Playing forever: Difference between revisions

From TetrisWiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
*>Tepples
m (the new animation has more pieces)
*>Colour thief
(major rewrite + more content)
Line 1: Line 1:
[[Image:Playing forever in LJ.gif|right|frame|The first 560 tetrominoes played this way]]
The following outlines a method of playing forever given the following conditions:
*the [[Random Generator]] is used to generate piece sequences
*the game has the [[Hold]] feature
*at least 5 [[piece previews]] are available
 
== Standard Procedure ==
The general method is achieved by dividing the screen into self contained sections as shown below. Specifically, the 4 left columns, the 4 right columns, and the 2 middle columns will be treated as distinct regions, with specific pieces assigned exclusively to each region. Because the random generator provides strings of bags containing each of the 7 pieces in a random order, it is possible to construct a strategy around the relatively small variation, with looping patterns.
 
S, T, and Z will be placed to the left, L, J, and O will be placed to the right, and I pieces will fill the middle.


In games that follow the [[Tetris Guideline]], especially with regard to the [[hold piece]] feature and the [[Random Generator]] that deals tetrominoes in sets of 7, it appears that the player can play forever by mentally dividing the playfield into three heaps, each of which can be considered a separate well. All S, Z, and T tetrominoes go to one side, and L, J, and O tetrominoes go to the other. I tetrominoes go to the center.
{{pfstart}}
{{pfstart}}
{{pfrow| |Z| | | |I| | | | }}
{{pfrow| |Z| | | |I| | | | }}
Line 9: Line 16:
{{pfend}}
{{pfend}}


== S, T, and Z tetrominoes ==
=== The S, T, and Z piece loop ===
Imagine playing Tetris in a 4-block-wide well, with a randomizer that deals bags containing one S, one T, and one Z tetromino. Each round would consist of three tetrominoes, and in each round the player would have one of the following six different bags to deal with: STZ, SZT, TSZ, TZS, ZST, and ZTS.  For each shape of the well floor, I describe how each bag would be played. When instructed to hold a tetromino and use it later, the player should hold the tetromino and then bring it back out at the seam between bags.
This pattern loops after 4 bags of pieces. Depending on the order of the pieces for each bag, you may need to use [[Hold]] to force a piece to come last. Piece previews are technically not required to play this pattern.
 
Note: The number sequences (ex. 1210) refer to how many blocks are in each column, left-to-right.


=== Flat ===
The Z piece must drop last, so use Hold to change the order if necessary:
{{pfstart}}
{{pfstart}}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| | | | | | }}
{{pfend}}
Becomes 1210 or 0121.
TZS and TSZ can be played either of two ways:
{|
|{{pfstart}}
{{pfrow| |Z| | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|Z|Z|S| | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|Z|T|S|S| | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|T|T|T|S| | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| | | | | | }}
{{pfend}}
|{{pfstart}}
{{pfrow| | |S| | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| |Z|S|S| | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|Z|Z|T|S| | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|Z|T|T|T| | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| | | | | | }}
{{pfend}}
|}
STZ:
{|
|- valign="top"
|{{pfstart}}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | |S| | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | |S|S| | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | |S| | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| | | | | | }}
{{pfend}}
Drop S
|{{pfstart}}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|T| |S| | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|T|T|S|S| | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|T| | |S| | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| | | | | | }}
{{pfend}}
Drop T
|{{pfstart}}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | |S| | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| |T|S|S| | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|T|T|T|S| | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| | | | | | }}
{{pfend}}
[[SRS]] and [[TGM rotation|TGM]]<br>allow this
|{{pfstart}}
{{pfrow| |Z| | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| |Z| | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|Z|Z|S| | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|Z|Z|S| | | | | | | }}
Line 73: Line 27:
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| | | | | | }}
{{pfend}}
{{pfend}}
Drop Z
|}
ZTS: Mirror image of STZ
SZT, ZST: hold the first tetromino and play as above
=== 1210 ===
{{pfstart}}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| |G| | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|G|G|G| | | | | | | }}
{{pfend}}
Becomes 0112.


SZT, ZST, STZ:
The T piece must drop last, so use Hold to change the order if necessary:
{{pfstart}}
{{pfstart}}
{{pfrow| | | |T| | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | |T| | | | | | }}
Line 96: Line 36:
{{pfrow|G|G|G|S| | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|S| | | | | | }}
{{pfend}}
{{pfend}}
ZTS, TSZ, TZS: hold the T and play as above
=== 0112 ===
{{pfstart}}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | |G| | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| |G|G|G| | | | | | }}
{{pfend}}
Becomes 2101.


TSZ, TZS, ZTS:
The S piece must drop last, so use Hold to change the order if necessary:
{{pfstart}}
{{pfstart}}
{{pfrow|S| | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|S| | | | | | | | | }}
Line 114: Line 45:
{{pfrow|T|G|G|G| | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|T|G|G|G| | | | | | }}
{{pfend}}
{{pfend}}
ZST, STZ, SZT: hold the S and play as above


=== 2101 ===
The S piece must drop last, so use Hold to change the order if necessary:
{{pfstart}}
{{pfstart}}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|G| | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|G|G| |G| | | | | | }}
{{pfend}}
Becomes 1021 or flat.
ZST, ZTS, SZT:
{|
|{{pfstart}}
{{pfrow| | |T| | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|S| |T|T| | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|S|S|T|Z| | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|G|S|Z|Z| | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|G|G|Z|G| | | | | | }}
{{pfend}}
To 1021
|{{pfstart}}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|S|T|T|T| | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|S|T|T|T| | | | | | }}
Line 141: Line 54:
{{pfrow|G|G|Z|G| | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|G|G|Z|G| | | | | | }}
{{pfend}}
{{pfend}}
To flat
|}
TSZ, TZS, STZ: hold the T and play as above


=== 1021 ===
=== The L, J, and O piece loop ===
{{pfstart}}
This pattern loops after a single bag of pieces. Depending on the order of the pieces, you will need to use a different construction. 5 piece previews are required to play this pattern, because in the worst case scenario you will need to see the first 6 pieces (active piece + 5 piece previews) in order to determine whether the O piece is coming last.
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | |G| | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|G| |G|G| | | | | | }}
{{pfend}}
Becomes 1210.


TSZ, TZS, ZTS:
O piece first:
{{pfstart}}
{{pfstart}}
{{pfrow| |Z| | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | |J|J|L|L}}
{{pfrow|Z|Z|S| | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | |J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|Z|T|S|S| | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | |J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|T|T|G|S| | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|G|T|G|G| | | | | | }}
{{pfend}}
{{pfend}}
ZST, STZ, SZT: hold the Z and play as above
O piece last:
 
=== 0121 ===
Becomes 2110 through a mirror of the plays used for 1210.
 
=== 2110 ===
Becomes 1012 through a mirror of the plays used for 0112.
 
=== 1012 ===
Becomes 1201 through a mirror of the plays used for 2101.
 
=== 1201 ===
Becomes 0121 through a mirror of the plays used for 1021.
 
== L, J, and O tetrominoes ==
Well starts and ends flat.
 
LJO, JLO:
{{pfstart}}
{{pfstart}}
{{pfrow| | | | | | |L|O|O|J}}
{{pfrow| | | | | | |L|O|O|J}}
Line 184: Line 70:
{{pfrow| | | | | | |L|L|J|J}}
{{pfrow| | | | | | |L|L|J|J}}
{{pfend}}
{{pfend}}
OLJ, OJL:
JO pieces first: (mirror for LO first)
{{pfstart}}
{{pfrow| | | | | | |J|J|L|L}}
{{pfrow| | | | | | |J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow| | | | | | |J|O|O|L}}
{{pfend}}
JOL:
{|
{|
|{{pfstart}}
|{{pfstart}}
Line 218: Line 98:
|}
|}


LOJ: mirror image of JOL
=== The I piece loop ===
 
This pattern loops every 2 bags. No use of Hold or piece previews is required. The player must simply alternate putting the I tetromino in columns 5 and 6 to reap tetrises.
When playing for speed, it's possible to avoid the soft drop by placing two J, L, or O tetrominoes in the center as described below.
 
== I tetromino ==
The player puts I tetrominoes in the center columns and reaps tetrises.
 
After each 2 rounds of STZ and LJO, the STZ heap has grown by 6 rows, and the LJO heap has grown by 6 rows. However, the center has grown only by 4 rows.
 
If the STZ heap becomes too high, and its floor is shaped as 1210, 0121, 2101, or 1012, the player can borrow a T tetromino from the STZ heap, place it end-up in columns 5 and 6, and clear a single line.  This results in no change to the floor shape, and it works especially in cases where the player would otherwise have to "hold the T and play as above".  Playing two rounds this way grows the left side by 4 rows, the right side by 6 rows (as usual), and the center by 8 rows.


{|
{|
|- valign="top"
|{{pfstart}}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|S| | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|S|S| |Z| | |J|J|L|L}}
{{pfrow|T|S|Z|Z| | |J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|T|T|Z|T| | |J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|T|Z|T|T| | |J|J|L|L}}
{{pfrow|Z|Z|S|T| | |J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|Z|Z|S|S| | |J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|Z|Z|S|S| | |L|O|O|J}}
{{pfrow|Z|T|S|S| |I|L|O|O|J}}
{{pfrow|T|T|T|S| |I|L|L|J|J}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| |G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| |G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| |G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfend}}
Left pile is<br>getting big
|{{pfstart}}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|S| | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|S|S| |Z| | |J|J|L|L}}
{{pfrow|T|S|Z|Z| | |J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|T|T|Z|T| | |J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|T|Z|T|T| | |J|J|L|L}}
{{pfrow|Z|Z|S|T| |T|J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|Z|Z|S|S|T|T|J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|Z|Z|S|S| |T|L|O|O|J}}
{{pfrow|Z|T|S|S| |I|L|O|O|J}}
{{pfrow|T|T|T|S| |I|L|L|J|J}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| |G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| |G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| |G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfend}}
Drop T<br>down the middle
|{{pfstart}}
|{{pfstart}}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | |I| | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | |I| | | | | }}
{{pfrow|S| | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | |I| | | | | }}
{{pfrow|S|S| |Z| | |J|J|L|L}}
{{pfrow| | | | |I| | | | | }}
{{pfrow|T|S|Z|Z| | |J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|T|T|Z|T| | |J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|T|Z|T|T| | |J|J|L|L}}
{{pfrow|Z|Z|S|T| |T|J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-}}
{{pfrow|Z|Z|S|S| |T|L|O|O|J}}
{{pfrow|Z|T|S|S| |I|L|O|O|J}}
{{pfrow|T|T|T|S| |I|L|L|J|J}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| |G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| |G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| |G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfend}}
{{pfend}}
Line clear
|{{pfstart}}
|{{pfstart}}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | |G|I| | | | }}
{{pfrow|S| | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | |G|I| | | | }}
{{pfrow|S|S| |Z| | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | |G|I| | | | }}
{{pfrow|S|S|Z|Z| | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | |G|I| | | | }}
{{pfrow|S|S|Z|Z| | |J|J|L|L}}
{{pfrow|T|S|Z|Z| | |J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|T|T|Z|T| | |J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|T|Z|T|T| | |J|J|L|L}}
{{pfrow|Z|Z|S|T| |T|J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|Z|Z|S|S| |T|L|O|O|J}}
{{pfrow|Z|T|S|S| |I|L|O|O|J}}
{{pfrow|T|T|T|S| |I|L|L|J|J}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| |G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| |G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| |G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfend}}
{{pfend}}
Now we have room<br>for S and Z
|}
|}


If the LJO heap becomes too high, the player can borrow two J tetrominoes to clear single lines in columns 5 and 6 in the same manner as the Ts. Playing two rounds this way grows the left side by 6 rows (as usual), the right side by 4 rows, and the center by 8 rows.


== Balancing the Stacks ==
Since the loops have a cycle of 4, 1, and 2 bags respectively, after playing 4 bags they will all be flat. However, the I loop will have only placed 8 rows compared to the 12 rows placed by both the STZ and LJO loops.
{|
{|
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
|{{pfstart}}
|{{pfstart}}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|S| | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|S|S| |Z| | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|S|S|Z|Z| | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|S|S|Z|Z| | |J|J|L|L}}
{{pfrow|T|S|Z|Z| | |J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|T|T|Z|T| | |J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|T|Z|T|T| | |J|J|L|L}}
{{pfrow|Z|Z|S|T| |T|J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|Z|Z|S|S| |T|L|O|O|J}}
{{pfrow|Z|T|S|S| |I|L|O|O|J}}
{{pfrow|T|T|T|S| |I|L|L|J|J}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| |G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| |G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| |G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfend}}
Right pile is<br>getting big
|{{pfstart}}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|S| | | | | |L| | | }}
{{pfrow|S|S| |Z| | |L| |O|O}}
{{pfrow|S|S|Z|Z| | |L|L|O|O}}
{{pfrow|S|S|Z|Z| | |J|J|L|L}}
{{pfrow|T|S|Z|Z| | |J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|T|T|Z|T| | |J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|T|Z|T|T| | |J|J|L|L}}
{{pfrow|Z|Z|S|T| |T|J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|Z|Z|S|S| |T|L|O|O|J}}
{{pfrow|Z|T|S|S| |I|L|O|O|J}}
{{pfrow|T|T|T|S| |I|L|L|J|J}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| |G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| |G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| |G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfend}}
Drop L and O
|{{pfstart}}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|S| | | | | |L| | | }}
{{pfrow|S|S| |Z| | |L| |O|O}}
{{pfrow|S|S|Z|Z| | |L|L|O|O}}
{{pfrow|S|S|Z|Z| | |J|J|L|L}}
{{pfrow|T|S|Z|Z| |J|J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|T|T|Z|T| |J|J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|T|Z|T|T|J|J|J|J|L|L}}
{{pfrow|Z|Z|S|T| |T|J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|Z|Z|S|S| |T|L|O|O|J}}
{{pfrow|Z|T|S|S| |I|L|O|O|J}}
{{pfrow|T|T|T|S| |I|L|L|J|J}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| |G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| |G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| |G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfend}}
Drop J
|{{pfstart}}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|S| | | | | |L| | | }}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| | |G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|S|S| |Z| | |L| |O|O}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| | |G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|S|S|Z|Z| | |L|L|O|O}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| | |G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|S|S|Z|Z| | |J|J|L|L}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| | |G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|T|S|Z|Z| |J|J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G|G|G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|T|T|Z|T| |J|J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G|G|G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G|G|G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|Z|Z|S|T| |T|J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G|G|G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|Z|Z|S|S| |T|L|O|O|J}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G|G|G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|Z|T|S|S| |I|L|O|O|J}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G|G|G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|T|T|T|S| |I|L|L|J|J}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G|G|G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| |G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G|G|G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| |G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| |G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfend}}
{{pfend}}
Line clear
The rows stacked <br> after 4 bags.
|- valign="top"
|{{pfstart}}
|{{pfstart}}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|S| | | | | |L| | | }}
{{pfrow|S|S| |Z| | |L| |O|O}}
{{pfrow|S|S|Z|Z| | |L|L|O|O}}
{{pfrow|S|S|Z|Z| | |J|J|L|L}}
{{pfrow|T|S|Z|Z| |J|J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|T|T|Z|T| |J|J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|Z|Z|S|T| |T|J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|Z|Z|S|S| |T|L|O|O|J}}
{{pfrow|Z|T|S|S| |I|L|O|O|J}}
{{pfrow|T|T|T|S|I|I|L|L|J|J}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G|I|G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G|I|G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G|I|G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfend}}
At the end of<br>this bag: an I
|{{pfstart}}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|S| | | | | |L| | | }}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| | |G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|S|S| |Z| | |L| |O|O}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| | |G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|S|S|Z|Z| | |L|L|O|O}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| | |G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|S|S|Z|Z| | |J|J|L|L}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| | |G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|T|S|Z|Z| |J|J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|T|T|Z|T| |J|J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|Z|Z|S|T| |T|J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|Z|Z|S|S| |T|L|O|O|J}}
{{pfrow|Z|T|S|S| |I|L|O|O|J}}
{{pfrow|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-}}
{{pfrow|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-}}
{{pfrow|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-}}
{{pfrow|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-}}
{{pfrow|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-}}
{{pfrow|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-}}
{{pfrow|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-}}
{{pfrow|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-}}
{{pfend}}
Tetris!
|{{pfstart}}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | |T| | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|S| |T|T| | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|S|S|T|Z| | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|S|S|Z|Z| | |L| | | }}
{{pfrow|S|S|Z|Z| | |L| |O|O}}
{{pfrow|S|S|Z|Z| | |L|L|O|O}}
{{pfrow|S|S|Z|Z| | |J|J|L|L}}
{{pfrow|T|S|Z|Z| |J|J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|T|T|Z|T| |J|J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|Z|Z|S|T| |T|J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|Z|Z|S|S| |T|L|O|O|J}}
{{pfrow|Z|T|S|S| |I|L|O|O|J}}
{{pfend}}
Drop S, Z,<br>and T
|{{pfstart}}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | |T| | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|S| |T|T| | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|S|S|T|Z| | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|S|S|Z|Z| | |L| | | }}
{{pfrow|S|S|Z|Z| | |L| |O|O}}
{{pfrow|S|S|Z|Z| | |L|L|O|O}}
{{pfrow|S|S|Z|Z| | |J|J|L|L}}
{{pfrow|T|S|Z|Z| |J|J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|T|T|Z|T|I|J|J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|Z|Z|S|T|I|T|J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|Z|Z|S|S|I|T|L|O|O|J}}
{{pfrow|Z|T|S|S|I|I|L|O|O|J}}
{{pfend}}
Drop I
|- valign="top"
|{{pfstart}}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | |T| | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|S| |T|T| | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|S|S|T|Z| | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|S|S|Z|Z| | |L| | | }}
{{pfrow|S|S|Z|Z| | |L| |O|O}}
{{pfrow|S|S|Z|Z| | |L|L|O|O}}
{{pfrow|S|S|Z|Z| | |J|J|L|L}}
{{pfrow|T|S|Z|Z| |J|J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-}}
{{pfrow|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-}}
{{pfrow|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-}}
{{pfrow|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-}}
Line 472: Line 156:
{{pfrow|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-}}
{{pfrow|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-}}
{{pfend}}
{{pfend}}
Another tetris!
Though of course, <br> lines have cleared.
|{{pfstart}}
|{{pfstart}}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
Line 481: Line 165:
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | |T| | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|S| |T|T| | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|S|S|T|Z| | |L|L|O|O}}
{{pfrow|S|S|Z|Z| | |L|L|O|O}}
{{pfrow|S|S|Z|Z| | |L|L|O|O}}
{{pfrow|S|S|Z|Z| | |L|L|O|O}}
{{pfrow|S|S|Z|Z| | |J|J|L|L}}
{{pfrow|T|S|Z|Z| |J|J|O|O|L}}
{{pfend}}
Flatten right pile<br>
with L and O
|{{pfstart}}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| | |G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| | |G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| | |G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| | |G|G|G|G}}
{{pfend}}
Leaving us with a <br> surplus.
|}
In order to offset this balance, it is necessary to change strategy. Continue to do the standard STZ loop, while using the following LO and IJ loops.
=== The L, O piece loop ===
This pattern loops after a 2 bags of pieces. Order is not important, and therefore neither Hold nor piece previews are strictly required for it.
{|
|{{pfstart}}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | |L| }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | |O|O|L| }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | |O|O|L|L}}
{{pfend}}
|{{pfstart}}
{{pfrow| | | | | | |O|O|L|L}}
{{pfrow| | | | | | |O|O|G|L}}
{{pfrow| | | | | | |G|G|G|L}}
{{pfrow| | | | | | |G|G|G|G}}
{{pfend}}
|}
=== The I, J piece loop ===
This pattern loops after 2 bags of pieces. Order is not important, and therefore neither Hold nor piece previews are strictly required for it.
{|
|- valign="top"
|{{pfstart}}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | |T| | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| | |G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|S| |T|T| | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| |I|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|S|S|T|Z| | |L|L|O|O}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| |I|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|S|S|Z|Z| | |L|L|O|O}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| |I|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|S|S|Z|Z| |J|L|L|O|O}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| |I|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|S|S|Z|Z| |J|L|L|O|O}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| |J|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|S|S|Z|Z|J|J|J|J|L|L}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G| |J|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|T|S|Z|Z| |J|J|O|O|L}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G|J|J|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfend}}
{{pfend}}
J down the middle<br>
finishes this bag
|{{pfstart}}
|{{pfstart}}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G|J|J|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G|J|G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G|J|G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G|I|G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G|I|G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow| | |T| | | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G|I|G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|S| |T|T| | | | | | }}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G|I|G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|S|S|T|Z| | |L|L|O|O}}
{{pfrow|G|G|G|G|G|G|G|G|G|G}}
{{pfrow|S|S|Z|Z| | |L|L|O|O}}
{{pfrow|S|S|Z|Z| |J|L|L|O|O}}
{{pfrow|S|S|Z|Z| |J|L|L|O|O}}
{{pfrow|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-}}
{{pfrow|T|S|Z|Z| |J|J|O|O|L}}
{{pfend}}
{{pfend}}
Line clear
|}
|}


If the heights of columns 5 and 6 differ by more than four cells, which often happens after a player reduces the side heaps by clearing singles, place an I tetromino in column 5.
Because of line clears, the order is not very important. Even if you place pieces in the opposite order than what is shown, the net change in screen geometry will be the same.
 
=== Putting it all together ===
If you play the standard method for 12 bags, the balancing method for 4 bags, and finally the reverse balancing method (with LO on the left and STZ on the right), then you will clear the entire screen allowing you to start over again and play indefinitely. Simple arithmetic will show this:
 
Building with the standard pattern for 12 bags contributes stack heights of:
36, 24, 36
 
Building with the balancing pattern for 4 bags contributes stack heights of:
12, 16, 8
 
Building the balancing pattern for 4 bags, swapping the location of the STZ and LO loops, contributes stack heights of:
8, 16, 12
 
Adding these all together gives you:
56, 56, 56
 
So playing this method will clear the screen every 20 bags, or 140 pieces, after clearing 56 lines.


== Open questions ==
== Open questions ==
Adapting this method to the following situations is left as an exercise for the reader:
Adapting this method to the following situations is left as an exercise for the reader:
*All tetris line clears
*High [[Drop#Gravity|gravity]]
*High [[Drop#Gravity|gravity]]
*No [[hold piece]]
*No [[hold piece]]
*[[Garbage]]
*No [[piece previews]]
*14-piece bag randomizer
*14-piece bag randomizer
*[[TGM randomizer]]


== See also ==
== See also ==

Revision as of 04:30, 25 June 2007

The following outlines a method of playing forever given the following conditions:

Standard Procedure

The general method is achieved by dividing the screen into self contained sections as shown below. Specifically, the 4 left columns, the 4 right columns, and the 2 middle columns will be treated as distinct regions, with specific pieces assigned exclusively to each region. Because the random generator provides strings of bags containing each of the 7 pieces in a random order, it is possible to construct a strategy around the relatively small variation, with looping patterns.

S, T, and Z will be placed to the left, L, J, and O will be placed to the right, and I pieces will fill the middle.

Tet.pngZTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngITet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
ZZSTet.pngTet.pngILOOJ
ZTSSTet.pngILOOJ
TTTSTet.pngILLJJ

The S, T, and Z piece loop

This pattern loops after 4 bags of pieces. Depending on the order of the pieces for each bag, you may need to use Hold to force a piece to come last. Piece previews are technically not required to play this pattern.

The Z piece must drop last, so use Hold to change the order if necessary:

Tet.pngZTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
ZZSTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
ZTSSTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
TTTSTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
GGGGTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png

The T piece must drop last, so use Hold to change the order if necessary:

Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
Tet.pngZTTTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
ZZSTTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
ZGSSTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
GGGSTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png

The S piece must drop last, so use Hold to change the order if necessary:

STet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
SSTet.pngZTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
TSZZTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
TTZGTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
TGGGTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png

The S piece must drop last, so use Hold to change the order if necessary:

Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
STTTTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
SSTZTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
GSZZTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
GGZGTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png

The L, J, and O piece loop

This pattern loops after a single bag of pieces. Depending on the order of the pieces, you will need to use a different construction. 5 piece previews are required to play this pattern, because in the worst case scenario you will need to see the first 6 pieces (active piece + 5 piece previews) in order to determine whether the O piece is coming last.

O piece first:

Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngJJLL
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngJOOL
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngJOOL

O piece last:

Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngLOOJ
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngLOOJ
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngLLJJ

JO pieces first: (mirror for LO first)

Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngJJTet.pngTet.png
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngJTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngJTet.pngTet.pngTet.png

Drop J

Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngJJTet.pngTet.png
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngJTet.pngOO
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngJTet.pngOO

Soft-drop O

Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngJJTet.pngTet.png
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngJOOTet.png
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngJOOTet.png

Slide O

Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngJJLL
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngJOOL
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngJOOL

Drop L

The I piece loop

This pattern loops every 2 bags. No use of Hold or piece previews is required. The player must simply alternate putting the I tetromino in columns 5 and 6 to reap tetrises.

Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngITet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngITet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngITet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngITet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngGITet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngGITet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngGITet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngGITet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png


Balancing the Stacks

Since the loops have a cycle of 4, 1, and 2 bags respectively, after playing 4 bags they will all be flat. However, the I loop will have only placed 8 rows compared to the 12 rows placed by both the STZ and LJO loops.

Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
GGGGTet.pngTet.pngGGGG
GGGGTet.pngTet.pngGGGG
GGGGTet.pngTet.pngGGGG
GGGGTet.pngTet.pngGGGG
GGGGGGGGGG
GGGGGGGGGG
GGGGGGGGGG
GGGGGGGGGG
GGGGGGGGGG
GGGGGGGGGG
GGGGGGGGGG
GGGGGGGGGG

The rows stacked
after 4 bags.

Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
GGGGTet.pngTet.pngGGGG
GGGGTet.pngTet.pngGGGG
GGGGTet.pngTet.pngGGGG
GGGGTet.pngTet.pngGGGG
----------
----------
----------
----------
----------
----------
----------
----------

Though of course,
lines have cleared.

Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
GGGGTet.pngTet.pngGGGG
GGGGTet.pngTet.pngGGGG
GGGGTet.pngTet.pngGGGG
GGGGTet.pngTet.pngGGGG

Leaving us with a
surplus.

In order to offset this balance, it is necessary to change strategy. Continue to do the standard STZ loop, while using the following LO and IJ loops.

The L, O piece loop

This pattern loops after a 2 bags of pieces. Order is not important, and therefore neither Hold nor piece previews are strictly required for it.

Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngLTet.png
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngOOLTet.png
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngOOLL
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngOOLL
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngOOGL
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngGGGL
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngGGGG

The I, J piece loop

This pattern loops after 2 bags of pieces. Order is not important, and therefore neither Hold nor piece previews are strictly required for it.

Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
GGGGTet.pngTet.pngGGGG
GGGGTet.pngIGGGG
GGGGTet.pngIGGGG
GGGGTet.pngIGGGG
GGGGTet.pngIGGGG
GGGGTet.pngJGGGG
GGGGTet.pngJGGGG
GGGGJJGGGG
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
Tet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.pngTet.png
GGGGJJGGGG
GGGGJGGGGG
GGGGJGGGGG
GGGGIGGGGG
GGGGIGGGGG
GGGGIGGGGG
GGGGIGGGGG
GGGGGGGGGG

Because of line clears, the order is not very important. Even if you place pieces in the opposite order than what is shown, the net change in screen geometry will be the same.

Putting it all together

If you play the standard method for 12 bags, the balancing method for 4 bags, and finally the reverse balancing method (with LO on the left and STZ on the right), then you will clear the entire screen allowing you to start over again and play indefinitely. Simple arithmetic will show this:

Building with the standard pattern for 12 bags contributes stack heights of: 36, 24, 36

Building with the balancing pattern for 4 bags contributes stack heights of: 12, 16, 8

Building the balancing pattern for 4 bags, swapping the location of the STZ and LO loops, contributes stack heights of: 8, 16, 12

Adding these all together gives you: 56, 56, 56

So playing this method will clear the screen every 20 bags, or 140 pieces, after clearing 56 lines.

Open questions

Adapting this method to the following situations is left as an exercise for the reader:

See also

  • ST stacking, a method of making back-to-back T-spin doubles