Most block puzzle games end the same way: a 3×3 square or a long line turns up and there's nowhere to put it. Good players don't have better luck; they keep the board ready for the worst block. These ten habits will make your games last longer and your scores climb. They apply to any classic block puzzle, and we use Blockfold to show them.
1. Always keep room for the biggest blocks
The blocks that end games are the 3×3 square, the 5-long lines and the big corner (3 squares across and 3 down). Before each move, ask: after this, is there still a 3×3 space, a free row of five and a free column of five? If not, choose a different spot.
2. Fill edges and corners first
Blocks against the edge of the board touch fewer empty squares, so they leave fewer awkward gaps. Build from the edges inward and keep the middle open for big blocks.
3. Never leave single holes
A one-square hole surrounded by blocks can only be filled by a single square, which doesn't come often. If a move would leave a hole like that, look for another spot. Two-square gaps are almost as bad.
4. Look at all three blocks before you place the first
Work out where all three will go, then place them. A common mistake is placing a small block in the one space the big block needed.
5. Place the hardest block first
Usually that's the biggest, or the one with the fewest places to go. Small blocks like single squares and short lines can fit almost anywhere, so save them for last.
6. Work on one or two lines at a time
Spreading blocks across the whole board fills many lines halfway and clears none. Concentrate on finishing a row or a column, clear it, and start the next.
7. Set up double clears
When a row and a column are both nearly full and cross at an empty square, one block can clear both. Two lines at once scores 30 instead of 10 + 10, and three at once scores 60. In Blockfold the lines that will clear light up in the block's colour while you're holding it, so you can check before letting go.
8. Keep the streak alive
In Blockfold, clearing again within your next three blocks keeps a streak going, and each step adds 10 points. A board with two or three nearly full lines lets you clear on almost every turn.
9. Watch the faded blocks
When a block in your tray has no room anywhere, Blockfold shows it faded. If you see one, your next move has to make room for it, usually by clearing a line.
10. Slow down near the end
There's no timer. When the board is crowded, try each block in your head before dragging it. One careful move often buys ten more.
A simple routine for each turn
- Look at the three blocks and find the hardest one.
- Find the spot for it that leaves the most open space.
- Check the other two still fit afterwards.
- Prefer the spot that finishes a line.
- Place them, hardest first.
For how the points add up, see how to get a high score in block puzzle. If your games keep ending early, read why your block puzzle game ends early.
