, and hot takes on every title in the lineup.
Whether you're prepping for battle at Pinburgh or just love hearing high-level pinball breakdowns, this episode is packed with expert insight and tiered rankings you won't want to miss.
📌 Follow Preston Currie on IFPA: https://www.ifpapinball.com/players/view.php?p=86367
📺 Watch More Wizards & Warriors: YouTube Playlist
🔔 LIKE | COMMENT | SUBSCRIBE
🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more!
#WizardsAndWarriors #Pinburgh2025 #PinballTierList #PrestonCurrie #CompetitivePinball #FriscoPinball
🎙️ Wizards & Warriors - Episode 9: Game. Set. Zahler.
Welcome back to Wizards & Warriors, the podcast where competitive pinball takes center stage! In Episode 9, we bring on a very special guest: Jason Zahler, the newly crowned IFPA 20 World Champion.
Jason opens up about his pinball journey, shares strategies, and talks about what it takes to rise—and stay—at the top of the game.
Then, Zahler steps up for an 8-game head-to-head battle against Viggo, featuring a mix of classics and modern machines. From Pharaoh to Jack*Bot to Creature from the Black Lagoon, this one’s got it all: clutch saves, risky strategies, and plenty of pinball nerdery.
📧 Contact us: wizardsandwarriorspodcast@gmail.com
🏆 IFPA 20 WORLD CHAMP INTERVIEW - JASON ZAHLER 🏆
🎮 THE HEAD-TO-HEAD BATTLE: VIGGO VS ZAHLER
🎤 POST-GAME RAPID FIRE & CLOSING
Footage courtesy of JDL PINBALL. Please follow them:
👉 twitch.tv/jdl_pinball
Follow all our pages, like, and subscribe to help grow competitive pinball!
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#pinball #IFPA20 #CompetitivePinball #WizardsAndWarriors #JasonZahler #PinballPodcast #PinballTournament #Arcade #PinballStrategy #WizardModes #JackBot #JawsPinball #PharaohPinball #KISS #CreatureFromTheBlackLagoon #DemolitionMan #Indy500 #Firepower #ClassicPinball #JDLPinball #friscopinball
🎙️ Wizards & Warriors - Episode 8
We’re back with a brand new episode of Wizards & Warriors! Your hosts FriscoPinball (Hadi) and JL4ND (Joe) return to recap an action-packed stretch of competitive pinball, highlight some new game releases, and sit down with a major tournament winner: Leslie Ruckman, the 2025 YEGPIN Women’s Matchplay Champion.
El Rucko joins us to talk about her journey in pinball—from her early days in Chicago to the West Coast to becoming the #1 ranked women’s player. We dive deep into her gameplay strategies, preparation mindset, and get her breakdown of every 2025 YEGPIN Women's Championship finals game, including John Wick Pro, Abra Ca Dabra, and Avatar.
We also review recent tournaments from May through July, preview upcoming events like Sweeper City Open, Brisbane Masters, and Pinburgh, and answer a viewer request to rank the hardest wizard modes in pinball!
If you love competitive play, detailed game breakdowns, and tournament insights, this episode’s for you. Don't forget your chance to win our prize giveaway by sending us your top 3 hardest wizard modes via email to wizardsandwarriorpodcast@gmail.com!
📕 Chapters:
⏱️ Intro + Tourney Recaps
00:00 - Intro: What We've Been Playing + Summer Check-In
05:57 - Quick Discussion of New Pinball Releases (Harry Potter, Predator, Jaws 50th, etc.)
13:55 - Viewer Request: Ranking the Hardest Wizard Modes (PRIZE GIVEAWAY!)
22:07 - Recent Tournament Results (Pindianapolis 500, NEPC, Amazing Pinball Race 8, DFW Titan Pinmasters, Stomp VII, NWPAS, NOW! That's What I Call WPPRs Vol. 2, Pinburgh Mega Matchplay at Arcade Legacy, SFGE Main Event, 2025 NKY Open)
31:22 - Upcoming Tourneys (Sweeper City, Brisbane Masters, Pinburgh, The Beast)
🧠 Interview with Leslie Ruckman
36:24 - Interview Begins – Leslie Ruckman (2025 YEGPIN Champ)
38:00 - Post-YEGPIN Thoughts
39:48 - Leslie's Journey Into Competitive Pinball
40:59 - Personal Goals, Getting Serious About Competing, How to Handle Pressure
45:11 - Favorite Pinball City & Location, Standout Wins, Favorite Trophy
48:26 - Best Piece of Advice Received About Competing, Playing for Fun/Practice
50:31 - Most "In-Tune" Pin, Biggest Mindset Shift Getting to #1 in Women's Open
52:45 - The Evolution of Competitive Pinball, Favorite Competitor to Battle
54:20 - Pre-Tourney Rituals/Game Plans, Reality of Tourney Lengths
🔶 YEGPIN Finals Analysis with 2025 Women’s Champ, Leslie Ruckman
56:06 - YEGPIN Women's Open Notes, Thoughts, and Strategy
59:39 - Game 1: John Wick Pro (Modes, MBs, Strategy & Results)
1:15:57 - Game 2: Abra Ca Dabra (Flipper Control, Drops, Drama)
1:37:45 - Game 3: Avatar (MB Stacks, Comebacks, Final Standings)
1:57:04 - Leslie Ruckman Wins YEGPIN 2025! 🎉 Final Thoughts Overall
1:59:34 - Time Management w/Multiple Tourneys, Hybrid vs. Pump N' Dumps vs. Matchplay
🎮 Rapid-Fire Round + Wrap-Up
2:03:45 - Rapid-Fire Round!: Flipper v Nudging Skills, EMs or LCD? Least fave pin?
2:05:16 - Final Thoughts + Thank You
📧 Reach out: wizardsandwarriorspodcast@gmail.com
📱 Follow: @friscopinball on Twitch & YouTube for streams and episodes
🎥 Tournament footage courtesy of FoxCitiesPinball
🎧 Now streaming on Apple Podcasts & more!
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🎙️ Wizards & Warriors - Episode 7: RayDay Reigns at PinMasters + Tourney Rundown, New Pins, and Community Shoutouts
We're back! After a short break, your favorite competitive pinball podcast returns with one of our biggest episodes yet. Join hosts FriscoPinball (Hadi) and JL4nd (Joe) as we dive headfirst into the action-packed world of competitive pinball, fresh off a whirlwind of tournaments and exciting machine releases.
🛠️ In This Episode:
🧠 Strategy Breakdown:
We go deep on PinMasters game-by-game action with Ray, analyzing match play highlights and sharing insights on:
Countdown: How drop target strategy and bonus multipliers made or broke rounds
World Cup Soccer: Ultra scoring modes, jackpot stacking, and magnetic multiballs
Foo Fighters Pro: Multiball stacking and van mode synergy
Demolition Man: MB timing, claw control, and clutch play under pressure
🔥 Rapid-Fire Round with RayDay:
Banjo or Kazooie? Favorite city for tourneys? Best Rare game? Find out Ray’s takes in our fun end-of-show lightning round.
📺 Watch the full video episode on YouTube at [FriscoPinball]
🎧 Now streaming on Spotify Video, Apple Podcasts, and more!
📩 Got a question, a shoutout, or a tourney you want highlighted? Email us at wizardsandwarriorspodcast@gmail.com
Thanks for listening—and flipping—with us. Let’s keep pushing pinball forward!
Chapter Breakdown:
PinMasters footage courtesy of Backhand Pinball: twitch.tv/backhandpinball