Board 123: Mysterious Mausoleum

This picture shows a dusty, cobweb-filled mausoleum with various bits of armour and weapons arranged around the walls.

Level 1 (Clear 30 red pegs from 112 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 425k)

The first design is a large kite shape with a long curve above a horizontal line to each side. There are also single round pegs to the sides, and lines of diamond-shaped pegs inside the kite. The design is similar to that on the standard behind the crossed swords, shield and helmet at the end of the room.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 356,910

• Practically every ball seemed to hit the bucket, but absolutely none of them actually went in. They all bounced off the rim. That's the way it goes sometimes.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 435,040

• I took two catches that time, but still didn't catch either of the first two. An improvement, but only a slight one.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 392,920

• The score wasn't bad, but I still had four red pegs left at the end. Catches are not getting any easier, so I guess I'll have to use a laser ball, although I do hate resorting to the laser ball on level 1.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 508,910 

• I managed to catch both the opening balls for once. A good job, because it took me ages to get through to the yellow peg, and once I did there wasn't much left to aim for. I probably could have done it without the laser ball to be honest, but it probably made it a little easier.

Level 2 (Clear 30 red pegs from 109 total - Pro target 375k)

The second design follows the lines in the picture, with hardly any single pegs.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 216,070

• Another one where catches were tough. I had lots of red pegs left at the end, so I think I'll go straight for the laser ball this time.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 961,960 

• The yellow peg was front and centre so there were no problems there. My standard laser ball path worked well, and that cleared the way for a good number of catches and a few ricochets. I just about managed to scrape together a total clearance.

Level 3 (Clear 25 red pegs from 106 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 400k)

The third design is a repetetive pattern of rectangular and diamond shaped peg clusters. Each cluster has four of each of these pegs, and there are eleven of these clusters in total, arranged in columns of three or four. A few round pegs are arranged around them.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 336,690

• I was struggling for both points and catches in that one. I was down to the last red peg, which I could have taken, but I needed to build up some more points first. I caught the red peg off an unexpected deflection. I think I would have struggled to make the points anyway, though.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 348,130

• Not much of an improvement in my score, even with the laser ball. The last red peg or two were awkward to get to.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 556,780 

• The yellow peg was low down and central, but I remembered that that peg was taken out by the first ball I played last time, and I managed to replicate it. I also managed to catch it, which was a bonus. I still didn't make many catches, but I got some good deflections and ricochets to get rid of the red pegs.

Level 4 (Clear 35 red pegs from 87 total, with only 8 balls - Pro target 400k)

The fourth design shows two spears, one coming in from either side of the screen. A zigzag of single round pegs surrounds them both.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 460,470 

• At least I managed to do at least one of this board without power ups. I was starting to worry! I needed some luck with one or two catches and ricochets, but it was mostly done by playing the odds and going for likely catches and distance bonuses.

Level 5 (Clear 30 red pegs from 106 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 475k)

The fifth and final design has two concentric shields with a cluster of diamond-shaped pegs in the very centre. There is a vertical line on each side of the screen.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 365,690

• I still had quite a few red pegs left at the end, but the angles didn't seem too bad for catches - I just don't think I played it very well. Worth another go or two.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 891,180 

• That was much better. I took better advantage of the natural curves of the shield design, and made more catches down the outside of the vertical lines. I got down to one red peg left with two balls in hand. Once I'd checked that I could see the peg directly, I made quite a few consecutive catches off the purple peg to boost my score quite considerably.

Level 6 (Clear 45 red pegs from 109 total, with only 7 balls - Pro target 650k)

The same design as level 2, but with 15 more red pegs, three less balls and 275k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 67,130

• A disaster! The yellow peg was below the central figure of the design and I just couldn't find a way through to it. I took it out with my very last ball, having failed to make a single catch, so I never got to use the laser ball.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 640,820

• A brave try after another horrific yellow peg placement. I used up a lot of balls getting to it, low down on the right hand side, but came back strongly after the laser ball. Not quite enough as it turned out though, I'd lost just too many balls getting to the yellow peg.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 594,070

• I got the yellow peg with the first ball that time, but I still ended up with a tricky clearance. I got down to my last ball, still with a knot of four red pegs just right of centre. I took out all the blue pegs that were left, as the catches on those were not too difficult and the catches on the reds would be a lot easier if there no other ricochets to complicate matters. I got the first two but left myself with a dilemma over which way round to take the last two. One had an easy catch, but it also offered an easy deflection into the 100k bucket, and I thought I might need the points, so I went for the other one and just missed the catch. Damn!

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 738,910

• I really should have had that one. I had two red pegs left and two balls, but I was tempted into taking what looked like a safe catch off a purple peg when I already had enough points for pro. I missed the catch then missed the catch off the next red peg and left myself one short again. I really shouldn't be making schoolboy errors of judgement like that.

Attempt #5 - Laser Ball. Score: 834,560 

• No mistakes that time, although I could have been tempted by purple peg catches. I remembered the lessons of the previous go, though, and stuck to the task.

Level 7 (Score 475k with 30 red pegs and 82 blue, with only 7 balls - Pro target 650k)

The same design as level 1, but with two less balls, 225k on the pro target, but just a score to go for with no requirement to clear pegs.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 662,240 

• When I first glanced this layout before choosing my power ups, I thought it was the shield design of level 5 so I opted for no power ups. It was only when I started playing it, though, that I realised that it was the harder design of level 1. I stuck with it though, got a few lucky catches and deflections, made some pretty good catches too, and made a total clearance to just scrape a pro score.

Level 8 (Clear ALL pegs - 35 red and 52 blue, with only 9 balls - Pro target 600k)

The same design as level 4, but with one more ball, 200k on the pro target and a total clearance now required.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 538,210

• Only a 93% clearance, mainly due to some fairly dubious catching, and a not particularly successful laser ball.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 284,790

• A 90% clearance after an awkward yellow peg low on the left. I got it eventually, but it left me very low on points so even if I'd kept catching all the way to the end, a pro score always looked unlikely.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 725,080 

• The yellow peg was nicely on top, and I did reasonably well with the laser ball. I made quite a lot of catches though, which meant I had a lot of balls in hand for the endgame which made a big difference.

Level 9 (Score 550k with 30 red pegs and 76 blue, with only 7 balls - Pro target 725k)

The same design as level 5, but with one less ball, 250k on the pro target, but just a score as a target.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 621,340

• Not a bad effort. I think this is probably doable without power ups. I only had one red peg left, for what it was worth, so if I could have got a few more points, I could have gone for a decent final bonus bucket for the last few points.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 146,850

• A poor effort. Very few catches. I should have done much better than that.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 791,280 

• I made catches off the first couple of balls, both set pieces for this layout. After that I made quite a few ricochets and catches. I could see the last red peg was always going to be a headache, but I just ignored it and concentrated on taking catches off the purple pegs and made the pro target that way.

Level 10 (Clear ALL pegs - 30 red and 76 blue, with only 9 balls - Pro target 500k)

The same design as level 3, but with just 25k on the pro target, and a total clearance now required.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 353,360

• Just 80% of pegs cleared. Catches on this one are awkward due to all the confused angles. I'll give it another go, but this may need a second power up.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 403,300

• Up to 91% that time, due to some more careful catching in the endgame. I'll try adding a Big Bounce.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 275,910

• The Big Bounce didn't help much. These pegs are packed quite close, so I might give the Grenade Ball a try. I've not used it for a while.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball & Grenade Ball. Score: 339,610

• 92% clearance, but I should have done much better. My catching in the endgame was poor.

Attempt #5 - Laser Ball & Grenade Ball. Score: 454,560

• Down to 86% that time. I'm starting to get the hang of some of these angles, but I'm still making a lot of mistakes.

Attempt #6 - Laser Ball & Grenade Ball. Score: 640,820 

• I got the angles much better that time, and made enough catches in the endgame to pick off all the pegs, mainly one at a time.

SUMMARY

Level	Reds	Pegs	Target	Balls	Clock	Pro	Attempts	Record	Average	Video
1	30	112	Reds	9	-	425k	4	508,910	423,445
2	30	109	Reds	10	-	375k	2	961,960	589,015
3	25	106	Reds	9	-	400k	3	556,780	413,866
4	35	87	Reds	8	-	400k	1	460,470	460,470
5	30	106	Reds	9	-	475k	2	891,180	628,435
6	45	109	Reds	7	-	650k	5	834,560	575,098
7	30	112	475k	7	-	650k	1	662,240	662,240
8	35	87	All	9	-	600k	3	725,080	516,026
9	30	106	550k	7	-	725k	3	791,280	519,823
10	30	106	All	9	-	500k	6	640,820	411,260

Board 124: Nautilfish

This picture shows an underwater craft designed like a fish, looking like something Jules Verne might have dreamt up. It is making its way through a shoal of jellyfish.

Level 1 (Clear 25 red pegs from 141 total - Pro target 550k)

The first design is a grid of curved lines, with loose round and diamond shaped pegs in the gaps between the lines. This is presumably designed around the view from inside the submersible.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 430,290

• I think I concentrated for far too long on the middle, then found out too late that it's quite tricky to take out the pegs nearer the edge. I had six or seven red pegs left at the end, all towards the edges.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 1,080,680 

• I did much better that time. I got pretty much the whole top curve with the first ball, took more early catches, and made much better early inroads into the sides. I ended up taking a total clearance for a seven figure score.

Level 2 (Clear 25 red pegs from 112 total - Pro target 500k)

The second design is a close-up of two jellyfish.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 370,050

• One red peg left, and I could have taken it, but I didn't have enough points for pro so there wasn't much point. I missed a catch off a purple peg that came off thinner than I would have believed possible.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 848,470 

• I didn't quite get a total clearance that time, missing just one peg, but that was just because the last red peg went too early off a deflection. I still had three balls in hand.

Level 3 (Clear 25 red pegs from 119 total - Pro target 400k)

The third design is a symmetrical set of three fins like the fins on the Nautilfish.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 489,280 

• I got the pro at the first attempt thanks to an outrageous slice of good fortune with the final ball just as all seemed lost. I had three red pegs left, and went for a catch off one of them. I missed the catch but caught a deflection which took out the last two red pegs anyway. I already had what was a pretty low pro target so that was enough.

Level 4 (Clear 25 red pegs from 100 total - Pro target 425k)

The fourth design looks like bubbles emerging from the weeds. There are five wavy lines at the bottom for the weeds, plus two large circles, four small ones, and a few lines of single round pegs.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 234,570

• This is a tricky one for both catches and bonuses, but I only had one red peg left at the end, so that part at least doesn't seem too tough. I'll give it another go.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 77,000

• Oh dear! Zero catches, and a five figure score. Only my fifth five figure score since starting this blog 2,805 games ago. That's really quite embarrassing! I'd better use a laser ball to spare myself further blushes.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 607,200

• No problem getting the pro target with a laser ball, but I just couldn't stretch it out far enough to take out the last red peg.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 752,080 

• A much more comfortable game that time. Again, I got the yellow peg with the first ball, although didn't get quite as good a rim bounce with the laser ball as the previous go. I took more catches this time, however, albeit more by luck than judgement, and had the freedom to take a few purple peg catches at the end before finishing off.

Level 5 (Clear 25 red pegs from 96 total - Pro target 475k)

The fifth and final design covers three of the jellyfish in the picture with jellyfish designs, swimming in a sea of single round pegs.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 311,160

• Just one red peg left but I was short on points. All the single round pegs make catches awkward, but I'll give it a second attempt.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 227,610

• Three red pegs left that time after precious few catches. I'll use a laser ball.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 361,280

• The yellow ball was hidden inside a jellyfish and it took a couple of balls to get to, then a Big Bucket ruined any chance of a rim bounce with the laser ball. As a result I was still struggling for points when I got down to the last red peg. I ran out of balls trying to build a pro score.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 473,190

• A final 10k bucket made me miss out on a pro score by less than 2k. My standard path for the laser ball seems to miss all the jellyfish, so I'll need to find a better one next time.

Attempt #5 - Laser Ball. Score: 1,019,860 

• I picked a much better path for the laser ball that time. I got a catch rather than a rim bounce, but I took out a good chunk of all three jellyfish for a much improved score. It allowed me to make a total clearance for my second seven figure score of the board.

Level 6 (Clear ALL pegs - 25 red and 94 blue - Pro target 600k)

The same design as level 3, but with 200k on the pro target and all pegs now required.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 1,121,090 

• I got lucky with level 3, so I kept the laser ball this time. Besides, this is a perfect layout for the laser ball as the pegs are fairly condensed into an arch-like design. I made another million point score.

Level 7 (Score 750k with 25 red pegs and 116 blue, with only 6 balls - Pro target 950k)

The same design as level 1, but with four less balls, a whopping 400k on the pro target, but just a score now to go for.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 594,840

• Six balls isn't many, so maybe I was a bit ambitious attempting this without power ups. I'll add a laser ball.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 1,264,440 

• I got the timing right with the first ball to catch it. The first ball also took out the yellow peg and I did well with the laser ball on the next shot. The pro score was pretty much a formality from there, and I went on to get another total clearance and my fourth million-plus score of the board, and the biggest yet.

Level 8 (Clear 35 red pegs from 96 total - Pro target 650k)

The same design as level 5, but with 10 more red pegs and 175k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 665,720

• I thought I had that one. I'd just crept over the pro target, but couldn't quite see the last red peg directly. There were blue pegs nearby that I could see though, so I thought I had a pretty much guaranteed ricochet onto it, but I misjudged it.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 1,063,050 

• Another total clearance, and another seven figure score. That's five now for this board, beating my previous record of four for Epic Artifice, and there are still two levels to go.

Level 9 (Clear ALL pegs - 25 red and 75 blue - Pro target 625k)

The same design as level 4, but with 200k on the pro target and a total clearance now required.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 999,330 

• I didn't make a million points that time, but only because the final two balls landed in the two 10k buckets, making me miss out on a seven figure score by just 670 points.

Level 10 (Clear 35 red pegs from 112 total, with only 7 balls - Pro target 725k)

The same design as level 2, but with 10 more red pegs, three less balls, and 225k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 1,225,110 

• Not quite a total clearance, as I left one blue peg behind. I was sorely tempted to try and and take it out, but I was on my last ball, and it wouldn't be an easy catch, so I just couldn't justify the risk. I already had a comfortable seven figure score, making six in all for the board.

SUMMARY

Level	Reds	Pegs	Target	Balls	Clock	Pro	Attempts	Record	Average	Video
1	25	141	Reds	10	-	550k	2	1,080,680	755,485
2	25	112	Reds	10	-	500k	2	848,470	609,260
3	25	119	Reds	10	-	400k	1	489,280	489,280
4	25	100	Reds	10	-	425k	4	752,080	417,712
5	25	96	Reds	10	-	475k	5	1,019,860	478,620
6	25	119	All	10	-	600k	1	1,121,090	1,121,090
7	25	141	750k	6	-	950k	2	1,264,440	929,640
8	35	96	Reds	10	-	650k	2	1,063,050	864,385
9	25	100	All	10	-	625k	1	999,330	999,330
10	35	112	Reds	7	-	725k	1	1,225,110	1,225,110

Board 122: Glyph Glen

This picture shows a mysterious tablet in a wooded glade. The tablet is covered is strange glowing engraved glyphs.

Level 1 (Clear 30 red pegs from 87 total - Pro target 450k)

The first design is a regular grid of round pegs with diamond-shaped pegs placed in the gaps between them seemingly at random.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 441,480

• I should probably have had that one, but I couldn't get through to the last couple of red pegs and missed a catch trying to clear a path.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 387,590

• The last red peg went off an accidental ricochet and a missed the pro target by just 13k. The red pegs weren't as nicely positioned that time, and bonuses were harder to come by.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 356,470

• Two red pegs left again. The ricochets didn't seem to want to come that time, and the balls kept finding paths between the pegs somehow.

Attempt #4 - No power ups. Score: 265,690

• Three red pegs left that time, and a worse score. I should probably add a laser ball at this point, but I know this is possible without one. I'll have one more go first.

Attempt #5 - No power ups. Score: 594,330 

• There you go, I knew it was possible. There were one or two lucky catches in there, but I think the luck probably evened itself out overall. There were some good catches as well.

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

The second design looks similar to the glyph on the surface of the tablet. It's all straight lines with rounded corners, small 8-peg circles, and a few single round pegs.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 133,340

• This one is definitely harder than it looks. I didn't make many catches or bonuses, and I had a lot of red pegs left at the end. I think I'll go straight for the laser ball.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 690,560 

• It took me ages to get through to the yellow peg and I scored very little from the laser ball, but some good catching in the endgame saw me home nonetheless.

Level 3 (Clear 35 red pegs from total, with only 8 balls - Pro target 400k)

The third design is a succession of alternating round and diamond-shaped pegs, arranged in a series of straight lines that spiral in towards the centre of the design.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 361,520

• I'm not sure that this one is tougher than it looks, because it does look quite tough. It'll need a laser ball, I think.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 257,730

• The yellow peg was right down the bottom so getting to it was a nightmare. I took all the pegs out around it, of course, just not the yellow one. After that I got very little from the laser ball, and got nowhere near the win.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 261,320

• Again, the yellow peg was tricky to get to, and I lost too many balls and pegs trying to activate the laser ball.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 609,640 

• The yellow peg was nicely on top, and that made the difference I think.

Level 4 (Clear 35 red pegs from total, with only 7 balls - Pro target 425k)

The fourth design follows the lines of the picture, around tree trunks, plants, the edges of the tablet, etc. It's mainly short curved lines, but there are eight round pegs on a couple of the tree trunks as well.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 276,510

• Seven balls is not very many to work with on a layout as complex as this one. This is definitely going to need a laser ball.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 827,370 

• I got to the yellow peg with my second ball, but a lot of pegs had gone from the right-hand side by then, so I concentrated the laser ball on the other side where the pegs were untouched. I had one or two lucky ricochets and catches in the endgame which helped a lot, or I might have struggled.

Level 5 (Clear 35 red pegs from total, with only 8 balls - Pro target 450k)

The fifth and final design consists of four lines in a symmetrical pattern, each beginning and ending at a teleport. All these teleports connect to a single receiver in the centre of the screen.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 252,040

• All those teleports make for some tricky catching. The laser ball might be quite hard to use as well. I think I'll try a Big Bounce.

Attempt #2 - Big Bounce. Score: 725,900 

• The Big Bounce actually worked pretty well. It gave me the points I needed and took out a lot of the red pegs to boot. All those portals worked in my favour with it, and I think with the laser ball, they would have worked against me.

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

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

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 571,830

• Gutted! That was so nearly a major triumph over adversity. The yellow peg was really awkwardly placed and I used up most of my balls getting to it, and took out most of the pegs on the left-hand side for very little profit. I concentrated the laser ball on the other side, but I was still left with lots of points to score with not many balls. I played lots of single peg catches, and dragged it out all the way to a total clearance. I needed jut 50k off the final peg, but both balls landed in the 10k bucket to leave me 30k short. I so deserved better than that!

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 914,020 

• I actually forgot about the yellow peg for the first couple of shots, and played some catches down the sides. Despite that, I managed to get the yellow peg without losing too many balls, and got a pretty high scoring laser ball. I didn't quite manage a total clearance, missing just one blue peg, but it didn't matter.

Level 7 (Clear ALL pegs - 30 red and 57 blue, with only 9 balls - Pro target 650k)

The same design as level 1, but with one less ball, 200k on the pro target, and a total clearance now required.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 461,410

• Only a 90% clearance. I probably could have done better with that one but missed too many catches.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 683,690

• Up to 97% clearance that time, as I hung on much better with my catches in the endgame, but I should have gone all the way really.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 436,230

• Only two pegs left that time, both red, but my score was low so I was forced into going off the side wall for extra points and couldn't judge it correctly.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 622,720

• Three pegs left. I keep getting close, but my catching just lets me down at the end. I'll add a Big Bounce.

Attempt #5 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 400,560

• The yellow peg was right down the bottom, and I ricocheted into the green peg with the first ball, so I didn't do very well with either power up as a result.

Attempt #6 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 767,630 

• I got to the yellow peg with the first shot which meant both power ups worked much better. I did well with catches in the endgame so I still had balls in hand for the last few shots. That allowed me to take them wall first for the extra points which got me close enough to the pro target so that I wasn't relying on a good final bucket bonus.

Level 8 (Clear 45 red pegs from total, with only 6 balls - Pro target 725k)

The same design as level 4, but with 10 more red pegs, one less ball and 300k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 1,042,730 

• The catching in this one seemed more lucky than good most of the time. There were several careless shots that seemed to find their way into bucket regardless. I got the yellow peg with the first shot and did OK with the laser ball. I would rather have caught it though as it had triggered the Triple Score Bucket bonus. Not to matter, as I made a seven figure score anyway.

Level 9 (Clear ALL pegs - 35 red and 20 blue, with only 8 balls - Pro target 700k)

A similar design to level 5, only the receiving portal is right down the bottom of the screen. There are 5 less red pegs, 250k on the pro target and a total clearance is now required.

Attempt #1 - Split Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 386,420

• I'm still not sure the laser ball is well suited to this layout, so I went for a Split Ball/Big Bounce combination. As it turned out, they were both rubbish - the Big Bounce got stuck in a corner, and both split balls dropped straight off the bottom of the screen. I think it was just bad luck though, I'll try them again.

Attempt #2 - Split Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 578,710

• Well I cleared all the pegs, but I was nowhere near the pro target. Maybe I'll give the laser ball a try after all. There might be a path for it that works.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 875,200 

• I should have tried the laser ball earlier! As it turns out, my standard laser ball path avoids all the teleports and nets quite a reasonable score. On the back of that, a reasonable Big Bounce and some good catching, I got a total clearance with balls and points to spare.

Level 10 (Clear ALL pegs - 30 red and 64 blue, with only 8 balls and a 3s shot-clock - Pro target 650k)

The same design as level 3, but with 5 less red pegs, 250k on the pro target, a total clearance needed and a shot-clock of just 3 seconds.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 239,530

• Neither power up was disastrous, but then neither worked particularly well either.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 569,270

• I missed out by one peg. The last catch hit the rim and bounced across the screen to just miss the catch on the other side. So close!

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 370,360

• It took too long to break through to the yellow peg. After both power ups were gone, I only had two balls left and it just wasn't enough.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 717,940 

• I got the yellow peg with the second shot, I think it was, and the laser ball scored OK, but not brilliant. The Big Bounce was quite successful though, taking out 23 pegs for just under 150k and earning two extra balls. I made quite a few catches after that and had to take some chances in the endgame to give myself a chance at the pro target. I just needed to avoid the minimum 20k off the final bonus buckets and I very nearly got exactly that, but the second ball veered off at the last second and found the 100k bucket instead.

SUMMARY

Level	Reds	Pegs	Target	Balls	Clock	Pro	Attempts	Record	Average	Video
1	30	87	Reds	10	-	450k	5	594,330	409,112
2	30	109	Reds	9	-	450k	2	690,560	411,950
3	35	94	Reds	8	-	400k	4	609,640	372,552
4	35	97	Reds	7	-	425k	2	827,370	551,940
5	35	55	Reds	8	-	450k	2	725,900	488,970
6	40	109	Reds	8	-	600k	2	914,020	742,925
7	30	87	All	9	-	650k	6	767,630	562,040
8	45	97	Reds	6	-	725k	1	1,042,730	1,042,730
9	35	55	All	8	-	700k	3	875,200	613,443
10	30	94	All	8	3s	650k	4	717,940	474,275

Board 24 - Dragon Festival

This picture is of an oriental boat designed like a Chinese dragon. The deck of the boat has a single-storey pagoda-style shelter on it decorated with Chinese lanterns. There are lotus flowers on the water in the foreground, and pagodas in the background.

Level 1 (Clear 25 red pegs from 107 total - Pro target 600k)

The first design looks like the dragon scales on the hull of the boat. Lots of curves that invite sweep shots.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 754,750 

• That was very easy indeed. There were sweep shots everywhere, and my number of balls in hand just didn't seem to go down. I left one blue peg behind, but that was just due to an unexpected ricochet that took out the last red. I still had nine balls in hand so I think I could have got it!

Level 2 (Clear 25 red pegs from 104 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 425k)

The second design looks like a part of a maze. It is entirely constructed of rectangular pegs arranged either horizontally or vertically.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 614,660 

• Another pretty straightforward layout. Big ricochet opportunities through the middle, and catches down the sides. I made the pro target and cleared all but one red peg with balls to spare.

Level 3 (Clear 30 red pegs from 112 total - Pro target 475k)

The third design is modelled on one of the lotus flowers floating on the water.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 699,610 

• I had to work a bit harder that time, but I still managed to pro it at the first attempt, without power ups.

Level 4 (Clear 30 red pegs from 102 total, with only 8 balls - Pro target 425k)

The fourth design features curved lines following the outline of the hull of the boat, plus a scattering of round pegs all over the picture, and some diamond-shaped ones around the dragon's head.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 292,530

• The main problem here was a lack of catches. I only made two throughout the game and that was never going to be enough.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 474,220

• Not many catches again, but a couple of lucky ones in the endgame gave me a chance which I should have taken. I had two red pegs left on my last ball. I didn’t have an obvious catch of either, but if I took three reasonably catchable blue pegs out first I had a good shot at one of the reds. I missed the catch off the third of those blue pegs. I'll give it one more go.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 321,710

• Not as close that time. I still had four or five red pegs left and a little way to go to the pro target.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 701,800 

• Got it with the laser ball easily enough. I didn't quite manage a total clearance, only 96%, mainly due to a few careless shots in the endgame. But it was all over by then.

Level 5 (Clear 35 red pegs from 115 total - Pro target 400k)

The fifth design looks a bit like three wristwatch faces, but I suspect they're supposed to be Chinese lanterns.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 174,870

• I don't think the red pegs were very well placed, but even if they had been, I think I would have struggled. This seemed like a tough layout.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 914,440 

• The yellow peg wasn't particularly easy to get to, but I did it without wasting too many balls, annd then scored well with the laser ball. I managed to get my nose ahead of the game when I had more balls in hand than I had red pegs left, so I could comfortably take purple peg shots to boost my score without jeopardising the victory. I had to take the final blue peg off the final red one, but I made a total clearance.

Level 6 (Score 375k with 25 red pegs and 77 blue - Pro target 500k)

The same design as level 4, but with 5 less red pegs, two more balls, 75k on the pro target, and just a score to aim at. On the face of it, this doesn't sound any harder than level 4 was.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 862,650 

• The yellow peg was nicely on top, so I got in an early laser ball which worked pretty well. I got ahead of the game quickly with something like 9 balls left and eight red pegs. It was easy enough from there.

Level 7 (Score 425k with 30 red pegs and 82 blue - Pro target 625k)

The same design as level 3, but with 150k on the pro target, and again just a score to aim at. Well I made this pro target in one attempt at level three, so this would also appear to be qutie easy.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 871,300 

• Another pro score at the first attempt without power ups. It still seems a straightforward layout with lots of opportunities for sweep shots. I got a total clearance for a comfortable pro score.

Level 8 (Clear ALL pegs - 30 red and 77 blue - Pro target 750k)

The same design as level 1, but with 5 more red pegs, 150k on the pro target and a total clearance now required. Had a total clearance been needed for level 1, I would have had it comfortably, so this again sounds like an easy one.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 643,300

• Three pegs left, but that's pretty close for a first attempt.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 1,035,540 

• I used some much better shot selection that time, picking up some obvious early sweeps that I missed last time. I judged the endgame catches much better as well to get the total clearance with a seven figure score.

Level 9 (Clear 45 red pegs from 115 total, with only 8 balls - Pro target 575k)

The same design as level 5, but with 10 more red pegs, two less balls and 175k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 873,830 

• I struggled with this layout first time around, so I went straight in with a laser ball and it was just about enough. The laser ball itself triggered the Split Ball early and it turned out to be a big scorer as it gave me the pro score in almost one shot. After that it was all about clearing the red pegs which I just about managed to do.

Level 10 (Clear ALL pegs - 35 red and 69 blue, with only 7 balls and a 5s shot-clock - Pro target 600k)

The same design as level 2, but with 10 more red pegs, two less balls, 175k on the pro target and a total clearance now needed. This one does actually sound substantially harder the second time around, but then I found it quite easy the first time. I'll use a laser ball and see how I get on.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 792,870 

• I thought that a total clearance on this one with a shot-clock might be a bit too much without any power-ups, so I went for a laser ball from the off. The yellow was rather conveniently placed right on top which allowed me an early, and therefore big scoring laser ball. All the horizontal and vertical surfaces makes for some quite predictable ricochets and I used this to my advantage. I just about made it all the way for the total clearance required.

SUMMARY

Level	Reds	Pegs	Target	Balls	Clock	Pro	Attempts	Record	Average	Video
1	25	107	Reds	10	-	600k	1	754,750	754,750
2	25	104	Reds	9	-	425k	1	614,660	614,660
3	30	112	Reds	10	-	475k	1	699,610	699,610
4	30	102	Reds	8	-	425k	4	701,800	447,565
5	35	115	Reds	10	-	400k	2	914,440	544,655
6	25	102	375k	10	-	500k	1	862,650	862,650
7	30	112	425k	10	-	625k	1	871,300	871,300
8	30	107	All	10	-	750k	2	1,035,540	839,420
9	45	115	Reds	8	-	575k	1	873,830	873,830
10	35	104	All	7	5s	600k	1	792,870	792,870

Board 25: Windrider Totems

This picture shows a couple of typical Native American-style totem poles. Both feature a bird of some sort perched on top of the head of a more human figure, or perhaps they represent gods. More totems can be seen in silhouette in the background and birds circle overhead in the yellow sky.

Level 1 (Clear 25 red pegs from 105 total - Pro target 375k)

The first design has a couple of curved lines at the bottom, but otherwise it's all single round pegs scattered over the background of the picture with voids where the two main totem poles are.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 632,950 

• I thought I was going to struggle on this one as these bagatelle layouts that just comprise of single round pegs are very tricky to judge catches and bonuses on. But I managed to take plenty of catches in the endgame, and kept going all the way for a total clearance and a comfortable pro score.

Level 2 (Clear 25 red pegs from 105 total - Pro target 400k)

The second design is a symmetrical pattern of diagonal lines arranged in V-shapes and single pegs both round and diamond-shaped.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 413,740 

• I got this one first time with a score of 413,740 but I forgot to start the recorder. I can't remember much about it, but I probably had a bit of luck on the way. I thought, no problem, it didn't seem very hard, I'll just do it again. It must have taken me about seven more tries to do it a second time, but when I did I really thumped it with a score of 776,420, having had lots of lucky catches. So that's why the score in the vid doesn't match the score listed here.

Level 3 (Clear 25 red pegs from 114 total - Pro target 450k)

The third design follows the lines of the picture, including two densely packed circles of pegs over the circles on the wings of the main totem.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 330,430

• There are a lot of pegs to negotiate around to get to the red ones, so this seems quite a trickt layout. However I only had one red peg left, and was within 120k of the pro target which doesn't seem far away for a first attempt. It's worth another go then, I think.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 239,390

• Not as close that time, but then I'm not really surprised. This one is crying out for a laser ball.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 1,052,840 

• This one was littered with lucky catches. I'm not sure if I needed quite as many as I got, but it certainly made life a lot easier. I cruised to a total clearance and a seven figure score with five balls left over.

Level 4 (Clear 30 red pegs from 110 total - Pro target 425k)

The fourth design features a central arrangement that looks a little like a three bladed fan that rotates in 120° at a time. The rest of the design is curves of various sizes and loose round pegs.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 927,980 

• Again, I had lots of lucky catches, so I easily cruised to a total clearance. I'm not complaining, but I'm not sure I want to exhaust all my luck in the early levels, or I'll have none left for the later levels when I'll really need it!

Level 5 (Clear 25 red pegs from 114 total - Pro target 375k)

The final design is a couple of shapes that resemble the outlines of birds in flight, made entirely with diamond-shaped pegs. A handful of round pegs are scattered around them.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 258,680

• Like level 3, this is another one that really needs a laser ball. I gave it a brave effort, but I wasn't that close.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 316,500

• It took a few shots to get to the laser ball, and that extra couple of balls were what I was missing at the end.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 574,600 

• The yellow peg was easily attainable with the first ball this time, and that was all I needed. A good laser ball cleared enough red pegs to make mopping up afterwards relatively easy.

Level 6 (Clear 40 red pegs from 114 total - Pro target 625k)

The same design as level 3, but with 15 more red pegs, and 175k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 934,130 

• I got some more lucky catches in this one, but I did it so comfortably, that I could probably have managed without them.

Level 7 (Score 400k with 25 red pegs and 85 blue - Pro target 650k)

The same design as level 4, but with 5 more red pegs, 225k on the pro target, and just a score to go for.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 531,920

• I got to the basic target of 400k easily enough, but fell about 120k short of the pro target. I only had one or two red pegs left though, so if I'd cleared them I'd have had a good chance of making it. Worth another try.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 283,260

• I didn't really get any luck that time. None of the balls seemed to go where I expected them too, so I didn't get many catches.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 625,060

• I wanted one more purple peg before I took the last red one, but it was one catch too many as it turned out. Clumsy really.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 404,790

• I took too long trying to break through to the yellow peg which seriously affected my score. I got down to the last red peg, but I was well adrift of the pro target and getting there off the purple pegs never looked likely.

Attempt #5 - Laser Ball. Score: 928,850 

• The balls seemed to take much more predictable paths that time. The yellow peg was right on top as well, so that also helped. I got a total clearance.

Level 8 (Clear 35 red pegs from 114 total - Pro target 575k)

The same design as level 5, but with 10 more red pegs and 200k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 823,510 

• I got through to the yellow peg with the first ball, and this layout is set out quite well for my standard laser ball, so that worked well. After that I got a good hold on the angles quite early on so I managed to run all the way through for a total clearance.

Level 9 (Clear ALL pegs - 40 red and 65 blue - Pro target 600k)

The same design as level 2, but with 15 more red pegs, 200k on the pro target and a total clearance now required.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 904,980 

• I got the yellow peg off a deflection with the first ball, and did reasonably well with the laser ball. I had some lucky catches after that, although most were played for, but I made good steady progress through it.

Level 10 (Clear ALL pegs - 25 red and 80 blue - Pro target 575k)

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

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 824,960 

• That was easier than I thought it was going to be. I had thought I might need a Big Bounce as well as a laser ball, but it turned out quite straightforward.

SUMMARY

Level	Reds	Pegs	Target	Balls	Clock	Pro	Attempts	Record	Average	Video
1	25	105	Reds	10	-	375k	1	632,950	632,950
2	25	105	Reds	10	-	400k	1	413,740	413,740
3	25	114	Reds	10	-	450k	3	1,052,840	540,886
4	30	110	Reds	10	-	425k	1	927,980	927,980
5	25	114	Reds	10	-	375k	3	574,600	383,260
6	40	114	Reds	10	-	625k	1	934,130	934,130
7	25	110	400k	10	-	650k	5	928,850	554,776
8	35	114	Reds	10	-	575k	1	823,510	823,510
9	40	105	All	10	-	600k	1	904,980	904,980
10	25	105	All	10	-	575k	1	824,960	824,960