Workshop › Breakout › Step 27 of 39

Three lives

What we are doing

Each lost ball costs one of three lives. With lives left, the ball goes back to the paddle; with none, the game is 'lost' and the ball stops.

```js
let lives = 3

  if (state !== 'playing') return

  if (ball.y - BALL_R > canvas.height) {
    lives -= 1
    if (lives === 0) state = 'lost'
    else resetBall()
  }
```

What it means

• lives starts at 3; lives -= 1 takes one away.
• if ... else: with no lives left the game is lost, otherwise the ball goes back to serving.
• if (state !== 'playing') return stops update in any state other than playing, so a lost ball stays put.

Your turn

1. Above let state write let lives = 3.
2. In update, right under the serve block's }, write if (state !== 'playing') return.
3. Replace the last line of update with the new if block.

Skills: Game states

← Steer with the arrow keys Lives and a hint on screen →

All steps

1. The field and the paddle
2. Draw again and again
3. Keep a number inside limits
4. Follow the mouse
5. A canvas shown at another size
6. A ball with a velocity
7. Draw a round ball
8. Move the ball
9. Bounce off the side walls
10. Bounce off the ceiling
11. The open floor
12. Bounce off the paddle
13. Aim with the paddle
14. A row of bricks
15. Draw the bricks
16. A whole wall: a loop inside a loop
17. A color for every row
18. Circle meets box
19. Break a brick
20. Hitting the side of a brick
21. Wait on the paddle
22. Ride along with the paddle
23. Launch the ball
24. Click or press Space
25. Remember which keys are held
26. Steer with the arrow keys
27. Three lives
28. Lives and a hint on screen
29. Game over
30. Keep score
31. Show the score
32. Win the game
33. One function for a new game
34. Play again
35. A burst of particles
36. Break into sparks
37. Move, fall and disappear
38. Fade out
39. Build it yourself: tough bricks