---
name: "xtetris"
section: "1x"
platform: "linux"
package: "xtetris"
version: "2.6-3"
release: "Debian 1.2 (Rex)"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/xtetris"
---

# xtetris(1x)

X Window block dropping game

## NAME

xtetris - X Window block dropping game

## SYNOPSIS

**xtetris** \[ **X options** \]

## DESCRIPTION

*Xtetris* is a game involving dropping blocks. As they drop you can move them to the left or to the right by clicking the left or right mouse buttons respectively. Pressing the shift key while clicking the button causes the falling shape to rotate anti-clockwise (left mouse button) or clockwise (right mouse button). Pressing the middle mouse button causes the shape to quickly drop. Note that the mouse must be in the window in which the shapes are dropping for these actions to work correctly.

You can also use the keyboard: h for moving to the left, l for moving to  the right, j to rotate clockwise, k to rotate counter-clockwise and space  for dropping quickly..

You can also use the direction pad, if your keyboard has one: (Left) to move left, (Down) to rotate clockwise, (Up) to rotate counter clockwise, and (Right) to move right.

Points are scored for each block that comes to rest on the gradually building up pile of blocks. Different blocks in different orientations have different point values. When the pile reaches the top of the screen and no further blocks can be dropped the game ends. When a row of blocks across the screen is completely filled, that row is removed and all the blocks above it drop down. As more rows are deleted the blocks drop faster.

A high score table is kept which is retained between separate executions of the game.  You can avoid recording your score, by using the *-noscore* option.

*Xtetris* requires the installation of an application defaults file, probably in the file  */usr/lib/X11/app-defaults/Xtetris.* If that file does not exist,  *xtetris* cannot run.  (It will probably print out something like "Width zero. Terminating.")  Almost everything about *xtetris* can be configured in your .X11defaults file.  You can use the application defaults file as a guide.

## OPTIONS

*Xtetris* takes standard *X* options (see  *X(1)).* It adds the following:

- **-boxsize *boxsize***

  Specifies the width of the square blocks that compose the falling objects.  The overall size of the game board adjusts to *boxsize*.

- **-noscore**

  Runs  *xtetris* without recording your score, or showing you the score file when you have finished the game.

- **-score**

  Runs *xtetris* using the scorefile, if it exists.

- **-speed *speed***

  Sets the game's speed.  By default *speed* is 10.  20 causes the game to be 2 times faster, 5 makes it 2 times slower.  "-speed 50" makes for an extremely fast game, however you will need a fast processor to support it.  Keep in mind that as you knock out rows, the game's speed increases.  If you set your speed below the standard of 10, your score will not be recorded in the score file.

- **-color**

  - **-bw**

  Determines whether to use the color or black-and-white application-defaults file.  This sets the new X11R5 "customization" resource to ".c" or ".bw", depending on your choice.

- **-quayle**

  Puts *xtetris* into Dan Quayle Mode.  "If we do not succeed, then  we face the risk of failure."

## FILES

- /usr/lib/X11/tetris\_scores

  - /usr/lib/X11/app-defaults/Xtetris

  - /usr/lib/X11/app-defaults/Xtetris.c

  - /usr/lib/X11/app-defaults/Xtetris.bw

  Top 10 high scores.

## ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES

- XTETRIS

  If set, your desired name for the high score table.

## BUGS

A bug in X11R5 makes the /usr/lib/X11/app-defaults/Xtetris necessary: the pop-up score-box and about-box do not get a propagated "customization" resource.

## COPYRIGHT

Copyright 1991, Daniel R. Greening, Didier Tallot, Phill Everson, and Martyn Shortley.

## AUTHORS

Dan Greening, Didier Tallot, Phill Everson, Martyn Shortley, and Adam Marguilies.