How to Tetris

12: Shachiku Train

Tutorial Videos

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The Basics

Shachiku Train is a method that gives 2 T-spin doubles. Here is how to create it:

Diagram Set 12-1
12
In step 2, the player uses S and L to make a T-spin double prop.
34
In step 4, he adds a Z overhang to make a second T-spin double.

It is helpful in the above situation compared to the bottom choice, which is an alternative to set 12-1’s step 2.

Diagram Set 12-2

Variations and Mid-Game Chances

Often, many Tetris guides cover only one core form of Shachiku Train. I cover at least 4.

1. Core Form

    This is the most common form. It is best created during 9-0 stacking opportunities.

    Diagram Set 12-3
    12
    Recognize this pattern during 9-0 stacking.Put L and S and make an overhang. That’s it!

    2. LJ Form

    Shachiku Train has an alternate form that uses L and J as a ‘base,’ as shown here:

    Diagram Set 12-4
    12
    A Shachiku Train with L and J as the base.The first T-spin double concludes.
    34
    You get this pattern.You top the area with a Z overhang to make the second T-spin double.

    3. Vertical Form

    The method below is my favorite method. It is the vertical T-spin triple variant of Shachiku Train. However, it comes with significant field conditions and piece dependencies, so it is usually given up in serious games.

    Diagram Set 12-5
    12
    Recognize this pattern during 9-0 stacking.Put LZ like this for the first T-spin double. Then, insert the S for the second T-spin.
    34
    Just like this.

    Once you are used to making it during 9-0 stacking, transition to creating it in the mid-lanes:

    Diagram Set 12-6
    12
    Recognize this mid-game opportunity.The player puts S, J, and O to make a T-spin triple variant of Shachiku Train.
    34
    After step 3’s T-spin double, one tucks a Z piece into the leftover cavity in step 4 to make a second T-spin double.

    You can also place I and J together (I and L, if mirrored) to create the same form:

    Diagram Set 12-7
    12
    Vertical Shachiku Trains can be built using I and J props, too. It creates the same shape. Tuck S under the cavity later.

    4. Freestyle Forms

    Shachiku Trains can be freestyled. Be creative and experiment!

    Diagram Set 12-8
    AB
    You can freestyle Shachiku Trains to fit many situations.

    Continuations and Follow-Ups

    There are several ways to continue making more T-spins after the initial 2 T-spins from the original Shachiku Train.

    1. Stacked Traditional Shachiku Trains

      Shachiku Train can be stacked, as shown:

      Diagram Set 12-9
      12
      Step 1: There is a Shachiku Train at the bottom. The player stacks a second J, creating a new overhang above the bottom one. The T-spin double ends in step 2.
      34
      You get this leftover pattern.The player tucks in a Z to make a second Shachiku Train.

      They are rare, but some players like Kazu have used them mid-game often. Shachiku Train is a highly practical and safe canonical method, and it is advisable to master it.

      2. Stacked Vertical Shachiku Trains

      The vertical version of the earlier sub-section’s method exists:

      Diagram Set 12-10
      12
      Recognize the pink pattern. The lavender parts can be in many variable setups.Stack S and J like this. This adds more T-spin doubles.  

      After step 2, soft drop a Z piece into the cavity. This is left as an exercise.

      3. Cleanliness and Follow-ups

      Shachiku Train sometimes cannot be spammed mechanically, as seen here:

      Diagram Set 12-11
      12
      The player makes a Shachiku Train.
      34
      In step 4, the player follows up with the setup’s second T-spin double, but the S piece’s red-circled block will block the garbage hole in the red circle.
      Alt. A
      You can instead put the S overhang on the left side to make a clean T-spin single.

      One should be flexible when using this method. As seen above, the S overhang in step 4 sometimes blocks the next garbage hole. Therefore, one should place it in a cleaner position in Alt. A.

      In a Nutshell

      Shachiku Train is strong, giving 2 back-to-back T-spin doubles, which can substantially improve your APM. It also stacks nicely and usually opens up a Tetris hole if you stack it right. However, it requires some planning to ensure you have the right pieces before creating them.

      Pros and Cons
      ProsIt is a beneficial double T-spin double method in many situations.

      Can be stacked.

      Has multiple variations, giving it impressive flexibility.
      ConsThe donation may block the Tetris hole, making you vulnerable to spikes.

      The vertical variant is dangerously overstacked.