How to Tetris

19: Mini-Triple

Tutorial Videos

The first few seconds may render in low quality. Please give them a few seconds to render.

The Basics

Diagram Set 19-1

The Mini-Triple is a T-spin mini leading to a T-spin triple. Here is how to complete the sequence:

Diagram Set 19-2
12
Starting field.Make a T-spin mini.
34
You get a T-spin triple.Complete it.

It is a situational mid-game method.

Common Mid-Game Chances

Mini-Triples may seem complex, but you can easily create them in common mid-game situations.

1. 4-Wide Gaps

    You can create Mini-Triples during 4-wide gap situations:

    Diagram Set 19-3
    12
    A 4-wide Mini-Triple opportunity.The player puts an L and Z to make the base. He uses an I overhang. This makes the Mini-Triple.
    34
    The first T-spin mini concludes.The next T-spin triple is ready.

    2. Common Base Creation Combinations

    A common piece combination exists to easily create Mini-Triples mid-game. It involves recognizing the below lavender patterns, then placing a Z (S if mirrored) or I over them to form the base:

    Diagram Set 19-4
    AB
    Spot the lavender base shapes as the mid-game chance. Put a Z (S if mirrored) or I over them to make the right side of the Mini-Triple, then make an overhang.

    Continuations and Follow-Ups

    Mini-Triples can be used to follow up many T-spin triple setups:

    1. T-Spin Triple Follow-up

      T-spin triples often leave a dangling residue that requires a skim or soft-dropped piece to fix. However, Mini-Triples can sometimes follow them up effectively:

      Diagram Set 19-5
      12
      Complete the first T-spin triple. Observe the pink overhang shape. Some allow for Mini-Triples.After the T-spin triple, you can sometimes make a Mini-Triple follow-up.

      The Mini-Triple follow-up now grants 2 T-spins, helping you to sustain pressure.

      Advanced

      Mini-Triples have advanced applications.

      1. Non-Linear Mini-Triples

        You can construct Mini-Triples in an out-of-order manner. This opens up more opportunities to create it mid-game:

        Diagram Set 19-6
        12
        You can form some parts of the Mini-Triple non-linearly.Soft drop the Z under the cavity. This is not exhaustive.

        2. Stacking Mini-Triples

        Mini-Triples can be stacked, as shown below. However, this is not recommended because of severe T-piece dependencies:

        Diagram Set 19-7
        The player stacks Mini-Triples. Using JS and LZ props is the easiest way to do this.

        This creates a chain of many T-spin minis and T-spin triples.

        3. Spliced Mini-Triples

        You can insert T-spins into Mini-Triples, such as:

        Diagram Set 19-8
        12
        Insert a T-spin triple into the setup (lavender parts).After the T-spin triple line clear, you get a Mini-Triple.

        This is advanced and risky because of its dangerous upstacking, which makes you vulnerable to spikes (since you cannot make a T-spin sometimes when building it).

        In a Nutshell

        Mini-Triples are more of a gimmick and are often passed up by high-level players. However, it has some situational cases where it is useful.

        Pros and Cons
        ProsMini-Triple is useful sometimes and has a powerful T-spin triple burst.

        Can follow up T-spin triples cleanly.
        ConsThe first T-spin mini is weak and leaves you vulnerable.

        Its wide structure limits stacking options.

        The T-spin triple overhang leads to poor follow-ups because of the soft drop penalty. Most experts avoid using it.