This question is hard to put into words, but how do you play?

[doodmahn]

How do you think while you're playing? Do you constantly think about what you're doing? (Ex. He's using his Fsmash, I'd better use my bair) or do you just play?

I tend to just play. Tips?

EDIT: God, after reading this, I realize this must be really hard to understand. I guess what I'm really asking is: Do you think conciously or subconciously while playing?

 

[Mokkepie]

I just play. I usually quickly analyze the situation, and adjust accordingly, but I've never really planned out a move sequence. So yeah, I think subconsciously. I'm not a veteran player, so feel free to disregard this comment.

 

[napZzz]

I try to think constantly and plan things out when I play but some people just prefer to wing it and just kind of play lol

 

[Cosmo!]

i think about what my opponent wants to do and i make it as hard as possible for that to happen

i also find myself checking %s all the time in brawl. i'm not sure if that is bad or not.

 

[Big Bob]

Bah, who needs strategy? Be as random as possible and keep your opponent guessing!

 

[Gishnak]

I constantly think of risk/reward of what I'm about to do and also what the opponent can do. As in, if they are in a spot where they can attack me, and I can't attack them, I shield or side step (depending on the attack they could land on me) or run away.

Another (perhaps better) example.
If I'm literally right next to the opponent, say as game and watch, and they are facing me, and are, say marth... It's a bad situation to be in. His swords dance and grab are both quicker than my short hop key/nair, or my turn grab or turn jab. I always assume my opponent is making the right choice (only to get better, in tournament play or when I'm ******* around this is not the case). So, back to the situation, I can way my options. I can't attack, so clearly I need to relocate and get some spacing. Perhaps sidestep? Well, that would avoid the grab, but if Marth sword dances, I'm going to get caught in that. Jumping? No, the sword dance will take care of that. Shielding? Well, grab takes care of that option. My solution? Dash away or short hop away followed immediately by an air dodge.

In any case, game and watch never wants to have his back turned toward an opponent right next to him, for most opponents (if not all...) will be able to land an attack before you can get one out (if they make the right choice).

Summary: I constantly weigh in one my opponent can do and what I think he can do, and also try to decide what I can do and if it is punishable or not.

Sorry if that's confusing... :/

 

[napZzz]

planning is always good

 

[In2D]

When playing friendlies, I get in there face and just keep the pressure on. When playing in serious matches I wait for them to attack and watch for my opening. Normally when you see that opening, Bair > Nair > Fair will rack up some nice damage on them if you do it fast enough.

Otherwise I just key spam alot when I dont really care.

 

[oldhat]

I spam and punish.

 

[chckn]

i hate to say it but this is by far the most rediculous and irrelevant post that i have ever seen on smashboards. FAIL

 

[Mr. Escalator]

i hate to say it but this is by far the most rediculous and irrelevant post that i have ever seen on smashboards. FAIL

I dunno, I would have to say your post fits that criteria better.
Personally, I tap into the inner G&W, and he lends me my strength.
That and I make it my business to know how other characters play.

 

[BbqCombo]

I only actually think when i play if the opponent is doing something i keep getting caught in (for example, snakes mines or something) and then i start to pay more attention

 

[~The Koopa King~]

i just play and go with the flow

 

[Moosecalibur]

i just play and go with the flow

That's exactly what I do because if you try too hard at strategy and you mess up somewhere, normally your done, period. But if you're flexible and go with it, you can adjust to the different parts of a match when something askew happens (such as you getting force palm grabbed by a lucario and now you're getting pummeled) and change it up. Also, trying too hard normally makes you lose (in my experience anyways).

Now my strategy is to frustrate my opponent so much that they make rash decisions (sort of how I handle my own life). When playing someone, I like to toy with their anger strings (taunt -> grab/hammer/oil panic/anything with knockback -> taunt) until they make a bad call on a move and I can then take on the initiative and completely wreck them in percentage, stock, moral, and emotion. I say if you can't keep your cool in a match, then you shouldn't even be there.

 

[slikvik]

play defensive till you get some advantage and then go on the offense until you lose your advantage...repeat

this is pretty much how you approach all fighting games

 

[napZzz]

i think about what my opponent wants to do and i make it as hard as possible for that to happen

i also find myself checking %s all the time in brawl. i'm not sure if that is bad or not.

thats a VERY good think to check %'s. Checking them lets you know when you should get in for the kill, or when you need to start to play a little more cautious.

 

[Mr. Spam & Death]

I dont really think about much. I listen to music in my head, thats about it. I mainly just play my game and guess what my opponent will do next.

 

[GimR]

I always play best when I concentrate on not getting hit. I also Check to see if they are playing offensively or defensively. If they're super offensive, B-AIR all day.


I play subconsciously at home, but at tournies I play consciously and do a lot better.

 

[~^.NoiR.^~]

If you play in cruise control without thinking(which is what I usually do when I win too many times), you become predictable and keep doing the same ****. I play in cruise control when I'm bored.