

This works on all barrels that are at least one level above Mario. To force a barrel to roll down a ladder, simply move the joystick in the direction of that ladder. Starting at level 4, Mario will have maximum control over the barrels.

In the early stages, this is fairly difficult, because the barrels are not responsive (though they get more responsive as the timer ticks down). Advanced strategy: Mario can sometimes force barrels to roll down ladders.Sometimes the game will even award you points for barrels or other enemies that you didn't actually jump over! In other words, the game is more likely to award you points while jumping if you're holding the joystick left or right, even if you're jumping straight up. When jumping straight up, you can extend the range the game checks for barrels if you hold the joystick left or right while in midair.Only use this method if there are more barrels approaching than can be cleared with a single jump. While the broken ladders won't help Mario progress, they can be climbed partially as a means to escape danger, but this is generally slower and more dangerous than simply jumping over barrels. However, barrels and beams can drop down any ladder, broken or whole, and the fireballs can climb either kind. Mario can only climb all the way up the unbroken ladders.

The second hammer should be used often in early levels when there is plenty of bonus time available, and sparingly at higher levels if the path to the far right ladder is too crowded and you need a breather before climbing to the highest girder. The first hammer should generally be left alone except in case of emergencies. While useful, they slow Mario down by preventing him from climbing higher.
