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The Diploma Guide Archive, Volume VI 5/27/10 11:10 AM
Here we go...Season six of the Diploma Guide Archive!
251. Seashell Squeeze: 3 of 3
TASK: Create a powerup
POINTS REQUIRED: 499
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 7
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: Any time you match more than three shells with one move, you'll make a powerup. That's the easiest way to explain it. Oh, and you also get a free Color Bomb halfway through the level.
252. Firefly Fantasies: 2 of 3
TASK: Score at least 4000 in Firefly Bonus
POINTS REQUIRED: 15
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 3
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TIP: Part of the task is making sure you have a big level score, which you do by making at least one really big move, and the other part is to drop the Firefly in as few moves as possible when it appears. It's a good idea to save Wild pieces for this purpose, as if you have any in or next to the column the Firefly appears in, you can use them to connect stray unmatched pieces.
253. Mahjong Golden Path: 2 of 3
TASK: Make five matches in a row with Speed Bonus
POINTS REQUIRED: 199
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 6
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: As with several other Mahjong diplomas of this type, find several matches before clicking them off.
254. Scrabble Zing II: 1 of 2
TASK: Score at least 50 in Time Bonus
POINTS REQUIRED: 10
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 10
DIFFICULTY: ?
TIP: Sorry, I have no tips here, as this game is unavailable to me.
255. Firefly Fantasies: 3 of 3
TASK: Make a move worth at least 3000 points
POINTS REQUIRED: 9
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 2
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TIP: It's all about the powerups. Make a move worth 1000 or more and you'll get one. If you get a Bomb, you'll score for every space in its row and column when you use it, which will almost always push the move score over 3000 unless you've already cleared most of the board.
256. Solitaire Swing II: 1 of 3
TASK: Start Level 3 with at least 2 minutes remaining
POINTS REQUIRED: 9
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 9
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: When a level starts, quickly look at the cards at the bottom, and try to spot any sequences. That way, if a card appears that you can play it on, you know exactly what to do, which should save you a few seconds.
257. Pet Rescue: 1 of 3
TASK: Extinguish a burning crate
POINTS REQUIRED: 88
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 10
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: Remove groups of seven or more pieces at a time to get an extinguisher(s). Pick an abundant color to make your large group(s) with, then remove the other colors where possible, always looking ahead to see how the pieces will line up for the next move.
258. Mahjong Golden Path: 3 of 3
TASK: Open all Rune Tiles with at least ten regular tiles left on the board
POINTS REQUIRED: 60
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 4
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TIP: As with #249, pay attention at the start of the level, so that you know where the Rune Tiles are. That way, you won't remove any more tiles than you have to.
259. Solitaire Swing II: 2 of 3
TASK: Collect at least 2800 in Time Bonus for a round
POINTS REQUIRED: 17
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 4
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TIP: You have to complete rounds 1 and 2 in 50 seconds or less to get points for them; for rounds 3 and beyond, 85 seconds or less. You have to complete twice as many holes once you reach round 3, so you have less time per hole.
260. Scrabble Zing II: 2 of 2
TASK: Use a Triple Word space
POINTS REQUIRED: 15
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: ?
DIFFICULTY: ?
TIP: If this game plays like standard Scrabble, you'll need to build a chain of words all the way out to the edges of the board. That's where the Triple Word spaces are--the corners and the center of each edge.
261. Pet Rescue: 2 of 3
TASK: Save a pet
POINTS REQUIRED: 177
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 12
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TIP: Using helicopters is the easy way, but you only get one for every ten floors cleared. Dropping a pet to the ground is considerably harder, but worth more. Pay attention to the colors you need to match, and be sure to extinguish any burning blocks in a pet's column. Also, watch for pets in crates, and be careful not to bring burning blocks in contact with each other, as this causes the fire to spread.
262. Jelly Swelly III: 1 of 2
TASK: Make four or more splashes in one move in Halloween mode
POINTS REQUIRED: 199
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 6
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: A splash occurs when a jellyfish is part of both a row and column. A good way to get this one is to look for a group of one color with a line of the other going through it, then drawing over that line.
263. UNO³: 1 of 2
TASK: Make the player after you draw a card
POINTS REQUIRED: 277
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 5
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: Just play a Draw Two or Wild Draw Four whenever you get one and can. Also, if the player before you has to draw (because of no play available), playing a Reverse will often make him draw again.
264. Jelly Swelly III: 2 of 2
TASK: Drop a star to the bottom in Halloween mode
POINTS REQUIRED: 99
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 7
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: Stars only begin to appear after you've released both chalks. Once you do, create as many splashes as possible, in order to keep the stars and vials coming. If there are four rows beneath a star, make a move that turns them all the same color. With fewer, try to make each row part of a set of four horizontally.
265. Solitaire Swing II: 3 of 3
TASK: Drop a flag within five seconds of the previous flag
POINTS REQUIRED: 170
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 7
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: An easy way to do this is to complete one flag, but don't drop it until you complete another one.
266. Abracadabra II: 1 of 2
TASK: Use at least three different items in the same chain
POINTS REQUIRED: 14
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 4
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TIP: This one's all about the double and flower pieces. Link one item to a matching double piece, then to the other item on that piece, then to a flower or another matching double piece, then to one more piece, and voila, you have a point.
267. Pet Rescue: 3 of 3
TASK: Clear at least 90% of a level
POINTS REQUIRED: 20
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 10
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TIP: Just like the Klicker games, it's important to watch how removing a group will affect the blocks above it. Note that the level will end when there are no groups on the screen to remove, even if extinguishing a burning block would create one.
268. Midas Solitaire III: 1 of 2
TASK: Solve the board in the Australian theme!
POINTS REQUIRED: 5
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 5
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: Just remember to select Australia (lower left) as your theme. If you play a progressive and solve it, you can get this piece very quickly, as you get five entries (at least at my level).
269. UNO³: 2 of 2
TASK: Use the UNO button at the proper time
POINTS REQUIRED: 88
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 3
DIFFICULTY: Child's Play
TIP: Points count when you say Uno, and also when you catch an opponent who doesn't. Whenever you see the UNO button turn blue, click it. If it's your turn and you have two cards with a legal play, it will light up. Click it before you play, so you don't forget. If an opponent has two cards and starts fiddling with them, watch for the button to light up, then keep clicking it as the bot plays, to make sure that it registers.
270. Monkey Quest II: 1 of 3
TASK: Score at least 5000 in Time Bonus
POINTS REQUIRED: 7
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 7
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TIP: Clear the board in 2½ minutes or less. Time spent in mini-games doesn't count. Just be quick and accurate, and you should be fine.
271. Abracadabra II: 2 of 2
TASK: Score at least 5000 on Level 1
POINTS REQUIRED: 10
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 10
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TIP: Identify the most abundant items, and save them for last. Clear out the scarcer items first. Note that it's not always possible to make "perfect" chains of every item, but be sure to do so with the items you have the most of.
272. Bric-a-Brac: 1 of 2
TASK: Complete a level with at least ¼ of the time remaining
POINTS REQUIRED: 65
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 6
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: Look for matches next to each other and along the sides of the board. When you have more than one side by side pair, take the one that's "highest" on the board first, so as not to mess up the one(s) "beneath" it.
273. Midas Solitaire III: 2 of 2
TASK: Solve the board in the North America theme!
POINTS REQUIRED: 5
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 5
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: This is exactly the same as #268, except that you must select the North America theme (upper right) to get a point.
274. Monkey Quest II: 2 of 3
TASK: Score at least 50,000 in Statue Bonus
POINTS REQUIRED: 10
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 10
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: This shouldn't be hard if you get all five mini-games. In Survival, keep shooting as long as you have something to shoot at. In Marksman, accuracy is more important than speed, but don't take too long to shoot. In Mining, look at the bubbles you've been given, and plan out your path before you shoot.
275. Bric-a-Brac: 2 of 2
TASK: Complete a level without making an invalid match
POINTS REQUIRED: 55
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 6
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: I don't really like this one, because you score big in this game by playing very quickly, and for this piece, you have to slow down a bit to make sure each match is valid. If you start a match and then change your mind, you can just click the first piece of the other match--just be sure it's not the same item as the first piece you clicked.
276. Seashell Squeeze II: 1 of 3
TASK: Complete a level within one minute
POINTS REQUIRED: 50
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 10
DIFFICULTY: Hard
TIP: When you see a match, make it. Concentrate your efforts on the lower part of the screen, where you're more likely to make a combo that will make powerups.
277. Monkey Quest II: 3 of 3
TASK: Get a gold statue piece in the Survivor mini-game
POINTS REQUIRED: 10
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 4
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TIP: Keep shooting! Be careful where you shoot, of course, but if you've cleared away an open area on one side of the board, try throwing bubbles of the "wrong" colors up there. Every now and then, you'll hit a bubble you can't see that takes them all down for an automatic perfect score (17500). Remember, your score is calculated from the lowest hanging bubble when time runs out, so always try to take out the lowest-hanging bunch, especially by dropping them if you can.
278. Mahjong Golden Path II: 1 of 2
TASK: Reach Level 5!
POINTS REQUIRED: 10
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 10
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: As with previous pieces in this game, pay attention to the tiles as they appear at the start of each level, and in particular, stay alert for two of the same tile stacked on top of each other.
279. Orchido II: 1 of 3
TASK: Activate a Busy Beetle
POINTS REQUIRED: 150
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 5
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TIP: Make a Busy Beetle by keeping a chain of matches going. When the pitch of the "match" sound effect changes the second time, you usually have enough matches to form the Busy Beetle.
280. Seashell Squeeze II: 2 of 3
TASK: Activate an Area Bomb
POINTS REQUIRED: 70
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 3
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: Make an Area Bomb by making a match of four or five shells instead of the customary three. T and L shaped matches work too. Activate it by using it in a match or hitting it with the effect of any other powerup. They work just like Power Gems in Bejeweled 2.
281. Mahjong Golden Path II: 2 of 2
TASK: Complete a level in 45 seconds or less
POINTS REQUIRED: 60
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 5
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: This piece is MUCH easier when you stay on the Golden Path. Just don't go so fast that you do something stupid.
282. Amazing Adventures II: 1 of 2
TASK: Score at least 1600 in Time Bonus!
POINTS REQUIRED: 9
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 9
DIFFICULTY: Variable (depends on your knowledge of the boards)
TIP: When you see it, click it. If you're having trouble with the last one, use your hint. Not much else to say, really.
283. Seashell Squeeze II: 3 of 3
TASK: Activate a Color Bomb
POINTS REQUIRED: 55
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 6
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: It's easy but tedious if you just use the free one you get at the midpoint of each level. It's considerably more challenging to make your own, as you have to form two Area Bombs of the same color, then use them both in the same match. This is NOT easy to do, as the colors will seldom line up properly for you, but very rewarding if you can pull it off.
284. Orchido II: 2 of 3
TASK: Create a powerup
POINTS REQUIRED: 606
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 7
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: Form powerups by matching more than three flowers at a time, and by keeping chains of matches going. Don't stop to admire your work when you make a match--keep going to keep your chain going.
285. Amazing Adventures II: 2 of 2
TASK: Complete the game without using the hint!
POINTS REQUIRED: 8
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 8
DIFFICULTY: Variable (depends on your knowledge of the boards)
TIP: This one's easy, if you either know the boards or aren't afraid to take penalties. Trial and error will get you through it, but if you're heavy on the "error" part, it'll cost you quite a bit.
286. Klicker Klacker 2 II: 1 of 2
TASK: Make a group with two or more radioactive blocks
POINTS REQUIRED: 25
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 4
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TIP: Scan the board at the beginning of the level, and identify which colors appear more than once on radioactive blocks. Move carefully to bring them together.
287. Orchido II: 3 of 3
TASK: Make a group of four or more flowers
POINTS REQUIRED: 500
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 7
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: Just twist a pair to meet a pair, basically. Simple as that.
288. Pet Rescue II: 1 of 2
TASK: Earn an extinguisher
POINTS REQUIRED: 150
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 10
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TIP: Pick a color to bring together, and remove all the blocks of other colors you have to in order to make as large a group of this color as you can. For every 7 blocks in the group, you'll get an extinguisher and a point.
289. Klicker Klacker 2 II: 2 of 2 (dang, that's a lot of twos)
TASK: Click off a group of 15 or more
POINTS REQUIRED: 25
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 5
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TIP: Pick a color that you either have a lot of, or have a bunch of already together. Carefully click away groups around it to bring more blocks of the same color into contact. Sometimes you may want to "sacrifice" a small group of this color to bring more of them together, and don't be afraid to use the Column Blast if a stray column separates a smaller group from the rest.
290. Kitty Boom: 1 of 3
TASK: Complete a level
POINTS REQUIRED: 42
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 6
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: Hit the ball to where the highest concentrations of blue pegs are, as you have to clear 75% of them to finish a level.
291. Pet Rescue II: 2 of 2
TASK: Click off a group of 15 or more
POINTS REQUIRED: 45
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 8
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TIP: Does this task sound familiar? It's exactly the same as last week's #289, only in a different game. You don't have Column Blasts to help you in Pet Rescue, but you do have extinguishers, which can bring a group together if a burning crate separates it.
292. Storm Chaser II: 1 of 3
TASK: Complete at least three countries!
POINTS REQUIRED: 10
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 10
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: Make sure you shoot your powerups in the right direction! Whatever direction you pulled the row or column to activate the powerup is the direction it will go. Also, be sure to make lots of Hail powerups, as they're especially useful in picking off those last few spaces. You make Hail by making a group of five or more.
293. Kitty Boom: 2 of 3
TASK: Hit 10 blue pegs with one bounce
POINTS REQUIRED: 50
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: Variable (depends on the levels you get)
DIFFICULTY: Variable (on levels like Skate or Die, easy...on Unpleasant Events, good luck!)
TIP: The technique varies from level to level, and I don't have the space to break down every level here. In general, look for the greatest concentrations of blue, and try to hit the ball in such a way that it will pass through the largest such area. You'll also find the Mega peg (red with the + on it) to be a big help for this task.
294. Firefly Fantasies II: 1 of 3
TASK: Drop the Firefly in three or fewer moves
POINTS REQUIRED: 25
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 5
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TIP: Save your powerups for when the Firefly comes. If it appears in a column that contains a Bomb, you'll drop it in one move! Even if not, Bombs and Wild pieces can help clear away the tiles that don't match in the Firefly's column.
295. Fashion Factory: 1 of 1
TASK: Collect 10 handbags in a level
POINTS REQUIRED: 30
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 6
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: Pick one of the bags on the left side to go after, then pick a column that contains its pattern, preferably more than once. Try to match up the bags beneath where the pattern appears in the column, so that bags will drop to where the target pattern is. Repeat until the target bag is collected, then move to the next one.
296. Storm Chaser II: 2 of 3
TASK: Activate two Lightnings with one move
POINTS REQUIRED: 12
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 2
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: This is one you shouldn't think too hard about. Just play your normal game; Lightnings will form as cascades add up. Just try not to activate them until you have several on the board at once.
297. Kitty Boom: 3 of 3
TASK: Score at least 20 hits in one bounce
POINTS REQUIRED: 33
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: Variable (depends on the levels you get)
DIFFICULTY: Variable (depends on the levels you get)
TIP: Putting the ball between bouncy (red & white) pegs will often get you many hits. Some levels have areas set up for monster combos, such as Skate or Die, Tower Defense, and Zing Boink Boom.
298. Firefly Fantasies II: 2 of 3
TASK: Make a move that uses two different symbols
POINTS REQUIRED: 17
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 2
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: This one is all about the powerups. Make a chain of 8 or more pieces (if none have been already used) to score 1000 and earn a powerup, then use the powerup in another move. That's really all there is to it.
299. Storm Chaser II: 3 of 3
TASK: Light up at least 10 squares in one move
POINTS REQUIRED: 101
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 6
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: You'll get most of these points at the beginning of each level, especially if you activate a powerup early on. Be sure to aim your powerup in the direction of the most unlit squares.
300. Amazing Adventures The Lost Tomb: 1 of 2 (deluxe Amazing Adventures - orange button games only)
TASK: Complete the game without a misclick!
POINTS REQUIRED: 8
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 8
DIFFICULTY: Variable (depends on your knowledge of the boards)
TIP: What can I say? Look and click carefully, and don't forget the hint if you need it.
251. Seashell Squeeze: 3 of 3
TASK: Create a powerup
POINTS REQUIRED: 499
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 7
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: Any time you match more than three shells with one move, you'll make a powerup. That's the easiest way to explain it. Oh, and you also get a free Color Bomb halfway through the level.
252. Firefly Fantasies: 2 of 3
TASK: Score at least 4000 in Firefly Bonus
POINTS REQUIRED: 15
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 3
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TIP: Part of the task is making sure you have a big level score, which you do by making at least one really big move, and the other part is to drop the Firefly in as few moves as possible when it appears. It's a good idea to save Wild pieces for this purpose, as if you have any in or next to the column the Firefly appears in, you can use them to connect stray unmatched pieces.
253. Mahjong Golden Path: 2 of 3
TASK: Make five matches in a row with Speed Bonus
POINTS REQUIRED: 199
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 6
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: As with several other Mahjong diplomas of this type, find several matches before clicking them off.
254. Scrabble Zing II: 1 of 2
TASK: Score at least 50 in Time Bonus
POINTS REQUIRED: 10
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 10
DIFFICULTY: ?
TIP: Sorry, I have no tips here, as this game is unavailable to me.
255. Firefly Fantasies: 3 of 3
TASK: Make a move worth at least 3000 points
POINTS REQUIRED: 9
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 2
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TIP: It's all about the powerups. Make a move worth 1000 or more and you'll get one. If you get a Bomb, you'll score for every space in its row and column when you use it, which will almost always push the move score over 3000 unless you've already cleared most of the board.
256. Solitaire Swing II: 1 of 3
TASK: Start Level 3 with at least 2 minutes remaining
POINTS REQUIRED: 9
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 9
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: When a level starts, quickly look at the cards at the bottom, and try to spot any sequences. That way, if a card appears that you can play it on, you know exactly what to do, which should save you a few seconds.
257. Pet Rescue: 1 of 3
TASK: Extinguish a burning crate
POINTS REQUIRED: 88
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 10
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: Remove groups of seven or more pieces at a time to get an extinguisher(s). Pick an abundant color to make your large group(s) with, then remove the other colors where possible, always looking ahead to see how the pieces will line up for the next move.
258. Mahjong Golden Path: 3 of 3
TASK: Open all Rune Tiles with at least ten regular tiles left on the board
POINTS REQUIRED: 60
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 4
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TIP: As with #249, pay attention at the start of the level, so that you know where the Rune Tiles are. That way, you won't remove any more tiles than you have to.
259. Solitaire Swing II: 2 of 3
TASK: Collect at least 2800 in Time Bonus for a round
POINTS REQUIRED: 17
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 4
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TIP: You have to complete rounds 1 and 2 in 50 seconds or less to get points for them; for rounds 3 and beyond, 85 seconds or less. You have to complete twice as many holes once you reach round 3, so you have less time per hole.
260. Scrabble Zing II: 2 of 2
TASK: Use a Triple Word space
POINTS REQUIRED: 15
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: ?
DIFFICULTY: ?
TIP: If this game plays like standard Scrabble, you'll need to build a chain of words all the way out to the edges of the board. That's where the Triple Word spaces are--the corners and the center of each edge.
261. Pet Rescue: 2 of 3
TASK: Save a pet
POINTS REQUIRED: 177
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 12
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TIP: Using helicopters is the easy way, but you only get one for every ten floors cleared. Dropping a pet to the ground is considerably harder, but worth more. Pay attention to the colors you need to match, and be sure to extinguish any burning blocks in a pet's column. Also, watch for pets in crates, and be careful not to bring burning blocks in contact with each other, as this causes the fire to spread.
262. Jelly Swelly III: 1 of 2
TASK: Make four or more splashes in one move in Halloween mode
POINTS REQUIRED: 199
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 6
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: A splash occurs when a jellyfish is part of both a row and column. A good way to get this one is to look for a group of one color with a line of the other going through it, then drawing over that line.
263. UNO³: 1 of 2
TASK: Make the player after you draw a card
POINTS REQUIRED: 277
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 5
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: Just play a Draw Two or Wild Draw Four whenever you get one and can. Also, if the player before you has to draw (because of no play available), playing a Reverse will often make him draw again.
264. Jelly Swelly III: 2 of 2
TASK: Drop a star to the bottom in Halloween mode
POINTS REQUIRED: 99
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 7
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: Stars only begin to appear after you've released both chalks. Once you do, create as many splashes as possible, in order to keep the stars and vials coming. If there are four rows beneath a star, make a move that turns them all the same color. With fewer, try to make each row part of a set of four horizontally.
265. Solitaire Swing II: 3 of 3
TASK: Drop a flag within five seconds of the previous flag
POINTS REQUIRED: 170
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 7
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: An easy way to do this is to complete one flag, but don't drop it until you complete another one.
266. Abracadabra II: 1 of 2
TASK: Use at least three different items in the same chain
POINTS REQUIRED: 14
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 4
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TIP: This one's all about the double and flower pieces. Link one item to a matching double piece, then to the other item on that piece, then to a flower or another matching double piece, then to one more piece, and voila, you have a point.
267. Pet Rescue: 3 of 3
TASK: Clear at least 90% of a level
POINTS REQUIRED: 20
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 10
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TIP: Just like the Klicker games, it's important to watch how removing a group will affect the blocks above it. Note that the level will end when there are no groups on the screen to remove, even if extinguishing a burning block would create one.
268. Midas Solitaire III: 1 of 2
TASK: Solve the board in the Australian theme!
POINTS REQUIRED: 5
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 5
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: Just remember to select Australia (lower left) as your theme. If you play a progressive and solve it, you can get this piece very quickly, as you get five entries (at least at my level).
269. UNO³: 2 of 2
TASK: Use the UNO button at the proper time
POINTS REQUIRED: 88
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 3
DIFFICULTY: Child's Play
TIP: Points count when you say Uno, and also when you catch an opponent who doesn't. Whenever you see the UNO button turn blue, click it. If it's your turn and you have two cards with a legal play, it will light up. Click it before you play, so you don't forget. If an opponent has two cards and starts fiddling with them, watch for the button to light up, then keep clicking it as the bot plays, to make sure that it registers.
270. Monkey Quest II: 1 of 3
TASK: Score at least 5000 in Time Bonus
POINTS REQUIRED: 7
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 7
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TIP: Clear the board in 2½ minutes or less. Time spent in mini-games doesn't count. Just be quick and accurate, and you should be fine.
271. Abracadabra II: 2 of 2
TASK: Score at least 5000 on Level 1
POINTS REQUIRED: 10
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 10
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TIP: Identify the most abundant items, and save them for last. Clear out the scarcer items first. Note that it's not always possible to make "perfect" chains of every item, but be sure to do so with the items you have the most of.
272. Bric-a-Brac: 1 of 2
TASK: Complete a level with at least ¼ of the time remaining
POINTS REQUIRED: 65
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 6
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: Look for matches next to each other and along the sides of the board. When you have more than one side by side pair, take the one that's "highest" on the board first, so as not to mess up the one(s) "beneath" it.
273. Midas Solitaire III: 2 of 2
TASK: Solve the board in the North America theme!
POINTS REQUIRED: 5
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 5
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: This is exactly the same as #268, except that you must select the North America theme (upper right) to get a point.
274. Monkey Quest II: 2 of 3
TASK: Score at least 50,000 in Statue Bonus
POINTS REQUIRED: 10
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 10
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: This shouldn't be hard if you get all five mini-games. In Survival, keep shooting as long as you have something to shoot at. In Marksman, accuracy is more important than speed, but don't take too long to shoot. In Mining, look at the bubbles you've been given, and plan out your path before you shoot.
275. Bric-a-Brac: 2 of 2
TASK: Complete a level without making an invalid match
POINTS REQUIRED: 55
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 6
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: I don't really like this one, because you score big in this game by playing very quickly, and for this piece, you have to slow down a bit to make sure each match is valid. If you start a match and then change your mind, you can just click the first piece of the other match--just be sure it's not the same item as the first piece you clicked.
276. Seashell Squeeze II: 1 of 3
TASK: Complete a level within one minute
POINTS REQUIRED: 50
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 10
DIFFICULTY: Hard
TIP: When you see a match, make it. Concentrate your efforts on the lower part of the screen, where you're more likely to make a combo that will make powerups.
277. Monkey Quest II: 3 of 3
TASK: Get a gold statue piece in the Survivor mini-game
POINTS REQUIRED: 10
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 4
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TIP: Keep shooting! Be careful where you shoot, of course, but if you've cleared away an open area on one side of the board, try throwing bubbles of the "wrong" colors up there. Every now and then, you'll hit a bubble you can't see that takes them all down for an automatic perfect score (17500). Remember, your score is calculated from the lowest hanging bubble when time runs out, so always try to take out the lowest-hanging bunch, especially by dropping them if you can.
278. Mahjong Golden Path II: 1 of 2
TASK: Reach Level 5!
POINTS REQUIRED: 10
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 10
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: As with previous pieces in this game, pay attention to the tiles as they appear at the start of each level, and in particular, stay alert for two of the same tile stacked on top of each other.
279. Orchido II: 1 of 3
TASK: Activate a Busy Beetle
POINTS REQUIRED: 150
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 5
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TIP: Make a Busy Beetle by keeping a chain of matches going. When the pitch of the "match" sound effect changes the second time, you usually have enough matches to form the Busy Beetle.
280. Seashell Squeeze II: 2 of 3
TASK: Activate an Area Bomb
POINTS REQUIRED: 70
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 3
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: Make an Area Bomb by making a match of four or five shells instead of the customary three. T and L shaped matches work too. Activate it by using it in a match or hitting it with the effect of any other powerup. They work just like Power Gems in Bejeweled 2.
281. Mahjong Golden Path II: 2 of 2
TASK: Complete a level in 45 seconds or less
POINTS REQUIRED: 60
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 5
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: This piece is MUCH easier when you stay on the Golden Path. Just don't go so fast that you do something stupid.
282. Amazing Adventures II: 1 of 2
TASK: Score at least 1600 in Time Bonus!
POINTS REQUIRED: 9
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 9
DIFFICULTY: Variable (depends on your knowledge of the boards)
TIP: When you see it, click it. If you're having trouble with the last one, use your hint. Not much else to say, really.
283. Seashell Squeeze II: 3 of 3
TASK: Activate a Color Bomb
POINTS REQUIRED: 55
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 6
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: It's easy but tedious if you just use the free one you get at the midpoint of each level. It's considerably more challenging to make your own, as you have to form two Area Bombs of the same color, then use them both in the same match. This is NOT easy to do, as the colors will seldom line up properly for you, but very rewarding if you can pull it off.
284. Orchido II: 2 of 3
TASK: Create a powerup
POINTS REQUIRED: 606
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 7
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: Form powerups by matching more than three flowers at a time, and by keeping chains of matches going. Don't stop to admire your work when you make a match--keep going to keep your chain going.
285. Amazing Adventures II: 2 of 2
TASK: Complete the game without using the hint!
POINTS REQUIRED: 8
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 8
DIFFICULTY: Variable (depends on your knowledge of the boards)
TIP: This one's easy, if you either know the boards or aren't afraid to take penalties. Trial and error will get you through it, but if you're heavy on the "error" part, it'll cost you quite a bit.
286. Klicker Klacker 2 II: 1 of 2
TASK: Make a group with two or more radioactive blocks
POINTS REQUIRED: 25
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 4
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TIP: Scan the board at the beginning of the level, and identify which colors appear more than once on radioactive blocks. Move carefully to bring them together.
287. Orchido II: 3 of 3
TASK: Make a group of four or more flowers
POINTS REQUIRED: 500
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 7
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: Just twist a pair to meet a pair, basically. Simple as that.
288. Pet Rescue II: 1 of 2
TASK: Earn an extinguisher
POINTS REQUIRED: 150
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 10
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TIP: Pick a color to bring together, and remove all the blocks of other colors you have to in order to make as large a group of this color as you can. For every 7 blocks in the group, you'll get an extinguisher and a point.
289. Klicker Klacker 2 II: 2 of 2 (dang, that's a lot of twos)
TASK: Click off a group of 15 or more
POINTS REQUIRED: 25
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 5
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TIP: Pick a color that you either have a lot of, or have a bunch of already together. Carefully click away groups around it to bring more blocks of the same color into contact. Sometimes you may want to "sacrifice" a small group of this color to bring more of them together, and don't be afraid to use the Column Blast if a stray column separates a smaller group from the rest.
290. Kitty Boom: 1 of 3
TASK: Complete a level
POINTS REQUIRED: 42
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 6
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: Hit the ball to where the highest concentrations of blue pegs are, as you have to clear 75% of them to finish a level.
291. Pet Rescue II: 2 of 2
TASK: Click off a group of 15 or more
POINTS REQUIRED: 45
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 8
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TIP: Does this task sound familiar? It's exactly the same as last week's #289, only in a different game. You don't have Column Blasts to help you in Pet Rescue, but you do have extinguishers, which can bring a group together if a burning crate separates it.
292. Storm Chaser II: 1 of 3
TASK: Complete at least three countries!
POINTS REQUIRED: 10
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 10
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: Make sure you shoot your powerups in the right direction! Whatever direction you pulled the row or column to activate the powerup is the direction it will go. Also, be sure to make lots of Hail powerups, as they're especially useful in picking off those last few spaces. You make Hail by making a group of five or more.
293. Kitty Boom: 2 of 3
TASK: Hit 10 blue pegs with one bounce
POINTS REQUIRED: 50
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: Variable (depends on the levels you get)
DIFFICULTY: Variable (on levels like Skate or Die, easy...on Unpleasant Events, good luck!)
TIP: The technique varies from level to level, and I don't have the space to break down every level here. In general, look for the greatest concentrations of blue, and try to hit the ball in such a way that it will pass through the largest such area. You'll also find the Mega peg (red with the + on it) to be a big help for this task.
294. Firefly Fantasies II: 1 of 3
TASK: Drop the Firefly in three or fewer moves
POINTS REQUIRED: 25
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 5
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TIP: Save your powerups for when the Firefly comes. If it appears in a column that contains a Bomb, you'll drop it in one move! Even if not, Bombs and Wild pieces can help clear away the tiles that don't match in the Firefly's column.
295. Fashion Factory: 1 of 1
TASK: Collect 10 handbags in a level
POINTS REQUIRED: 30
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 6
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: Pick one of the bags on the left side to go after, then pick a column that contains its pattern, preferably more than once. Try to match up the bags beneath where the pattern appears in the column, so that bags will drop to where the target pattern is. Repeat until the target bag is collected, then move to the next one.
296. Storm Chaser II: 2 of 3
TASK: Activate two Lightnings with one move
POINTS REQUIRED: 12
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 2
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: This is one you shouldn't think too hard about. Just play your normal game; Lightnings will form as cascades add up. Just try not to activate them until you have several on the board at once.
297. Kitty Boom: 3 of 3
TASK: Score at least 20 hits in one bounce
POINTS REQUIRED: 33
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: Variable (depends on the levels you get)
DIFFICULTY: Variable (depends on the levels you get)
TIP: Putting the ball between bouncy (red & white) pegs will often get you many hits. Some levels have areas set up for monster combos, such as Skate or Die, Tower Defense, and Zing Boink Boom.
298. Firefly Fantasies II: 2 of 3
TASK: Make a move that uses two different symbols
POINTS REQUIRED: 17
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 2
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: This one is all about the powerups. Make a chain of 8 or more pieces (if none have been already used) to score 1000 and earn a powerup, then use the powerup in another move. That's really all there is to it.
299. Storm Chaser II: 3 of 3
TASK: Light up at least 10 squares in one move
POINTS REQUIRED: 101
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 6
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TIP: You'll get most of these points at the beginning of each level, especially if you activate a powerup early on. Be sure to aim your powerup in the direction of the most unlit squares.
300. Amazing Adventures The Lost Tomb: 1 of 2 (deluxe Amazing Adventures - orange button games only)
TASK: Complete the game without a misclick!
POINTS REQUIRED: 8
APPROX. MINIMUM GAMES NEEDED: 8
DIFFICULTY: Variable (depends on your knowledge of the boards)
TIP: What can I say? Look and click carefully, and don't forget the hint if you need it.