Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend Limp Paddle With Special Guest D’Arcy Carden
19 snips
Dec 25, 2025 
D'Arcy Carden, actor and comedic talent known for her vibrant roles on TV, joins Conan for a lively chat with Derek, a pinball enthusiast and commissioner from the San Francisco pinball league. Derek dives into the competitive pinball scene, sharing strategies and the importance of patience and finesse. He reveals intriguing stories about league culture, the challenges of cheating, and even the thrill of owning unique machines like Jim Henson's Labyrinth. The trio brainstorms what a Conan-themed pinball machine might look like—expect comedic animatronics and risqué imagery!
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Match-Play Leagues Structure Competition
- San Francisco Pinball Department runs match-play leagues with random grouping and point-scoring.
- Players accumulate points across games and advance to a large final, creating steady competition.
Control The Flippers With Patience
- Be patient when the ball reaches the flippers and resist frantic bashing.
- Use the dead flip and cradle the ball to control pace and set up precise shots.
Nudge, Don’t Tilt
- Move the cabinet subtly to influence ball trajectory but avoid a full tilt.
- Learn the table's tolerance so you can nudge without triggering the tilt penalty.