How to Beat the Claw Machine

Claw machines usually reside near the entrance to a store and are usually filled with lots of brightly colored stuffed animals. It is hard to just pass up the claw machine as it usually has lights and sounds that really grab your attention. Winning at the claw machine really is an art as it does take a little time and knowledge to be a successful each time you play.

Instructions

1. Carefully study the the layout of the prizes. Find one that is loose and laying on its side. It's best if you find one that has its head sticking out, making it a good, winnable choice. If they are all packed in tightly, then it's best to save your quarters for another day or another machine.

2. Once you drop your money into the claw machine, you will only have about 20 seconds to line up the claw before it drops automatically. If you have a friend with you, have them stand on the side of the claw machine to help you guide the claw.

3. Position the claw over the prize. If it's a stuffed animal or doll, move the claw to a spot where it will drop around the stuffed animal's neck. Also, prizes with a string attached to them can also be won after a few tries to position it where the arm will catch the string just right.

4. Once you have the claw positioned over the prize, slowly drop the claw, and if you can, readjust its position as it descends upon the prizes.

5. Collect your prize from the prize drop off. If you grabbed the animal and it dropped, then notice how quickly the claw arm descends back up and to the original starting point. If it goes lightning fast, then don't waste any more quarters as it will be nearly impossible to win anything.

Tips & Warnings

• If a claw machine only has very large prizes, then it will be very hard to win one, especially on your first try. It's best to head to the toy aisle to purchase something instead.

• Stay away from claw machines that do not let your readjust your position once you start dropping the claw. You'll have much more success if you can adjust the claw as it makes a descent.