LifeHacks: Claw Machine Edition By: Venice Jingco

Claw machines are known to chew through wallets with steel jaws, enticing passersby with plushies that never seem to grab. As a past victim of claw machines, here are some prize-winning methods to keep you from digging through your pockets.

1. Double tapping the drop button

Brought to light by an arcade worker, the double tap method is an almost guaranteed win. Tap when the claw is over the plush, then tap a second time to reinforce the claw's grip.

Rating: 0/10. While this hack might work for other claw machines, it failed with the ones I was using. The claw's grip never tightened when I pressed the drop button, and nothing about the machine changed.

2. Choosing the machine with less

Machines full of prizes tend to attract the crowd, but in this case, less is more. If a machine is nearly empty, it's a telltale sign that people succeed often. Versus one filled with front-facing plushies, you'd have a much better chance going with the lesser.

Rating: 5/10. This hack only works when the arcade is busy. But when the machines are restocked often, it's impossible to tell which prizes are easiest. The safest option is to avoid the rounded plushies, and to aim for ones with arms and legs to grab for.

3. Ask for a helping hand

Claw machines have a timer set the moment your token enters the slot, giving you limited time before the claw either drops or returns to the starting position. However, by bringing a friend or asking a stranger, you can easily gain the upper hand. Having two sets of eyes, one in front and another to the side, you can cut the time used to pinpoint a prize in half.

Rating: 10/10. As someone with bad depth perception, this tip was a lifesaver. It immediately increased my chances of grabbing a plushie, and it made my decisions faster too. Even without a friend, it's helpful to move around the machine ensure sure the claw is above the right spot.