Tutorial Videos

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The Basics

Impeldown is a 3 T-spin double setup. It is also called Aquila.

The first T-spin double is tricky. To complete it, do this:

Diagram Set 26-1
1	2

An Impeldown is ready.

The first T must be spun vertically to create a T-spin double.

3

This then leads to a normal Fractal with 2 T-spin doubles.

Common Mid-Game Chances

Impeldowns share an almost similar shape to Imperial Crosses. However, their mid-game chances are radically different.

1. General Ways

Here are ways to construct its substructure components:

Diagram Set 26-2
A	B

C

D

2. The Easiest Mid-Game Chance

Impeldowns can easily substitute a normal T-spin double:

Diagram Set 26-3
A	B

If you can spot this simple T-spin mid-game …

… then, instead of it, just put a horizontal J piece and build up the rest like this.

3. STMB Cave Upgrades

If you can spot an STMB Cave with the right pattern beneath it, you can upgrade it into an Impeldown:

Diagram Set 26-4
1	2

The player does not go for step 1’s STMB opportunity. He instead upstacks the lavender area to upgrade it to an Impeldown.

4. Substitution Chances

Below is a common T-spin double donation:

Diagram Set 26-5
1	2

This is a Cut-Copy. However, the L may not arrive.

If L does not come in the above step 2, you can create an Impeldown below:

Diagram Set 26-6
1	2

If L does not come, you can put Z this way, then construct the left side to make a complete Impeldown.

Impeldown is most used if you do not get the right pieces for a clean STMB cave. I have used this method many times for the above. In the above alternative, Z comes, making it an unclean STMB cave. However, an Impeldown can save it.

Advanced

Impeldown has unusual advanced variants.

1. Spliced Impeldowns

You can insert a T-spin triple into an Impeldown with a King Crimson prop (L and S below):

Diagram Set 26-7
1	2

It is easy to insert (splice) a T-spin triple inside an Impeldown. Simply put a vertical S and L over the J like this and build up the rest.

In a Nutshell

Impeldowns, while a relatively rare and unheard method, are actually very practical if one masters it. I am surprised that not enough players use it, and am happy to popularize it here.

Pros and Cons
Pros	It gives decent pressure and burst. Has many mid-game situations. Ends with a clean T-spin double.
Cons	Blocks off the Tetris hole, which makes you susceptible to being spiked while creating it. Needs extra presses during one of the T-spin double’s rotation.