T-Spin Guide | TETRIS-FAQ (2024)

Like everything else in this game, t-spinning comes right back to stacking. This game is about being able to visualize different placement for your upcoming pieces and then deciding which arrangement is best. The same goes for t-spinning. Instead of just placing a T piece you can first create a hole for it , then be filled in later.

Beginner#

What is a t-spin?#

In modern guideline games, spinning a T piece to clear lines gives a bonus.

A t-spin double sends the same amount of lines as a Tetris (4, 5 with b2b)

To qualify as T-spin 3 of the 4 red/green blocks need to be filled in, 2 of which need to be green to count as a full t-spin. If 3/4 are filled but not 2 green, then it is a t-spin mini. (I didn't make this up)

There is also a special case where a mini can be upgraded to a full t-spin when the last kick is used (basically is why stsd is not a mini)

The T shape#

The most fundamental part of learning how to t-spin is being able to spot the "T" shape in your stack.

Notice the T shape.

The next step is creating an overhang for the T, to satisfy the conditions for a t-spin.

Opportunistic T-spinning#

As a beginner, you will not have built up the mental library to do many advanced setups, so just focus on finding premade "T" shapes in your stack.

http://fumen.zui.jp/?v115@9gB8FeF8CeH8AeI8AeD8JeAgHLhywHewwXeAAe5gRp?HeRpFeSLHeQLXeAAefgA8IeB8GeF8wwhlB8BeD8glwwEeAA?C8FeAAAeA8GeAAAeA8NeAAengR4GeR48eAAe4gSLHeQLqeA?Ae

Building overhangs#

You won't always be given the T shapes in game, so it is important to learn how to build your own. The more you build the less you will have to rely on chance.

Let's look at an example:

Do you see the T shape? Well, its not quite a full T, but we can make it one.

So now instead of relying on a single shape (a complete T), we can look for many more opportunities.

Take a look at all 7 pieces in the game, and see what kind of overhangs you can build.

Quiz#

Intermediate#

Singleplayer vs multiplayer#

One of the major issues a lot of people learning the game face is that they do not understand the difference between singleplayer modes, like sprint and ultra, and vs mode.

The main difference between singleplayer and multiplayer is you have an opponent. A good opponent will punish you for making bad decisions, where as in singleplayer, the worst case scenario is that you restart.

This means that a lot of bad decisions may work out in singleplayer, but would cost you the game in multiplayer.

This applies to t-spins because you should never compromise your stack when making T-spins. All too often beginners play a mode called "20tsd" where they basically trash their board in attempts to get as many t-spins as possible. While some consider this a useful exercise for improving "T-spin vision", nearly everything they do is impractical for versus. It is possible to practice "20tsd" properly but, unless you are an expert, you will likely just be wasting your time, or even worse, forming bad habits.

Basic builds#

Once you are able to spot t-shapes, it is time to take it one step further.

Learning to build the T shape itself will allow you to get many more t-spins.

Do you see how you can make a T shape here?

Like before, take a look at all 7 pieces and see how you can apply this concept to them.

TST and STSD#

Just seeing these setups are useful, but you'll probably never have to use these opportunistically.

STSD (TSD into TSD)

(See advanced section on practicality)

TST

Thinking more steps ahead#

Your next goal will be to try and think one more step ahead. Once you master this you will be able to reliably find t spin doubles in game.

Forecast/foresight?/prophecy#

This technique has a couple of different names, but the main idea is "uncovering" t-spins.

Do you see the T shape? Try clearing the Tetris first.

Height difference#

To do a basic T-spin, both sides of your stack need to be the same height.

Good:

Bad:

Notice how there is no easy way to form a T shape on the second image. This board is in a "dead" state.

Paying attention to how certain pieces effects the height of your stack will be key in getting many t-spin opportunities.

Skimming#

Note: this should not be your preferred method. Only use this as a fix, if you find yourself needing this a lot, it might be time to reevaluate your stacking decisions.

Skimming is similar in concept to forecasting except it is usually used to fix bad stack height difference. Unlike forecasting which is usually done with a Tetris, skimming is never done with a Tetris, so it is much less efficient.

Use L to skim.

nice

QUIZ#

Advanced#

Floating T-Spins / Donation#

Now you've mastered spotting the T, it is time to spot the entire row.

These advanced techniques will allow you to create T-spins using less pieces, which can make T-spins possible where they wouldn't normally be.

Donations#

A donation is purposefully covering your well temporarily (lol) to fill in the necessary blocks to create a T-spin

Basic example (well is open after the t-spin):

Bad example (after the t-spin is cleared you have not uncovered the well):

Floating T-spins#

A floating T-spin is purposefully creating a temporary floating section to fill in the blocks necessary to create a T-spin

Basic example (no floating stuff leftover)

Bad example: (You will have a floating thing left over)

How to get better at them#

Focus on the rows and try and visualize how your upcoming pieces fit into that row. Be mindful of the columns underneath that row as well, so you don't cover them.

Dead boards#

"Dead" board, or "dead" state, is a term I like to use to describe fields that have no easy T-spin opportunities. While there are ways to fix dead boards, the whole point of good stacking is to make your life easier. It will be obvious what the next move is on a good board, on a bad board you will have to think more.

Basically avoid getting in these sorts of situations at all costs.

Here are some examples of dead boards:

Two wide:#

There is basically no way to easily create a T-spin when your well is 2-wide.

Your best bet is to even out the height difference and put an I piece in the well.

Overhang residue#

In most cases it will be a 2 wide gap, usually it will require some sort of tuck or skim to fix it.

Side well#

You cannot make a T shape above the well, you will have to do donations instead.

8-1 Stacking#

Similar to side well, but you now have an I piece dependency

Any combination#

2w side well etc, is still bad, combining them does not fix anything.

What is practical?#

A practical setup never compromises your stack.

When deciding which setup/technique to use, knowing when it is practical to use is key.

Space, T(ime), and commitments#

The three main criteria for judging practicality is space, time (when your next T piece is), and commitment.

Space and time are related, and if the ratio is incorrect, you will have an impractical setup.

STSD#

STSD is popular setup that is often misused.

STSD is an extremely space efficient setup, cramming in 2 tsds into a 3x3 area, which is why a lot of people like to use it. You get the most bang for your buck, no other setup can do that. (basically just make a square with a S/Z or L/J)

The issue here is time and commitment. If you don't have the T pieces, this setup will create a hole in your stack, because you will be forced to build around it. If you have the T's immediately, then obviously it's good.

STSD without T pieces:

After you get the T's to clear the stsd, you're left with a dead board.

Let's look at an alternative of stacked tsds.

This LST shape has the potential for 2 tsds, much like the STSD, but it takes up much more time and space. Having more time means you don't c

TST?#

When to tss?#

How to practice