The Ropes: Tips and Tricks for Beginners

1) TLDR; Read

Read your opponent's fighter card and attacks! This will help you know where they are most likely going to move, where they can and can’t hit you from, and when they are most likely in the fight to try and trick you. This information is the basis of your entire strategy.

For example:

1) On the left, you'll see all of Awan's movement including her Favored Footwork.


2) You can also see her Action Cards. Each has a particular range and shape.

2) Movement, with a plus

Moving into your Favored Footwork is generally a great option. This allows you to orient your facing, giving attacks  more hit boxes and more potential movement options for the next action. As Favored Footwork is your best footwork, it can be predictable. It's up to you to find that balance!

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3) Location, location, location

a) The best position for the low-HP fighters (Roderick, Andrey, and Ellie) is any space where your opponent can’t hit you. This may sound like a no-brainer, but it allows you to set up your next moves much more effectively. You can always just rotate if your opponent has to move to get in contact with you. This gives you time to get your Cooldowns back and set up the right angle to land a counter attack. 

b) Heavier hitters (like Oscar, and Fredo) should always try to set up pressure situations or get the opponent on the ropes. This takes away the opponents mobility and allows the puncher to land attacks with much less guesswork.

c) The other "middle of the road" characters (Inga, Awan, and Nigel) might have to take a page from both of the above books depending on the situation. Inga, for example, would try to pressure against Ellie, but would evade against Fredo.

4) Dazed, but not necessarily confused

When Dazed one of a few options might work best. 


a) First, if you want to get away, try and play cards that move you in the same direction.

b) Or play a defense card and a movement card that moves you out of your opponent's attack range. In this case, you will be soaking damage or moving away no matter what card comes up first. 

c) Another option is to attack all out (especially those with strong attacks), this forces your opponent to move on your terms or get hit for a lot of damage.

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5) How to react to Reacts

There are a few ways to deal with your opponent's React.

a) If you can deal more damage or if you are playing a character with a counter, just attack. This will force your opponent to move or take more damage than they probably want to.

b) Another option is to simply rotate if your opponent has to move to get to you. This gives your opponent little to no information, plus you will be able to respond to your opponent's move better because your rotation is the last effect to happen.

c) Lastly, choosing a movement that brings you out of all the possible attacks is a fast way to get out of danger. They will likely just match your movement in response.

6) Bursts! What are they good for?

While the extra action might seem like an obvious plus point, WHEN one uses them can be crucial.

When in doubt, you should probably be using your Bursts (or Reacts). Try not to be too stingy!

a) If you're already being pressured or not liking the positioning, a Burst can get you out between that rock and hard place.

b) If you're facing someone with great countering options, a well-timed Burst allows you to outpace them for an Exchange.

c) If someone play's a React against you, the Burst still allows you to have a two-card surprise waiting for your opponent.

d) If you are playing against a Burst, keep in mind that your opponent has a third action, that you are not going to be able to play directly against (unless you're Andrey). If you're dealing with an aggressive character that wants to clobber you, get evasive/defensive!

e) And to round it off, if you're facing a fighter that is compromised (either Dazed, or with a card in Cooldown), your momentous Burst might be the thing that has them calling it a night. Strike while the iron's hot!

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