Blainbrook Entertainment Center: The pinball palace boasts nearly 50 machines and hosts tournaments the first Sunday and second Saturday of the month. The winner of a March 1 "beat the brewers" tourney wins a year's worth of Summit beer. 12000 Central Av. NE., Blaine, 763-755-8686, www.blainbrookbowl.com

Brunswick Zone XL Brooklyn Park: This national chain bowling establishment features a mix of old and new pinball machines. 7545 Brooklyn Blvd., Brooklyn Park, 763-503-2695, www.bowlbrunswick.com

East Side Pinball: The east-metro hub features tourneys the first Saturday of the month. Sun Ray Lanes, 2245 Hudson Rd., St. Paul, 612-562-9002, www.eastsidepinball.com

Level Up Games: The game shop/nerd emporium has a solid six pinball machines. 207 13th Av. S., South St. Paul, 651-493-9176, www.levelupgamesmn.com

Mortimer's: Tournaments featuring two-for-one drink specials start at 4 p.m. the last Sunday of the month. The Uptown dive is throwing a March 8 launch party for a new Wrestlemania game. 2001 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls., 612-872-1688.

Nomad World Pub: A newcomer with a modest four machines, the West Bank bar held its first tournament this month. 501 Cedar Av. S., Mpls., 612-338-6424, www.nomadpub.com

SS Billiards: Founded in 1970, the Twin Cities pinball bastion has nearly 20 games. 732 11th Av. S., Hopkins, 952-938-9259, www.ssbilliards.com

MICHAEL RIETMULDER