For generations of British holidaymakers, the brightly lit claw machine has been a source of both fascination and frustration, swallowing pound coins with little reward. Now, a YouTube channel claims to have cracked the code with two surprisingly simple observational techniques that can be used before you even insert a coin.
Tip One: The Empty Shelf Indicator
The first piece of advice from the YouTube account Arcade Friends centres on a detail many players overlook: the rear shelves of the machine. In a video posted on 20 January 2026, the channel urged viewers to scrutinise the backup stock of plush toys stored at the back.
The key, they explained, is to look for machines where the top row of these reserve prizes is completely empty. "If you are observant you will notice the entire top row of plushies has gone," they stated. This visual clue suggests the machine has paid out multiple times since it was last refilled by staff.
"That means many people have won this prize since the last time it was restocked," Arcade Friends elaborated. "If several people have already won, that means this machine is probably paying out pretty well and should be easy to win." The channel demonstrated this by comparing two side-by-side machines, one with full shelves and one with depleted stock, implying the latter offered better odds.
Tip Two: Decoding the 'Coming Up Next' Sign
The second strategy involves a small sign sometimes placed inside the machine's prize chamber. Arcade Friends advises players to be vigilant for notices that read 'Coming Up Next'.
"It's not always the case, but often times when you see this sign, it means that they [the arcade] are ready to liquidate the old prizes in the machine," the channel pointed out. This process of clearing out existing stock to make way for new items often leads to a temporary adjustment in the machine's settings.
According to the tip, these machines are frequently set to an easier mode to ensure the old prizes are won quickly. "I was able to win on this machine three times back-to-back all with strong grabs," claimed Arcade Friends, arguing it was more than just luck. They recommend always trying a machine displaying this sign, even in smaller cabinets where the notice might be less prominent.
Combining Techniques for Maximum Success
Arcade Friends suggests using these observational hacks in tandem with established physical techniques, like the 'double-tap' method, to stack the odds in your favour. This method, previously explained by arcade enthusiasts Katie and Spencer, involves pressing the button a second time just as the claw is about to pick up a prize, theoretically securing a tighter grip.
However, they were careful to note that "It is not a guaranteed win! It should be used as a skill to stop the claw where you want." The overarching message is that winning at claw machines isn't purely down to chance; a strategic approach combining observation with practised skill can turn the tide against one of the seaside's most notorious coin-gobblers.
