If you're relying on straight pieces you're doing it wrong!<p>Back when I was starting with Tetris I would always try to avoid "holes", i.e. empty spaces that are covered on top. And this leads to the requirement for the straight pieces.<p>I became much better when I started to accept holes and instead just try to keep the top edge a nice shape compatible with many blocks. The straight pieces become a bit of a nuisance, actually.