Charlie, bless 'im, posted this on playrix and reposting here in case it helps.
This is going to sound like a brag but it's meant to help.
Going into this week's regatta I had already done the 7 reward levels and saved up 200+ blocks and just let any
accumulate in case I needed it. I saw there were two types of regatta tasks related to the event, Color 30 blocks (135 points) and Solve 7 levels (also 135 points) so I figured I'd need a stash of both to do either of those tasks.
I did 5 of the "Solve 7" tasks this week, that's 35 puzzles solved not counting the many I just gave up on or failed all 3 tries. I've stopped at puzzle level 162 and now only play in order to maintain my position in 8th thru 12th, I want the hammers
The key to many puzzles was to combine boosters to get the maximum "blast effect", like two fireworks or a rocket+bomb. The 2nd most useful combination was fireworks+rocket. When activated it will turn every block of the fireworks color into random up/down or left/right rockets and then shoot them off. Blamo! Lots of blocks and stuff cleared.
The important part of combining boosters is getting them where you want them. Say you have enough to make a "bomb". Where you "tap" to complete the bomb is where the bomb will appear so you can strategically determine where you want it. Also, sometimes it's best to focus on the top of the board when there are crates to destroy. Crates stop blocks from falling further so getting rid of crates up top will give you more blocks to play / plan with.
I often caught myself falling into two traps, first is forgetting that this is not a *timed* game, there is no rush to make matches and get through the level as fast as you can. I had to remind myself to slow down and look at the board and I sometimes cursed when I quick-tapped on a match causing blocks to fall and ruin a chance at a booster above.
The other thing is I sometimes lost track of the "goals" of the puzzle. I concentrated on getting rid of the last few crates when the goals were for Blue and Green blocks, I didn't need to clear all the crates, just enough to let more blocks fall.
Also, many tasks involving balloons do not give you enough to accomplish the goal at first so you absolutely have to set off the cannons. Strategically planning the matches to fire off cannons is important especially since it takes two matches to get a cannon to spew a few balloons. I used the "slow balloons" to give me time to survey the board and see where I could take out 2 or 3 at a time.
Lastly, I did not use any of the free boosters (past the initial demo mode showing you how to use them). I think they are fine but eventually you'll have to play without them (or buy more which I refuse to do). I also did not "buy extra moves" as it is against my principles to spend T-Cash on such things. But there were times when 1 or 2 additional moves would have meant the difference between solving the puzzle or losing a heart so that might be an option if you have a particularly frustrating puzzle. Just remember you do not have to solve every puzzle, you can just move on to the next.
I hope these few pointers helps a little.
Charlie
