Comment by tbenst

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