Tetris Guide, Rules, and Tips
Tetris is the falling-block puzzle that defined a genre. Seven shapes, called tetrominoes, drop from the top of the well. Move and rotate them to complete solid horizontal lines, which then disappear. As you clear lines the level rises and the pieces fall faster.
How to Play
- Pieces fall one at a time; a preview shows the next piece.
- A completely filled horizontal line is cleared, and the blocks above drop down.
- Clearing several lines at once scores more than clearing them one by one.
- The game ends when the stack reaches the top of the well.
Strategy and Tips
- Keep the stack flat and low; tall towers leave awkward gaps.
- Leave one column open at the edge and save the long I-piece to clear four lines at once.
- Always glance at the next-piece preview and plan where both pieces will go.
- Avoid covering holes; a buried gap can take many lines to dig out.
Controls
On a computer, use the arrow keys to move, Space to rotate, P to pause, and R to restart. On touch screens, tap the left side to rotate, tap the right side to move, swipe down for a soft drop, and swipe up for a hard drop.
Background
Tetris was created in 1984 by Soviet engineer Alexey Pajitnov. Its release on the Nintendo Game Boy in 1989 made it a global hit, and it remains one of the best-selling and most recognized video games ever made.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I rotate pieces?
Press Space on a keyboard, or tap the left side of the screen on a touch device.
Why are the pieces falling faster?
The speed increases with your level, which rises as you clear lines.
What is the best way to score big?
Build a clean stack with one open column, then drop a long I-piece to clear four lines at once.