A Tetris block, formally known as a tetromino, is a geometric shape composed of four connected square blocks. These unique shapes are the fundamental elements players manipulate in the popular puzzle video game, Tetris. They are the main blocks used in every Tetris game.
Understanding Tetrominoes
At its core, a Tetris block is a specific type of polyomino—a plane geometric figure formed by joining a number of equal squares edge to edge. Specifically, a tetromino is a polyomino made of exactly four square blocks. The design of these blocks is crucial to the gameplay of Tetris, where players rotate and move them to create solid lines across the playing field.
The Seven Standard Tetris Blocks
There are seven distinct one-sided tetrominoes, which constitute the full set of main blocks used in virtually every Tetris game. Each shape is commonly designated by a letter that loosely resembles its form. Understanding these different block types is essential for strategic gameplay.
Here are the seven standard Tetris blocks:
| Block Name | Typical Shape Representation | Description |
|---|---|---|
| I-Block | #### |
A straight line of four blocks. It is the only block that can clear four lines at once (a "Tetris"). |
| O-Block | ## ## |
A 2x2 square. This block never changes orientation when rotated. |
| T-Block | # ### |
A T-shape. Often utilized for "T-Spins," which are advanced scoring maneuvers. |
| S-Block | ## ## |
A Z-like shape, often referred to as a "skew" or "squiggle" block. |
| Z-Block | ## ## |
The mirror image of the S-block, also a "skew" or "squiggle" block. |
| J-Block | # ### |
An L-shape with the long side on the bottom and a single block extending upwards from the left. |
| L-Block | # ### |
The mirror image of the J-block, an L-shape with the long side on the bottom and a single block extending upwards from the right. |
These blocks fall from the top of the screen, and players must strategically place and orient them to form complete horizontal lines across the playing area. Once a line is complete, it disappears, earning points and making space for more blocks. The continuous challenge involves efficiently managing the falling shapes to prevent the stack from reaching the top of the playing field.
