Tipping Point is a show based off of the coin pusher arcade games.
Gameplay[]
The machine consists of two shelves filled with flat circular counters; the upper shelf slowly extends and retracts, whilst the lower one is stationary. The rear face of the machine is divided into four "drop zones," each of which contains a pegboard similar to those found in pachinko machines. Contestants answer questions to win counters, then choose a drop zone and press their buzzer to release one counter at a time into that zone. The goal is to have the counters land flat on the upper shelf so that its retraction will cause them to push other counters over its front edge, leading them in turn to push still others off the lower shelf and into a collection trough referred to as the "win zone." Contestants win £50 for each counter that drops into the win zone during their turn. Any counters that bounce out of the machine and land on either the floor or the lip of the win zone during a turn are credited toward that contestant's score. Three "mystery counters" were added in series 2, each labelled with a question mark; at the start of the game, two are on the upper shelf and one is on the lower. If a mystery counter enters the win zone, the contestant in control of the machine wins a prize (monthly flower bouquets, weekend holiday, etc.), which is theirs to keep regardless of the game's final outcome. Two "double counters" labelled "x2" were added in series 5, one each on the upper and lower shelves, which double the value of all counters that land in the win zone on that same drop. Starting with series 9, the mystery and double counters are respectively coloured green and yellow, so that they can be easily distinguished from the others in the machine.
Counters that enter the win zone when the machine is not in play, excluding the final round, are "ambient drops" and are removed from the machine with no effect on scoring. If such a drop occurs after a contestant has chosen a drop zone but before they can press the buzzer to release a counter, they are given the option to play from that zone or select a different one. Any mystery or double counters that fall into the win zone as an ambient drop are replaced in the machine, as near as possible to the position they occupied before falling.
A "ghost drop" occurs when a counter drifts forward as it falls through a drop zone, until its face makes contact with the clear plastic sheet covering the front of the zone. The resulting friction can greatly slow the counter or even stop its descent altogether for a very short period of time. Ghost drops, mistimed drops, and unexpected bounces can lead to a counter landing on the upper shelf so that it partially overlaps or "rides" on others; such plays rarely trigger falls into the win zone, adversely affecting the contestant's turn.
At the end of each round, the lowest-scoring contestant is eliminated from the game and forfeits all their money. In the event of a tie for low score, a sudden-death toss-up is used to break the tie. A correct buzz-in answer allows the contestant to advance, while a miss eliminates them. If three or more contestants are tied for low score, or if all contestants are tied, the toss-ups continue until either one has been eliminated or all but one have advanced.
If a contestant is visually impaired, they are allowed to have a helper stationed backstage, who can see the machine and give advice through an audio earpiece as to where and when to play each counter. The helper may not assist in answering questions.