If you've ever spent quarters at an arcade trying to grab that perfect stuffed animal, you've likely experienced the most common toy crane machine frustration: the claw that seems to deliberately drop your prize just before the chute. This widespread issue isn't just bad luck - it's typically caused by improper alignment between the claw and the prize. When players position the claw directly over their target without considering how the three prongs will make contact, the result is often a weak grip or complete miss. The claw might appear centered over a plush toy's body, but if it's not aligned to grasp the object at its heaviest or most secure points, the prize will inevitably slip away. Understanding this fundamental mechanic is the first step toward actually winning those coveted arcade prizes. Next time, try positioning the claw so it can grip the prize from multiple sides or target smaller items that fit entirely within the claw's grasp.