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Tetris involves positioning falling Tetriminos to create complete horizontal lines. Arrow keys move pieces left and right, down accelerates the fall, and up or Z/X rotate the piece.

Each Tetrimino consists of four connected squares in one of seven shapes. As pieces fall, rotate and position them to fill gaps in your stack. Complete lines disappear, and incomplete lines remain.

The game ends when pieces stack to the top of the playing field. Keep your stack low by clearing lines efficiently. Leaving gaps makes clearing lines harder and accelerates your demise.

Clearing multiple lines simultaneously scores more points. A single line clear is good, but clearing four lines at once (a Tetris) scores significantly higher. Set up your stack to enable these multi-line clears.

Keep your stack flat when possible. Uneven stacks create gaps that are hard to fill and limit your options for incoming pieces.

Save I-pieces for four-line clears. Building a well on one side lets you drop the I-piece for maximum points.

Learn the rotation systems. Each piece rotates predictably, and understanding these patterns helps you fit pieces into tight spaces.

Do not panic when the stack gets high. Calm, efficient play clears lines faster than frantic movements that create more problems.

Classic falling block puzzle gameplay
Seven distinct Tetrimino shapes to master
Increasing speed creating progressive challenge
Hold feature for strategic piece management
Preview window showing upcoming pieces
Satisfying line clear mechanics
Iconic music and sound design
Browser-based with smooth performance

Tetris stands as perhaps the most influential puzzle game ever created, its falling block mechanics spawning countless imitators while remaining unmatched in pure gameplay satisfaction. Rotate and position descending Tetriminos to form complete horizontal lines, clearing them from the board and earning points. This elegant concept has entertained players for decades and shows no signs of losing relevance.

The seven Tetrimino shapes each present unique challenges and opportunities. The long I-piece clears four lines at once when placed correctly. The square O-piece provides stability but limited flexibility. The T, L, J, S, and Z pieces each have distinct rotation behaviors that skilled players exploit. Learning how each shape fits into different board states forms the foundation of Tetris mastery.

Line clearing creates the core satisfaction of Tetris. Watching a completed row flash and disappear, the stack above dropping to fill the gap, delivers a small dopamine hit that never gets old. Clearing multiple lines simultaneously—especially the coveted four-line Tetris—amplifies this feeling exponentially.

Speed increases as you progress, transforming Tetris from a relaxed puzzle into a frantic test of reflexes. Early levels let you carefully consider each placement. Later levels demand instant decisions and muscle memory. This progression ensures the game remains challenging regardless of your skill level.

The hold feature in modern Tetris versions adds strategic depth. Storing a piece for later use lets you save valuable shapes for optimal moments. Deciding when to hold and when to place becomes another layer of decision-making that separates good players from great ones.

Preview windows showing upcoming pieces enable planning beyond the current drop. Skilled players think several pieces ahead, setting up combinations that casual players miss. This forward thinking transforms Tetris from reactive gameplay into strategic positioning.

The T-spin technique represents advanced play that rewards dedication. Rotating the T-piece into tight spaces scores bonus points and clears lines in situations that seem impossible. Learning T-spins opens new possibilities and significantly increases scoring potential.

Visual design in Tetris prioritizes readability. Each Tetrimino has a distinct color, the playing field clearly shows the stack state, and ghost pieces indicate where the current piece will land. This clarity matters when split-second decisions determine success.

Sound design has become iconic. The Tetris theme music is recognized worldwide, and the satisfying sounds of piece placement and line clears enhance every session. Audio cues for piece rotation and hard drops provide useful feedback during fast play.

Competitive Tetris has evolved into a legitimate esport. Head-to-head matches where cleared lines send garbage to opponents create intense battles. Watching top players execute complex strategies at incredible speeds demonstrates the game's remarkable skill ceiling.

Tetris works perfectly for any session length. A quick game during a break provides satisfying gameplay, while marathon sessions chasing high scores can last hours. The game saves nothing between sessions, making each attempt a fresh start.

The browser version brings Tetris to any device without downloads. Performance remains smooth even during intense high-speed play, and both keyboard and touch controls work effectively. This accessibility ensures everyone can experience the game that defined a genre.