Board 156: Cedar Grove

This picture shows a large house on the edge of a lake, or possibly a wide river, in the middle of some woods. The trees in the wood are enormous, dwarfing the house.

Level 1 (Clear 30 red pegs from 95 total - Pro target 475k)

The first layout features four long curves following the trunks of the trees in the foreground, plus three shorter ones in the background. Also four more roughly horizontal curves marking the uneven ground. A few round pegs mark the foliage.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 511,090

• Just one red peg left. I didn't get very lucky with early catches, but still came very close.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 498,630

• Very similar to the previous try. I struggled for early catches then nearly had it at the end, falling just one red peg short.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 589,250 

• I got it that time, and with balls to spare. At least, I could have finished with balls to spare, but played on for more points and practice until I got down to my last ball.

Level 2 (Clear 25 red pegs from 79 total - Pro target 425k)

The second layout features only single round pegs, arranged in rings like those found in cross-sections of trees.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 639,440 

• These layouts with round pegs everywhere can be very hard to predict, but this one doesn't have too many pegs, so it didn't work out too bad. I took a total clearance for well over the pro target.

Level 3 (Clear 30 red pegs from 94 total - Pro target 450k)

The third layout has two large trees in the foreground, each only partially visible. Also there are three small trees between them.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 258,530

• I thought I could pick off the diamond-shaped pegs one by one, but most of them are tilted back slightly which makes the angles much harder to judge.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 415,660

• A better effort, but still a way to go. Worth another try.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 235,370

• Not so good that time. I suspect I'll need a laser ball here, but I'll give it one more try first.

Attempt #4 - No power ups. Score: 407,060

• Lots of red pegs left again. I'll add a laser ball.

Attempt #5 - Laser Ball. Score: 407,380

• A much better attempt with the laser ball, and I should have had it really, but I got a bit carried away with taking catches off the purple pegs.

Attempt #6 - Laser Ball. Score: 751,730 

• I would have like a total clearance, but I had to be satisfied with 95%. The catches overall worked a bit better this time.

Level 4 (Clear 25 red pegs from 112 total - Pro target 425k)

The fourth layout is made entirely of diamond-shaped pegs. It features seven V-shapes along the bottom, and a rough fan of pegs above them. It looks a bit like a canopy of tree branches.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 288,850

• Some pretty rubbish catching and not much luck put paid to me there.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 155,060

• Much the same as before. No luck and rubbish catching.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 290,900

• My luck was better that time, but my catching is still diabolical. I can do much better than this!

Attempt #4 - No power ups. Score: 726,790 

• My catching was better that time, but still not great. I caught myself pushing for an unnecessary total clearance at the end, despite being on my last ball, so I made myself stop.

Level 5 (Clear 25 red pegs from 96 total - Pro target 450k)

The fifth layout features a large tree on the left, although it looks more like a feather, and a much smaller house on the right. Above the house, and in a line down the far left, are regularly spaced round pegs.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 481,740

• I took on a purple peg at the end which I really shouldn't have. I think I only did it because I'd run out of ideas to get the last three red pegs, though. So I think a finish was unlikely anyway.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 407,950

• Three red pegs left again. It's a tricky arrangement to negotiate.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 229,130

• A worse attempt. Six red pegs left and a long way from the pro target. One more try before I add a laser ball.

Attempt #4 - No power ups. Score: 260,690

• About three red pegs left again, and nowhere near the pro target. I'll add a laser ball or I could be here for hours.

Attempt #5 - Laser Ball. Score: 588,540 

• The yellow peg was really awkward to get to, and I lost a lot of balls for not many points trying to activate the laser ball. When I did get to use the laser ball, though, I cleared most of what was left for a big chunk of points and the rest was easy.

Level 6 (Clear 40 red pegs from 94 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 650k)

The same layout as level 3, but with 10 more red pegs, one less ball, and 200k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 610,300

• Oh, what an idiot! I had that one all done, but took the final red peg off the side wall because it was an obvious and easy shot, but hit the blue peg next to it by mistake. Ridiculously clumsy.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 475,480

• I didn't do nearly so well with catches this time, and I was well short of balls.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 473,130

• Just one red peg left, but I was struggling for points. I was taking some chances at the end to try and earn some bonuses, but it didn't work out.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 708,870 

• After four attempts, I was just happy to get it finished, so I didn't try for an ambitious finish on the final peg, I just took it directly and settled for a low-scoring finish as the pro score was already in the bag.

Level 7 (Clear ALL pegs - 25 red and 54 blue, with only 9 balls - Pro target 550k)

The same layout as level 2, but with one less ball, 125k on the pro target, and a total clearance now needed.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 697,780 

• I found level 2 quite easy, and I got a total clearance then, so I tried this one without power ups and it wasn't much harder.

Level 8 (Clear ALL pegs - 30 red and 65 blue - Pro target 750k)

The same layout as level 1, but with 275k on the pro target, and a total clearance now needed.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 892,450 

• This one wasn't too hard with a laser ball. I had to keep the last ball going for a few shots but I managed it.

Level 9 (Score 525k with 35 red pegs and 61 blue, with only 8 balls - Pro target 700k)

The same layout as level 5, but with 10 more red pegs, two fewer balls, 250k on the pro target, and just a score to go for.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 477,240

• I couldn't get to the yellow peg quickly enough. Points can be quite hard to come by on this level, so I've got my work cut out.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 675,720

• I just needed another 25k to reach the pro target. Annoyingly, if I'd just taken that last purple peg off the wall I'd have just made it. Instead I went for a catch on the opposite side and it went right into the corner.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 623,430

• Another close one, but catches can become quite difficult when the only pegs left are ones from the roughly horizontal curves.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 361,700

• The yellow peg was right down in the bottom left, so I had practically no chance of getting to it quickly. When I did get it, I scored very little from the laser ball.

Attempt #5 - Laser Ball. Score: 869,040 

• The yellow peg was easier to get to, and went with the second ball. I did well with the laser ball, and picked up some other useful bonuses after that. I got to the pro target with several balls in hand. I cleared the last red peg accidentally, but I was on my last ball anyway so it didn't matter.

Level 10 (Clear ALL pegs - 30 red and 82 blue, with only 9 balls - Pro target 600k)

The same layout as level 4, but with 5 more red pegs, one fewer ball, 175k on the pro target, and a total clearance now needed.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 828,720 

• The diamond-shaped pegs are generally quite easy to predict as to where the ball will end up. So I didn't have too many problems getting the total clearance needed.

SUMMARY

Level	Reds	Pegs	Target	Balls	Clock	Pro	Attempts	Record	Average	Video
1	30	95	Reds	10	-	475k	3	589,250	532,990
2	25	79	Reds	10	-	425k	1	639,440	639,440
3	30	94	Reds	10	-	450k	6	751,730	412,621
4	25	112	Reds	10	-	425k	4	726,790	365,400
5	25	96	Reds	10	-	450k	5	588,540	393,610
6	40	94	Reds	9	-	650k	4	708,870	566,945
7	25	79	All	9	-	550k	1	697,780	697,780
8	30	95	All	10	-	750k	1	892,450	892,450
9	35	96	525k	8	-	700k	5	869,040	601,426
10	30	112	All	9	-	600k	1	828,720	828,720

Board 155: Owl Retreat

This picture shows a little room, apparently nestled inside a hollow tree. There are a couple of owls perched inside. The room is furnished with a little stool and a couple of little tables, for books and candles.

Level 1 (Clear 30 red pegs from 102 total - Pro target 450k)

The first layout follows many of the lines in the picture. In particular, it uses the outline of the window, the branch on which the left-hand owl is perched, The table to the left, the mat in the centre, the stool and the candlestick. There are plenty of round pegs dotted about.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 712,670 

• A nice easy sweep to start with, and a straightforward pro score. I'm confident I would have got a total clearance but for a premature ending.

Level 2 (Clear 25 red pegs from 92 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 500k)

The second layout has four curved S-shaped lines, a bit like the branch on which the left-hand owl is perched, extending from the sides of the screen. The rest is covered with a pattern of single round pegs.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 569,990 

• Points seemed a bit harder to come by in this one. I got lucky with some timely bonuses, otherwise I suspect I would've struggled quite a bit getting a pro score.

Level 3 (Clear 30 red pegs from 109 total - Pro target 525k)

The third layout is a close-up of an owl's face. Two big eyes, a little nose and some feathers.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 671,930

• I started really well, but then went to close a pop-up message box in the bottom corner, but clicked on it by mistake, and followed the link, thus aborting the game. I had to restart and it didn't go as well. I only missed by one red peg, and had plenty of points. Annoying.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 624,350 

• I just about had that one under control, although it threatened to run away from me on a few occasions.

Level 4 (Clear 30 red pegs from 89 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 475k)

The fourth layout features a couple of squares, and a couple of circles, one shape in each corner. In the centre is a six-sides figure, like the candelstick.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 500,740 

• This one felt fairly comfortable for the most part. The end was unexpected, but I sneaked across the pro target line, so that was OK.

Level 5 (Clear 25 red pegs from 125 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 475k)

The fifth layout looks like the pattern on the mat in the centre of the picture. It is basically a trapezium, with an extra inner line along each edge, and a pattern in the centre like two triangles connected at a central point.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 417,250

• I found it tricky to penetrate all the layers of the structure, so I couldn't clear all the red pegs from the lower levels.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 760,230 

• I concentrated on clearing some of the central pegs out early. Not all of them, just enough to give me a foothold later on. I could still take plenty of side wall shots, quite a few of which I managed to catch. There were a couple of handy bonuses along the way. I picked up a pretty good score in the end.

Level 6 (Clear 35 red pegs from 92 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 625k)

The same layout as level 2, but with 10 more red pegs, and 125k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 642,770 

• I was struggling for points, but I managed to pick off a few purple pegs at the end, and I left a low central red peg until last, so I could deflect off this straight into the 100k bucket.

Level 7 (Clear ALL pegs - 25 red and 64 blue - Pro target 625k)

The same layout as level 4, but with 5 fewer red pegs, one more ball, 150k on the pro target, and a total clearance now needed.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 188,910

• An 80% clearance and a very poor score. Very few catches and hardly any luck.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 515,700

• A big improvement. Up to a 92% clearance and over 500k in score. I was still lucking much luck at the start though. Most of the work came in the endgame.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 412,250

• Back down to 83% that time. I'll have one more try before I add a laser ball.

Attempt #4 - No power ups. Score: 591,940

• An excellent effort. I managed to scratch my way to a total clearance, but I was short of points and needed at least 150k from the final buckets. I only managed 110k so fell just short.

Attempt #5 - No power ups. Score: 375,300

• I was only missing a couple of red pegs at the end, but I was a long way short of the pro target. I'll add a laser ball.

Attempt #6 - Laser Ball. Score: 529,260

• I thought I'd wasted the laser ball as I must have accidentally fired it when I wasn't looking, but when I looked back at the video, it had actually worked OK. I finished with just one red red peg left and not too far from the pro target.

Attempt #7 - Laser Ball. Score: 951,740 

• I actually got to aim my laser ball this time, and did much better with it as a result. I took a total clearance this time for well over the pro target.

Level 8 (Score 500k with 25 red pegs and 77 blue, with only 8 balls - Pro target 650k)

The same layout as level 1, but with 5 fewer red pegs, two fewer balls, 200k on the pro target, and just a score to go for.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 742,730 

• I was confident I wouldn't need a laser ball here. I got 712k on level 1 and this time I didn't have to worry about clearing the red pegs. I picked up the bonuses wherever I saw them, and cleared the pro target with a ball or two to spare. I could've taken the final red peg, but there was no need so I kept going for catches off the purple peg until I ran out of balls.

Level 9 (Clear 40 red pegs from 125 total, with only 7 balls - Pro target 700k)

The same layout as level 5, but with 15 more red pegs, two fewer balls, and 225k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 615,340

• Not too far off. I was trying to pick my through the remaining pegs to clear a path to the last three reds, but with only one ball left, my hopes weren't high. I should probably have tried to clear the central pegs earlier. That worked well on level 5.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 374,090

• I didn't get any luck that time. The ball kept just missing the bucket by tiny fractions. I'll use a laser ball.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 951,240 

• I got to the yellow peg with my second shot and managed a good laser ball. My catching went well, and I took a total clearance with a ball to spare.

Level 10 (Clear ALL pegs - 30 red and 79 blue, with only 7 balls - Pro target 775k)

The same layout as level 3, but with three fewer balls, 250k on the pro target, and a total clearance now required.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 270,150

• I struggled to get to the yellow peg, and by the time I did, there wasn't much left for the laser ball.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 529,790

• Only a 79% clearance. Even with the laser ball, I haven't got particularly close on the first two attempts. I'll try adding a Big Bounce.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 381,890

• Only a 73% clearance that time, as I couldn't get to either trigger peg easily. I was down to my last ball before I got the green peg. I got the Big Bounce next which took out the yellow peg, but then I never got to use the laser as I'd run out of balls.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 1,139,050 

• That was a bit better. I found a good first ball which scored just short of 150k. Then I took out the yellow peg, did well with the laser ball, scoring another 350k. I took the green peg next off the side wall for 50k, and the Big Bounce for just under 160k. All this gave me a total of 707k with only 24 pegs left and still 7 balls in hand. Another 75k with the next ball took me past the pro target, so I just had to clear what was left at an average of about 3 pegs per ball. No problem. A few catches and ricochets later I was down to 4 off 4 and then I could stop worrying too much about catches. I was over a million points by then so I was just going for as big a score as possible.

SUMMARY

Level	Reds	Pegs	Target	Balls	Clock	Pro	Attempts	Record	Average	Video
1	30	102	Reds	10	-	450k	1	712,670	712,670
2	25	92	Reds	9	-	500k	1	569,990	569,990
3	30	109	Reds	10	-	525k	2	671,930	648,140
4	30	89	Reds	9	-	475k	1	500,740	500,740
5	25	125	Reds	9	-	475k	2	760,230	588,740
6	35	92	Reds	9	-	625k	1	642,770	642,770
7	25	89	All	10	-	625k	7	951,740	509,300
8	25	102	500k	8	-	650k	1	742,730	742,730
9	40	125	Reds	7	-	700k	3	951,240	646,890
10	30	109	All	7	-	775k	4	1,139,050	580,220

Board 154: Water Wheel

This picture shows a water wheel, apparently set in the middle of nowhere, and fed by an aqueduct in which the water has to flow uphill. Perhaps the artist needs a quick lesson in basic physics! Although the aqueduct also seems to be hovering in mid air, so maybe basic physics doesn't apply wherever this is supposed to be.

Level 1 (Clear 30 red pegs from 92 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 450k)

The first layout has two curves representing the edges of the water wheel, as seen from the aqueduct. The curves have regularly spaced diamond-shaped pegs embedded to represent the paddles. There are round pegs scattered around, thickest between the lines.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 355,010

• Not a great effort. I can do better than that.
  

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 684,610 

• Much better. A much better first shot helped a lot. Some good catching was useful too.
  

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

The second layout is an end-on view of the water wheel. So it's mostly rectangular pegs arranged horizontally and vertically, plus a few round pegs in the top corners, and in a line down the centre.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 365,550

• Just one red peg left, although I would have struggled to get to it. I needed more points anyway.
  

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 611,800 

• The finish was pure fluke. One of the last two red pegs was low and central and covered by several blues. I was wondering how to get it, when my last ball was misjudged off the penultimate red. It caught a deflection off the bucket rim, straight into the final red, and dropped into the 100k bucket for good measure.
  

Level 3 (Clear 30 red pegs from 79 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 450k)

The third layout is a side view of the top half of the wheel. It's all rectangular pegs fanning out from the centre at the bottom, plus an outer curve of round pegs over the top.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 366,390

• This is one of those levels that funnel all the balls into the centre where catches are hardest. I wasn't far off though, so I'll give it another go.
  

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 495,840

• I lost my last ball trying to make a catch off the same peg that did for me last time. But I got a much bigger score, so worth another try.
  

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 490,440 

• The perseverance paid off as I got it at the third attempt. I deliberately took the peg that caused me problems on the first two attempts early, just to make sure it wouldn't happen again. I had a bit of luck here and there, which you probably need on this layout, and I managed to just about find a pro score with the final ball.
  

Level 4 (Clear 30 red pegs from 108 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 500k)

The fourth layout uses the lines of the picture. There are two big curves down the sides of the aqueduct, and lots of pegs following the lines of the wheel itself. On the other side are just a few short lines over the tree and rocks, and a few round pegs dotted about.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 746,320 

• There is a good sweep or two available here. There angles are not too unkind either. I was hoping for a total clearance, but the final red peg went off an unexpected deflection. I may well not have got it anyway. It didn't matter though as I was well over the pro target.
  

Level 5 (Clear 25 red pegs from 79 total - Pro target 450k)

The fifth layout consists of five large diamond shapes, each made up of 13 diamond-shaped pegs, and a horizontal line of round pegs along the bottom. I have no idea what the connection between this design and the picture is, or maybe there isn't one.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 382,700

• Not particularly close, but I learnt a lot. The key looks to be to take out one of the bottom diamonds early, then use that corner to make all the catches in. Once a corner is free, diamond pegs are generally easy to pick up catches off.
  

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 829,180 

• I used what I learned on the previous attempt to good effect. I concentrated on the lower left diamond making sure I took that out first, plus all the round pegs near it, for the loss of as few lives as possible. Then I just worked my way through all the remaining diamond-shaped pegs, one at a time. It took me 59 shots all told and I still had a couple of balls left over at the end.
  

Level 6 (Clear 40 red pegs from 101 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 675k)

The same layout as level 2, but with 15 more red pegs, and 250k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 1,004,560 

• Quite pleased to get that one first time, and without power ups. I nearly went straight for the laser ball, but then thought I'd try without first. I managed to use all the horizontal and vertical lines to make lots of catches, and ended up with a total clearance that just squeaked past the million point mark.
  

Level 7 (Clear ALL pegs - 25 red and 67 blue - Pro target 725k)

The same layout as level 1, but with 5 fewer red pegs, one more ball, 275k on the pro target, and a total clearance now needed.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 741,510 

• Another one that I was pleased, and a little surprised, to get first time and without power ups. My catches worked well, I had a bit of luck here and there, and the odd useful bonus.
  

Level 8 (Clear 40 red pegs from 108 total, with only 8 balls - Pro target 675k)

The same layout as level 4, but with 10 more red pegs, one less ball, and 175k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 424,630

• A dreadful attempt, but then I got no luck at all, except bad luck.
  

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 534,620

• An improvement, but still a way to go.
  

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 529,910

• A similar score to the previous attempt, but more red pegs left. This isn't going to go without a laser ball.
  

Attempt #4 - No power ups. Score: 763,150

• The best attempt yet, but I forgot to add a laser ball. So I still had four or five red pegs left at the end.
  

Attempt #5 - Laser Ball. Score: 932,130 

• Much easier with the laser ball. I took my standard first ball which seems to work pretty well, then took the yellow peg with the second and concentrated the laser ball on the left where most of the pegs were. I could probably have taken a total clearance, but a misjudged shot into the bucket clipped the final red peg on the way past. I was well over the pro target though.
  

Level 9 (Clear ALL pegs - 30 red and 49 blue, with only 8 balls - Pro target 700k)

The same layout as level 3, but with one less ball, 250k on the pro target, and a total clearance now needed.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 182,530

• Nowhere near the pro target, and just an 81% clearance. I'll use a laser ball.
  

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 894,320

• One peg short. I probably should have had that one, but was let down by a few wayward shots at the end.
  

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 822,930 

• No mistakes that time. I cleared the left hand side, then concentrated on picking off a cluster of sloping pegs on the right one by one, taking catches to the left. It worked well, and I was left with three balls for the last three pegs so I could take them all off the side wall, without worrying about taking catches off them.
  

Level 10 (Clear ALL pegs - 30 red and 49 blue, with only 9 balls - Pro target 675k)

The same layout as level 5, but with 5 more red pegs, one less ball, 225k on the pro target, and a total clearance now required.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 392,360

• I stretched if out for 45 shots and picked off 72% of the pegs. It doesn't seem like many, but in reality it was just a few careless shots that could be ironed out.
  

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 1,011,130 

• Similar to level 5, I concentrated on taking out the bottom left diamond first. After that I could go through the other four diamonds one peg at a time, taking straightforward catches in the corner. It took me 74 shots to complete it, but it wasn't particularly difficult to do. It just needed a little patience.
  

SUMMARY

Level	Reds	Pegs	Target	Balls	Clock	Pro	Attempts	Record	Average	Video
1	30	92	Reds	9	-	450k	2	684,610	519,810
2	25	101	Reds	9	-	425k	2	611,800	488,675
3	30	79	Reds	9	-	450k	3	495,840	450,890
4	30	108	Reds	9	-	500k	1	746,320	746,320
5	25	79	Reds	10	-	450k	2	829,180	605,940
6	40	101	Reds	9	-	675k	1	1,004,560	1,004,560
7	25	92	All	10	-	725k	1	741,510	741,510
8	40	108	Reds	8	-	675k	5	932,130	636,888
9	30	79	All	8	-	700k	3	894,320	633,260
10	30	79	All	9	-	675k	2	1,011,130	701,745

Board 153: Sand Dusted Ruins

This picture shows the ruins of a city that has been consumed by desert sand. Various fallen structures and statues can be seen protruding from the sand. The only life is a few straggly weeds.

Level 1 (Clear 30 red pegs from 87 total - Pro target 425k)

The first layout shows three of the weeds that grow through the sand. Two have straight stems with side-shoots on both sides at regular intervals up it. The one in the middle is just three short lines sprouting from a single point. There are also single round pegs scattered close to the weeds.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 452,040 

• Not the most impressive start I've ever made, but it was good enough.

Level 2 (Clear 30 red pegs from 118 total - Pro target 550k)

The second layout looks like the top of an archway sticking out of a large mound of sand.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 187,150

• Nowhere near on that one. Catches seemed quite tricky.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 548,760

• I got a lot more luck that time, but I couldn't quite make the most of it, finishing with a 10k bonus bucket which left me agonizingly short.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 568,810 

• It took quite a bit of fancy catching to get through that one. It certainly wasn't easy and I doubt I'll be attempting it without power ups next time around.

Level 3 (Clear 25 red pegs from 126 total - Pro target 450k)

The third layout has a pair of horizontal lines near the top, then three pairs of wavy lines hanging down from them. Each pair has half a dozen single round pegs between them.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 1,072,290 

• I thought this one looked rather tricky, but it actually turned out to be quite easy. I probably got lucky with the catches, but I managed a total clearance with a couple of balls to spare and a seven figure score.

Level 4 (Clear 25 red pegs from 99 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 475k)

The fourth layout follows some of the lines in the picture. The edges of the larger wall sections and some of the rubble that protrudes from the sand.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 547,520 

• I got this one first time, so it can't have been too tricky.

Level 5 (Clear 25 red pegs from 124 total, with only 8 balls - Pro target 500k)

The fifth layout is probably meant to represent the sandstorm itself. It is two long horizontal wavy lines with double lines of single round pegs above, below and between them.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 207,630

• I struggled to take catches and to penetrate into the pattern. This will be tricky without power ups but I'll give it another go or two.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 366,420

• An improvement, but still a large area bottom right that I ran out of balls before I could penetrate. The score was improved, but still not big enough. I'll have one more go.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 455,400

• I cleared all the red pegs, but rather stupidly cleared the last red when I didn't have enough points for pro and still had balls is hand. As a result, I finished in the 10k bucket and didn't get the pro score.

Attempt #4 - No power ups. Score: 686,440 

• Having come so close on the previous attempt, I decided to give it one more try, and it paid off. Luck was on my side and I looked for more early ricochets than catches as that strategy seemed to work better. The last red peg went by accident with a ball still in hand, but I was well over the pro target by then, so it didn't matter.

Level 6 (Clear 40 red pegs from 87 total, with only 8 balls - Pro target 725k)

The same layout as level 1, but with 10 more red pegs, two fewer balls, and 300k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 561,860

• Not a bad effort, but half a dozen red pegs left at the end, and over 150k short of the pro target.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 353,580

• Not as good an effort as the last one. I hardly touched the right hand weed.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 707,370

• I missed two red pegs that time. I could have done better with my catching at the end.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 825,290 

• I got it that time, quite comfortably. I got onto the yellow peg with my second ball, and did well with it. The catches generally went fairly well, and a picked up some useful bonuses.

Level 7 (Clear 40 red pegs from 99 total, with only 7 balls - Pro target 725k)

The same layout as level 4, but with 15 more red pegs, two fewer balls, and 250k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 527,350

• My catching wasn't the best in this one. I can do better.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 515,830

• Just one red peg left that time, but the mouse moved as I played the last shot and I missed the catch. I still needed some points for a pro score though.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 778,240 

• I had to hang on for a few shots at the end on this one, to clear all the red pegs, but I managed it.

Level 8 (Score 525k with 30 red pegs and 88 blue, with only 9 balls - Pro target 850k)

The same layout as level 2, but with one less ball, 300k on the pro target, and just a score to go for.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 604,890

• I made the basic target, but a flurry of missed catches at the end lost me any chance of continuing to the pro target.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 703,140

• A better attempt, but I just ran out of balls before I could clear the pegs. With only four pegs left, I would have needed to clear them all to have a chance at the pro target.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 824,470

• I'm getting closer. I had quite a few pegs left that time, but I'd had some good bonuses so I wouldn't have needed a total clearance.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 938,600 

• I got even better fortune with the bonuses and catches that time, and managed to keep lots of balls in hand for the endgame. I took a total clearance with a ball or two to spare. I might have made a seven figure score, but for the minimum 20k final bucket bonus.

Level 9 (Clear ALL pegs - 30 red and 96 blue - Pro target 750k)

The same layout as level 3, but with 5 more red pegs, 300k on the pro target, and a total clearance now needed.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 645,670

• That didn't go as well as it did on level 3. Still, I only missed two pegs and was about 100k short of pro. I'll try again.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 443,270

• Just an 81% clearance this time. I guess I must have got lucky on level 3.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 673,930

• A 94% clearance, and a better score, but I think I'll go back to the laser ball.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 1,176,850 

• I got a good first ball which took a roundabout route to the yellow peg. Then the laser ball worked pretty well, too. I missed a few catches in the midgame, so it was touch and go towards the end whether I would run out of balls before I cleared all the pegs, but I just about got there. Score was never going to be an issue.

Level 10 (Clear ALL pegs - 30 red and 94 blue, with only 9 balls - Pro target 775k)

The same layout as level 5, but with 5 more red pegs, 275k on the pro target, and a total clearance now required.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 626,690

• Only an 83% clearance, so quite tough, even with the laser ball.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 555,640

• A 92% clearance. I struggled to get to the yellow peg, and then had loads of near miss catches towards the end.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 907,470 

• Much better. The ricochets worked much better, and I made enough catches along the way.

SUMMARY

Level	Reds	Pegs	Target	Balls	Clock	Pro	Attempts	Record	Average	Video
1	30	87	Reds	10	-	425k	1	452,040	452,040
2	30	118	Reds	10	-	550k	3	568,810	434,906
3	25	126	Reds	10	-	450k	1	1,072,290	1,072,290
4	25	99	Reds	9	-	475k	1	547,520	547,520
5	25	124	Reds	8	-	500k	4	686,440	428,972
6	40	87	Reds	8	-	725k	4	825,290	612,025
7	40	99	Reds	7	-	725k	3	778,240	607,140
8	30	118	525k	9	-	850k	4	938,600	767,775
9	30	126	All	10	-	750k	4	1,176,850	734,930
10	30	124	All	9	-	775k	3	907,470	696,600

Board 152: Iceberg Voyage

This picture shows an old-fashioned three-masted sailing ship negotiating its way between towering icebergs. A whale breaches in the distance.

Level 1 (Clear 25 red pegs from 85 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 500k)

The first layout features a wavy line traversing the screen, cutting it in half. A triangular pattern of diamond-shaped pegs sticks up through, but like an iceberg, most of it is beneath the line.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 628,030 

• This didn't seem too tricky. All those diamond shaped pegs near the bottom made for lots of simple catches in the endgame. It was just a matter of waiting for the right peg to turn purple before picking it off. Even with just one ball left and quite a few points needed I still felt confident of reaching the pro target.
  

Level 2 (Clear 30 red pegs from 93 total, with only 8 balls - Pro target 525k)

The second layout is a design of a whale, much like the one in the distance in the picture.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 337,080

• Six red pegs left at the end and just under 200k short of the pro target. I'll need to improve some if I'm going to get this without power ups.
  

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 576,310 

• And improve I did indeed. A little more luck, and a better grasp of the angles helped me make my way to the pro target.
  

Level 3 (Clear 25 red pegs from 101 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 450k)

The third layout features a couple of pairs of triangles, a bit like icebergs, and three wavy lines like waves.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 578,120 

• Not too tricky. Plenty of diamond shaped pegs all the same way around make for plenty of easy catches. I thought about risking a total clearance at the end, but decided not to risk it.
  

Level 4 (Clear 25 red pegs from 106 total, with only 8 balls - Pro target 525k)

The fourth layout follows some of the lines of the picture - the hull of the ship, the icebergs to the left and right, the masts of the ship, and the whale. There are also rounf pegs over the water and the ice.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 195,900

• With all the high pegs, bonuses and catches are tricky to come by. I was a long way off that time, so I'll need to rethink my strategy a bit.
  

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 294,620

• A slight improvement. Just three red pegs left, and an extra 100k on the score. Still a long way to go though.
  

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 576,600 

• I needed a lot of luck to get through this one without power ups. There were two or three catches on the last ball alone that weren't played for at all, not to mention lucky bucket bonuses, etc.
  

Level 5 (Clear 30 red pegs from 84 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 400k)

The fifth layout shows a large jagged iceberg shape in the centre of the screen, and two smaller ones, protruding from the top corners.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 334,550

• Just one red peg left, which I was avoiding until I got a little bit closer to the pro target.
  

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 507,010 

• When I went down to one ball, 8 of the remaining 22 pegs were red and several of them were hidden behind blue one. At this point I'd given up any hope of success, and with only 168k scored, any hope of a pro score as well. I kept picking off the pegs one at a time, just to see how close I could get though. Well, 22 shots later, I'd cleared all the red pegs and all but one of the blues, and all one at a time as well. I'd surpassed the pro target as well, so I didn't bother trying to take the final blue peg for a total clearance, although it was probably on.
  

Level 6 (Clear 40 red pegs from 101 total, with only 8 balls - Pro target 600k)

The same layout as level 3, but with 15 more red pegs, one less ball, and 150k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 412,980

• I'd cleared all the pegs on the right side, and was working my way through all the diamond-shaped pegs on the left, when I had one go right in the corner and I missed the catch. Not far off though.
  

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 629,820 

• Well I got there eventually, although I almost ran out of time on my video recorder. The free version of Expression Encoder that I have only allows up to 10 minutes, and that one clocked in at 9:37 and took an impressive 65 shots. But once the bulk of the pegs are gone, the angles become perfect for catching and you feel you could just keep playing the same ball all night. The last 43 shots were all played with the final ball, 20 of which were shot straight into the bucket.
  

Level 7 (Score 600k with 35 red pegs and 58 blue, with only 8 balls - Pro target 850k)

The same layout as level 2, but with 5 more red pegs, 325k on the pro target and just a score to aim for.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 287,780

• I meant to add a laser ball, but forgot to. I was nowhere near it really, but then without any power ups, I wouldn't expect to be. A waste of a life really.
  

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball & Gravity Ball. Score: 554,900

• Much closer with the laser ball, although with the yellow peg being on the lower fin of the whale, it took several shots to get there. A better positioned yellow peg should make for an improved score.
  

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball & Gravity Ball. Score: 938,060 

• It still took two shots to get through to the yellow peg, but I did well with the laser ball, and picked up some useful bonuses after that as well. I got to the pro target quite easily.
  

Level 8 (Clear ALL pegs - 25 red and 59 blue - Pro target 550k)

The same layout as level 5, but with 5 fewer red pegs, one more ball, 150k on the pro target and a total clearance now needed.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball & Gravity Ball. Score: 838,960 

• I could get the yellow peg straight away, and I did well with the laser ball. The catches went well, and I quickly moved into a winning position so I could pretty much just go through the motions.
  

Level 9 (Clear 40 red pegs from 106 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 775k)

The same layout as level 4, but with 15 more red pegs, one more ball, and 250k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball & Gravity Ball. Score: 882,620 

• It took me three balls to take out the yellow peg, but I did well with the laser ball. Fairly plain sailing after that, and I had a ball or two in hand at the end that I could use to bump my score up a little.
  

Level 10 (Clear ALL pegs - 30 red and 55 blue, with only 7 balls - Pro target 750k)

The same layout as level 1, but with 5 more red pegs, two fewer balls, 250k on the pro target, and a total clearance now needed.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 471,230

• I wasn't far away. The catches are quite easy in the endgame. They just require patience to wait for the right purple pegs.
  

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 498,490

• A better score, but I couldn't clear enough of the awkward outer pegs early enough.
  

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 374,070

• I was going OK then. I'd cleared all the outer pegs, and was working my way slowly through the diamond-shaped ones, when I twitched at the moment of release and caught the wrong angle.
  

Attempt #4 - No power ups. Score: 475,160

• That went horribly wrong early on as most of the central diamond pegs went before the awkward outer ones. I was left trying to make lots of tricky catches.
  

Attempt #5 - No power ups. Score: 371,150

• Again, I was only a couple of tricky catches away from a long but perfectly possible finish.
  

Attempt #6 - No power ups. Score: 474,870

• Maybe I should be adding a laser ball about now. But I can see this being possible without using it. A couple more goes perhaps.
  

Attempt #7 - No power ups. Score: 269,880

• A poor attempt. I'll give it one more try then I'll add a laser ball.
  

Attempt #8 - No power ups. Score: 404,520

• Well, I don't seem to be getting any closer so I guess I'd better (reluctantly) add a laser ball.
  

Attempt #9 - Laser Ball. Score: 838,230 

• I got it at last with the laser ball. It took a few shots to get to the yellow peg, but I did pretty well with the laser ball, and I had enough balls in hand in the endgame to be able to afford a missed catch or two on the way to the total clearance.
  

SUMMARY

Level	Reds	Pegs	Target	Balls	Clock	Pro	Attempts	Record	Average	Video
1	25	85	Reds	9	-	500k	1	628,030	628,030
2	30	93	Reds	8	-	525k	2	576,310	456,695
3	25	101	Reds	9	-	450k	1	578,120	578,120
4	25	106	Reds	8	-	525k	3	576,600	355,706
5	30	84	Reds	9	-	400k	2	507,010	420,780
6	40	101	Reds	8	-	600k	2	629,820	521,400
7	35	93	600k	8	-	850k	3	938,060	593,580
8	25	84	All	10	-	550k	1	838,960	838,960
9	40	106	Reds	9	-	775k	1	882,620	882,620
10	30	85	All	7	-	750k	9	838,230	464,177