Tutorial Videos

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The Basics

Diagram Set 17-1

Magic Key is a T-spin double to T-spin triple setup, easily made using the following prop:

Diagram Set 17-2
1	2

Magic Key opportunity.

Put the Z and J this way to make the first T-spin double prop.

3

4

In step 4, top with an O overhang to make a T-spin triple.

Common Mid-Game Chances

Magic Key may seem challenging to create mid-game because of its suspension. However, it shares many mid-game situations with other setups, making them usable by substituting those.

1. 3-Wide Gaps

In step 1, there is a 3-wide well. Most times, Magic Key and STSD both share the same mid-game opportunity:

Diagram Set 17-3
A	B

STSD.

Magic Key.

Hence, by spotting A’s 3-wide gap situation, you can instead make a Magic Key in B.

2. 9-0 Stacking Chance

9-0 stacking situations are ideal for Magic Keys, as you only have to worry about one side of the field’s stacking. Here is how:

Diagram Set 17-4
1	2

Make this JS prop during 9-0 stacking to create a Magic Key.

After the first T-spin double, you get a T-spin triple.

See how easy it is to make a Magic Key?

Advanced

In rare, advanced cases,  you can use Magic Key to extend some existing T-spin setups, like the ones below:

1. Magic Key Additions

DT Cannon can be extended using Magic Key, often using an S or Z piece, as seen here:

Diagram Set 17-5
1	2

3

The player puts a vertical Z and stacks the lavender area. This creates a DT Cannon that is augmented with an extra T-spin triple.

You can also use a Magic Key to extend a BT Cannon:

Diagram Set 17-6
1	2

3

One puts a vertical S and stacks the lavender area. This makes a BT Cannon augmented with an extra T-spin triple.

It is rare to get them and risks overstacking.

This is rare, but you can use Magic Key to extend a Trinity setup, like the one below:

Diagram Set 17-7
A

Magic Key Trinity.

Overall, Magic Key extensions to complex setups like DT Cannons, BT Cannons, and Trinities are risky. This is because they upstack heavily and make you vulnerable to spikes.

In a Nutshell

Magic Key is a practical but challenging method to use because of its higher piece and field dependencies compared to methods such as STSDs. However, some players, like Zack101115, can apply them easily to open up many new options.

Pros and Cons
Pros	Useful to replace STSDs in 3-wide situations. Has decent flexibility and general mid-game application. Provides 2 T-spins.
Cons	The piece and field dependencies are stricter compared to STSDs. Makes you vulnerable to spikes while you build them. Some complex variants (like adding a Magic Key to a Trinity) are too impractical and dangerous for competitive play.