Tackling the Top of the Matrix
Don't give up hope when you're nearing the top of the Matrix. You can still come back and win it all!
When you're playing Tetris, you sometimes feel like there's a million things to pay attention to. You have an eye on the lineup of Tetriminos heading your way, you're holding onto a Tetrimino to get you out of a sticky situation, and you're plotting how to line things up for your next Tetris Line Clear. While all of these are important, there's one ultimate challenge waiting patiently to take you out when you mess up.
You see, the top of the Matrix can be a scary place. Once you get about 4 lines away from the top of the Matrix, fear starts to set in. Your palms get sweaty, you start rotating Tetriminos feverishly, and you're on the edge of losing it! All hope is not lost, though. You can still claw yourself out of danger and stage a comeback victory. To help, we've got a few suggestions to make a win at the top of the Matrix possible.
Remain Calm
Photo Credit: ©Tetris Online
We know it's hard to stay calm when you're up at the top of the Matrix. There's so little room to move around up there, and each Tetrimino dropping in only makes things worse! Freaking out isn't going to help you, though so don’t give up. Just take a deep breath, and focus.
Even when you're at the top of the Matrix, you're still playing the same game of Tetris. While it may be a bit more snug than usual, the objectives are the same. Keep a close eye on what Tetriminos are about to drop in, and work to clear a line wherever possible. As long as you keep at it, you should be able to save yourself from defeat.
Line by Line
When you're about to top out of the Matrix, you get pretty desperate. You're looking for a big move to save the day. Unfortunately, when you're playing in such a dangerous position, a big save likely isn't coming. Instead, you're going to have to hunker down and chip away at your Matrix line by line to make a difference.
As you can see in the video above, there are many ways to clear both single and double lines back-to-back. Using back-to-back combos, you'll also be able to send garbage over to your opponent as you pull away from the top of the Matrix. Remember, don't try to build something in an attempt to clear out multiple lines at once.
You're only going to add to the mess you've already put yourself in! Make simple line clears, and position your next Tetrimino to help you continue this path forward. If you keep clearing line by line, you'll soon be able to get the Matrix low enough for you to stage a comeback.
Let Your Opponent Underestimate You
Photo Credit: ©Ubisoft
What do you do when you're almost at the top of the Matrix in a multiplayer Tetris match and an opponent is trying to knock you out? Go ahead and let them think you're about to lose everything. If they know you're sweating bullets with a huge pile of Tetriminos to clear, you may be able to fool them and turn the tables. When you're playing against someone and they see how close you are to losing, they're more likely to relax and ease up.
They figure if you're 4 or less lines away from the top, you don't stand a chance. When they let their guard down like this, it's your chance to play some of your best Tetris ever! Use the tips above and keep plugging away. They'll be surprised to see you climb out of your mess, all while their own game falls apart. Use their decision to underestimate you as your way to fight back. Overall, the biggest tip is to never give up.
Until the last Tetrimino falls and you see a game over, there's always a chance you could come back and win. Keep your wits about you, and work to clear yourself a path to victory. Never let the top of the Matrix intimidate you! Test your top of the Matrix skills right now by playing a round on Tetris.com for free.
