Documented for this version

Which controls does this version use?

Actions

Columns action controls
D-pad Left
Move the falling column left
D-pad Right
Move the falling column right
D-pad Down
Accelerate the column's fall
ABC
Rotate the jewels in the falling column

The face buttons rotate the column.

Start
Pause or begin play

How it plays

How does Columns play?

Players move a descending column left or right, accelerate its fall, and rotate the order of its three jewels. Matching three or more jewels of the same color clears them, allowing pieces above to fall and potentially create chain reactions.

The main game becomes faster as the player advances, and the session ends when the stack reaches the top of the playfield. Two-player play places opponents on separate fields and rewards efficient chains, while Flash mode requires the player to remove target jewels before the field becomes unmanageable.

Plan your run

What is the best way to play Columns?

Prioritize matches near the bottom and avoid building a flat, unstable wall. Keep at least one open column so new pieces can be repositioned safely.

Plan for chain reactions, but do not stack blindly for a possible combo. In competitive play, clearing several jewels in succession is more valuable than making isolated matches, because chains send nuisance pieces to the opponent.

Before you begin

What should you know before playing?

  1. 1

    Use the preview and current column together to plan the next landing.

  2. 2

    Keep the center and one side of the field relatively open.

  3. 3

    In Flash mode, clear target jewels before attempting elaborate chains.

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