Stop Giving up Your Turn on Block

Summary

In this video, Keith B explores effective ways to apply offense in Tekken beyond just stringing attacks together. He emphasizes the importance of Plus on block moves, how to use slight minus frames for mix-ups, and the strategic push-back mechanics that create mind games, even at high levels of play. Keith highlights the benefits of spacing, sidestepping, and backdashing to set up whiff punishments. The video offers insight into how to pressure opponents and manipulate their reactions, providing valuable strategies for beginners and intermediate players looking to improve their Tekken gameplay.

Takeaways

• 😀 Plus-on-block moves are essential for creating offense in Tekken. Characters like Dragonov can use these to pressure opponents by forcing them into defensive situations.
• 😀 Being at 'minus frames' after an attack does not mean you should stop applying pressure. Tekken's 3D movement allows for sidestepping and whiff punishing.
• 😀 Sidestepping and poking can be effective when you're at minus frames. Even when you’re at a disadvantage, moving in 3D space creates opportunities for counterplay.
• 😀 Using high crush moves during a minus frame situation is an effective way to beat common retaliation attempts like jabs.
• 😀 Push-back moves (like Devil Jin's 442) can create spacing and allow for mind games even when blocked. This spacing can make it harder for the opponent to retaliate.
• 😀 The further spaced out you are from your opponent after a push-back move, the more likely their counterattacks will whiff, giving you an opportunity to whiff punish.
• 😀 When opponents back away or refrain from pressing buttons due to the threat of a counterattack, they give you the chance to apply your own offense and pressure.
• 😀 The spacing created by certain moves, like Devil Jin’s down three or Dragonov's down three, can set up whiff punishing opportunities even with basic movement like a single backdash.
• 😀 You don’t need to rely on advanced techniques like Korean backdashing to start applying these spacing-based strategies; a simple backdash is effective.
• 😀 Tekken's movement mechanics, such as sidestepping and backdashing, allow you to safely create pressure and whiff punish opportunities, even at minus frames.

Q & A

What is the main difference between how offense is created in Tekken versus other fighting games like Mortal Kombat?

In Tekken, offense isn't just about using strings and mixing in lows. While strings are important, the core of offense in Tekken comes from Plus on block moves, using spacing, pushback, and movement to create pressure and opportunities.

How can a player use Plus on block moves to apply pressure in Tekken?

Plus on block moves give the player an advantage, allowing them to follow up with fast moves or mix-ups. For example, a character like Dragonov can use a Plus 6 move to follow up with any move that's 15 frames or faster, which can beat opponents who try to retaliate.

Why is it important to experiment with slight minus frames on block in Tekken?

Experimenting with slight minus frames lets you maintain offensive pressure. In Tekken, being at minus frames doesn't always mean you should stop attacking; you can use sidesteps, whiff punishes, and other tools to continue pressuring your opponent.

What advantage does sidestepping give when at minus frames?

Sidestepping while at minus frames gives you the opportunity to avoid retaliation, punish whiffs, and create openings for counterattacks, allowing you to stay aggressive without immediately risking being punished.

How do moves that create pushback on block help in building offense?

Moves that create pushback give you space, making it harder for your opponent to punish you. With moves like Devil Jin's 442, you can push back your opponent and either create opportunities to whiff punish them or control the pace by forcing them to make defensive decisions.

What is the benefit of spacing out an attack that creates pushback?

Spacing out attacks with pushback further increases the distance between you and your opponent, making it harder for them to retaliate. This creates a mind game where the opponent might feel pressured to act, often leading to mistakes like late presses or whiffed retaliations.

How does backdashing after an attack with pushback contribute to offense?

Backdashing after an attack with pushback helps you create additional space, forcing the opponent to decide whether to attack, backdash, or defend. This decision-making opens up opportunities for whiff punishes, which can lead to big damage.

What is the role of high-level players in the pushback mind game?

At high levels, players are forced to make quick decisions about how to respond to pushback. They must evaluate whether to act, defend, or backdash, creating a mind game where mistakes can lead to significant consequences, such as being launched for pressing a button too late.

Can the pushback strategy be used by characters other than Mishimas?

Yes, the pushback strategy is not exclusive to Mishimas. For example, Dragonov's down three move creates similar pushback, and players can use it in the same way, relying on simple backdashing to create whiff punish opportunities.

How does the pushback strategy benefit players who are still learning movement in Tekken?

The pushback strategy is beginner-friendly because it doesn't require advanced movement techniques like Korean backdashing. Players can use simple backdashes while relying on spacing and pushback to start applying pressure and creating whiff opportunities without complex movement.