How to Tetris

11: Cut-Copy

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The Basics

A Cut-Copy gives 2 T-spin doubles.

Diagram Set 11-1
12
34

They are as effective as a Fractal. However, they block the garbage hole (since it is a donation), making you vulnerable.

Variations and Mid-Game Chances

Cut-Copy has at least 4 variations:

1. Variant 1

    This is the most famous variation:

    Diagram Set 11-2
    12
    In step 2, it is common to put the S over the cavity like this, then fill the lavender blocks to make a Cut-Copy.
    34
    The first T-spin double finishes.This leads to a second T-spin double.

    Here are other non-exhaustive ways to construct parts of the Cut-Copy setup.

    Diagram Set 11-3
    AB

    Mid-Game Chances

    Cut-Copy shares mid-game opportunities with Fractals:

    Diagram Set 11-4
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    Spot this mid-game situation.  This shares the same opportunity as a Fractal or LST stacking.

    Instead of the above, do this below:

    Diagram Set 11-5
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    Instead of LST stacking or Fractal, you can deploy a horizontal S (Z if mirrored), then upstack the rest. You get a Cut-Copy setup with 2 T-spin doubles.

    2. Variant 2

    This is the second-most popular variation. It also provides 2 T-spin doubles:

    Diagram Set 11-6
    12
    Another common mid-game opportunity for Cut-Copy.Put the L and O like this, then fill up the lavender parts.
    34
    The first T-spin double concludes.You get a second T-spin double.

    Here are some non-exhaustive ways to make parts of the Cut-Copy variant 2.

    Diagram Set 11-7
    AB

    Cut-Copy variant 2 can sometimes be constructed out of order (non-linearly):

    Diagram Set 11-8
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    It is the same shape, but it is pretty cool to create it this way.

    Mid-Game Chances

    It is easy to construct Cut-Copy 2:

    Diagram Set 11-9
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    Observe this very common mid-game opportunity.  You can simply put a Z overhang to make a T-spin double, but …

    If you can perform the above’s step 2, you can instead do this to make a Cut-Copy 2:

    Diagram Set 11-10
    12
    (continued) … but with the same opportunity, you can make a Cut-Copy variant 2, which also gives 2 T-spin doubles.

    3. Variant 3

    If you spot a Parapet, you can sometimes create this Cut-Copy variation:

    Diagram Set 11-11
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    Cut-Copy variant 3 is best made by upgrading it from a mid-game Parapet situation.
    34
    Make a T-spin single in this orientation.You get a T-spin double ready.

    This method is tricky but still yields 2 T-spins.

    4. Variant 4

    Cut-Copies can be spliced with a T-spin triple instead of a standard T-spin double:

    Diagram Set 11-12
    12
    Cut-Copy can also replace the first T-spin double with a T-spin triple.

    This is tricky, and I do not have many mid-game situations, so I leave it for the player to experiment. It can only be freestyled.

    Here is a mid-game situation:

    Diagram Set 11-13
    12
    The player makes a T-spin triple. Note how the S overhang later connects with the garbage lines to create a T-spin when the inserted T-spin triple and T-spin single conclude.

    Therefore, Cut-Copies can be generalized beyond a double T-spin double setup!

    5. Other Freestyle Variants

    Let us generalize this further: A generalized Cut-Copy is simply a splicing setup that inserts a T-spin inside another T-spin (single, double, or triple):

    Diagram Set 11-14
    AB
    The first T-spin double leads to a second T-spin.The first T-spin single leads to another T-spin.
    C
    The first T-spin single on the right leads to 2 more T-spins.

    Many of these methods must be freestyled, and there are few fixed patterns to memorize. I highly recommend that the reader experiment.

    6. Dirty Garbage Opportunities

    A field with extremely dirty garbage that shifts holes every line and is clustered over 2 columns has tremendous opportunities for prophecy garbage Cut-Copies:

    Diagram Set 11-15
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    This shows a clustered and overlapping garbage situation.A first Cut-Copy is constructed.
    34
    The player makes even more overhangs.The first T-spin double clears.
    56
    The second T-spin double clears.You are left with a second Cut-Copy!

    Constructing Cut-Copies mid-game from garbage vastly improves your mid-game efficacy. This is because you can make part of the T-spins from garbage, saving you from constructing parts with upstacked, colored pieces.

    Continuations and Follow-Ups

    Overhang shapes and heights affect T-spin continuations. Generally, Cut-Copies with overhang heights of 1, 2, and 4 lead to the most fluid and smoothest T-spin continuations:

    Diagram Set 11-16
    AB
    C
    Overhangs of 1, 2, and 4 heights are ideal for optimal follow-up, especially into ST and LST stacking.

    However, overhang heights of 1 and 3 can sometimes hinder transition into LST and ST stacking continuations:

    Diagram Set 11-17
    AB
    C
    Conversely, some overhangs of 1 and 3 heights and some odd patterns can sometimes break ST and LST stacking follow-ups.

    In a Nutshell

    Cut-Copies are decent, clean, and practical. They are best used mid-game during cluttered garbage patterns. Their massive variation commands subtlety and can be difficult to master.

    Pros and Cons
    ProsIt gives decent pressure and burst.

    Has many mid-game opportunities.

    Can be used in many dirty, clustered garbage situations.
    ConsBlocks off the Tetris hole for the I piece to make a quad line clear as defense.