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It depends on the implementation of course, but clearing 4 lines at once usually brings a huge amount of points. For example, NES version at the first "level" (slowest speed):

1 line = 40, 2 lines = 100, 3 lines = 300, 4 lines = 1200.

It also increases the speed every 10 lines, so you want to plan accordingly for maximum score. You can get above that first level with either 400 points or 3600.

If you have some time to kill, highly recommend this and the follow up video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RaqVGzhQTM

⬐ stormbrew

In modern ("guideline") tetris T-spins multiline clears tend to actually be the most point-garnering moves. It's a bit weird that the game named tetris went that way but oh well.

Watching this video helped me appreciate those Tetris world championship videos a lot more! There's a lot more to it than meets the eye.

The Classic Tetris World Championships Explained https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RaqVGzhQTM

⬐ xmprt

The crazy thing is that the Classic Tetris scene has really blown up a lot (partially as a result of that video) to the point that that video is outdated.

⬐ colordrops

What has changed since then?

⬐ input_sh

"World championship" was basically a bunch US players and one dude from Canada. That changed in 2018, with players from Europe and SE Asia adjusting to the NES version to compete. In other words, it went from one player managing to get max score on the qualifying day to like 7 IIRC.

⬐ chupasaurus

CTWC Europe was created in 2015, although it's for PAL version which differs by FPS and DAS speed.

⬐ daniellarusso

So, is it more advantageous to play at 50Hz or 60Hz?

Or does that matter?

⬐ simonlc

The PAL version was adjusted for the fps change, so while the game looks the same it plays very differently because of just a few values. It was only recently that the first person in the world EricICX maxed out the PAL version.

Here's an in-depth article that explains the consequence of these changes to tapping. https://tetris.wiki/User:Kitaru

⬐ stainforth

I think the "hold a piece" dynamic of the Tetris with friends is such a good addition that it should be the official version? Agree or disagree?

⬐ sreyaNotfilc

I've been a fan of CTWC for the past 4 years. Jonas is amazing and can explain his strategies very well.

My eyes lights up when a new CTWC video is published on YouTube.

I find the competition engaging. Its insane how compelling falling blocks can be. But that's thanks to the great community and commentators.

Seeing the sudden rise of Joseph (as well as the other competitors) just makes me so happy.

I've never really played Tetris although I grew up with it (I'm 35 years old now). Even now, I've never would have came up with those elite strategies to win this game.

But, now seeing these guys push the boundary of what can be done has me itching to learn this game. Who knows, maybe next year I'll be able to compete. I'd definitely like to see it live next year.

⬐ mrburton

I JUST got done watching https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_UPHsGR6fM (2018) and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfo8hmIcoDQ (2019) :)

⬐ karrotwaltz

They held a conference at GDC 2019:

Tetris World Championship: Building Explosive Esports on 8-bit Nintendo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RC6W2MBXaVo

⬐ excalibur

Obviously the CTWC players are on a whole other level. But for anyone interested in competitive Tetris who has not yet done so, I highly recommend trying Tetris 99 for the Nintendo Switch. It's a free download with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, although there are some features locked behind a paywall (such as the classic "Marathon" mode). It makes the subscription worthwhile all by itself.

https://tetris99.nintendo.com/

⬐ HNLurker2

Besides chess this is entertaining for being no such thing as a draw

⬐ agent008t

It is actually very exciting to watch, especially when Jonas is playing. It should be more popular than it is!

⬐ andrepd

"Boom, tetris for Jeff"

⬐ Stormwalker

Joseph, the latest champion is also incredible. He is capable of tracking opponent's screen and reacting to commentary while maintaining the game. Also, hyper-tapping.