Hi, I've recently started learning SMB1 any% and in 1-1 I usually exit the coin room at 379. I'm happy with that for now. What bothers me is that after getting out of that room, I bump into the steps of the stairs leading to the flagpole a lot. When I slow down I don't bump into the steps but I get 367 (sometimes 366 causing me to have to wait for fireworks) and I score 2000 at the flagpole (I don't know why but I think it's because I slow down a bit too much, hence I don't jump high enough), meaning that Mario walks off the platform below the flag, wasting even more time.

For some reason, I am able to do the stairs in 4-1 pretty well, usually ending the level at 340, so I'm not sure why I can't figure out the stairs in 1-1. Any help is greatly appreciated.

this mightn't work for you but this is how I got consistent with it. basically, right after the goombas, I jump onto the 3rd step and then a full jump to the top.

Thank you. It definitely feels a lot easier than what I've been doing. I will keep practising that.

It's one of the elements that require muscle memory. You can watch some speedruns and try out different strategies. It won't take long - a few days and you won't even focus on doing that, it'll be so easy. Just practice, and don't give up.

Also, welcome to our community!

Thanks for your responses man. I guess I just have to keep practising.

Try this:

1. Run from the pipe onto the second stair without jumping
2. Perform a full jump once you reach the stair. You should land on the 7th stair
3. Jump and quickly release A to land on the top of the staircase
4. Perform a full jump onto the flagpole This method works on every staircase in the game and is extremely consistent. Good luck!