Scoring Big on Zuma Blitz: Week of February 15, 2011, Gameboard Two

Creating sustainable gap shots is easy but you have to know where. Let the balls move past Froggy on the third level. Now, blast your hole so that Froggy has a clear shot at where the balls enter the board. Clip the balls as they enter or on the first curve. Another good spot is to blast a hole right where the fruit appears. This gap will close faster but gives you some good angles to amass gap points.

Normally, I do not suggest stopping a combo from collapsing but this board does present some opportunities where gap shots may be worth more than a combo. Combos have the unfortunate side effect of closing gaps. Blasting a hole in a long string of same color balls can create a nice gap for you to rack up points. But if the two balls at the two sides of the string are the same color, your gap will snap shut. Keep an eye on what color balls are at the edges of the gap you want to create. If they are the same color, hit one end with a ball of a different color. This will freeze the ’snap-shut’ and maintain your gap.

Why would we want to prevent combos? Well, like I said, it is not my first suggestion but in this game, with fruits being difficult to reach, gap shots may just make up for the lost fruits. It is a calculated risk and before engaging in this activity, know what your multiplier is as well as your fruit bonus. If your fruit count is low and multiplier value is high, giving up combo points may well be worth the subsequent gap shot points.

MY POWER BALL RECOMMENDATIONS: For high scores, run the heavy artillery this week. Chain, Multiplier and Time Lord. Chain bonuses should be easy to harvest even if it mean going a little slower and switching balls out to keep the chain going. Thus, your most powerful weapon is going to be the chain power up. The explosions will clear the area and help keep the multiple row levels from building up on you. Chain explosions will also help clear the way for fruit shots.

Multiplier is handy too as it will start you on the difficult road with a points up advantage. Since fruit are harder to get to, when you do hit one, the multiplier power up ensures that it is of a much higher point value.

Time Lord is also critical. With more balls in the way and having to switch balls out often, those few extra seconds are mighty precious. Froggy wants to play…help Froggy play longer, score bigger!

Now, these big guns are expensive and Chain takes a bit of skill to use. Maybe you are not at that skill level or too Mojo poor for high-class weaponry. No fret. You can still do significant damage with another Power Up Combination. Try Bombs, Multiplier and Hurrah. The scoring is not as awesome as my top recommended power combo but perhaps you have what it takes to rustle up a high score with the Po-Man’s combo!

NOVICE TIP: Use the space bar as opposed tot he right mouse button. Two hands is faster than two fingers. Use the keyboard to your advantage.

EXPERT TIP: You’re an expert so the balls shouldn’t be running up on you, but yes, everyone can be overwhelmed once in a while. Keep count of your chains! Using the Chain power-up knowing when you will cause an explosion is probably the greatest strategic advantage you have. Bombs and Cannon shots are nice but you cannot aim a bomb and both bomb and cannon balls appear randomly. They often are not there when you need them. However, if you count your chain, you can pretty much always target where the explosion is to occur. Chain explosions are best used placed near multiplier and timer balls or for clearing a gap to reach fruits.

ZUMA BLITZ NEAT TIP OF THE WEEK:

The higher your chain count, the faster you can shoot. More balls on the board means slower moving balls.