SZ Cross, is a T-spin opening designed by player XaeL. This setup is essentially an unintuitive Imperial Cross. A player utilizes the SZ ST stacking setup opening followed by J and L to complete an Imperial Cross. This opening is an effective alternative to fiddlesworth in newer games which nerf T-spin singles to the point that the fiddlesworth opening is sends much less garbage. It also is effective in games that do not reward T-spin Triples or twist-spins. This setup is especially useful when the beginning two pieces are S and Z.

Notes

Since the SZ cross and SZ Double Triple Attack have similar starts, it is wise to learn both, as they complement each other. Note that the major difference between the two is an extra block marked below. If soft drop is undesirable, SZ Cross is a good alternative to SZ DT.

Additionally, players may opt to further adapt the Imperial Cross into Two T-Spin Doubles:

Alternatives

The following are alternatives when faced with SZ starts

Regular T-Spin Single

T-Spin Single Triple Single

SZ Double Triple Setups