Why did you create this lesson plan?

I've been paying attention to how new players learn to play Puyo Puyo recently, and I've noticed two common themes whenever they ask questions:

1. They know they can't chain well, but they don't know what path to take to improve. "How do I chain better?" "Well, what are you having trouble with?" "Uhh..."

2. They read topics way too advanced for their current ability. "I keep trying to watch my opponent, but I lose track of my own chain whenever I try!"

Generally speaking, the issues they're having are incredibly common and there's plenty of published material that addresses the exact issues they are facing.

Despite the wealth of resources, these players are still struggling in Puyo. Why is that? After some thought, the answer ended up being pretty obvious:

1. Guides are named according to the concept that fixes their problem instead of the problem they're having

2. After struggling to identify their woes, they fall into a rabbit hole of esoteric chain techniques

I put together this spreadsheet to try and address the learning gap. As a result it does two major things differently that most other guides:

1. The topics are named by roadblock, not solution. This helps players identify their weaknesses and ask for more specific advice.

2. Guides are grouped by relative complexity. This lets players pace their learning and focus on the things that will help them improve the fastest.

It's okay to skip around if you don't feel like you're making any headway. The order that they're presented here tends to work for most people, but not everybody.

The number one goal all new players should be aiming for

Overall, what new players should be working on is building the mental muscle memory to be able to chain without thinking.

When you're able to autopilot your chains, you can place pieces down as fast as the game lets you as well as free up mental resources for other things.

People like to hype up concepts like observing your opponent and building crazy chains, but those strategies only work because of good chaining fundamentals.

If this sounds like a huge challenge... well it is, and many players spend years honing their technique and still not rise to the level of best of the best.

Just remember... don't give up, you're not alone, and always remember to have fun!

Some useful resources

Playable Chainsims

Beginners have put little time into learning how to play Puyo, asides from what's necessary to get through single player mode.

The key areas of improvement for beginners are learning how to stop playing magnet puyo and to start building chains on purpose.

I don't know how to build chains

by Yoshi100_Aus

I don't know how to recognize chains

The easiest type of chain to wrap your head around is known as Stairs.

by Yoshi100_Aus

Puyo Puyo Tetris - Lessons: Expert

Build a 5 chain with Stair stacking!

You're looking good for Intermediate when...

- You can build a 3 chain without much thinking

- You can build a 5 chain, but only if you get exactly the right pieces you need

Intermediate players generally recognize how chains work, and are able to stack puyos with purpose.

The key areas of improvement for Intermediate players are learning how to build chains many links in advance and learning how to build both horizontally and vertically.

I don't know how to extend my chain when I reach the wall

by Yoshi100_Aus

I'm not getting the right colors to build Stairs / my Stairs chains keep breaking in the worst places

by S2LSOFTENER / Sega

by Yoshi100_Aus

I'm having trouble opening the game with a transition

by S2LSOFTENER / Sega

by Yoshi100_Aus

Win 3 matches where you open with a GTR!

I want to build more types of chains

You can move on to Advanced when...

- You can build a 7 chain or higher most of the time

- You can build a 10 chain or higher with some difficulty

Advanced players have mastery over the basic building blocks of chaining

The key areas of improvement for Advanced players are being able to build big chains with speed and consistency. Try to stack in a way that lets every piece matter!

How do I handle garbage?

by RaikonShrugtal

by S2LSOFTENER / Sega

by Yoshi100_Aus

I keep throwing pieces I don't know what to do with to the side. How do I use them in my chain?

by S2LSOFTENER / Sega

by Yoshi100_Aus

Why do I never seem to be able to build a good base with GTR? How do I chain on top of GTR?

by Stp. Fox and translated into English by Andy8254

How do I build large chains consistently?

What's a good way to test my chaining speed?

Build a 10 chain in 30 seconds or less!

- Puyo Puyo 20th Anniversary - Challenge Test 3, S Rank

- Puyo Puyo Tetris - Chapter 4-4

...Now do it three times in a row

You're probably ready for Expert when...

- You can reliably build 10 chains in 30 seconds or less

- You can build big chains without struggling to think about where to place your puyos

Expert players are able to build chains quickly and consistently, meaning they can dedicate brainpower towards watching the opponent instead.

The key areas of improvement for Advanced players are building chains even faster and consistent, and begining to use the opponent's decisions to their advantage.

I'd like to learn how to make smarter decisions when chain building

by Hambota / balminus

Are there any special battle tactics for chaining against an opponent?

Complete the 10,000,000 point challenge in one sitting!

You can probably move on to Master when...

- You hit 3000 rating on Puyo Esports

- You can reliably build 12 chains in 30 seconds or less