View Full Version : I'm currently your newest member and I need your guidance!
Hi everyone! I'm so glad I found this forum and its awesome wiki!
About a month ago a friend of mine bought tetris ds and was like this is so much fun. At first I didn't really understand why, but then he lent me some ds games and tetris ds was one of them. Before I knew I was totally absorbed into the game and it didn't take long before I got my own copy. For weeks only improving my tetris ds points was on my mind and as I got better I was interested to know where I stood and quite honestly I was shocked to see I was nowhere (cyberscore.net and this site made me realize that). Reading some basic entries in your wiki helped me improve my tetris points from about 16000 to my current score of 21449 and I'm still trying to figure out how I can get better. I haven't really played wifi yet because I'm still waiting for the WFC I've ordered to play the game online.
Also shocking was the fact that infinity seems to have "broken" the game. So I decided to play the games that made tetris great.
Recently I found out about t-spins which I haven't tried to master yet and which seems very difficult. But they seem to be a key part in the recent tetris versions.
I've been playing different versions to improve my game. Most of the tetris versions I've played are from Nintendo on handheld:
Tetris
Tetris DX
Magical Tetris Challenge
Tetris Advance (Can someone share his/her 2 minute score attack score for reference, because I can't to seem to find anything about it on the net)
I've also played the homebrew ds version of Lock Jaw which is phantastic. The level of customization is awesome. My current 180 seconds score is 26400 and my current 40 lines score is 1:28:38. My tpm is between 55 and 70 most of the time. I'm at my best when I'm in some sort of trance where I feel almost one with the game... I'll try to upload the pictures I've taken of my personal records later. I read that I needed to copy a txt file but I didn't know how to do it on the ds version so I took pictures.
Currently I'm working on my speed and stacking and have more than enough trouble getting better. My strategy at the moment is to stack on the left side and use an opening on the far right for tetrises.
I came here to ask you on how a noob like myself could improve his game. My questions:
1. Which stacking method(s) should I try to master? Should I keep using SRS or is mastering ARS or something else essential?
2. How do I get used to t-spins. Any stacking method(s) I should try to master?
3. Which tetris versions are the best to play and what options to use?
4. Do you play with keyboard or gamepad on pc or are there any other ways like an arcade stick? I found it very hard to play Lock Jaw on pc with my keyboard. Maybe it's because I'm used to playing on handhelds.
5. Any other valuable tips you can give? Maybe there is a thread somewhere with all the information I need?
6. Also how do I post pictures of my highscores? Do I need to send them to someone?
I'm looking forward to improve my game!
Thanks in advance for your guidance!
lee n
04-18-2008, 02:54 PM
Welcome to the forum.
1. Which stacking method(s) should I try to master? Should I keep using SRS or is mastering ARS or something else essential?
This is something only you can answer.. I think you should stick to whatever's the most fun for you to play.
2. How do I get used to t-spins. Any stacking method(s) I should try to master?
There are plenty of setups to take advanage of T-spins, one of the more frequently used is the ST-stacking setup that can be seen here:
http://www.tetrisconcept.com/wiki/index ... T_stacking (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=ST_stacking)
But I think you should focus on recognizing T-spin opportunities at first before you go out of your way to create them.. it'll probably only slow you down until you're really good at it.
3. Which tetris versions are the best to play and what options to use?
Again, this is something that's up to you - what do you want to play? Do you want to focus on the rules from a single game or do you want to play many different types of rule sets?
4. Do you play with keyboard or gamepad on pc or are there any other ways like an arcade stick? I found it very hard to play Lock Jaw on pc with my keyboard. Maybe it's because I'm used to playing on handhelds.
I (and many others here on TC) play with an arcade stick (http://nihon.se/vshg.jpg).. it makes the most sense to me since I pretty much exclusively play arika style tetris nowadays, and the TGM series were developed with arcade controls in mind.
5. Any other valuable tips you can give? Maybe there is a thread somewhere with all the information I need?
Read, watch the masters, don't be afraid of asking questions (even if they do seem like stupid questions) - and generally just play a lot. Also, don't be disheartened if you find that you're playing really bad at times - you will still get better with time.
6. Also how do I post pictures of my highscores? Do I need to send them to someone?
A screenshot or a photo (if you're playing on hardware where you can't take screenshots) should do it.
1. Which stacking method(s) should I try to master? Should I keep using SRS or is mastering ARS or something else essential?
If you think this video is awesome and you want to aim to become this great, I suggest ARS:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwC544Z37qo
I am an ARS player myself. But The Tetris Company is currently killing ARS. (ARS is allowing players to become too good I guess)
SRS is the future, and T-Spins is the way to go.
There is possibly other Tetris games on their way, so the future is not set. You made a good choice coming here. You are welcome to stay http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif
Amnesia
04-18-2008, 04:12 PM
1. Which stacking method(s) should I try to master? Should I keep using SRS or is mastering ARS or something else essential?
--> The left construction with tetris on the right seems to be the best..Don't forget to think with : "stability, security, max opening"
If you feel fine with SRS (from your DS experience) continu on this way..There is no particular domination of one here..Both system are represented by lot of strong player here, and over the world..
But the best system existing on the earth, and which is not official, is the DRS, present in Heboris and DTET..
2. How do I get used to t-spins. Any stacking method(s) I should try to master?
--> http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif ? I could answer : PRACTICE
3. Which tetris versions are the best to play and what options to use?
--> I recommand you to find and install an advanced version of Heboris, in one game, you will have almost every main modes and options available.
4. Do you play with keyboard or gamepad on pc or are there any other ways like an arcade stick? I found it very hard to play Lock Jaw on pc with my keyboard. Maybe it's because I'm used to playing on handhelds.
--> Fastest players here play on a keyboard, but in Japan, the world fastest players play on a joystick..Develop the one where you are the most confident.
5. Any other valuable tips you can give? Maybe there is a thread somewhere with all the information I need?
--> Tetris is a big univers..Even today I continu to learn from here and by my own experience, a lot of new information..Try to ask some more accurate questions..step by step..
6. Also how do I post pictures of my highscores? Do I need to send them to someone?
--> In the record thread, there is around 20 different leaderboards..
In every case a picture is recommanded..And we also appreciate videos..
use this adress if you don't know it :
http://imageshack.us/ (http://imageshack.us/default.htm)
I'll keep it short know because I'm still at school...
Thank you everyone for your support and advice!
I'll try to read the wiki asap. Also I'll be experimenting the next couple of weeks to see which tetris version and system suit me best. I'll be spending some time trying out the programs in the records forum and post my personal records too.
And yes I've seen the Arika movies on youtube. It's when I saw a Japanese guy playing during the credits without actually being able to see the tetrominoes that I got discouraged a while ago. I still can't comprehend it. That was truly a shock and that's when I realized how "easy" Nintendo has made tetris over the years. Okay there is still the t-spin challenge for those that are interested, but still...
In the 40 lines challenge of lj do you aim to make as much tetrises or do you just focus on clearing singles and/or doubles? I guess in the 180 seconds challenge one must try to create as much tetrises as possible. I'll try to ask specific questions in the lj records thread later. Anyone playing lj on DS and getting impressive scores?
My main problem as I see it know is my tpm which is pretty low compared to the pros over here. How on earth will I get used to such high speed? Is it even possible to get 150 tpm or more on a ds?
Also I feel my way of stacking is inferior and playing without ghost is not very easy either. I'll keep practicing and make sure to ask more specific questions in the near future.
I still have a question concerning the controls. Can anyone recommend a good arcade stick for the pc?
Right now I'm up for the challenge to get there with the pros. So let's hope it stays that way.
colour_thief
04-18-2008, 07:47 PM
6. Also how do I post pictures of my highscores? Do I need to send them to someone?
--> In the record thread, there is around 20 different leaderboards..
In every case a picture is recommanded..And we also appreciate videos..
Just to add to this, we're generally easy-going and work on the honour system, so don't worry about proof too much.
Ai: Welcome! As for sticks, the Virtua Stick High Grade ( VSHG ) and Hori Real Arcade Pro 3 ( HRAP3 ) are both very good, popular choices.
...I've seen the Akira movies on youtube. It's when I saw a Japanese guy playing during the credits without actually being able to see the tetrominoes that I got discouraged a while ago. I still can't comprehend it....memorization. even I suck at that, and I end up hyperfocusing as it is. (maybe my ADHD is getting in the way...)
jujube
04-18-2008, 10:34 PM
...I've seen the Akira movies on youtube. It's when I saw a Japanese guy playing during the credits without actually being able to see the tetrominoes that I got discouraged a while ago. I still can't comprehend it....memorization. even I suck at that, and I end up hyperfocusing as it is. (maybe my ADHD is getting in the way...)
it doesn't take having ADHD to be bad at the invisible roll http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif it is hard.
--> The left construction with tetris on the right seems to be the best..Don't forget to think with : "stability, security, max opening"
So basically the way I was stacking was one of the better ways? So I don't need to change my way of playing if making tetrises is my main focus? Basically I only need to adapt my current strategy when I want to use t-spins or at ultra high speeds. Can you please elaborate on the last part about "stability, security, max opening". Thank you!
6. Also how do I post pictures of my highscores? Do I need to send them to someone?
--> In the record thread, there is around 20 different leaderboards..
In every case a picture is recommanded..And we also appreciate videos..
Just to add to this, we're generally easy-going and work on the honour system, so don't worry about proof too much.
And you don't have to worry about my abilities yet I'm currently no threat to most of you anyway. ^^
Ai: Welcome! As for sticks, the Virtua Stick High Grade ( VSHG ) and Hori Real Arcade Pro 3 ( HRAP3 ) are both very good, popular choices.
Thank you! It's very much appreciated! I'll be looking for more information later.
I still have 4 quite important questions:
1. Should I stop using the ghost function? Will relying on it prevent me from burning the tetrominoes movements in my mind?
2. This is probably one of my biggest problems and I think I should learn to overcome it soon. So I read that you have to rotate the tetrominoes both clock- and counterclock-wise. Is this really necessary? I can't seem to unlearn this bad habit because I have been playing using one button onlyfor weeks ?
When moving left and having to rotate, use anticlockwise-- inverse for right. The tetromino will need to move once less. (Tetris DS Systems Guide)
Is this what I have to try to master?
3. I need more speed. Do I need to play games at higher speeds in order to obtain a higher tpm? Or is it just a matter of experience with the way of stacking, using as little button presses as possible and instictively knowing where to put the tetrominoes?
4. I also have a hard time at higher speeds to keep an eye on the Next pieces. Do you specifically look at the next pieces when you have time or is it a matter of trying to look and play at the same time? Like widening the amount of space you keep track on with your eyes.
Sorry for my long posts and thank you in advance for any help!
whatever game you play, you need to make full use of the controls. force yourself to use both ccw and cw rotation, and in the case of TGM force yourself to use all 3 when necessary.
as for knowing the next piece: you will start to see the color of the piece in your peripheral vision
--> The left construction with tetris on the right seems to be the best..Don't forget to think with : "stability, security, max opening"
So basically the way I was stacking was one of the better ways? So I don't need to change my way of playing if making tetrises is my main focus? Basically I only need to adapt my current strategy when I want to use t-spins or at ultra high speeds. Can you please elaborate on the last part about "stability, security, max opening". Thank you!I'm not an expert in theoretical strategies (for example, I don't try for T-Spin triples), but I think what he's getting at is "keep it simple, keep it FLAT, and try to leave an opening for potential Tetris's".
...at least, that's my play style. it hasn't quite gotten me Invisible Roll yet, but I can break Torikan on Heboris's #4 Master (Master-Extra) mode regularly. (I haven't touched it in a while, though, since I'm working on my own little Heboris script. [Off-Topic: 2 screenshots coming later today ^-^])
whatever game you play, you need to make full use of the controls. force yourself to use both ccw and cw rotation, and in the case of TGM force yourself to use all 3 when necessary.
I'll make this my first priority! I knew I had to correct the bad habit sooner or later.
I'm not an expert in theoretical strategies (for example, I don't try for T-Spin triples), but I think what he's getting at is "keep it simple, keep it FLAT, and try to leave an opening for potential Tetris's".
...at least, that's my play style. it hasn't quite gotten me Invisible Roll yet, but I can break Torikan on Heboris's #4 Master (Master-Extra) mode regularly. (I haven't touched it in a while, though, since I'm working on my own little Heboris script. [Off-Topic: 2 screenshots coming later today ^-^])So that's what its called Invisible Roll. Interesting. I'll try to keep it simple for now and challenge myself along the way.
Sorry for the flood of questions in my previous posts! ^.^'
no need to apologize, ask away! as for general speed improvement, you must strengthen many related areas.... you must first see understand how to execute every possible move, and then you must be able to select the move from the set of all moves that 1) maintains stability 2) can be performed quickly
this is only a very rough treatment, there is much to say about the topic ;D
Meroigo
04-19-2008, 01:51 AM
Welcome Ai! =) I'm "new" to Tetris too. I'm gonna hijack the thread with something, but it's related to being new to Tetris so maybe you'll experience the same thing... Didn't think it was worth a new thread.
Right now I'm trying to get to level 500 in the mode Special in Texmaster (and being able to get there often). But i suck at keeping myself cool. I die around level 300 +/- 30 levels... I SHOULD be able to control everything at that speed, but the game keeps reminding me (with sounds and speed change) that I'm leveling up and getting nearer a high score, which makes me stress out... And when I do that I press buttons wrong, doesn't think clearly and just messes everything up.
How do the pros in here handle the stress? Is the best tip to prevent this problem by... practicing? Is there a good way to think about the game which makes you not stress out as much? etc... :'<
colour_thief
04-19-2008, 02:01 AM
The only way to get used to stress is habituation. Also, even though new personal bests get all the attention, it's good to be more interested in increasing your average performance. When your goals are long term, you're much less likely to be stressed by any one individual performance.
EIHoppe
04-19-2008, 04:41 AM
Also, it's good to get in the habit of not worrying about the score/grade/level of play every once in a while. I've found that some of my better games are when I play a "let's just play a round or two for the fun of it", and when I finish I usually go "whoa. That was a lot better than I thought it'd be".
In other words, don't forget that Tetris is a game and at some level, you should be having fun while you play. =)
Also, practice will help a lot; though the general ability to deal with anxiety is a big help--even "mundane" things like practicing your public speaking, performing a musical instrument, or other similar stress-inducing situations can help your Tetris ability simply because you can handle the stress better. I know my personal experience with musical performances has greatly helped my general ability to stay cool under pressure.
~EI
kiwibonga
04-19-2008, 07:33 AM
I know my personal experience with musical performances has greatly helped my general ability to stay cool under pressure.
Wait till they match you up against DIGITAL in a tournament. :cries:
no need to apologize, ask away! as for general speed improvement, you must strengthen many related areas.... you must first see understand how to execute every possible move, and then you must be able to select the move from the set of all moves that 1) maintains stability 2) can be performed quickly
this is only a very rough treatment, there is much to say about the topic ;D
Thank you for your contributions hector and everyone else! I'll try to ask more specific questions in the future so as to keep improving. ^_^
Welcome Ai! =) I'm "new" to Tetris too. I'm gonna hijack the thread with something, but it's related to being new to Tetris so maybe you'll experience the same thing... Didn't think it was worth a new thread.
Thank you and welcome too! I have the same problem and this is not just limited to tetris either. Like someone already mentioned I seem to be at my best when I just play for the fun of it without worrying about anything else.
Also for some weird reason I get quite good scores just before sleeping when I'm half asleep...
Welcome Ai! =) I'm "new" to Tetris too. I'm gonna hijack the thread with something, but it's related to being new to Tetris so maybe you'll experience the same thing... Didn't think it was worth a new thread.
Right now I'm trying to get to level 500 in the mode Special in Texmaster (and being able to get there often). But i suck at keeping myself cool. I die around level 300 +/- 30 levels... I SHOULD be able to control everything at that speed, but the game keeps reminding me (with sounds and speed change) that I'm leveling up and getting nearer a high score, which makes me stress out... And when I do that I press buttons wrong, doesn't think clearly and just messes everything up.
How do the pros in here handle the stress? Is the best tip to prevent this problem by... practicing? Is there a good way to think about the game which makes you not stress out as much? etc... :'<
Another Swedish guy. Welcome!
Amnesia
04-19-2008, 02:37 PM
What's happend with swedish people ?
After the France, I think it is the most representated country in Europe..
Pineapple
04-19-2008, 03:06 PM
I've been playing different versions to improve my game. Most of the tetris versions I've played are from Nintendo on handheld:
Tetris
Tetris DX
Magical Tetris Challenge
Tetris Advance (Can someone share his/her 2 minute score attack score for reference, because I can't to seem to find anything about it on the net)
Tetris Advance was only released in Japan, so not many people here will have played it. Magical Tetris Challenge has at least one fan here, mainly due to its alternative approach to multiplayer.
I've also played the homebrew ds version of Lock Jaw which is phantastic. The level of customization is awesome. My current 180 seconds score is 26400 and my current 40 lines score is 1:28:38. My tpm is between 55 and 70 most of the time. I'm at my best when I'm in some sort of trance where I feel almost one with the game... I'll try to upload the pictures I've taken of my personal records later. I read that I needed to copy a txt file but I didn't know how to do it on the ds version so I took pictures.
Finally, someone at around my skill level! http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif Many players seem to do best in that trance-like state, but it can be very hard to get there...
lj-scores.txt is only currently created with the PC version. If you can get a picture of the debrief screen in the GBA or DS versions, then that should be fine.
1. Which stacking method(s) should I try to master? Should I keep using SRS or is mastering ARS or something else essential?
At the very least, you should develop a basic stacking skill with a one-cell column at the side to make tetrises. Most players here recommend stacking "tetris right" with both ARS and SRS. Some games lead to "tetris left" being better. The main deciding factors are the initial spawning positions, and the way that the I tetromino rotates.
Which rotation system you eventually try to master depends on what you will be playing most often. Some people here stick to one rotation system, sometry to develop a "working understanding" of 2 or more.
2. How do I get used to t-spins. Any stacking method(s) I should try to master?
I can't really answer this question, as I don't use them very often, but apart from learning one or more "openings" (similar to the way that some people learn Chess openings), the only real thing you can do is learn to recognise them.
3. Which tetris versions are the best to play and what options to use?
Again, this mostly comes down to preference. There are some settings that you can use to develop specific skills, if you feel that you need it.
4. Do you play with keyboard or gamepad on pc or are there any other ways like an arcade stick? I found it very hard to play Lock Jaw on pc with my keyboard. Maybe it's because I'm used to playing on handhelds.
I personally use a gamepad, as it's what I feel most comfortable with. It may help to reduce "tetlag" if you're used to playing on a handheld. I can play on keyboard, but I generally don't because I find it uncomfortable.
5. Any other valuable tips you can give? Maybe there is a thread somewhere with all the information I need?
Other than reading the entire forum? Sadly, the information tends to be spread out among several threads, and it's not always eaasy to find, even when searching
6. Also how do I post pictures of my highscores? Do I need to send them to someone?
Upload the image somewhere, then post a link to it.
And yes I've seen the Akira movies on youtube. It's when I saw a Japanese guy playing during the credits without actually being able to see the tetrominoes that I got discouraged a while ago. I still can't comprehend it. That was truly a shock and that's when I realized how "easy" Nintendo has made tetris over the years. Okay there is still the t-spin challenge for those that are interested, but still...
The invisible roll is absolutely unforgiving. And it's not Nintendo that has made the most unskilled of beginners feel like experts. That blame lies with some guy called Henk Rogers. He's the person who created infinite spin, SRS, and the "random generator" bag system, and then masterminded the utter failure of Tetris Worlds. Other people can rant at length about this.
In the 40 lines challenge of lj do you aim to make as much tetrises or do you just focus on clearing singles and/or doubles? I guess in the 180 seconds challenge one must try to create as much tetrises as possible. I'll try to ask specific questions in the lj records thread later. Anyone playing lj on DS and getting impressive scores?
Most of the prevailing strategy comes down to the length of the line clear delay. If you're using LJ, then you're likely using a line clear delay of 0, where as oficial games will ahve anywhere from less than half a second (TDX) to 1.5 seconds (Gameboy Tetris). If you're trying to clear a target number of lines as fast as you can, then you want to have as little line clear delay as possible. With a line clear delay of more than about 0.2 seconds, then tetrises will be faster, but with no line clear delay, you just want to make the lines as fast as possible, and try to use as few pieces as possible. 100 is ideal, but anything below 105 is good. For 180 seconds, again, you want to lose as little time as posible to delays. If there was no bonus score for clearing tetrises, then the line clear delay would still dictate that they are a better strategy.
My main problem as I see it know is my tpm which is pretty low compared to the pros over here. How on earth will I get used to such high speed? Is it even possible to get 150 tpm or more on a ds?
With Tetris DS? Definitely not, because its line clear delay is about 0.7 seconds. With no delays and DAS set to as fast as you can handle, then the limit is probably about 120 tpm. The speed merchants around here either use the keyboard for increased kpm, or a stick to reduce the delay between thinking and acting.
Also I feel my way of stacking is inferior and playing without ghost is not very easy either. I'll keep practicing and make sure to ask more specific questions in the near future.
Try doing the "20x9" speedstack, were you ahve to make as solid 20x9 block with an empty tetris hole down the side. You should try to consistently get at least 15 rows done, or all the way if you can. LJ can recognise how well you do at this. Once you can get all the way to the top, then you can try training speed. There is a thread in the records board for it.
I still have a question concerning the controls. Can anyone recommend a good arcade stick for the pc?
VSHG or HRAP3. Assuming that they ever come back into stock at Play-Asia...
1. Should I stop using the ghost function? Will relying on it prevent me from burning the tetrominoes movements in my mind?
This is a tough question to answer. I struggle to play without it, but others here have learnt to not need it.
2. This is probably one of my biggest problems and I think I should learn to overcome it soon. So I read that you have to rotate the tetrominoes both clock- and counterclock-wise. Is this really necessary? I can't seem to unlearn this bad habit because I have been playing using one button only for weeks ?
Weeks? Try years... I'm only just learning to rotate in both directions, and I still rotate the wrong way at times...
3. I need more speed. Do I need to play games at higher speeds in order to obtain a higher tpm? Or is it just a matter of experience with the way of stacking, using as little button presses as possible and instictively knowing where to put the tetrominoes?
Stacking consistency is probably the most important thing. Trying to reduce kpt has been heavily debated in the past, and is probably only worth it if you're usually above 4 kpt. Learning to rotate in both directions will help with this. Training pure speed will likely not help you much until your stacking skill improves.
4. I also have a hard time at higher speeds to keep an eye on the Next pieces. Do you specifically look at the next pieces when you have time or is it a matter of trying to look and play at the same time? Like widening the amount of space you keep track on with your eyes.
It's peripheral vision, combined with using your other senses. The PC version of LJ (a feature that hasn't made it into the handheld versions yet) has piece sounds that tell you what the next piece will be, an idea that was inspired by the TGM series. In both games, the I is very distinctive, so you can plan to leave yourself somewhere useful to put it. In LJ, the O is also distinctive.
Also, it's good to get in the habit of not worrying about the score/grade/level of play every once in a while. I've found that some of my better games are when I play a "let's just play a round or two for the fun of it", and when I finish I usually go "whoa. That was a lot better than I thought it'd be".that was exactly what was going through my mind when I got the "flawless drumming" achievement on Rock Band (hit 100% of the notes on Expert with Drums). figures that it'd be the time AFTER I tried endlessly on 29 Fingers that I'd get it. in short: go with the flow. you'll get better more quickly that way than if you intentionally aim for a certain grade or above.
In other words, don't forget that Tetris is a game and at some level, you should be having fun while you play. =)couldn't agree more.
Also, practice will help a lot; though the general ability to deal with anxiety is a big help--even "mundane" things like [...]performing a musical instrument[...]doesn't count if it's Rock Band (or similar) at home. you're gonna need to be in public for this to help at all. however, playing DDR at arcades might help get over the "anxiety in public" thing.
Also for some weird reason I get quite good scores just before sleeping when I'm half asleep...everyone has their "trigger". mine is exertion, and it's effects are actually quite noticeable when I play DDR at the arcades (if I can keep up long enough).
PetitPrince
04-20-2008, 04:26 AM
Hi there Ai !
1. Should I stop using the ghost function? Will relying on it prevent me from burning the tetrominoes movements in my mind?
I don't think it will hinder your skill progression. If you focus your attention at TGM, you'll eventually play without it, because you de facto won't need it http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif .
2. This is probably one of my biggest problems and I think I should learn to overcome it soon. So I read that you have to rotate the tetrominoes both clock- and counterclock-wise. Is this really necessary?
It is. In multiplayer TDS, it will save you some time, and time is vital. In single player, you'll find that some vital move are unavailable with only one kind of rotation.
3. I need more speed. Do I need to play games at higher speeds in order to obtain a higher tpm? Or is it just a matter of experience with the way of stacking, using as little button presses as possible and instictively knowing where to put the tetrominoes?
TGM games will force you to get a higher TPM.
4. I also have a hard time at higher speeds to keep an eye on the Next pieces. Do you specifically look at the next pieces when you have time or is it a matter of trying to look and play at the same time? Like widening the amount of space you keep track on with your eyes.
Peripheral vision + color recognition.
Try not to recognise every piece at first, but only a few important one (like the I and the T). So whenever a light blue (TDS) / red (TGM) blob of color in your upper screen, you can instantly know you've got an I incoming. After a while, you can extend this technique to other pieces. (okay, that technique sucks with shirase 1000+ where there are no color at all, but we are both nowhere near that level).
2. How do I get used to t-spins. Any stacking method(s) I should try to master?
5. Any other valuable tips you can give? Maybe there is a thread somewhere with all the information I need?
Rosti once wrote a T-Spin guide (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=T-Spin_Guide). Don't try to do T-Spin Triple though: except if you are really an expert, these kind of moves are too time costly to be effective. T-Spin Double are however very good move and you don't have to build crazy setups to have some.
I also wrote a TGM Guide (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=TGM_Guide) aimed toward beginners.
caffeine
04-20-2008, 04:35 AM
1. Should I stop using the ghost function? Will relying on it prevent me from burning the tetrominoes movements in my mind?
I don't think it will hinder your skill progression. If you focus your attention at TGM, you'll eventually play without it, because you de facto won't need it http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif .
Generally this is a misconception. TGM's 20G is the ghost function. =]
Pineapple
04-20-2008, 08:37 AM
4. I also have a hard time at higher speeds to keep an eye on the Next pieces. Do you specifically look at the next pieces when you have time or is it a matter of trying to look and play at the same time? Like widening the amount of space you keep track on with your eyes.
Peripheral vision + color recognition.
Try not to recognise every piece at first, but only a few important one (like the I and the T). So whenever a light blue (TDS) / red (TGM) blob of color in your upper screen, you can instantly know you've got an I incoming. After a while, you can extend this technique to other pieces. (okay, that technique sucks with shirase 1000+ where there are no color at all, but we are both nowhere near that level).
There is one problem with colour recognition, which is why I try not to use it: ARS and SRS ahve fundamentaly colours, and if you are very used to one colour set, changing can cause some misdrops. This is especialy noticeable with ARS and SRS, as the green piece in SRS is the S, but in ARS it's the Z. I actually had to check that before typing it as well...
It's great to see more replies!
Finally, someone at around my skill level! http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif Many players seem to do best in that trance-like state, but it can be very hard to get there...
Thank you for taking your time to post such a detailed reply. And it's to good to see that I'm not the only one having a hard time! ^_-
By the way I played Tetris Worlds for the GBA for a few hours. The game is really bad! Bad concept, irritating music, no highscores, no customization possibilities and the list goes on. On the other hand I was pleasently surprised with the great game that Tetris Advance is.
Right now I really want to see how I fare in games such as TGM, Heboris and the likes, but I'll try to improve a little before I do that. Also thanks for pointing out to use the search function of the forum! I didn't think about that for some reason.
Also I read a few interesting articles concerning Henk Rogers. He clearly doesn't have a good reputation among the tetris fans... And while reading about him I stumbled on this hilarious video from GameSpot on how tetris has been broken since they introduced infinite spin in Tetris Worlds. LOL!
Rosti once wrote a T-Spin guide (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=T-Spin_Guide). Don't try to do T-Spin Triple though: except if you are really an expert, these kind of moves are too time costly to be effective. T-Spin Double are however very good move and you don't have to build crazy setups to have some.
I also wrote a TGM Guide (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=TGM_Guide) aimed toward beginners.
Thanks for the links. As far as I know I only have t-spin singles occasionaly and most of the time purely accidental.
Right know I'm focusing on rotating with 2 buttons and upping my overal game. When that's gotten a little better I'll look into t-spin doubles. And TGM looks like a fascinating game series that I will be playing in the near future.
colour_thief
04-20-2008, 08:57 PM
2. This is probably one of my biggest problems and I think I should learn to overcome it soon. So I read that you have to rotate the tetrominoes both clock- and counterclock-wise. Is this really necessary? I can't seem to unlearn this bad habit because I have been playing using one button only for weeks ?
Weeks? Try years... I'm only just learning to rotate in both directions, and I still rotate the wrong way at times...
I've been playing some Octomania (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWcB5-cpWkw) recently. This puzzle game doesn't even have falling pieces, but it does use a rotate mechanic. I was immediately able to rotate in both directions, so it seems in some way that this is a general skill that can carry seamlessly to many games.
EIHoppe
04-20-2008, 09:23 PM
2. This is probably one of my biggest problems and I think I should learn to overcome it soon. So I read that you have to rotate the tetrominoes both clock- and counterclock-wise. Is this really necessary? I can't seem to unlearn this bad habit because I have been playing using one button only for weeks ?
Weeks? Try years... I'm only just learning to rotate in both directions, and I still rotate the wrong way at times...
I've been playing some Octomania (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWcB5-cpWkw) recently. This puzzle game doesn't even have falling pieces, but it does use a rotate mechanic. I was immediately able to rotate in both directions, so it seems in some way that this is a general skill that can carry seamlessly to many games.
Agreed, but that doesn't mean that you'll be able to carry it seamlessly to many games. =P
For some reason, I can't seem to get used to rotating in both directions in either Puyo Puyo or Lumines...though that might partially be the fault of the control scheme, one of these days I'll have to fix that.
Regardless (and back on topic), it is a vital skill to know for 20G ARS (i.e. TGM/TAP past level 500), so it's a good thing to teach yourself now while you're still learning the ropes. =)
~EI
Pineapple
04-21-2008, 12:42 AM
For some reason, I can't seem to get used to rotating in both directions in either Puyo Puyo or Lumines...though that might partially be the fault of the control scheme, one of these days I'll have to fix that.
For Lumines, I find that control type B (X and square CCW, O and triangle CW) is the best one to use, as the default type A (X and O CW, square and triangle CCW) just feels extremely stupid.
The last few days I've been trying to play with 2 buttons and I'm not yet used to it unfortunately and it's pretty frustrating.
I wanted to ask again if it's really this simple or are there different ways to use both buttons?
When moving left and having to rotate, use anticlockwise-- inverse for right. The tetromino will need to move once less.
(Tetris DS Systems Guide)
It just doesn't feel right to me at the moment, but maybe I just need to get used to it.
Earlier today I managed to get TGM working on Zinc thanks to PetitPrince's links. I managed to last for about 6 to 7 minutes with an old Logitech WingMan Precision gamepad in the few games I played. Playing with the keyboard strains my hands because I'm not used to playing with it anymore. I think the highest rank I obtained was 2 around the 250 mark. At higher speed one clearly can't afford having trouble with the rotating of the tetrominoes. I now have even more respect for those getting a GM rank after experiencing how difficult it really is.
By the way INFINITE SPIN FTL!!!
I'm also pretty curious about the progress one makes. Currently I've been at about the same level for a while. In the beginning making progress wasn't this difficult.
How about you guys? Did it take a lot of hard work and a long time to get were you are now or are you just genuises at the game? Will anyone get at the top with the right amount of hard work? And why are so many Japanese people very good at this game? Those are currently some of the questions I have.
Similar games I've been playing recently are Puyo Puyo, Dr. Mario and Tetris Attack (Panel de Pon). Does being good at this sort of games have any correlation with Tetris?
I'm off to watch some football/soccer now. ^^
colour_thief
04-23-2008, 12:33 AM
I'm also pretty curious about the progress one makes. Currently I've been at about the same level for a while. In the beginning making progress wasn't this difficult.
How about you guys? Did it take a lot of hard work and a long time to get were you are now or are you just genuises at the game? Will anyone get at the top with the right amount of hard work? And why are so many Japanese people very good at this game? Those are currently some of the questions I have.
Similar games I've been playing recently are Puyo Puyo, Dr. Mario and Tetris Attack (Panel de Pon). Does being good at this sort of games have any correlation with Tetris?
Nobody is simply a genius at the game. All the best players work for it. It comes easier for some than for others, but nobody gets a free ride. And yes, I think just about anyone can, say, get Death GM with enough practice. There are a lot of good Japanese people at this game, because arcades are dead in the rest of the world... Japan has a lot of motivated players, within close proximity, playing Tetris in arcades for many years now. It's really an atmosphere that promotes growth and skill development. We do what we can with TC, but it's really hard to compare to their Tetris culture.
Oh, and I'm afraid skill doesn't carry over all that much between puzzle games. I play a lot of puzzle games, and I find certain basic things carry over... stuff like rotating both directions, general chain pattern recognition, and DAS techniques. But that stuff will only give you a slight advantage starting out. To get skilled at other puzzle games requires a prolonged experience with them.
The last few days I've been trying to play with 2 buttons and I'm not yet used to it unfortunately and it's pretty frustrating.
Fastest way to get used to bidirectional rotations is to practice 20G. In TGM1/TAP it's a code you can enter (press down 8 times, followed by C, B, A at the title screen), in Heboris it's a separate game mode. It's sink or swim, so you'll pick it up pretty quickly. You might also want to practice using the third rotation button, because learning it later is much more difficult.
By the way INFINITE SPIN FTL!!!
Infinity has its place in Tetris gameplay. Quite a few players here have mastered 20G and Death mode by first playing with infinite lock delay, to get an idea of what is and isn't possible when pieces drop to the floor instantly. It's a quite useful training tool, but not being able to turn infinity off in a game (any guideline game other than the TGM series) severely breaks gameplay for skilled players, as it leaves little challenge.
I'm also pretty curious about the progress one makes. Currently I've been at about the same level for a while. In the beginning making progress wasn't this difficult.
It's normal for the learning process to stall periodically. Sometimes there is something which stops you from improving, or you might have to shift your focus to gain progress again. I'm about at the same level as Lardarse (maybe a bit higher, I think I have more hours clocked in on Death mode), and a while ago I was at a point where it seemed like I wasn't making any progress in Master mode, around the level 500 mark (we all experience this in the beginning). I shifted my focus to Death mode, and started practicing 20G pyramid building. I am much tidier in 20G stacking now, but I still don't fully make use of overhangs, and my lack of double rotations (IRS, and rotate again to move a piece onto its flat side (SRS orientation), to ease pyramid traversing and keep it from getting stuck in holes), and rotate it into place once the destination has been reached) are stifling my progress. So I will have to move onto that next. I've started to practice the Shirase 1300 roll as well, to force myself to use the C-rotation (at level 1300, a double tap A-rotation will simply lock the piece before you can rotate a second time). I wouldn't recommend the BIG roll to most beginners though, you need significant time to understand BIG mode before you can attempt this insane mode.
Anyway, moral of the story, yes it's normal to get stuck in progress, as long as it doesn't last several weeks you should be fine. http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif
Pineapple
04-23-2008, 03:37 AM
I'm about at the same level as Lardarse (maybe a bit higher, I think I have more hours clocked in on Death mode)
Given that I have spent less than hour playing Death mode, having more hours clocked isn't saying much.
Personally, I am not ready to consider te TGM serioes until I can get 90 tpm. I'm currently only at 70...
Ex_Mosquito
04-23-2008, 03:57 AM
It just doesn't feel right to me at the moment, but maybe I just need to get used to it.
Earlier today I managed to get TGM working on Zinc thanks to PetitPrince's links. I managed to last for about 6 to 7 minutes with an old Logitech WingMan Precision gamepad in the few games I played. Playing with the keyboard strains my hands because I'm not used to playing with it anymore. I think the highest rank I obtained was 2 around the 250 mark. At higher speed one clearly can't afford having trouble with the rotating of the tetrominoes. I now have even more respect for those getting a GM rank after experiencing how difficult it really is.
By the way INFINITE SPIN FTL!!!
I'm also pretty curious about the progress one makes. Currently I've been at about the same level for a while. In the beginning making progress wasn't this difficult.
Hi Ai.
I started playing Tetris with TGM1. Id had about 20 goes on the gameboy version in the early 90's but i never really enjoyed the game. I got inspired to start playing by watching the Arika finals TAP death mode vid on the net, it looked so much more fun!
I felt progress was slow for me. I used to play alot of 2D Shooters and I was used to having consistant patterns to learn and I always knew what was coming and i could plan head, but the random improvisation needed to play Tetris was something i wasnt used to. After the first few weeks I was getting to level 300-400 pretty consistantly but the sub-20G kept killing me, i just couldnt handle the speed. From then on I practiced in 20G mode using the code and just practiced and practiced at it. On and off it took me just over a year to get GM rank. I had weeks when i would make absolutely no progress at all no matter how much I tried. I nearly gave up and quite few times, but I really wanted to get good at Tetris and I wanted that Gm rank so badly I just stuck with it.
Kitaru
04-23-2008, 04:43 AM
It's a quite useful training tool, but not being able to turn infinity off in a game (any guideline game other than the TGM series) severely breaks gameplay for skilled players, as it leaves little challenge.
You forgot about (read: probably didn't hear about the option to change lock delay from Infinity to Classic in) Tetris: New Century!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkmBYjfPXjk
Caithness
04-23-2008, 09:00 AM
To tell you the truth, I think I prefer infinite lock delay to none at all. But a reasonable limit is best, of course.
I’ve been playing TGM earlier today. I got rank 1 at the 270 mark and lasted till 317. When the stack gets too high I’m unable to keep up. You really need to have good reflexes at that point, but unfortunately I lack experience at the moment.
I’ve also been playing around in Heboris UE which seems like a very cool application. A lot of game modes and a very professional design. Texmaster will be next. ^^
Nobody is simply a genius at the game. All the best players work for it. It comes easier for some than for others, but nobody gets a free ride. And yes, I think just about anyone can, say, get Death GM with enough practice. There are a lot of good Japanese people at this game, because arcades are dead in the rest of the world... Japan has a lot of motivated players, within close proximity, playing Tetris in arcades for many years now. It's really an atmosphere that promotes growth and skill development. We do what we can with TC, but it's really hard to compare to their Tetris culture.
I hope I have what it takes to become a lot better. I've made it my goal to achieve the GM rank in TGM in the future. And thanks for explaining why the Japanese are better at tetris. No arcades where I live either. And I finally understand your signature! ^^
Fastest way to get used to bidirectional rotations is to practice 20G. In TGM1/TAP it's a code you can enter (press down 8 times, followed by C, B, A at the title screen), in Heboris it's a separate game mode. It's sink or swim, so you'll pick it up pretty quickly. You might also want to practice using the third rotation button, because learning it later is much more difficult.
Tried 20G in TGM right now and it’s scary. So there also three buttons in TGM? I didn't realize that. Well thanks for pointing that out.
Infinity has its place in Tetris gameplay. Quite a few players here have mastered 20G and Death mode by first playing with infinite lock delay, to get an idea of what is and isn't possible when pieces drop to the floor instantly. It's a quite useful training tool, but not being able to turn infinity off in a game (any guideline game other than the TGM series) severely breaks gameplay for skilled players, as it leaves little challenge.
You’re right the fact that you can’t turn it off is what breaks the tetris game. I think you can turn off infinity in Tetris Advance too!
So I keep reading about TAP, Ti, Death, Master etc. Can I read about the details of each mode somewhere in the wiki or should I just search the forum?
And thanks for those who shared their personal experiences!
So I keep reading about TAP, Ti, Death, Master etc. Can I read about the details of each mode somewhere in the wiki or should I just search the forum?
TGM = Tetris The Grand Master (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=Tetris_The_Grand_Master)
TAP = Tetris The Absolute Plus (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=Tetris_The_Absolute_The_Grand_Mast er_2_PLUS)
Ti = Tetris Terror-Instinct (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=Tetris_The_Grand_Master_3_Terror-Instinct)
20G mode (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=Tetris_The_Grand_Master#Codes) = Maximum gravity
TLS mode (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=Tetris_The_Grand_Master#Codes) = Ghost piece is always on
BIG mode (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=Tetris_The_Grand_Master#Codes) = Pieces are four times as big
Uki mode (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=Tetris_The_Grand_Master#Codes) = Line clears are cheered on by monkeys
Reverse mode (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=Tetris_The_Grand_Master#Codes) = Field is upside-down
Mono mode (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=Tetris_The_Grand_Master#Codes) = Blocks are all greyscale
Normal (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=Tetris_The_Absolute_The_Grand_Mast er_2_PLUS#Normal) = TAP's easy mode
Master (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=Tetris_The_Absolute_The_Grand_Mast er_2_PLUS#Master) = TAP's normal mode
Death (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=Tetris_The_Absolute_The_Grand_Mast er_2_PLUS#T.A._Death) = TAP's hard mode
Doubles (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=Tetris_The_Absolute_The_Grand_Mast er_2_PLUS#Doubles) = TAP's cooperative mode
TGM+ (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=Tetris_The_Absolute_The_Grand_Mast er_2_PLUS#TGM.2B) = TAP's special mode
Easy (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=Tetris_The_Grand_Master_3_Terror-Instinct#Easy) = Ti's easy mode
Master (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=Tetris_The_Grand_Master_3_Terror-Instinct#Master) = Ti's normal mode
Shirase (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=Tetris_The_Grand_Master_3_Terror-Instinct#Shirase) = Ti's hard mode
Sakura (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=Tetris_The_Grand_Master_3_Terror-Instinct#Sakura) = Ti's puzzle mode (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=Tetris_with_Cardcaptor_Sakura_Eter nal_Heart)
So I keep reading about TAP, Ti, Death, Master etc. Can I read about the details of each mode somewhere in the wiki or should I just search the forum?
TGM = Tetris The Grand Master (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=Tetris_The_Grand_Master)
TAP = Tetris The Absolute Plus (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=Tetris_The_Absolute_The_Grand_Mast er_2_PLUS)
Ti = Tetris Terror-Instinct (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=Tetris_The_Grand_Master_3_Terror-Instinct)
20G mode (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=Tetris_The_Grand_Master#Codes) = Maximum gravity
TLS mode (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=Tetris_The_Grand_Master#Codes) = Ghost piece is always on
BIG mode (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=Tetris_The_Grand_Master#Codes) = Pieces are four times as big
Uki mode (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=Tetris_The_Grand_Master#Codes) = Line clears are cheered on by monkeys
Reverse mode (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=Tetris_The_Grand_Master#Codes) = Field is upside-down
Mono mode (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=Tetris_The_Grand_Master#Codes) = Blocks are all greyscale
Normal (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=Tetris_The_Absolute_The_Grand_Mast er_2_PLUS#Normal) = TAP's easy mode
Master (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=Tetris_The_Absolute_The_Grand_Mast er_2_PLUS#Master) = TAP's normal mode
Death (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=Tetris_The_Absolute_The_Grand_Mast er_2_PLUS#T.A._Death) = TAP's hard mode
Doubles (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=Tetris_The_Absolute_The_Grand_Mast er_2_PLUS#Doubles) = TAP's cooperative mode
TGM+ (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=Tetris_The_Absolute_The_Grand_Mast er_2_PLUS#TGM.2B) = TAP's special mode
Easy (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=Tetris_The_Grand_Master_3_Terror-Instinct#Easy) = Ti's easy mode
Master (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=Tetris_The_Grand_Master_3_Terror-Instinct#Master) = Ti's normal mode
Shirase (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=Tetris_The_Grand_Master_3_Terror-Instinct#Shirase) = Ti's hard mode
Sakura (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=Tetris_The_Grand_Master_3_Terror-Instinct#Sakura) = Ti's puzzle mode (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/../wiki/index.php?title=Tetris_with_Cardcaptor_Sakura_Eter nal_Heart)
Nice overview! That is very helpful. And nice sig by the way! O.o
Yokay
04-24-2008, 03:13 AM
Personally, I am not ready to consider te TGM serioes until I can get 90 tpm. I'm currently only at 70...
What do you play to see your tpm?
DIGITAL
04-24-2008, 03:39 AM
Personally, I am not ready to consider te TGM serioes until I can get 90 tpm. I'm currently only at 70...
What do you play to see your tpm?
Lockjaw (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=100&start=945) is a great tool for this purpose. Heboris also keeps track of these stats in certain modes but for most, you'll have to manually calculate the tetrominoes per time.
Zaphod77
04-24-2008, 03:57 AM
To tell you the truth, I think I prefer infinite lock delay to none at all. But a reasonable limit is best, of course.
Tetris New Century, and all of the games that come with it, even original sega arcade tetris, have lock delay. ANd in TNC you can change it to classic, which is step reset.
and TnC gives you stats about your game afterwards too. too bad it's only for JP ps2s (and people with hdloader)
Kitaru
04-24-2008, 04:29 AM
... and people that use swap discs, and people that use memory card exploits, and people that use modchips, etc.
Pineapple
04-24-2008, 07:26 AM
Personally, I am not ready to consider te TGM serioes until I can get 90 tpm. I'm currently only at 70...
What do you play to see your tpm?
Lockjaw 40 lines mode, but I only count completed runs, as I can fast top out at 546tpm...
Hard to believe that it's already been a year since I joined the forum. Just felt like bumping the first thread I created with my first post. ^^
I've come a long way in a year, but I still feel like a tetris noob. Well it's not really surprising with so many quality players around. I'm also far from satisfied with the progress I've made, especially when I see new members overtake me easily in some areas.
Anyway I just wanted to thank everyone for their help and support. I wouldn't have come this far on my own. And if you have some more advice it's always welcome! ^^
jujube
04-18-2009, 03:08 AM
feeling like a noob isn't a bad thing, but you're being modest of course. when you surround yourself with serious tetris players it keeps you from patting yourself on the back and being satisfied with surpassing all of your friends. if i hadn't come to this forum, i would probably be a casual player, satisfied with beating TDS marathon and the level 5 cpu occasionally. now i can, uh, beat level 5 consistently http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif
but the best part about being here is being exposed to all of the tetris variations, with all of the rotation systems and rule sets.
milkolate
04-18-2009, 05:24 AM
But since I'm on the road most of the time, can TDS or some TGM clone for DS be a good substitute for training?
jujube
04-18-2009, 05:30 AM
sure, why not. you have to make the most of your environment. Lockjaw can also be played on DS.
tepples
04-18-2009, 07:22 AM
There are plenty (http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=30989#p30989) of tetromino games for GBA or DS. Probably the closest to TGM series that you can still download is KGM for GBA; Lockjaw's support for TGM behavior is limited.
feeling like a noob isn't a bad thing, but you're being modest of course. when you surround yourself with serious tetris players it keeps you from patting yourself on the back and being satisfied with surpassing all of your friends. if i hadn't come to this forum, i would probably be a casual player, satisfied with beating TDS marathon and the level 5 cpu occasionally. now i can, uh, beat level 5 consistently http://www.tetrisconcept.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif
but the best part about being here is being exposed to all of the tetris variations, with all of the rotation systems and rule sets.
So true. If I hadn't stumbled across this site I would probably have never heard about ARS and TGM and that would have been really sad! Yes, I'm a better player compared to last year, but I remember saying that I would only think of myself as a decent player if I get the GM grade in TGM. And even then I won't be satisfied. ^^
On the SRS front I've been slacking off lately, but I do intend to improve my play in that area as well seeing as almost everyone plays SRS multiplayer Tetris. Maybe I'll finally start t-spin practice in the second half of the year.
I don't really compare myself with my friends as they don't play seriously at all. The few people I persuaded to play the game got intimidated or bored quite fast. They have other priorities unfortunately. Though I do like it when they are blown away by sub 60 seconds 40 lines runs and T.A. Death play. ^^
2009 resolutions:
TGM: GM within 13 minutes
Will be done soon and will try to get sub 12:30 later this year too.
TAP Normal: over 400.000
Done! Will try to get over 450.000 but will be very difficult.
TAP Master: S6
Will be done soon and will probably aim higher. S7 or S8 would be nice.
TAP T.A. Death: over 400
Not worried about this as I know that I can do this quite easily if I don't manual lock all the way.
LJ 40 lines: sub 40 seconds
Not possible! Will aim for a sub 45 seconds time.
LJ 180 seconds: over 45.000
Not possible! Will try to get over 40.000 instead.
But since I'm on the road most of the time, can TDS or some TGM clone for DS be a good substitute for training?
The DS version of Lockjaw is very good for speed training and getting used to the different rotation systems. That's were it all started for me actually as I couldn't get used to playing on keyboard. After a while I mastered using both buttons to rotate the tetrominoes and from there I improved gradually. It was when I got near sub 60 seconds in Lockjaw on DS that I started playing on PC with keyboard rigourously. There is also a TGM clone for DS which is superb as well! It's an excellent practice tool! If you need more details just pm me. You will need a cart to play homebrew applications on your DS though.
If you give us more details on what you wish to accomplish we could give you more specific help.
EDIT:
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