S and Z starts

Starting a game with a S or Z piece (known as S and Z starts) is a delicate way of starting, since it leaves a hole in the stack.

An S and Z start may be handled differently, depending on the player style, skill and the game mode (multiplayer, etc..).

Soft-drop method
This method consist in placing a tetriamino under the first piece.



Platform method
Since soft-drop method tends to slows the player, he may use the platform method. It consists in making a platform over the first line.



T-Spin Method
A T-Spin may be used to clear the first line of the stack.



Back to back tetris method
The player may "ignore" the first line and build a tetris to clear the hole.