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This is one of the most difficult stages in the run. Practice it meticulously and play carefully, as mistakes can be costly.

==Optimal==

This stage features an intentional damage boost. Checkers is better in the first half, while Marbles is better in the second half, and going through the middle section with the saws without taking damage is quite slow.

<youtube>b7DW2GdyyXc</youtube>

*Roll or dash forward briefly at the start before dropdashing, as the dash won't reach the first platform if you go immediately.
*The dash between the gap is precise and risky, but if you miss the lineup you can react and dropdash left to set it up again. You can also go under the saws - see the safe video below.
*With correct positioning, the dropdash after the saws will land on the Taptap and bounce over the next moving saw. Occasionally the saw will spawn late and will still be moving upwards. Be prepared to react to this as you may collide with it if you don't slow down.
*Similarly, the bee at 0:05 may spawn late and be in the way. It's safe to roll through it as long as you hit the back and not the head.
*Aim for the small ledge not covered by honey to get a fast roll down the two platforms
*The key to the bee bounce at 0:10 is to release jump when you land on the bee (so as not to high bounce), then repress jump after bouncing to "float jump." Doing this correctly will give you perfect positioning to drift between the saws.
*After taking damage on the rightmost moving saw, glide and land inside the leftmost stationary saw, then jump into the small ceiling saw. As long as you're going fast enough, invincibility frames (I-frames) will protect you from damage, but they will expire before the final large saw on the ledge, so make sure to glide over this one.
*The second half of the stage with Marbles is easier, and every cycle is consistent.
*Make sure to grab a buddy bubble before the next stage. There are two and they are hard to miss.

If everything goes well in this stage a 36 or better is good. For beginners, aim for sub-40.

==Safe start==

The beginning is fairly easy to "site read" if you find the "optimal" route too precise. Below is a demonstration of some slower, safer alternatives to the Checkers portion of the stage.

<youtube>https://youtu.be/46g1wyKRRNY</youtube>

===Backup for damage boost section===

If you lose Checkers before the damage boost section you will have to go through slowly. It's really easy to die here if you're not careful.

<youtube>https://youtu.be/5pv_6Q9Vm00</youtube>

*You can spin-dash under two moving saws at once, and also jump over them. It's possible to spin-dash and do a small jump under all 3, but it's risky.
*The easiest way through the frog gap is to jump when the frog is moving towards you (or stomp it), then simply glide through the gap.
*You likely won't make it in time to beat the lava column and so will have to wait for it to move out of the way. If you're really fast you can jump and glide over it, but this is precise and risks dying right before the checkpoint.
*After getting the checkpoint you can resume the standard route.