Comment by tbenst
11 years ago
Made it to 1024: http://imgur.com/QQUXzCN. Here's my routine:
1. "tumbler" until 128: up right down left, repeat
2. Get 128 on the top in the middle two slots. Really any edge works, but I'll say top for simplicity. Keep a semi-large value on the side with one open slot in top row to prevent sliding. The other side on top is used for staging
3. Only use left, right and up. Never let a smaller value get trapped. This rule can only be violated to avoid filling the top three rows with the fourth empty.
I lost this game because I mistakenly filled the top three rows, forcing me to use a down. I think this strategy is viable to win however
That's cool! My current strategy is just to keep going until I lose. Admittedly, I'm pretty bad at my own game :P
Won on my first try after my original post! http://imgur.com/rnGYLY9
Here's the new routine: 1. "tumbler" until 128 can move to the upper left corner.
2. The highest number on the board is always in the upper left. Make the top row descend left to right.
3. Before combining values on the top row, keep hitting up until one of the lower rows will not combine from a left.
4. Often, the slot you are filling (eg, top right or one below top right) will have a two. Alternate pressing "left" and "right" until a two appears, allowing you to combine
5. Keep the second row locked as soon as possible with unique values ASCENDING left to right. This way you can use up, left and right without moving the slot you are filling on the far left of the second row.
There are a few other pattern recognition tricks that you'll pick up to aid in filling a slot for higher values. A few other misc tips:
* try to keep high number squares close together, and merge up to the top row as soon as possible. Otherwise, they will just close off a slot
* You may get a 2 trapped on the top row blocked by a higher value below it. Unfreeze the second row by combining squares & hope that a two appears in the new opening
* only 2's or 4's will appear. They (always") appear in the space left behind by the previous movement
This strategy worked quite well for me up until right around where you got to, 11532. Certainly much more effective than just trying to wing it without a strategy.
Excellent strategy. Got painfully close to victory - 16,516 total.
used the same strategy, lost at about 11.5K after I had to use a down after filling my top two rows. definitely works well.