Falling Blocks: Complete Rows, Score Points
Slide and turn the falling blocks to build rows without gaps. Every full row clears and scores points.
Falling blocks is a placement game in which shapes made of four squares drop into a well ten columns wide. You slide and turn them to build complete horizontal rows; a full row clears, everything above it drops down and you score points.
The best-known game of this kind is Tetris, created by Alexey Pajitnov in 1984 and one of the most played games in the world. The game here is an independent, free browser game built on the same basic idea.
Every ten rows you move up a level and the blocks fall faster. The game ends when the stack reaches the top and there is no room for a new shape; the aim is to score as many points as possible before then.
How do you play the falling blocks game?
- Press “Start”; the first block starts falling from the top of the well.
- Slide the block left and right, and turn it to the orientation you need.
- Hold the down arrow to drop faster, or press Space to drop it straight away.
- Build rows without gaps; clearing several rows at once scores more.
- Watch the “Next” box to see the coming block and plan for it.
What are the controls?
On a computer the left and right arrows slide the block, the up arrow turns it, the down arrow drops it faster, Space drops it instantly and P pauses.
On a phone or tablet, swipe left or right on the playing field to move the block, tap to turn it and swipe down to drop it, or use the large buttons below. The game pauses itself when you switch tabs.
How is the score calculated?
Points depend on how many rows you clear at once and your level: one row is 100, two 300, three 500 and four at once 800, multiplied by the level number.
Each square you soft-drop adds 1 point and each square you hard-drop adds 2, so clearing four rows together is worth far more than clearing them one by one.
Which strategies lead to high scores?
The key to a high score is keeping the surface flat and leaving one column open for the long straight block.
Keep the surface flat: a deep pit or a tall tower makes the next blocks hard to place. Turn blocks so they fill the hollows.
Leave one column open: fill nine columns and keep the one at an edge empty, and a straight block can clear four rows at once.
Avoid covered holes: a gap sealed under a block stays empty until the row above it clears. Look at the next block to avoid creating one.
Falling blocks: common questions
Is the game free?
Yes. It is completely free, with no account or download, and runs in the browser on phones, tablets and computers.
When does the game end?
When the stack reaches the top of the well and there is no room for a new block.
Is my high score saved?
Your best score is stored in your own browser only; nothing is sent to the server.
Is this Tetris?
No. It is an independent free game of the same kind; the Tetris name and brand belong to their owner.