The Albatross Special setup is a build designed by Japanese players. By creating an Air TSD, one can quickly transfer into a T-Spin Triple without wasting any T-minos in the build.

This opening requires a relatively early O. With five pieces in the preview, if you cannot see an O, then try a different opening. With a late O a T-Spin Double is still possible, but the logical followup of a T-Spin Triple and another T-Spin Double is lost. With an understanding of this, the weakness is avoided and becomes merely a telltale to do a different opening. What takes more foresight however is knowing which way to face the Albatross.

The other known issue with a bad draw of pieces is from an S Z T or a Z S T. If you get that then try another opening.

Another weakness is that it is garbage-sensitive. if you get a garbage hole along the edge before placing your J or L for the T-Spin Triple, then the T-Spin Triple opportunity and subsequent T-Spin Double is nullified. There is a 10% chance of a garbage hole to ruin the second and third spins in this setup.

Introduction

Mirrored Setup

If you keep both directions of this opening in mind, then you can always do it if you get an early O. If you get an early Z or J, then consider this mirrored alternative. Note that regardless of which way you do the Albatross, a late O is your biggest threat because if the Z and S are in place then you can no longer fit the O in the space.