Tetris Attack/Combos

Combos are what it's called when more than 3 panels are matched at one time. These can be in one color group, two groups, or in some cases, even more groups. The important thing is that they happen at the exact same time.

Combos are the easiest way to do things such as stop the screen in a one-player mode, or put a garbage block on your opponent in a vs. mode. They also get you bonus points when there is a score. For general playing, before making a match, always take a moment to look and see if there is a way to make it a combo. 4’s and 5’s aligned vertically are usually really easy to spot and set up, and just that little extra goes a long way if you can consistently find them.

Panel switch combos

These are the easiest combos to make, because all you have to do is switch 2 panels. You can make anywhere from a 4 combo to a 14 combo this way.

1 set of panels

Note that plain gray panels seen in some screenshots are simply part of the game’s demonstration, and can represent any non-matching panels.

Complete a vertical 4 combo.
Complete a vertical 5 combo.
Complete an l-shaped 5 combo.
Complete a t-shaped 5 combo.
Complete a t-shaped 6 combo with 4 panels vertically.
Complete a t-shaped 7 combo with 5 panels vertically.

2 sets of panels

Two matches at the same time make a 6 combo.
They do not have to be perfectly lined up.
Two horizontal matches take up a whole row.
One vertical and one horizontal match.
A 4 combo created at the same time as another match makes a 7 combo.
This can happen with the other match being horizontal as well.
A 5 combo created at the same time as another match makes an 8 combo.
Two 4 combos together work as well.
Horizontal matches can be included.
An l-shaped combo can be made with another match for 8 as well.
T-shaped combos are similar with another match.
A 5 combo can be paired with a 4 combo for 9.
L-shaped or t-shaped combos combine with a 4 combo.
The 6 combo can be put with another match for a 9 combo.
The same applies with a horizontal second match.
Two vertical 5 combos together make an impressive 10.
A 5 combo with an l- or t-shaped combo work just as well.
Even 2 t-shaped combos (or 2 l-shaped, or 1 of each) can be put together.
The 7-combo can also be combined with a vertical...
... or horizontal second match to make a 10 combo.
The 6 combo paired with a 4 combo works similarly.
The 6 combo paired with a vertical 5 combo makes an unusual 11 combo.
L-shaped or t-shaped combos also work with the 6 combo.
Using a 7 combo with a 4 combo can also work.
Two 6 combos together are, of course, a 12 combo.
A 7 combo and a vertical 5 is another way.
This is the highest you can make with the regular t- or l-shaped combo.
Putting the 7 and 6 combos together is how you might get a 13 combo.
The ultimate simple combo - 14 made with two 7 combos!

Panel drop combos

These combos are caused by either dropping the final piece into the combo, or by removing a panel that then causes others to fall and make a combo.

Drop one of the middle panels in to make a horizontal 4 combo.
Remove a block in the middle as another way to make a vertical 4 combo.
Dropping the center of a horizontal 5 combo in is also easy.
The t-shaped combo can be vertical if you drop the cross panel in last.
You can drop one in to make a t-shaped combo with 4 horizontally as well.
Removing a block can also cause multiple matches to be formed at once.
The 7 combo can also be made with 5 horizontal panels if you drop the middle one in at the end.
While not frequently found, removing a block can potentially create very large combos.