In Super Mario Bros. 3 the power ups that come out of the ? blocks will most of the time go to the right.
![](../sites/default/files/smb3_mush2.png)
But occasionally they'll go off to the left
![](../sites/default/files/smb3_mush3.png)
And if you're not prepared for it, you might lose them. But, why do they occasionally go left in the first place?
Take a look at the ? blocks
![](../sites/default/files/smb3_mush1.png)
Where you hit the block determines which direction the powerup will go. Hit the left side and it goes to the right. Hit the right side and it goes left.
![](../sites/default/files/smb3_mush4.png)
You can use this to force the powerups to go where you want them, instead of possibly off into a pit.
This also applies to any of the 1up mushrooms and starmen.