Customer Reviews

The Secrets of Amusement Park Games... Revealed! (Third Edition)

5 star:		(5)
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We were sitting there waiting for the kids to finish up on Batman, when the author introduced himself. He showed us his book, and offered to show us the "wacky wire" technique. No kidding, this guy knows his stuff! He won a HUGE stuffed dog and gave it to us along with an autographed copy of his book. The kids were VERY skeptical about the whole thing, but read the book and decided to use Brian's technique for the basketball shoot. Not only did all three of them win a prize, they also won two more for a lady offering to fund their venture in exchange for the prizes (for her two young children).

I would say this book is well worth the money!

I first saw mention of Mr. Richardson's book in Maxium a few months ago. I asked my wife to order it for me for my birthday, and received it last week.

All through high school and my first two years of college I worked as a game 'agent' for a small amusement park with a pretty good regular client base. We had 7 or so of the games he discusses in his book, and I worked in all of them on a pretty regular basis.

Most of what Brian describes in his book are techniques that I would share with my customers anyway...just because you know the 'secret' to doing something, doesn't mean you can do it. Sharing the 'secret' was a good sales pitch...Using Mr. Richardson's technique, I tried shooting out the star dozens of times...never once did I actually do it.

Anyway, he misses a few things...especially in the softball/milk bottle throw game. I'm not going to share it here, but there are some things about that game that any 'professional' should know. I was very impressed, however, with his description of the Wacky Wire. We used that game for maybe a season or two...it was another one where I knew 'how' to do it, but usually couldn't. With a little practice, I think anyone who reads that chapter should be good to go for that game.

Anyway, overall I thought it was a great effort, and I also enjoyed the section on roller coasters.

About a week ago, i was visiting Atlanta and I decided to go to Six Flags. A friend and I went on a few rides, but then we decided it was time to play some games. After a few games and no prizes, we go to take a break and watch others fail. While waiting at the "Wacky Wire" game, a man approached us and offered to pay for the game,show us how to win, and even said he'd give us the prize... Well, a few dollars later he beat the wacky wire game. I was amazed, I had never seen anyone win. After giving us the prize (a 7 foot lion), he gave us "The Secrets of Amusement Park Games... Revealed! (Third Edition)." He then went to the "Wacky Wire" chapter and showed us how the book says to do it which was the exact same way he did it.

After leaving Six Flags, we went back to the hotel and read the book. Let me tell you, this is no rip off, the games seem so much easier now and I can't wait until the next time I play them. Thanks to Brian, I have a gigantic lion, his book, and a new found confidence. He is not only a good man, but he writes a great book. Thank You for everything Brian.

I found some of the information useful but haven't really tried to implement any of his techniques yet, except for the squirt-gun/water-race game. I have been lucky with that one so far and won a large prize for my son.

I'd like to add to the author's tips and techniques: that it doesn't hurt watching a game or two being played before you jump in. Especially with race games... my advice is that it's best to play where someone has recently won. For example, with the squirt-gun games, not all the guns always have the same amount of pressure I've noticed. Some guns' water spits out where others stream out nicely.

I would love to see a sequel by adding some newer games like Whac-A-Mole (my favourite), etc.

Overall... it was worth the price of the book, but the shipping charges were high (over-packaged).

Very good book if you want to learn the tricks to amusement park games.

We had the good fortune to meet Brian Richardson at the arcade at Busch Gardens in Tampa, and he impressed us by succeeding at the "Wizard Wire" game ("Wacky Wire" in the book) ON THE FIRST TRY! Overall his strategies are right on track. Buy the book, it's all true!!!

I've never been one to play those games at carnivals and fairs. This book caught my eye as something interesting and after reading all the reviews I wanted to know more. This book provides many hints and tips on how to win these types of games. It does not provide any illegal information or any method of cheating. Instead the author has practiced and practiced and figured out the tricks- the reason the carny can do it and you can't. He provides lists of the best games to play, the worst games to play, and a test to figure out your vision dominant eye. If you are ever tempted to play these types of games it is worth reviewing this book before going.

I met the author at Six Flags Fiesta Texas a while ago. He gave me a copy of his book, wowed me at the Wacky Wire game, and won me a GIGANTIC realistic leopard plush... you know, the ones that you always walk past, drool over, and walk on empty-handed? Needless to say, I was more than eager to read his secrets.

I read bits and pieces of the book throughout the day, but when I arrived home, there was no sign of it! I learned later that a good friend of mine (who had been at the park with me) had taken the book with her to Seaworld. She came back with a gigantic Shamoo whale plushie, a token of the tricks she had learned for the Ring Toss game.

Now I'm reading up, practicing, and I can't wait to wow my friends on our next Fiesta Texas trip. Thanks so much!!

I found that this book was a very good investment. The handbook could easily help anyone save the hundred dollars that they may waste on trying to win those SEEMINGLY impossible games. Also, I personally know that these tips are truly helpful tips because my boyfriend has won several prizes for me at Six Flags Astroworld in Houston (Go Astros)! I think the book is insightful as well as humorous and easy to follow. I think everyone should at least purchase the book to get the great tips, because at HARDLY $4, it's a steal. I really feel bad for those carnival game hosts.