Board 165: Sky Keep

This picture is of a very Disney looking castle floating in the sky. The sun is setting and the sky is streaked with cloud.

Level 1 (Clear 30 red pegs from 98 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 425k)

The first layout is of a castle gate. It features two towers with a crennelated archway between them, sporting a shield in the centre.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 851,290 

• I made some good cacthes here. The score was unexpectedly boosted by a lucky finish which got me a total clearance (which was played for) and a maximum 200k final bonus (which wasn't).

Level 2 (Clear 30 red pegs from 86 total, with only 8 balls - Pro target 400k)

The second layout has solid lines over the outer walls of the castle, diamond-shaped pegs over the inner walls and the supporting rock, and round pegs scattered across the sky.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 237,680

• You don't get many balls for a level 2, and they went very quickly. I didn't catch any of the first few balls, and they didn't take many pegs out either, so I was very quickly down to two or three balls and with very little to show for it.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 228,190

• A better effort, only two red pegs left, but still a long way from the pro target.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 537,020

• I probably should have had that one, but the final red peg was tucked away under a small cluster of blues. I missed a catch trying to break through to it, and it was all over.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 701,100 

• I got a total clearance that time. It all seemed to go much smoother. I was in control all the way through the endgame, always with enough balls in hand to finish the reds off.

Level 3 (Clear 30 red pegs from 80 total, with only 7 balls - Pro target 475k)

The third layout is similar to the previous one in that it as round pegs arranged across the sky, onnly here the pegs are packed tighter and there is a void where the castle is.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 260,970

• I ran out of balls far too quickly. I think I'll go straight for a laser ball. I've started thids board late so I don't have much time.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 723,810 

• I got it comfortably enough with the laser ball. I cleared quite a few with the first ball, then did OK with the laser. I picked up a few distance bonuses to get to the pro target, then had enough balls in hand to pick off the reds that remained.

Level 4 (Clear 30 red pegs from 76 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 450k)

The fourth layout features a line of six teleports across the bottom. They all transport to a single receiver in the top right. There are four solid lines and five dotted lines emanating down from the top right like rays of sunlight.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 515,240 

• This one didn't seem too difficult. I did get lucky with catches though - the teleports were very much working in my favour.

Level 5 (Clear 30 red pegs from 99 total - Pro target 450k)

The fifth layout shows two arched window designs separated by a long diagonal line. There are also a few clusters of round pegs scattered about.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 575,340 

• I needed to make a lot of catches in that one. I got quite a few lucky catches as well. The ball was definitely behaving itself and going where it was supposed to.

Level 6 (Clear 40 red pegs from 86 total, with only 7 balls - Pro target 550k)

The same layout as level 2, but with 10 more red pegs, 1 less ball and 150k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 368,580

• Not particularly close. I kept the last couple of balls going for quite a while, but without any real expectation of finishing, there was just too much left to do.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 445,840

• A better effort. Only a couple of red pegs left at the end, and a few clumsy attempts at catches along the way which should have gone better.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 484,350

• I was doing OK there but a couple of unexpected deflections took out the last couple of red pegs before I was ready. So I missed the pro target as a result. I had a couple of balls in hand so I fancied my chances of picking up enough catches to get over the line.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 713,580 

• I did enough damage with the early balls and the laser to be able to pick off enough catches at the end to effect a total clearance and a comfortable pro score.

Level 7 (Clear 40 red pegs from 80 total, with only 7 balls - Pro target 750k)

The same layout as level 3, but with 10 more red pegs and 275k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 453,120

• It took too long to get to the yellow peg really. I had too much to do with the last couple of balls.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 735,460

• I got a total clearance, but a final bucket bonus of just 20k wasn't enough to get me a pro score.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 599,740

• Not a bad effort, but my catching let me down a little at the end.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 492,760

• I picked up a few distance bonuses, but every time I did, it through off any chance of a catch, so I ran out of balls. I'll add a Big Bounce.

Attempt #5 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 923,800 

• It was better luck that time, rather than the extra power up that helped me there. The Big Bounce was useful, but I wouldn't have made it if not for some lucky rebounds and catches.

Level 8 (Clear ALL pegs - 30 red and 46 blue - Pro target 750k)

The same layout as level 4, but with 1 more ball, 300k on the pro target and all pegs now needed.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 509,560

• I'd heard on the grapevine that this was a tough one, so I've jumped straight in with both power ups. Getting the clearance doesn't seem to be a problem, but the pro target looks quite tough to reach. I got 2x50k buckets at the end, but even a maximum wouldn't have got me there.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 522,500

• I was going OK then, but luck wasn't with me and too many balls that just missed the bucket did for me.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 302,510

• No luck that time. Just an 84% clearance.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 522,240

• A minimum 20k at the end didn't help me much, but a maximum 200k wouldn't have got me there either.

Attempt #5 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 743,810

• I thought I was going to get there this time. But 2x50k final buckets wasn't quite enough to get me across the line. I do seem to be getting better at taking single peg catches though.

Attempt #6 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 633,190

• A much better laser ball, although the yellow peg was tricky to get to, and the green peg even worse. Even a maximum final bonus wouldn't have helped.

Attempt #7 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 620,750

• I think the Big Bounce did me more harm than good that time. It took out nearly all the remaining pegs for not enough points, and it left me no chance to make the pro target.

Attempt #8 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 619,180

• A maximum finish would have been enough that time, but only a maximum would have done. I got a minimum.

Attempt #9 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 592,040

• Getting a clearance is becoming quite easy, but getting a big enough score for pro is something of a nightmare.

Attempt #10 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 856,840 

• I finally get there with a combination of distance bonuses, side wall deflections, catches, and sheer luck. I got my score up to 700k before the final peg, but a minimum 20k final bonus would still have left me short. Luckily, the second ball dropped in the centre and that was enough.

Level 9 (Clear ALL pegs - 30 red and 68 blue, with only 6 balls - Pro target 700k)

The same layout as level 1, but with 3 fewer balls, 275k on the pro target and all pegs now needed.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 563,880

• That was a little foolish. I forgot about the yellow peg until I's already wasted several balls. I still only missed out by a couple of pegs though.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 418,420

• I got the yellow peg straightaway that time, but it did me no good. Just an 87% clearance.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 284,070

• I took way too long to get to the yellow peg, and I was really struggling for points at the end.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 576,800

• Just an 89% clearance. Too many missed catches.

Attempt #5 - Laser Ball. Score: 1,266,620 

• I smashed it that time thanks to a Triple score on the laser ball. It gave me 743k from that ball alone. After that I just had to make sure I cleared all the pegs as I didn't want to waste such an opportunity.

Level 10 (Clear ALL pegs - 30 red and 69 blue, with only 8 balls - Pro target 625k)

The same layout as level 5, but with 2 fewer balls, 175k on the pro target and all pegs now needed.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 575,550

• I got the clearance, but needed more than a minimum 20k final bonus.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 719,900

• I caught both balls after a Split Ball for a 100k bonus, but I wasted the opportunity with some poor catching towards the end. A 94% clearance.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 888,890 

• My catching was better this time, and also a lot luckier in places, but that's all part of the game sometimes.

SUMMARY

Level	Reds	Pegs	Target	Balls	Clock	Pro	Attempts	Record	Average	Video
1	30	98	Reds	9	-	425k	1	851,290	851,290
2	30	86	Reds	8	-	400k	4	701,100	425,997
3	30	80	Reds	7	-	475k	2	723,810	492,390
4	30	76	Reds	9	-	450k	1	515,240	515,240
5	30	99	Reds	10	-	450k	1	575,340	575,340
6	40	86	Reds	7	-	550k	4	713,580	503,087
7	40	80	Reds	7	-	750k	5	923,800	640,976
8	30	76	All	10	-	750k	10	856,840	592,262
9	30	98	All	6	-	700k	5	1,266,620	621,958
10	30	99	All	8	-	625k	3	888,890	728,113

Board 164: Snowman Alley

This picture shows a village built of giant snowmen. Each snowman houses several dwellings on several levels, accessible by spiralling paths that ascend the bodies of the snowmen.

Level 1 (Clear 30 red pegs from 105 total - Pro target 525k)

The first layout looks like three different levels of a hillside, with each level having a number of arched doorways and round windows in.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 444,660

• A couple of red pegs left at the end. It's a little awkward to judge the catches to start with, but I should get used to the angles in a go or two.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 547,820 

• I missed out on a total clearance by one peg. I was very tempted to try for it anyway, but I already had the pro score so it wasn't worth the risk. Too many times have I gone for it and it's cost me the game.

Level 2 (Clear 30 red pegs from 109 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 450k)

The second layout looks like an uneven row of seven icicles hanging down, although with their parallel sides and triangular points, they look more Swords of Damocles. A pattern of round pegs runs along the bottom.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 313,360

• This like it might be a tricky layout. Two or three red pegs left at the end, but I wasn't particularly unlucky.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 256,540

• I cleared all the red pegs but was a long way short of pro. I didn't have any red pegs available off the side wall at the start.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 600,800 

• The red pegs were much more helpfully positioned this time. I managed to pick up a few side wall bonuses and some distance bonuses. I took a number of early catches through sheer luck. A late ricochet that took out most of the remaining red pegs helped a lot too. Yes, luck was certainly on my side this time.

Level 3 (Clear 30 red pegs from 104 total, with only 8 balls - Pro target 400k)

The third layout uses various lines and spots from the picture, including several lines where the multi-level walkways on the buildings are, and some curves around the heads of the giant snowmen. Plus lots of loose pegs picking out various aspects of the picture.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 440,490 

• It was touch and go towards the end, but a lucky catch or two at the end helped me out.

Level 4 (Clear 25 red pegs from 100 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 450k)

The fourth layout looks like three giant snowmen. A large one in the middle, and a slightly smaller one on each side. Each snowman consists of a circle for a head, sitting on (and overlapping with) another, larger circle for a body. A few loose round pegs can be seen in each body.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 302,830

• I didn't get the luck that time. Very few attempted catches worked. I made countless attempts to sweep the bottom circle, but they all failed. I ran out of balls with a lot of red pegs still left.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 155,640

• I think I made one catch, so pretty poor.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 237,390

• A better effort. Not many pegs left, but the score was poor.

Attempt #4 - No power ups. Score: 433,240

• I so nearly had it that time. I had just one red peg left, and could have taken it, but I didn't want to gamble on avoiding the 10k bucket, so I tried to take another purple peg but missed the catch.

Attempt #5 - No power ups. Score: 212,850

• Another poor attempt. I'll add a laser ball, but I'm not sure how much help it will be.

Attempt #6 - Laser Ball. Score: 381,850

• The laser ball boosted my score a bit, but didn't really help clear the red pegs.

Attempt #7 - Laser Ball. Score: 659,920 

• I got a bit of luck that time, particularly in the endgame when I'd already passed the pro target and was using up my extra balls.

Level 5 (Clear 25 red pegs from 98 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 425k)

The fifth layout has a vertical line down the centre, and a couple of diagonal lines, one on each side. They look like the shafts of sunlight coming down from above in the picture. There are also a couple of triangles hanging down from sloping lines in the top corners. Most of the bottom half consists of loose round and diamond-shaped pegs in a symmetrical pattern.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 232,130

• I got no luck with catches at all. They kept springing off at surprising angles.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 214,180

• The angles here are just horrible. I'll add a laser ball.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 425,020 

• I squeaked home by just 20 points - that may be my tightest pro score ever. I didn't think a final 10k bucket would be enough, but it just about was.

Level 6 (Clear 40 red pegs from 109 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 600k)

The same layout as level 2, but with 10 more red pegs and 150k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 749,160 

• The yellow peg was ideally placed at the top, near the side wall. The laser ball worked OK, although I got the dreaded Big Bucket so I got no rim bounce. I got there anyway though.

Level 7 (Clear 40 red pegs from 100 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 650k)

The same layout as level 4, but with 15 more red pegs and 200k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 621,420

• I could have taken a risk with the final ball and taken all three remaining pegs out and hoped to avoid the minimum 20k bonus, but my intended sweep might not have worked and 10k always looked the most likely finishing bucket. Instead I took the purple peg off the side wall looking for more points but missed the catch. Either way was risky. Shame, it had gone well up to there.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 539,280

• Very little worked that time and I had loads of red pegs left at the end.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 885,260 

• I had the same three pegs left at the end as I did on my first attempt. This time, I already had the points I needed, they were all red, and I had a couple of balls in hand. So, this time I went for the sweep, it worked, and it avoided the 10k bucket after all, or at least one of the balls did. So I should have taken the sweep first time, I guess.

Level 8 (Clear ALL pegs - 25 red and 73 blue, with only 9 balls - Pro target 650k)

The same layout as level 5, but with 225k on the pro target and all pegs now needed.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 457,170

• My early catches didn't work very well so I had too much to do in the endgame. Just an 88% clearance.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 513,410

• I had lots of lucky early catches but they didn't earn me many points. I ran out of balls with just one peg left, but I was looking unlikely to make the pro target anyway.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 767,700 

• I took the yellow peg straightaway and did well with the laser ball. My catches were generally working as well.

Level 9 (Score 750k with 30 red pegs and 75 blue, with only 8 balls - Pro target 850k)

The same layout as level 1, but with 2 fewer balls, 325k on the pro target and just a score to go for.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 883,150 

• I had three pegs left at the end, but momentarily forgot that taking the final red one would finish the level. Luckily I found the 50k bucket anyway and that was enough for pro.

Level 10 (Clear ALL pegs - 30 red and 74 blue, with only 7 balls - Pro target 750k)

The same layout as level 3, but with 1 less ball, 350k on the pro target and all pegs now needed.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 497,480

• An 87% clearance, but I made very few catches. Luck didn't seem to be on my side.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 578,060

• Up to a 92% clearance, so I'm getting closer.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 465,350

• 90% that time. I'm really not getting lucky with my catches. They keep glancing off the outside of the bucket. I don't have th patience for this at the moment - I'll add a trampoline.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 598,400

• My catches worked better, but the yellow peg took ages to get through to. As a result I was very low on points. I cleared the board but I needed a maximum 200k off the final buckets and only got 60. Actually, even a maximum wouldn't have quite been enough.

Attempt #5 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 318,520

• The yellow peg was awkward to get to, the Big Bounce got stifled and my catches kept just missing the bucket. Just an 86% clearance.

Attempt #6 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 385,220

• The yellow peg was in the worst position yet, and I ended up triggering the Big Bouce first. It was all a disaster and I just got an 81% clearance.

Attempt #7 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 612,920

• The yellow peg and green peg were right next to each other, but I managed to break through to them and take them iin the right order. A pretty close attempt, as I only missed two pegs, and the score was quite close too.

Attempt #8 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 418,090

• For once I could get to the yellow peg immediately, but it didn't help me as I didn't get the luck required. Just an 84% clearance.

Attempt #9 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 523,800

• I started well, but some badly misjudges shots at the end left me with three pegs left.

Attempt #10 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 472,420

• The yellow peg wasn't ideally placed. Not bad though, a 93% clearance.

Attempt #11 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 435,670

• A 95% clearance after struggling slightly to get to both trigger pegs.

Attempt #12 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 849,230 

• I found a path through to the yellow peg with the first ball, did well with the laser ball, and managed to avoid taking the green peg until a bit later, so I did well with the Big Bounce too.

SUMMARY

Level	Reds	Pegs	Target	Balls	Clock	Pro	Attempts	Record	Average	Video
1	30	105	Reds	10	-	525k	2	547,820	496,240
2	30	109	Reds	9	-	450k	3	600,800	390,233
3	30	104	Reds	8	-	400k	1	440,490	440,490
4	25	100	Reds	9	-	450k	7	659,920	340,531
5	25	98	Reds	9	-	425k	3	425,020	290,443
6	40	109	Reds	9	-	600k	1	749,160	749,160
7	40	100	Reds	9	-	650k	3	885,260	681,986
8	25	98	All	9	-	650k	3	767,700	579,426
9	30	105	750k	8	-	850k	1	883,150	883,150
10	30	104	All	7	-	750k	12	849,230	512,930

Board 163: Time Tower

This is essentially a picture of a clock tower standing out against a nighttime cityscape of tower blocks. It is a reflective picture, so one face of the clock shows half past eleven, while the other shows half past twelve. It could be a picture of Big Ben, but the Houses of Parliament are not visible, and London looks nothing like this picture. But I guess it's just an artist's impression.

Level 1 (Clear 25 red pegs from 87 total - Pro target 500k)

The first layout is of a giant clockface. It has a large square (with a gap at the top), containing a large circle, which in turn contains a few round and diamond-shaped pegs which make up the hands, showing between five and ten past six.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 919,630 

• I got it first time with a pro score of about 594k, but forgot to start the recorder. Annoyingly, it took about another three attempts to get it again for the video, but when I did, I smashed it with a total clearancd for a much bigger score.

Level 2 (Clear 25 red pegs from 101 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 425k)

The second layout features a couple of cloud formations, one on each side of the screen, plus round pegs over the clock tower, and the faint beams of light illuminating it. There's also some diamond-shaped pegs around the streetlights along the bottom.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 448,950 

• A lucky ricochet on my penultimate ball helped me out a lot there.

Level 3 (Clear 25 red pegs from 92 total - Pro target 400k)

The third layout has a line of small circles along the bottom, each separated by a vertical line of round and diamond-shaped pegs going all the way to the top. There are more round and diamond-shaped pegs on the clock tower.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 284,130

• This is a tricky layout. It's tricky to keep the ball in play, to get bonuses and to take catched. I'll try another go or two, but I suspect it'll need a laser.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 404,350 

• I managed to take some catches as I went along that time, having remebered some of the approximate timings from the first attempt. I also got very lucky with the last ball which was an attempted catch off the purple peg. It took an unexpected deflection, hit the last red peg, and finished in one of the 50k buckets, which was just enough for me to squeak over the pro target.

Level 4 (Clear 30 red pegs from 105 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 450k)

The fourth layout features two large bells - one top left, and the other bottom right. Also, in the other corners, a patterm of round pegs.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 426,250

• I was in two minds as to whether to take the final red peg or not. In the end, I didn't and twitched on my last shot, missing it. The last red peg was no gimmee, anyway.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 144,900

• The red pegs were badly positioned, and I got no luck, taking no catches. I didn't even come close.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 193,870

• A little better, I took a couple of catches, but again I wasn't particularly lucky.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 561,270 

• I added a laser ball and it made a big difference. I could get the yellow peg straight away, then found a particularly good line for the laser ball. It took out a lot of pegs, in both bells, triggered a Split Ball which took out quite a few more, and picked up a good rim bounce. After that, the points were pretty much in the bag so it was just a matter of finishing off the red pegs.

Level 5 (Clear 25 red pegs from 111 total - Pro target 450k)

The fifth layout follows the lines of the clock tower, and also has short lines topped with diamond-shaped pegs along the bottom, representing the other tower blocks in the picture, and the sky is dotted with round pegs.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 292,610

• Only a couple of red pegs left, but some way from the pro target. It's tricky to keep the balls in play, but more catches may well be possible.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 443,920

• A better score, but more red pegs left. I never really got into the central structure.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 181,490

• I was clearing pegs OK, but I wasn't getting any luck. None of my catches were working, and the bonuses weren't coming either.

Attempt #4 - No power ups. Score: 445,420

• Again, the score was better, but I struggled to break into the central structure.

Attempt #5 - Laser Ball. Score: 575,520 

• The laser ball made it a lot easier, but I still had quite a lot of work to do in the endgame.

Level 6 (Clear 40 red pegs from 92 total - Pro target 700k)

The same layout as level 3, but with 15 more red pegs and 300k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 743,450 

• I got it first time with the laser ball, without too much drama. It wasn't a brilliant laser ball, but it was good enough.

Level 7 (Clear ALL pegs - 25 red and 62 blue - Pro target 700k)

The same layout as level 1, but with 200k on the pro target and all pegs now needed.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 801,520

• I really should have had that one, but I kept getting balls land right in the bottom corners and not going in the bucket.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 750,880

• I started badly but improved towards the end. It wasn't quite enough, though, and I only got a n 87% clearance.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 475,040

• A few bad catches at the end meant I didn't clear the red pegs, but I was struggling for points anyway.

Attempt #4 - No power ups. Score: 786,890 

• My catching was better that time, and so was my luck. I managed to keep enough balls in hand for the endgame and that took some of the pressure off.

Level 8 (Score 525k with 40 red pegs and 65 blue, with only 8 balls - Pro target 725k)

The same layout as level 4, but with 10 more red pegs, 1 less ball, 275k on the pro target and just a score to go for.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 1,175,700 

• Not a problem with a laser ball. Getting onto the yellow peg with the first shot probably helped a lot, but in the end I took a total clearance for a seven figure score.

Level 9 (Clear 40 red pegs from 101 total, with only 8 balls - Pro target 600k)

The same layout as level 2, but with 15 more red pegs, 1 less ball and 175k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 297,930

• It took most of my balls to get through to the yellow peg. By the time I activated the laser ball, there was just too much left to do, and not enough balls to do it with.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 717,720

• I had that one in the bag, with two red pegs left and two balls. But I stupidly went for another purple peg that I couldn't resist even though I had more than enough points and missed that catch and the next to fail by one peg.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 597,320

• I thought I had enough points to take the final red, but I miscalculated. I only got a minimum 10k final bucket and finished just 3k short of pro.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 477,360

• I got the yellow peg straight away and seemed to do alright with the laser ball but for some reason always seemed to be struggling. Not much luck, I guess.

Attempt #5 - Laser Ball. Score: 586,490

• Just one red peg left and a little short on points. Very annoyed I didn't finish this one on the second attempt when I had the chance.

Attempt #6 - Laser Ball. Score: 621,090 

• I got there eventually. Although, for some reason, I though the pro target was 700k instead of 600k, so I thought I'd missed out by finishing prematurely, but I was OK.

Level 10 (Clear ALL pegs - 35 red and 76 blue, with only 7 balls - Pro target 700k)

The same layout as level 5, but with 10 more red pegs, 3 fewer balls, 250k on the pro target and all pegs now needed.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 599,830

• The yellow peg was dreadfully positioned and very hard to get to. I still managed an 87% clearance though, which wasn't bad under the circumstances.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 646,880

• Just three pegs left. The rim bounce with the laser ball could have been a lot better, but still a good effort.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 528,830

• Just an 81% clearance that time. My catching needs to be better. I'll add a Big Bounce.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 659,620

• I got the clearance, but needed a bigger final bonus than the 60k I got. The laser ball took out quite a few pegs, and the Big Bounce wasn't bad either.

Attempt #5 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 433,710

• The laser ball did OK, but the Big Bounce was triggered too early and got stifled. Just an 85% clearance.

Attempt #6 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 1,012,170 

• I cleared that one with a ball to spare. I triggered the yellow peg with the first ball, which I caught. I did well with the laser ball, catching that too. That triggered the Big Bounce, and even that did quite well, considering how early it was triggered. My catching wasd much better, and my luck was OK too.

SUMMARY

Level	Reds	Pegs	Target	Balls	Clock	Pro	Attempts	Record	Average	Video
1	25	87	Reds	10	-	500k	1	919,630	919,630
2	25	101	Reds	9	-	425k	1	448,950	448,950
3	25	92	Reds	10	-	400k	2	404,350	344,240
4	30	105	Reds	9	-	450k	4	561,270	331,572
5	25	111	Reds	10	-	450k	5	575,520	387,792
6	40	92	Reds	10	-	700k	1	743,450	743,450
7	25	87	All	10	-	700k	4	801,520	703,582
8	40	105	525k	8	-	725k	1	1,175,700	1,175,700
9	40	101	Reds	8	-	600k	6	717,720	549,651
10	35	111	All	7	-	700k	6	1,012,170	646,840

Board 161: Hand in the Sand

This picture shows a huge statue of a hand, with the fingers extended as if in a traditional native American greeting. The statue stands in the desert at night with a campfire burning in front of it but no other sign of human life can be seen. Several cacti stand around.

Level 1 (Clear 30 red pegs from 96 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 500k)

The first design is a repeating pattern of a round peg with a fan of five diamond-shaped pegs above it. The pattern is repeated 16 times across the screen. Maybe they represent stars, or possibly campfires.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 288,340

• I had a stroke since my last go, so it'll be interesting to see if it affects my performance.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 389,760

• I could've cleared that time but was trying for a pro score. 500k seems quite high for a level 1.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 210,600

• Nowhere near that time. One more try and I'll turn to a laser ball.

Attempt #4 - No power ups. Score: 383,610

• About 3 or 4 red pegs left that time, but over 100k short of pro. I'll add a laser ball.

Attempt #5 - Laser Ball. Score: 345,580

• Just one red peg left, but I couldn't get to it. I was struggling to make pro anyway. I didn't get much from the laser ball.

Attempt #6 - Laser Ball. Score: 262,160

• This is proving a particularly tricky first level. Again it took several shots to get through to the yellow peg, and then I didn't do very well with the laser ball.

Attempt #7 - Laser Ball. Score: 629,740 

• I got there eventually. I managed to get to the laser ball with my first ball, despite it being quite awkwardly placed. I did well with the laser ball and got quite lucky in places too.

Level 2 (Clear 25 red pegs from 105 total - Pro target 450k)

The second design uses some of the lines in the picture, particularly the outline of the thumb, the left side of the hand and fingers, the moon, a flat line on the horizon, and a scattering of round pegs across the whole area.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 202,280

• Another tricky one with some odd angles. Only one red peg left but nowhere near the pro target.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 219,590

• 2 red pegs left. Not enough bonuses.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 226,340

• I was down to the final red peg, but there seemed little point in taking it with such a low score.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 573,010 

• There is no doubt that my stroke has affected my ability to play this game. I find it much more tricky to hold the mouse steady for one thing. I also struggle to play for more than a few minutes at a time. Anyway, I got it with the laser ball.

Level 3 (Clear 25 red pegs from 98 total - Pro target 450k)

The third design features two cactus halves, one on each side of the screen, in a symmetrical pattern. There are some diamond-shaped pegs inside the cacti, and some more in pairs along the bottom, between them.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 352,850

• Not too far off but more points needed.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 403,250

• A better effort, just one red peg left, but I needed a few more points before I could finish.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 283,120

• Not much luck that time.

Attempt #4 - No power ups. Score: 332,610

• Again, one red peg left but short on points. Getting the pro scores seems quite tough on this board.

Attempt #5 - No power ups. Score: 516,600 

• I finally got a bit more luck and got one without power ups.

Level 4 (Clear 25 red pegs from 98 total - Pro target 525k)

The fourth design features two handprints in opposite corners of the screen. The other two corners have an arrangement of round and diamond-shaped pegs in. The handprints are quite stylised, with a spiral representing the palm.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 554,000

• I should really have had that one. Just one peg left in total, but couldn't make that final catch.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 383,600

• Just one red peg left but I needed more points.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 220,400

• One of the side affects of having a stroke is near-constant hiccups which absolutely drives you mad. That attempt was rubbish, mainly due to hiccups.

Attempt #4 - No power ups. Score: 405,390

• Well I've managed to get rid of the hiccups for now, but I couldn't get a break in that game at all.

Attempt #5 - No power ups. Score: 377,940

• Two red pegs left and I still can't seem to get any luck. One more try then I'm adding a laser ball.

Attempt #6 - No power ups. Score: 275,710

• Two red pegs left again, and still nowhere near the pro target. I'll add a laser ball.

Attempt #7 - Laser Ball. Score: 339,310

• A tricky yellow peg to get to and I did badly with the laser ball when I did get it.

Attempt #8 - Laser Ball. Score: 627,000 

• Finally got there, although the yellow peg could have been easier to get to.

Level 5 (Clear 25 red pegs from 114 total - Pro target 425k)

The fifth design has horizontal lines across the whole hand, some round pegs across the bottom, interrupted by vertical lines where the cacti are, and the sky is full of shooting stars, that is round pegs with a curved trail above them.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 257,620

• Only two red pegs left and not many blue ones. Not bad for a first effort.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 203,850

• Still a long way away from the pro target.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 764,840 

• No problem that time. I could get to the yellow peg quite early and then did well with the laser.

Level 6 (Clear 40 red pegs from 105 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 650k)

The same layout as level 2, but with 15 more red pegs, 1 less ball and 200k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 595,330

• I cleared the red pegs but unexpectedly, so I fell short of the pro target, despite finishing in the 100k bucket.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 668,840 

• New day. I got straight on the yellow peg then did well with the laser ball. After that I just picked off the remaining red pegs.

Level 7 (Score 600k with 30 red pegs and 68 blue, with only 8 balls - Pro target 775k)

The same layout as level 4, but with 5 more red pegs, 2 fewer balls, 250k on the pro target and just a score to go for.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 419,830

• A very long way from even the success score let alone the pro target. This may well need a second power up but not just yet.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 507,590

• An improvement but only a slight one. I'll add a Big Bounce.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 512,060

• Both trigger pegs were awkward to get to. I never did get the green one. Nightmare!

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 627,090

• I probably would have had that one if it hadn't been for some clumsy catching at the end.

Attempt #5 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 865,730 

• I was trying for a total clearance which I missed out on by a single peg, which was a little dissppointing, but it didn't matter in the the grand scheme of things.

Level 8 (Clear ALL pegs - 30 red and 66 blue, with only 8 balls - Pro target 750k)

The same layout as level 1, but with 1 less ball, 250k on the pro target and all pegs now needed.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 319,100

• Just an 83% clearance, but the yellow peg was awkward to get to.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 314,170

• A similar score, but only a 77% clearance.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 359,320

• The second power up helped a little, it got me a slight improvement on my score and an 86% clearance.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 483,660

• Just one peg left, but a long way from the pro target.

Attempt #5 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 360,810

• Two pegs left, but still nowhere near the pro target.

Attempt #6 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 280,610

• Only an 88% clearance.

Attempt #7 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 184,390

• A 78% clearance. Everything that could go wrong went wrong there. The trigger pegs were taken in the wrong order, I didn't take any catches. It was all a disaster.

Attempt #8 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 391,410

• A 93% clearance. More work to be done.

Attempt #9 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 601,970

• An 89% clearance.

Attempt #10 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 184,390

• A 78% clearance. Everything that could go wrong went wrong there. The trigger pegs were taken in the wrong order, I didn't take any catches. It was all a disaster.

Attempt #11 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 499,080

• A 91% clearance, so a much better effort. I got some luck but clearly not enough.

Attempt #12 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 428,630

• I tried to take the last peg off the side wall, burt missed it. I had nowhere near enough points anyway.

Attempt #13 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 464,820

• A 91% clearance, but I need more lucky catches.

Attempt #14 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 622,460

• Much closer that time. Just one peg left, but my catching just let me down a little in the endgame. I was within range if I'd managed a clearance.

Attempt #15 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 468,520

• Not enough luck that time. Just an 85% clearance.

Attempt #16 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 532,310

• Not bad. The score was OK, and the clearance was 94%.

Attempt #17 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 157,690

• Just a 77% clearance. It took too long to get to the yellow peg.

Attempt #18 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 763,310 

• Got it that time, at the 18th attempt. I needed some luck, a final bonus of 110k, and some good catching, particularly with the last ball. I triggered the green peg first, so used an unorthodox laser ball, but it was good enough.

Level 9 (Clear ALL pegs - 30 red and 68 blue, with only 8 balls - Pro target 675k)

The same layout as level 3, but with 5 more red pegs, 2 fewer balls, 225k on the pro target and all pegs now needed.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 535,320

• I really struggled to get to the yellow peg, but come close anyway. I got a 93% clearance.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 513,330

• I started well enough with an early laser, but then spoilt it with some poor catching at the end.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 518,930

• Again, not far off. A 94% clearance.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 362,870

• Some hard to predict ricochets did for me there. Just a 74% clearance.

Attempt #5 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 410,650

• I added a second power up, but the trampoline didn't score very well for me. An 88% clearance.

Attempt #6 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 508,270

• A 95% clearance after I kept the last ball going for a while, but not quite long enough.

Attempt #7 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 782,880 

• I got there with a bit of luck and some reasonable catching, although I had a habit ot twitching the mouse just before I released the ball, which threw my aim off in quite a few shots.

Level 10 (Clear 40 red pegs from 114 total, with only 6 balls - Pro target 775k)

The same layout as level 5, but with 15 more red pegs, 4 fewer balls and 350k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 661,570

• Just one red peg left which I could have taken but I needed more points.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 460,520

• A few bad bounces at the end did for me.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 492,420

• Three red pegs left. So not too far away.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 225,490

• I just couldn't get through to the yellow peg until I only had one ball left.

Attempt #5 - Laser Ball. Score: 648,060

• I missed a catch on a purple peg at the end, and took out the final red peg with an deflection. I needed more points.

Attempt #6 - Laser Ball. Score: 154,290

• The yellow peg was right down the bottom and I couldn't find a way through to it. It was still there at the end.

Attempt #7 - Laser Ball. Score: 531,680

• I took out the yellow peg straight away and did OK with the laser ball, but my catching let me down at the end.

Attempt #8 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 619,200

• I should have had that one, but a careless catch right at the end spoilt it.

Attempt #9 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 85,350

• I very nearly just restarted this one as soon as I saw where the yellow peg was. I may as well have done as I never got to it.

Attempt #10 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 944,220 

• I found the yellow peg with my second ball thanks to a lucky deflection, then did well with the laser ball, and OK with the Big Bounce. The points just seemed to come quite easily. I missed a total clearance by three pegs, but the reds were all I needed.

SUMMARY

Level	Reds	Pegs	Target	Balls	Clock	Pro	Attempts	Record	Average	Video
1	30	96	Reds	9	-	500k	7	629,740	358,541
2	25	105	Reds	10	-	450k	4	573,010	305,305
3	25	98	Reds	10	-	450k	5	516,600	377,686
4	25	98	Reds	10	-	525k	8	627,000	397,918
5	25	114	Reds	10	-	425k	3	764,840	408,770
6	40	105	Reds	9	-	650k	2	668,840	632,085
7	30	98	600k	8	-	775k	5	865,730	586,460
8	30	96	All	8	-	750k	18	763,310	412,036
9	30	98	All	8	-	675k	7	782,880	518,892
10	40	114	Reds	6	-	775k	10	944,220	482,280

Board 162: Chocolate Falls

This picture looks like something out of Willy Wonka's factory. A river of chocolate flows through green fields in which grow candy trees, cinnamon whirls and lollipops. White bunnies are sat around.

Level 1 (Clear 25 red pegs from 114 total - Pro target 450k)

The first layout looks like two conveyor belts and a couple of starbursts which could be other bits of machinery.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 124,210

• Some tricky angles and awkward bounces to navigate here. And not many bonuses forthcoming either.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 420,230

• A much better effort. I cleared the red pegs, but needed a 100k final bonus and only got a 50k one.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 863,850 

• I was all over it that time. I got lucky with a few early catches and made a total clearance for well over the pro target.

Level 2 (Clear 25 red pegs from 134 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 500k)

The second layout follows the lines of the picture. There are straight lines, curves, loops and plenty of single round pegs.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 425,510

• I should have played a few more shots there to try and build up my score a little more as a big final bucket never looked likely, but I didn't and I missed out on pro by about 75k.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 326,920

• Just one red peg left which I could have taken but I needed more points.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 593,870 

• I had the luxury of a few extra balls in the endgame that time, so I could afford to take a few purples without much risk. In the end I gota 100k final bonus when anything would have done.

Level 3 (Clear 30 red pegs from 101 total - Pro target 425k)

The third layout is a whirl of round pegs, like the design in the middle of the lollipop sail on the boat.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 311,780

• Just 2 red pegs left but I was struggling to get through to them.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 428,480 

• The last red peg was low and central so I took a chance on the 100k bucket at the end and it paid off.

Level 4 (Clear 25 red pegs from 141 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 600k)

The fourth layout is of five lollipops. Each has the same cross design on.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 208,210

• I couldn't get the early catches needed.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 315,260

• About half a dozen red pegs left. This is going to need a laser ball.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 713,280 

• I hadn't intended to finish quite when I did, but I had the points so it wasn't a problem.
  
  I accidentally deleted the video so I had to do it again. The next attempt scored even more at 854,450 and again, finished slightly ahead of schedule but I had plenty of points so that was OK.

Level 5 (Clear 25 red pegs from 115 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 450k)

The fifth layout consists of two pairs of vertical lines, each enclosing three sets of eight round pegs. A few round and diamond-shaped pegs lie along the bottom between the two pairs.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 265,750

• Quite tricky without power ups but I'll give it another go.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 582,780 

• I got some good early bonuses which helped my score a lot, then sent a ball down the left-hand chute, taking out pretty much all the red pegs there.

Level 6 (Clear 40 red pegs from 134 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 650k)

The same layout as level 2, but with 15 more red pegs and 150k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 672,390 

• I went straight for the laser ball and pro scored it first time. I needed a decent final bucket bonus but deliberately left a low central red peg until last, and managed to get a deflection straight into the 100k bucket.

Level 7 (Clear 40 red pegs from 101 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 600k)

The same layout as level 3, but with 10 more red pegs, 1 less ball and 175k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 604,430 

• Another one that finished prematurely, and this time I only just scraped over the pro target.

Level 8 (Clear ALL pegs - 25 red and 116 blue - Pro target 750k)

The same layout as level 4, but with 1 more ball, 150k on the pro target and all pegs now needed.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 876,340

• Just a 94% clearance, but the yellow peg wasn't ideally placed, and I could've had better luck.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 909,480

• A 94% clearance again, but not much luck again. I don't feel like I'm far away from this.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 569,760

• 94% again, but it took a lot of shots to get through to the yellow peg.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 904,290

• Just one peg left that time. I still took a long time to get to the yellow peg, but my luck was a bit better this time.

Attempt #5 - Laser Ball. Score: 803,430

• Just a 92% clearance this time, but the yellow peg was really badly placed, and I'd nearly run out of balls by the time I got to it.

Attempt #6 - Laser Ball. Score: 701,770

• Just an 82% clearance thanks to another awful yellow peg. I only had two balls left when I got to it.

Attempt #7 - Laser Ball. Score: 674,990

• An 89% clearance. I could get to the yellow peg straight away, but got no luck afterwards.

Attempt #8 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 1,039,970 

• Finally, I got that bit of extra luck that I needed. I added an extra power up, and it earned me an extra ball, but not much else. I did get to the yellow peg straifgt away though, so that helped.

Level 9 (Clear 40 red pegs from 114 total, with only 8 balls - Pro target 725k)

The same layout as level 1, but with 15 more red pegs, 2 fewer balls and 275k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 557,580

• Two red pegs left, but it doesn't seem too hard. I didn't get to the yellow peg very quickly, but that's mainly because I forgot about it.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 670,880

• I could have taken the final red peg but I wanted a few more points first.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 404,110

• I couldn't get to the yellow peg quickly enough.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 504,130

• I didn't clear enough red pegs with the laser ball that time.

Attempt #5 - Laser Ball. Score: 383,230

• Not a very good effort. It took a few shots to get to the yellow peg, then I didn't do very well with the laser ball.

Attempt #6 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 1,004,810 

• Got it that time with the help of the Big Bounce, despite being unable to avoid triggering the trampoline first. I took a total clearance for just over a million points.

Level 10 (Clear ALL pegs - 30 red and 85 blue, with only 7 balls - Pro target 650k)

The same layout as level 5, but with 5 more red pegs, 2 fewer balls, 200k on the pro target and all pegs now needed.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 410,910

• This is going to need an extra power up.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 509,870

• Just an 81% clearance. I'm going to need some luck here, and I didn't get any there.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 489,770

• An 82% clearance. I'm just running out of balls too quickly.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 468,572

• 81% again. I'm not getting any closer.

Attempt #5 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 170,540

• I wasted the laser ball, and just got a 65% clearance.

Attempt #6 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 339,520

• A 74% clearance. I'll come back to it in a bit.

Attempt #7 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 361,820

• A 78% clearance after some shocking catching.

Attempt #8 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 1,044,030 

• And that's my first post-stroke Ace, which I'm quite pleased with. It took a little longer, but then it seems a tough board.

SUMMARY

Level	Reds	Pegs	Target	Balls	Clock	Pro	Attempts	Record	Average	Video
1	25	114	Reds	10	-	450k	3	863,850	469,430
2	25	134	Reds	9	-	500k	3	593,870	448,766
3	30	101	Reds	10	-	425k	2	428,480	370,130
4	25	141	Reds	9	-	600k	3	713,280	412,250
5	25	115	Reds	9	-	450k	2	582,780	424,265
6	40	134	Reds	9	-	650k	1	672,390	672,390
7	40	101	Reds	9	-	600k	1	604,430	604,430
8	25	141	All	10	-	750k	8	1,039,970	810,003
9	40	114	Reds	8	-	725k	6	1,004,810	587,456
10	30	115	All	7	-	650k	8	1,044,030	474,379