Block Puzzle Tips and Tricks: How to Get a High Score

By Nesim Razon, independent Android developer

In a block puzzle you drag shapes onto a grid and clear full rows and columns. The rules are tiny, so the skill is all in how you place pieces. These tips come from how Cubbles scores and what usually ends a game.

The basics

Each turn you get a set of pieces. Drag each one onto the board. A completely filled row or column disappears and gives you points. The game ends when none of the pieces you hold fits anywhere. In Cubbles each set is chosen so that you can place all of its pieces, so you only lose when you run out of space.

Habits that raise your score

• Keep open space together. One large empty area is worth more than many scattered holes.
• Build rows and columns up evenly and finish several at once instead of clearing one at a time.
• Keep clearing within 3 moves to build your combo streak. Combos multiply your points and make the board glow.
• Look at all pieces in the set before you place the first one, and plan the order.
• Avoid single-cell gaps and isolated corners: they are very hard to fill later and slowly choke the board.

When the board gets crowded

Place the awkward pieces first while there is room, and save small pieces for tight spots. Aim for a clear that frees a whole row or column near the middle, which opens the most space. If you do run out of moves, Cubbles lets you watch an optional ad to clear some space and continue. Emptying the entire board gives a perfect clear bonus.

Daily challenge

Every day everyone gets the same pieces, so scores are fair to compare. Play it once to learn the sequence, then think about which early placements keep the board open for the later pieces.