Description
In the fighting games community, baiting is a crucial tactic employed to manipulate an opponent's behavior. By feigning vulnerability or executing moves that appear punishable, a player can lure their opponent into making mistakes or committing to unsafe actions. This strategy relies heavily on mind games and understanding the opponent's tendencies. For instance, a player might repeatedly use a certain move to condition their opponent into expecting it, only to switch tactics at a critical moment. The essence of baiting lies in its psychological aspect, making it a blend of strategy, anticipation, and counterplay. Mastering baiting can give players a significant edge, as it disrupts the opponent's rhythm and opens up opportunities for counter-attacks.
Examples
- In 'Street Fighter V', a player might use Ken's Hadouken repeatedly to condition the opponent to jump, then suddenly switch to a Shoryuken to catch the jump and deal significant damage.
- In 'Tekken 7', a player could use a series of quick jabs with Kazuya to bait the opponent into retaliating, only to block the counterattack and respond with a powerful combo.
Additional Information
- Baiting is not just about moves but can also involve positioning, timing, and even facial expressions in live tournaments.
- Good baiting requires a deep understanding of both your character’s options and the opponent’s possible responses.