             
         case .CodeDOWN_ARROW:
             _lastDropSpeed = _dropSpeed
-            _dropSpeed = 0.1
+            _dropSpeed = _altDropSpeed
             
         case .CodeUP_ARROW:
             rotatePiece(nil, event: event)
+            
+        case .CodeSPACE:
+            _falling = true
+            _fallingDelay = _startFallingDelay
             
         default:
             Debug.getInstance.log("invalid key")

                var index = cellToIndex(cc)
                _map[index].block = nil;
            }
            Debug.getInstance.log("piece has reached \(cell.x), \(cell.y) setting state to DROP")
            _state = .IDLE
            return
        }

            return
            
        case .DROP:
            _falling = false

            if _rowsCleared >= _numRowsNeededForNextLevel + _level
            {
                nextLevel()
