A simple game of Tetris

Tetris is simple, relaxing and addictive. You follow simple rules – try to arrange falling block-sets into a single no-gaps row. You manipulate the blocks by moving them left or right and turning them 90 deg at a time. Once a neat row of blocks is formed, it disappears. In some versions you are shown what is coming next. Wikipedia has full section on the history and development of the game at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetris.

You can go to http://www.freetetris.org/ to play the game for free online; download from iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tetris/id284800458?mt=8 for your iPhone/iPad and https://market.android.com/details?id=com.ea.tetrisfree_row for your Android devices.

Simple strategies to score high consistently –

Start by reviewing the different shapes that may drop down the well. There are only so many combinations that can be made with four blocks.

 

Forge Strategies - It is very important to know how the shapes fit together with each other in different combinations. For example: if a T shape is already down, and the next one falling down is a Z shape, then where and how to get it right.

Just draw pictures to understand various combinations. Usually it is best to do it on paper, because the brain needs time to absorb and form patterns and game itself moves so fast that it is difficult to conceptualize the shapes. Use a graph paper with colored pens.

[Business: Go over various business models, market segmentation, pricing models and expense models. Running the business in real-time without real world modeling is dangerous. Most experienced people know the models intuitively from a combination of formal education and running companies]

Play the game but document the wins and losses – when a row is completed, it will vanish from the well. It is hard to remember what pieces came together to make it a winning row. When you get a winning row, do a screen-capture. You can then see how things came together.

[Business: Keep a detailed log of goals and achievements. Monitor sales performance, sales commissions, customer satisfaction, delivery timelines, production and development cost, and non-direct costs. ]

Do some analysis –

[Business: Look to see where there are some inefficiencies. Are projects being completed on-time and on-budget, Are customers satisfied and how quickly are their issues being resolved, Are production and development costs under control? Are there any efficiencies to be extracted by either out-sourcing or by bringing back outsourced functions?]

Practice is the key to Tetris success. The more you ‘play’, the more it (blocks) intuitively seem to come together. Just looking at it will tell you how they fit.

[Business: By aligning your goals with your strategy, you can increase your margins and profits. It is possible to get lured into a short term get-rich-quick situation only to realize the follies later on. On the other hand, you may end up spending all your resources on long term expectations only to find that you are a day late and a dollar short.]

Keep it simple (simple steps and simple strategy) but never take your eyes off the birds-view of the entire game.

[Business: Simple repeatable processes, consistent market message, excellent customer service, maximize profits with a keen view of the market place. Know the shifts in environment, shifts in competitor actions and the customer satisfaction.]
There are thousands of ‘Tetris’ quotes – but the thing to remember is that no matter what keep at it and you will succeed.

[Business: Lose unprofitable customers to maximize profits. Focus on your identified segment – grow your market share in those segments. And you will be a winner.]

At times, no matter what you do – you are not going to score it big – it is time to start a new game.

[Business: Time to exit and do something else.]

Sounds simple? Now go play.

Ram.