Advanced Mechanics

Though basic gameplay in BTA remains as simple to grasp as Vanilla Minecraft, certain additions to the game have given rise to some BTA-specific advanced plays.

Pistons

Piston Crushing

Pistons have added functionality when placed so that when they extend towards Obsidian with another block in the way, the obstructing block is destroyed and dropped in its existing state. This allows you to get normally unobtainable items like ice in lieu of Silk Touch, as enchantments do not and will not exist in BTA. It can also be used for certain farm designs, such as ice farms, cobble farms and tree farms, so that blocks can be harvested semi-automatically or completely automatically, depending on the farm's design.

Basic setup for piston crushing, empty space to be used for the block you wish to obtain.

Added in Minecraft Beta 1.7.5.