A system and method is provided for improving efficiency when entropy coding a block of quantized transform coefficients in video coding. Quantized coefficients are coded in two separate coding modes, namely, a run mode to a level mode coding mode. “Rules” for switching between these two modes are provided, and various embodiments are realized by allowing an entropy coder to adaptively decide when to switch between the two coding modes based on context information, the rules and/or by explicitly signaling the position of switching (e.g., whether or not it should switch coding modes).