Wonder Boy in Monster Land/Round 1

Stage

 * 1) You begin the game with no equipment, not even a sword. Head to the right and enter door A to obtain your first sword and a vial of medicine which will restore your health if you are killed.
 * 2) After you do this, a floating block will appear which you can ride to reach the next platform.  You can use your newly acquired sword to strike down the snakes that bar your path.  Eventually, you can fall down to access door B, which is a bar.  You should not need drinks at this time and your money is better saved for the next stage.
 * 3) Beyond door B, you will encounter your first cobra.  Approach it carefully, so as not to step in it's territory, and stab it to push it back until it is defeated.  Hop up the ledges until you reach door C.  An Hourglass is likely to appear near the top ledge.  Grab it before you lose a heart.

Boss
The key to the gate at the end of the first stage is held by Death. He has a fairly predictable pattern, diving down in a swoop attack to hit you. Depending on which version you are playing, he may react to getting hit by charging high enough to hit your head, which can be countered by a quick jump-attack. When he is defeated, be sure not to stand beneath him or you will collect the key before you have a chance to collect the 8 coins he releases. Try to collect all of the coins before you touch the key to maximize the amount of money you obtain.

Once you have collected the key, only one cobra stands between you and the exit gate. If you play safely enough, you should be able to complete the stage with five full hearts, earning you a 10,000 point perfect bonus.

Arcade/PC Engine

 * Jump below the first tree to the left of where you start for a coin.
 * Jump to the right of the sign post for a money bag.
 * Stand on the left side of the roof above door A for three coins.
 * Jump below the last tree before the gate for a heart.

Sega Master System

 * Jump below the tree before door A for a coin.
 * Jump on to the roof above door A, and jump three times on the left side for three coins.
 * Jump to the left of door B, against the wall, for a money bag.
 * Jump below the last tree before the gate for a heart.