Tetris is the game that defined puzzle gaming. Blocks fall from the top, and you rotate and position them to create complete horizontal lines. Fill a line and it disappears, giving you points and more space. Miss too many placements and the stack reaches the top—game over.
What makes Tetris timeless is how simple it seems but how deep the strategy goes. Every piece placement affects future options. Good players think several pieces ahead, leaving specific gaps for the perfect block to slide into.
Seven piece shapes (tetrominoes): I, O, T, S, Z, J, and L. Each one needs different positioning. The I-piece clears four lines at once if you set it up right (a "Tetris"). The T-piece fits almost anywhere. The S and Z pieces create annoying gaps if you're not careful.
Speed increases as you progress. What started as a relaxed puzzle becomes a frantic test of reflexes and spatial reasoning. The best players can handle insane speeds by using muscle memory for common patterns.
Keep your stack flat. Random peaks create problems fast. Build one side higher and leave a column open for I-pieces—this lets you score Tetrises for massive points.
Don't wait for the perfect piece. If you need an I-block but it's not coming, adapt your strategy. Clearing singles and doubles keeps you alive while you wait for better opportunities.