How to Win the Lobster Pot Game

The lobster pot game is a classic carnival game that challenges players to toss ping pong balls into a slanted lobster trap. Winning can earn you a cute stuffed animal or other fun prize. But with its angled playing surface and bouncy balls, this game can be tricky to conquer. Follow these tips and tricks to increase your chances of landing your balls in the pot and walking away a winner.

Understand the Game Mechanics

The first step to success is understanding exactly how the lobster pot game works Here’s a quick rundown

• The goal is to toss your ping pong balls into the lobster trap “pot” at the back of the booth

• The pot sits on an angled platform, making it harder for the balls to stay inside once they enter.

• You usually get 2 to 5 balls per round to try and sink as many as possible.

• Landing a ball in the pot can be hard since they tend to bounce right back out.

• The exact number of balls required to win varies per carnival. Often 2 to 4 balls sunken wins a small prize.

Knowing these basics gives you an advantage when playing. You can anticipate how the balls will move and bounce.

Choose Your Position Carefully

Where you play in relation to the lobster pot can impact your odds of winning. Here are some tips on picking your spot:

• Avoid crowded areas directly in front of the pot. This makes it harder to focus and aim accurately.

• Stand slightly off-center rather than right in the middle. The angle can improve your ball trajectory.

• Pick a spot where no obstacles will interfere with your shots. Watch forsurfaces that could cause ricochets.

• Move around until you find the spot that feels most natural to you. Let other players go first so you can observe.

Taking the time to find your ideal position sets you up for sinking more balls into that tricky angled pot.

Observe How Other Players Aim

Pay attention to the other players’ aims and techniques before you start tossing your balls. Take note of:

• Do they aim more for the center, sides or back of the pot?

• Do they use a high arc or straight shot? Overhand or underhand throw?

• How does the angle of their shots compare to how the balls bounce back?

• Do they sink more balls than average? If so, what are they doing differently?

You can learn a lot just by watching. Apply what seems to work for accurate players when it’s your turn.

Use a Controlled Underhand Toss

The lobster pot game requires a gentle touch. Avoid throwing overhand as it’s harder to control the force and aim accurately. Instead:

• Use an underhand toss like rolling a bowling ball. This gives you better aim.

• Throw smoothly, don’t jerk your arm which can skew the angle.

• Release the ball with minimal force so it doesn’t ricochet wildly off the pot edge.

• Aim your toss so the ball hits the pot’s sweet spot – where it’s most likely to sink.

Finessing your underhand technique improves your chances.

Aim for the Back Corner

Many novice players simply aim for the opening of the pot. But it’s the back corner that gives you the best odds since it’s tougher for balls to bounce out from there.

• Aim your toss towards the inside rear corner of the pot.

• Adjust your angle higher or lower based on how much the platform is slanted.

• Toss gently so the ball has a better chance of staying put once it sinks in.

Targeting the back corner takes more skill but pays off with more sunken balls.

Adjust Your Aim Based on Ball Physics

Balls don’t just drop into the pot – their bouncy nature has to be considered. Pay attention to how the balls move:

• Do they tend to bounce to the left or right more? Compensate your aim.

• Are your shots consistently falling short or long? Alter your force and angle.

• Note the spots where balls get stuck versus bouncing out easily.

Making micro-adjustments to account for the physics can mean the difference between winning and walking away empty-handed.

Stay Positive Through Losing Rounds

The lobster pot game relies somewhat on luck no matter your skill. Don’t let a few zero-ball rounds shake your confidence.

• Remind yourself it takes practice to improve your technique.

• Watch others to see if you spot any flaws in your approach.

• Stay focused on the game rather than getting in your head.

• Accept that you can’t control bad bounces but keep trying to adjust.

Keeping a positive mindset helps you persist until you get that winning round.

Ask the Carnie for Advice

Most carnival game operators want you to win eventually (so you’ll keep playing and spending). Don’t hesitate to ask for pointers.

• Ask if they have any tips on the best throwing technique or aim.

• See if certain ball sizes or weights work better.

• Politely inquire if they can adjust the angle to be more fair.

• Thank them for the help even if their advice is marginal.

While not guaranteed, the carnie may provide insights to boost your game.

Play During Off-Peak Hours If Possible

When the carnival is packed, games become more difficult with all the distractions. Try to play the lobster pot game:

• Early or late in the day when crowds are smaller.

• On weekdays when most people are working or school is in session.

• During a low traffic time like a parade or popular ride across the way.

With fewer players competing, you can better focus on your strategy and have more balls to practice with.

Persistence Pays Off

Claw machines and carnival games depend somewhat on luck in addition to skill. Keep trying multiple times and you’ll eventually have rounds where the bounces go your way. Stick to your technique, make small adjustments, and maintain a positive attitude. With enough persistence and patience, you’ll walk away triumphant with that stuffed lobster prize.