Basic Move in Super Mario Run

The first thing you need to know: Mario runs automatically. You don't have to — nor do you get to — manually direct him forwards or backwards. He also automatically jumps over small obstacles like blocks or enemies, small gaps in the path, and low-height Warp Pipes.

Automatic jumps and bubble saves

Though Mario can automatically jump over most items, he's not invincible: He can still get injured or die. If you get hit when protected by a Mushroom power-up, you'll simply shrink back down in size. If you aren't, Mario gets captured by a bubble and slowly taken back to the beginning of the level; you'll have to tap the screen to pop the bubble. You can tap the bubble any time after Mario stops spinning: If you want to go back to the beginning of the level, you can float away; if you want to continue right where you left off, tap the bubble immediately. You get three bubble-saves before Game Over.

How to jump manually

Sure, you could let Mario do most of the running and jumping for you, but tapping to jump is much of the fun of the game: A well-timed jump provides some sweet rewards. For example, if you jump onto a Goomba's head, you'll earn some coins for crushing him. And if you time your jump just right, you can kick a Koopa Troopa into a spin and send him into your enemy's path. Proper jumps will also lead to areas with secret goodies, like Super Stars or Challenge Coins.

• To jump normally, tap the screen
• To get a high jump, press and hold your finger on the screen
• To spin in mid-air, touch and hold your finger on the screen, and then tap the screen while in mid-air
• To reverse jump off a wall, tap when Mario is about to hit a wall
• To stall in mid-air, touch the screen and swipe to the left

While running the course, you'll see little transparent arrows: When you trigger one by running past it, a row of coins will appear in that direction for you to grab. Pay attention to these arrows, because they can provide hints as to where you should run or jump next.

As with Mario games of yore, each level has a time limit: You have to get through to the end before the clock runs out or you'll have to start over (and note: when you bubble, your time won't start over).