System & General Resources

Chunked Summary Chunk 1: Introduction to 6P Anti-Air

Veterans often recommend pressing 6P (stand Heavy Punch) when opponents are airborne.

Advice can feel oversimplified, but the video demonstrates why, when, and how it works.

The focus is understanding hitboxes, hurtboxes, and timing in interactions between characters.

Comprehension Questions:

What is the common advice veterans give for airborne opponents? Answer: Press 6P to anti-air them.

Why can this advice seem insufficient? Answer: It doesn’t explain the timing, hitbox interactions, or reasoning behind it.

Action Steps:

Watch interactions carefully in training mode, focusing on hitboxes and hurtboxes.

Note how 6P interacts with different jumps to develop intuition.

Chunk 2: Kai vs. Mei Example

Kai’s 6P can reach Mei’s jump heavy despite the short apparent range.

Reasons:

Kai’s hurtbox disappears temporarily during 6P startup.

Mei’s hurtbox extends far below her attack animation.

Successful hits depend on timing and positioning.

Trades occur if 6P is pressed slightly late, causing hitboxes to overlap.

Comprehension Questions:

Why does Kai’s 6P reach Mei’s jump heavy? Answer: Kai’s upper body hurtbox disappears, and Mei’s hurtbox extends downward.

What causes a trade instead of a clean hit? Answer: Pressing 6P later, so hitboxes overlap.

Action Steps:

Practice frame-by-frame analysis of attacks to see how timing affects outcomes.

Experiment with pressing 6P earlier and later to observe clean hits versus trades.

Chunk 3: Targeting Hurtboxes

The key is hitting the extended hurtbox, not the visible collision box.

Even attacks that look like they’re out of reach can be countered if the hurtbox extends during their animation.

Example: Kai 6P can counter Mei jump heavy from further than expected.

Comprehension Questions:

What part of an attack should 6P aim to hit? Answer: The opponent’s extended hurtbox.

Can visually distant attacks still be countered by 6P? Answer: Yes, if the hurtbox extends into range.

Action Steps:

Use training mode to mark hurtboxes visually.

Practice spacing 6P so it intersects with the extended hurtbox, not just the attack’s hitbox.

Chunk 4: Other Characters and Exceptions

Most air normals have extended hurtboxes, but some are exceptions (e.g., Ramlethal jump S).

Timing is critical: too early or too late results in misses or trades.

Some attacks create tight windows where 6P must be precisely timed.

Comprehension Questions:

Do all air normals have extended hurtboxes? Answer: Most do, but some exceptions exist.

What happens if you press 6P too early or too late? Answer: Too early → miss; too late → trade or miss depending on distance.

Action Steps:

Identify exception moves in your matchups.

Practice timing 6P at different ranges to learn safe windows.

Chunk 5: Post-6P Recovery & Options

After landing or whiffing 6P, you often have time to block or punish follow-ups.

Can also counter double jumps or air dashes with practice.

Setting training mode to random air options helps improve reaction timing.

Risk is low without meter, as far-range attacks from the opponent are generally not threatening.

Comprehension Questions:

What can you do after 6P recovers? Answer: Block, punish, or press 6P again on their next airborne option.

How does meter affect the risk of 6P? Answer: With meter, opponents can convert into bigger punish; without meter, risk is low.

Action Steps:

Practice 6P followed by defensive or offensive options.

Use training mode recording to simulate double jumps, air dashes, and neutral jumps.

Chunk 6: Summary Insights

6P is reliable, safe, and versatile against airborne attacks.

Main considerations:

Timing relative to opponent’s attack

Positioning to target hurtbox

Awareness of exceptions

Post-6P recovery options

Risk is low if opponent has no meter; can be a strong anti-air tool.

Comprehension Questions:

Why is 6P considered reliable? Answer: It can target extended hurtboxes, trades are predictable, and risk is low without meter.

What must a player be aware of when using 6P? Answer: Timing, positioning, exceptions, and recovery options.

Action Steps:

Develop muscle memory for 6P timing across characters.

Use hurtbox analysis to improve anti-air decisions.

Super-Summary (Condensed)

6P in Guilty Gear Strive is a highly effective anti-air tool when used to target extended hurtboxes of airborne attacks. Its effectiveness relies on timing, positioning, and knowledge of hitbox interactions. Trades usually occur when 6P is pressed slightly late. Most air normals have extended hurtboxes, but exceptions exist, requiring careful attention. After 6P, players often have time to block, punish, or counter additional airborne options, with low risk when opponents lack meter. Practicing 6P in training mode with variable enemy options builds timing, spacing, and recovery awareness, making it a versatile and safe anti-air strategy.

Key Actionable Steps:

Analyze hitboxes/hurtboxes in training mode.

Time 6P to intersect extended hurtboxes, not just collision boxes.

Practice frame-precise 6P for exceptions.

Develop post-6P reactions: block, punish, or re-press.

Use random air options in training to simulate real scenarios.

Optional 3-Day Spaced Review Plan

Day 1: Watch examples of 6P vs various air normals; focus on timing and hurtboxes.

Day 2: Practice in training mode with different jump attacks and air dashes; note successes and misses.

Day 3: Test application in matches; review recordings to refine timing, spacing, and recovery awareness.

Chunked Summary Chunk 1: Introduction to 6P Anti-Air

Veterans often recommend pressing 6P (stand Heavy Punch) when opponents are airborne.

Advice can feel oversimplified, but the video demonstrates why, when, and how it works.

The focus is understanding hitboxes, hurtboxes, and timing in interactions between characters.

Comprehension Questions:

What is the common advice veterans give for airborne opponents? Answer: Press 6P to anti-air them.

Why can this advice seem insufficient? Answer: It doesn’t explain the timing, hitbox interactions, or reasoning behind it.

Action Steps:

Watch interactions carefully in training mode, focusing on hitboxes and hurtboxes.

Note how 6P interacts with different jumps to develop intuition.

Chunk 2: Kai vs. Mei Example

Kai’s 6P can reach Mei’s jump heavy despite the short apparent range.

Reasons:

Kai’s hurtbox disappears temporarily during 6P startup.

Mei’s hurtbox extends far below her attack animation.

Successful hits depend on timing and positioning.

Trades occur if 6P is pressed slightly late, causing hitboxes to overlap.

Comprehension Questions:

Why does Kai’s 6P reach Mei’s jump heavy? Answer: Kai’s upper body hurtbox disappears, and Mei’s hurtbox extends downward.

What causes a trade instead of a clean hit? Answer: Pressing 6P later, so hitboxes overlap.

Action Steps:

Practice frame-by-frame analysis of attacks to see how timing affects outcomes.

Experiment with pressing 6P earlier and later to observe clean hits versus trades.

Chunk 3: Targeting Hurtboxes

The key is hitting the extended hurtbox, not the visible collision box.

Even attacks that look like they’re out of reach can be countered if the hurtbox extends during their animation.

Example: Kai 6P can counter Mei jump heavy from further than expected.

Comprehension Questions:

What part of an attack should 6P aim to hit? Answer: The opponent’s extended hurtbox.

Can visually distant attacks still be countered by 6P? Answer: Yes, if the hurtbox extends into range.

Action Steps:

Use training mode to mark hurtboxes visually.

Practice spacing 6P so it intersects with the extended hurtbox, not just the attack’s hitbox.

Chunk 4: Other Characters and Exceptions

Most air normals have extended hurtboxes, but some are exceptions (e.g., Ramlethal jump S).

Timing is critical: too early or too late results in misses or trades.

Some attacks create tight windows where 6P must be precisely timed.

Comprehension Questions:

Do all air normals have extended hurtboxes? Answer: Most do, but some exceptions exist.

What happens if you press 6P too early or too late? Answer: Too early → miss; too late → trade or miss depending on distance.

Action Steps:

Identify exception moves in your matchups.

Practice timing 6P at different ranges to learn safe windows.

Chunk 5: Post-6P Recovery & Options

After landing or whiffing 6P, you often have time to block or punish follow-ups.

Can also counter double jumps or air dashes with practice.

Setting training mode to random air options helps improve reaction timing.

Risk is low without meter, as far-range attacks from the opponent are generally not threatening.

Comprehension Questions:

What can you do after 6P recovers? Answer: Block, punish, or press 6P again on their next airborne option.

How does meter affect the risk of 6P? Answer: With meter, opponents can convert into bigger punish; without meter, risk is low.

Action Steps:

Practice 6P followed by defensive or offensive options.

Use training mode recording to simulate double jumps, air dashes, and neutral jumps.

Chunk 6: Summary Insights

6P is reliable, safe, and versatile against airborne attacks.

Main considerations:

Timing relative to opponent’s attack

Positioning to target hurtbox

Awareness of exceptions

Post-6P recovery options

Risk is low if opponent has no meter; can be a strong anti-air tool.

Comprehension Questions:

Why is 6P considered reliable? Answer: It can target extended hurtboxes, trades are predictable, and risk is low without meter.

What must a player be aware of when using 6P? Answer: Timing, positioning, exceptions, and recovery options.

Action Steps:

Develop muscle memory for 6P timing across characters.

Use hurtbox analysis to improve anti-air decisions.

Super-Summary (Condensed)

6P in Guilty Gear Strive is a highly effective anti-air tool when used to target extended hurtboxes of airborne attacks. Its effectiveness relies on timing, positioning, and knowledge of hitbox interactions. Trades usually occur when 6P is pressed slightly late. Most air normals have extended hurtboxes, but exceptions exist, requiring careful attention. After 6P, players often have time to block, punish, or counter additional airborne options, with low risk when opponents lack meter. Practicing 6P in training mode with variable enemy options builds timing, spacing, and recovery awareness, making it a versatile and safe anti-air strategy.

Key Actionable Steps:

Analyze hitboxes/hurtboxes in training mode.

Time 6P to intersect extended hurtboxes, not just collision boxes.

Practice frame-precise 6P for exceptions.

Develop post-6P reactions: block, punish, or re-press.

Use random air options in training to simulate real scenarios.

Optional 3-Day Spaced Review Plan

Day 1: Watch examples of 6P vs various air normals; focus on timing and hurtboxes.

Day 2: Practice in training mode with different jump attacks and air dashes; note successes and misses.

Day 3: Test application in matches; review recordings to refine timing, spacing, and recovery awareness.

Chunked Summary Chunk 1: Introduction to 6P Anti-Air

Veterans often recommend pressing 6P (stand Heavy Punch) when opponents are airborne.

Advice can feel oversimplified, but the video demonstrates why, when, and how it works.

The focus is understanding hitboxes, hurtboxes, and timing in interactions between characters.

Comprehension Questions:

What is the common advice veterans give for airborne opponents? Answer: Press 6P to anti-air them.

Why can this advice seem insufficient? Answer: It doesn’t explain the timing, hitbox interactions, or reasoning behind it.

Action Steps:

Watch interactions carefully in training mode, focusing on hitboxes and hurtboxes.

Note how 6P interacts with different jumps to develop intuition.

Chunk 2: Kai vs. Mei Example

Kai’s 6P can reach Mei’s jump heavy despite the short apparent range.

Reasons:

Kai’s hurtbox disappears temporarily during 6P startup.

Mei’s hurtbox extends far below her attack animation.

Successful hits depend on timing and positioning.

Trades occur if 6P is pressed slightly late, causing hitboxes to overlap.

Comprehension Questions:

Why does Kai’s 6P reach Mei’s jump heavy? Answer: Kai’s upper body hurtbox disappears, and Mei’s hurtbox extends downward.

What causes a trade instead of a clean hit? Answer: Pressing 6P later, so hitboxes overlap.

Action Steps:

Practice frame-by-frame analysis of attacks to see how timing affects outcomes.

Experiment with pressing 6P earlier and later to observe clean hits versus trades.

Chunk 3: Targeting Hurtboxes

The key is hitting the extended hurtbox, not the visible collision box.

Even attacks that look like they’re out of reach can be countered if the hurtbox extends during their animation.

Example: Kai 6P can counter Mei jump heavy from further than expected.

Comprehension Questions:

What part of an attack should 6P aim to hit? Answer: The opponent’s extended hurtbox.

Can visually distant attacks still be countered by 6P? Answer: Yes, if the hurtbox extends into range.

Action Steps:

Use training mode to mark hurtboxes visually.

Practice spacing 6P so it intersects with the extended hurtbox, not just the attack’s hitbox.

Chunk 4: Other Characters and Exceptions

Most air normals have extended hurtboxes, but some are exceptions (e.g., Ramlethal jump S).

Timing is critical: too early or too late results in misses or trades.

Some attacks create tight windows where 6P must be precisely timed.

Comprehension Questions:

Do all air normals have extended hurtboxes? Answer: Most do, but some exceptions exist.

What happens if you press 6P too early or too late? Answer: Too early → miss; too late → trade or miss depending on distance.

Action Steps:

Identify exception moves in your matchups.

Practice timing 6P at different ranges to learn safe windows.

Chunk 5: Post-6P Recovery & Options

After landing or whiffing 6P, you often have time to block or punish follow-ups.

Can also counter double jumps or air dashes with practice.

Setting training mode to random air options helps improve reaction timing.

Risk is low without meter, as far-range attacks from the opponent are generally not threatening.

Comprehension Questions:

What can you do after 6P recovers? Answer: Block, punish, or press 6P again on their next airborne option.

How does meter affect the risk of 6P? Answer: With meter, opponents can convert into bigger punish; without meter, risk is low.

Action Steps:

Practice 6P followed by defensive or offensive options.

Use training mode recording to simulate double jumps, air dashes, and neutral jumps.

Chunk 6: Summary Insights

6P is reliable, safe, and versatile against airborne attacks.

Main considerations:

Timing relative to opponent’s attack

Positioning to target hurtbox

Awareness of exceptions

Post-6P recovery options

Risk is low if opponent has no meter; can be a strong anti-air tool.

Comprehension Questions:

Why is 6P considered reliable? Answer: It can target extended hurtboxes, trades are predictable, and risk is low without meter.

What must a player be aware of when using 6P? Answer: Timing, positioning, exceptions, and recovery options.

Action Steps:

Develop muscle memory for 6P timing across characters.

Use hurtbox analysis to improve anti-air decisions.

Super-Summary (Condensed)

6P in Guilty Gear Strive is a highly effective anti-air tool when used to target extended hurtboxes of airborne attacks. Its effectiveness relies on timing, positioning, and knowledge of hitbox interactions. Trades usually occur when 6P is pressed slightly late. Most air normals have extended hurtboxes, but exceptions exist, requiring careful attention. After 6P, players often have time to block, punish, or counter additional airborne options, with low risk when opponents lack meter. Practicing 6P in training mode with variable enemy options builds timing, spacing, and recovery awareness, making it a versatile and safe anti-air strategy.

Key Actionable Steps:

Analyze hitboxes/hurtboxes in training mode.

Time 6P to intersect extended hurtboxes, not just collision boxes.

Practice frame-precise 6P for exceptions.

Develop post-6P reactions: block, punish, or re-press.

Use random air options in training to simulate real scenarios.

Optional 3-Day Spaced Review Plan

Day 1: Watch examples of 6P vs various air normals; focus on timing and hurtboxes.

Day 2: Practice in training mode with different jump attacks and air dashes; note successes and misses.

Day 3: Test application in matches; review recordings to refine timing, spacing, and recovery awareness.

SUMMARY (Full, Structured)

The video teaches that the best way to learn a matchup is to watch replays with intention, extracting information about conversions, pressure, matchup-specific tools, interrupts, and round-start habits. Using a Gio vs. Potemkin match (The Kill Sage vs. Kirby), the creator demonstrates how to observe decision-making, punish windows, optimal conversions, and pressure resets. The key lesson: Replay analysis reveals what strong players do, what works against specific characters, and what patterns matter—especially pressure, conversions, oki, and round-start tendencies.

BULLET-POINT QUICK REVIEW

Replay analysis is the most efficient way to learn matchups.

Look for: pressure resets, conversion routes, interruptible patterns, neutral tools, round-start habits, oki patterns, risk gauge interactions.

The Kill Sage uses:

Optimal conversions by recognizing when close slash will hit.

Dash 2D, spiral arrow resets, and crossups to maintain pressure.

Potemkin fails to interrupt spiral arrow; shows how matchup knowledge changes defensive choices.

Recognize when moves are real (combo counter white) vs fake (purple).

Pay attention to risk gauge—blocking too long leads to massive punishment.

Study round-start patterns and knockdown follow-ups; they happen every game.

As you level up, rewatch replays for specific themes (pressure, oki, neutral, counter-hit routes, etc.).

CHUNKED SUMMARY WITH Q&A + ACTION STEPS Chunk 1 — Why Replay Analysis Is the Best Way to Learn a Matchup

Summary: The creator argues that watching replays is the best method to learn matchups because you can observe strong players solving problems you face. Replays reveal what options work, how to think critically, and how to extract patterns for your own play.

Comprehension Questions

Why are replays more valuable than grinding matches blindly? Answer: Because replays let you pause, analyze decisions, compare choices, and learn matchup-specific interactions purposely.

What skill develops when trying to teach what you see? Answer: Teaching forces deeper understanding and retention.

Action Steps

Watch one high-level replay per day focused on a single matchup.

Pause after major interactions and write what each player was trying to accomplish.

Try explaining the sequence out loud—this cements understanding.

Chunk 2 — Observing Optimal Conversions & Presence of Mind

Summary: An example from Kill Sage’s Giovanna shows how awareness creates optimal conversions. After an air dash counter-hit, he confirms into close slash instead of autopiloting 5K, maximizing damage. This shows the difference between good players and great players: presence of mind under pressure.

Comprehension Questions

Why is close slash preferred over 5K in this scenario? Answer: It’s Giovanna’s best combo starter and yields higher damage.

What separates high-level players here? Answer: Immediate recognition of spacing, hurtbox, and best starter.

Action Steps

In training mode, recreate counter-hit situations and practice hit-confirming into optimal starters.

Practice “presence-of-mind drills”: take a common interaction and force yourself to use the optimal button, not the autopilot one.

Chunk 3 — Understanding Pressure Resets (Spiral Arrow Example)

Summary: Kill Sage frequently uses spiral arrow (214K) to reset pressure because Potemkin wasn’t interrupting it. The move can be interrupted (e.g., via 6P), but only if the defender knows the timing. Because Potemkin never challenged, Giovanna ran momentum indefinitely, cranking risk gauge and eventually blowing him up.

Comprehension Questions

Why was spiral arrow effective repeatedly in this match? Answer: Potemkin never challenged it; without interruption, Gio keeps advantage.

How does risk gauge influence damage taken? Answer: Higher risk means dramatically increased damage when hit.

Action Steps

Identify 1–2 pressure reset tools your character uses; test how opponents can interrupt them.

When watching replays of your own losses, ask: “What pressure resets did I use? Did they challenge? Why or why not?”

Chunk 4 — Recognizing Punish Windows & Frame Data (Garuda Example)

Summary: Potemkin tries raw Garuda Impact (28f startup), which gets interrupted because it wasn’t cancelled from 6K. The replay shows how important it is to know each character’s unsafe patterns. Unsafe raw specials can be blown up if you understand the startup.

Comprehension Questions

Why did raw Garuda get interrupted? Answer: 28f startup is extremely slow when not cancelled.

What lesson does this teach? Answer: Frame-data awareness helps you recognize punishable habits.

Action Steps

For every key special move in your matchup, memorize whether it is interruptible or must be respected.

Lab your character’s fastest punishes against slow or unsafe moves.

Chunk 5 — Studying Round Start & Knockdown Behavior

Summary: Round start and knockdowns happen every game, so studying these is foundational. Watch what strong players choose consistently—jump back, sweep, dash, air dash button—and record patterns. These moments shape the entire flow of the match.

Comprehension Questions

Why study round-start options? Answer: They define early momentum and reveal what top players consider safest or most rewarding.

What two things are guaranteed in every round? Answer: A round-start interaction and someone getting knocked down.

Action Steps

Create a “Round Start Notebook” for each matchup.

List 3 strong round-start options for you and 3 the opponent uses.

In replays, track how often each option appears and how it’s beaten.

Chunk 6 — Advanced Replay Analysis: Looking for Themes

Summary: Once you're more experienced, replays become targeted study sessions: analyzing pressure strings, oki setups, counter-hit conversions, and neutral tools. Beginners should start broadly (combos, general neutral), but advanced players should refine their replay goals to specific mechanics relevant to their character.

Comprehension Questions

How does replay analysis evolve over time? Answer: Beginners look at general play; advanced players focus on specific themes like oki, pressure, or counter-hit routes.

Why is focusing on themes important? Answer: It accelerates improvement in high-impact areas.

Action Steps

Choose a theme each week (e.g., anti-airs, pressure resets, oki).

Watch 3–5 replays ONLY focusing on that theme.

Add findings to your Matchup Codex.

SUPER-SUMMARY (Under 1 Page)

The video argues that replay analysis is the fastest and most effective way to learn any matchup. By watching top players, you discover optimal conversions, pressure strategies, interrupt timings, and matchup-specific tools. Using Kill Sage’s Giovanna vs. Potemkin as an example, the creator highlights how presence of mind enables stronger conversions (e.g., close slash after counter-hit), how unchallenged pressure resets allow Giovanna to dominate, and how Potemkin’s failure to interrupt spiral arrow leads to skyrocketing risk gauge and explosive damage.

Replay analysis should focus on:

Optimal conversions (what starters work after what hits?)

Pressure resets and their counters

Interruptible vs. uninterruptible moves

Round-start habits and knockdown behavior

Neutral tools and counter-hit opportunities

Beginners should watch replays broadly to understand combos, neutral actions, and general pressure. As players gain experience, they should use replays to investigate specific themes: oki, frame traps, anti-airs, counter-hit loops, and matchup-specific punishes.

Replay analysis develops critical thinking, matchup knowledge, and presence of mind—the core skills needed to progress from competent to exceptional.

Optional 3-Day Spaced Review Plan Day 1 — Absorb

Read the summary and chunks.

Watch one replay of your hardest matchup.

Identify 3 mistakes you repeatedly made.

Day 2 — Reinforce

Analyze the same replay but focus ONLY on:

pressure resets

round-start behavior

punish windows

Add key findings to your FGC Codex.

Day 3 — Apply

Enter training mode and:

practice one optimal conversion,

lab one interrupt, and

rehearse 3 round-start options.

Play a FT5 applying the new insights.

SUMMARY (Full, Structured)

The video teaches that the best way to learn a matchup is to watch replays with intention, extracting information about conversions, pressure, matchup-specific tools, interrupts, and round-start habits. Using a Gio vs. Potemkin match (The Kill Sage vs. Kirby), the creator demonstrates how to observe decision-making, punish windows, optimal conversions, and pressure resets. The key lesson: Replay analysis reveals what strong players do, what works against specific characters, and what patterns matter—especially pressure, conversions, oki, and round-start tendencies.

BULLET-POINT QUICK REVIEW

Replay analysis is the most efficient way to learn matchups.

Look for: pressure resets, conversion routes, interruptible patterns, neutral tools, round-start habits, oki patterns, risk gauge interactions.

The Kill Sage uses:

Optimal conversions by recognizing when close slash will hit.

Dash 2D, spiral arrow resets, and crossups to maintain pressure.

Potemkin fails to interrupt spiral arrow; shows how matchup knowledge changes defensive choices.

Recognize when moves are real (combo counter white) vs fake (purple).

Pay attention to risk gauge—blocking too long leads to massive punishment.

Study round-start patterns and knockdown follow-ups; they happen every game.

As you level up, rewatch replays for specific themes (pressure, oki, neutral, counter-hit routes, etc.).

CHUNKED SUMMARY WITH Q&A + ACTION STEPS Chunk 1 — Why Replay Analysis Is the Best Way to Learn a Matchup

Summary: The creator argues that watching replays is the best method to learn matchups because you can observe strong players solving problems you face. Replays reveal what options work, how to think critically, and how to extract patterns for your own play.

Comprehension Questions

Why are replays more valuable than grinding matches blindly? Answer: Because replays let you pause, analyze decisions, compare choices, and learn matchup-specific interactions purposely.

What skill develops when trying to teach what you see? Answer: Teaching forces deeper understanding and retention.

Action Steps

Watch one high-level replay per day focused on a single matchup.

Pause after major interactions and write what each player was trying to accomplish.

Try explaining the sequence out loud—this cements understanding.

Chunk 2 — Observing Optimal Conversions & Presence of Mind

Summary: An example from Kill Sage’s Giovanna shows how awareness creates optimal conversions. After an air dash counter-hit, he confirms into close slash instead of autopiloting 5K, maximizing damage. This shows the difference between good players and great players: presence of mind under pressure.

Comprehension Questions

Why is close slash preferred over 5K in this scenario? Answer: It’s Giovanna’s best combo starter and yields higher damage.

What separates high-level players here? Answer: Immediate recognition of spacing, hurtbox, and best starter.

Action Steps

In training mode, recreate counter-hit situations and practice hit-confirming into optimal starters.

Practice “presence-of-mind drills”: take a common interaction and force yourself to use the optimal button, not the autopilot one.

Chunk 3 — Understanding Pressure Resets (Spiral Arrow Example)

Summary: Kill Sage frequently uses spiral arrow (214K) to reset pressure because Potemkin wasn’t interrupting it. The move can be interrupted (e.g., via 6P), but only if the defender knows the timing. Because Potemkin never challenged, Giovanna ran momentum indefinitely, cranking risk gauge and eventually blowing him up.

Comprehension Questions

Why was spiral arrow effective repeatedly in this match? Answer: Potemkin never challenged it; without interruption, Gio keeps advantage.

How does risk gauge influence damage taken? Answer: Higher risk means dramatically increased damage when hit.

Action Steps

Identify 1–2 pressure reset tools your character uses; test how opponents can interrupt them.

When watching replays of your own losses, ask: “What pressure resets did I use? Did they challenge? Why or why not?”

Chunk 4 — Recognizing Punish Windows & Frame Data (Garuda Example)

Summary: Potemkin tries raw Garuda Impact (28f startup), which gets interrupted because it wasn’t cancelled from 6K. The replay shows how important it is to know each character’s unsafe patterns. Unsafe raw specials can be blown up if you understand the startup.

Comprehension Questions

Why did raw Garuda get interrupted? Answer: 28f startup is extremely slow when not cancelled.

What lesson does this teach? Answer: Frame-data awareness helps you recognize punishable habits.

Action Steps

For every key special move in your matchup, memorize whether it is interruptible or must be respected.

Lab your character’s fastest punishes against slow or unsafe moves.

Chunk 5 — Studying Round Start & Knockdown Behavior

Summary: Round start and knockdowns happen every game, so studying these is foundational. Watch what strong players choose consistently—jump back, sweep, dash, air dash button—and record patterns. These moments shape the entire flow of the match.

Comprehension Questions

Why study round-start options? Answer: They define early momentum and reveal what top players consider safest or most rewarding.

What two things are guaranteed in every round? Answer: A round-start interaction and someone getting knocked down.

Action Steps

Create a “Round Start Notebook” for each matchup.

List 3 strong round-start options for you and 3 the opponent uses.

In replays, track how often each option appears and how it’s beaten.

Chunk 6 — Advanced Replay Analysis: Looking for Themes

Summary: Once you're more experienced, replays become targeted study sessions: analyzing pressure strings, oki setups, counter-hit conversions, and neutral tools. Beginners should start broadly (combos, general neutral), but advanced players should refine their replay goals to specific mechanics relevant to their character.

Comprehension Questions

How does replay analysis evolve over time? Answer: Beginners look at general play; advanced players focus on specific themes like oki, pressure, or counter-hit routes.

Why is focusing on themes important? Answer: It accelerates improvement in high-impact areas.

Action Steps

Choose a theme each week (e.g., anti-airs, pressure resets, oki).

Watch 3–5 replays ONLY focusing on that theme.

Add findings to your Matchup Codex.

SUPER-SUMMARY (Under 1 Page)

The video argues that replay analysis is the fastest and most effective way to learn any matchup. By watching top players, you discover optimal conversions, pressure strategies, interrupt timings, and matchup-specific tools. Using Kill Sage’s Giovanna vs. Potemkin as an example, the creator highlights how presence of mind enables stronger conversions (e.g., close slash after counter-hit), how unchallenged pressure resets allow Giovanna to dominate, and how Potemkin’s failure to interrupt spiral arrow leads to skyrocketing risk gauge and explosive damage.

Replay analysis should focus on:

Optimal conversions (what starters work after what hits?)

Pressure resets and their counters

Interruptible vs. uninterruptible moves

Round-start habits and knockdown behavior

Neutral tools and counter-hit opportunities

Beginners should watch replays broadly to understand combos, neutral actions, and general pressure. As players gain experience, they should use replays to investigate specific themes: oki, frame traps, anti-airs, counter-hit loops, and matchup-specific punishes.

Replay analysis develops critical thinking, matchup knowledge, and presence of mind—the core skills needed to progress from competent to exceptional.

Optional 3-Day Spaced Review Plan Day 1 — Absorb

Read the summary and chunks.

Watch one replay of your hardest matchup.

Identify 3 mistakes you repeatedly made.

Day 2 — Reinforce

Analyze the same replay but focus ONLY on:

pressure resets

round-start behavior

punish windows

Add key findings to your FGC Codex.

Day 3 — Apply

Enter training mode and:

practice one optimal conversion,

lab one interrupt, and

rehearse 3 round-start options.

Play a FT5 applying the new insights.