Learn the run and jump
Practice the original controls and make the first world a dependable training route.
Original 1985 NES/Famicom game. Luigi shares Mario's movement in alternating two-player play. Super Mario All-Stars, Super Mario Bros. Deluxe and The Lost Levels change features or courses and are outside these guides.
Practice on the opening ground
A jumps, and holding B while moving makes Mario run faster. The length of your A press affects jump height, so test a short hop and a longer jump before a dangerous gap. Approach the first Goomba deliberately and land on its head. Leave enough ground after a jump to settle your movement instead of immediately changing direction beside a pit.
Take the first power-up safely
Hit the opening question blocks from underneath and collect the Super Mushroom. Its movement can carry it away, so follow it without running into an enemy. Super Mario can break brick blocks and normally shrinks after an ordinary hit. Pits and the timer can still cost a life. Growth is helpful protection, but it does not make an unsafe landing harmless.
Keep a useful reserve of lives
A hundred coins awards an extra life, and green 1-Up Mushrooms provide another way to increase your reserve. Collect coins on a safe route while learning the first world. The original cartridge has no in-game save feature. At game over, hold A while pressing Start on the title screen to continue from the beginning of the world you reached.
Carry speed into a long jump, then release B when you need room to stop.
Picture details
Game artwork belongs to its respective rights holders.