Why the Order of Your Pieces Matters in Block Blast

You can place your three pieces in any order. With three pieces, there are up to six different orders. Most players just take them left to right, or whichever looks easiest. But the order changes what fits.

Think of it like packing a bag. If you put the small things in first, the big thing may not fit. If you put the big thing in first, the small things fill the gaps around it.

Say your tray has a straight three-block piece and two small pieces. The green slot is the only place the straight piece can go. The small pieces could go in the green slot too, or in the staircase.

• Small pieces first: if one of them lands in the green slot, the straight piece has nowhere left to go. The game can end there.
• Straight piece first: it fills the green slot. Now the two small pieces still have the whole staircase to choose from.

Same three pieces. Same board. One order works, the other can end the game.

You do not need to test all six orders in your head. Use this rule instead:

1. For each piece, count roughly how many places it can go.
2. Place the piece with the fewest places first.
3. Then look at the board again, because it changed. Repeat for the last two.

Big pieces and awkward shapes usually have the fewest options. That is why the tough pieces are usually the ones to place first.

Order also matters because clearing a line gives you space back. If one piece can clear a line, placing it first can open up room for the other two. In that case the piece that clears may go first, even if it is not the hardest one.

So there are two questions to ask. Which piece has the fewest options? And which piece clears a line and gives me space? When both point to the same piece, the choice is easy. When they do not, think a little longer, or let the solver check it.

The solver tries every order for you. How it works.

• Before each turn, say out loud which piece has the fewest spots.
• Place that piece first, even if it feels less natural.
• After a few games, check a few boards with the solver and compare.
• When you get stuck, read what to do with no moves left and see if order was the cause.

You don't need to test every order yourself. Ask these three questions before you place anything:

1. Which piece is the hardest to fit? Usually the biggest one, or the long line.
2. Can any piece clear a line right now?
3. Does that clear open room for the hardest piece?

If a clear opens room for the hardest piece, place the clearing piece first. If not, place the hardest piece first, while there is still room for it. Put the small, easy pieces last. They fit almost anywhere.

This won't be perfect every time. The solver checks every order for you. But it is a good habit to build.