The first 10 seconds of battle

As one gets better in the Street Fighter competitions, there is a ritualistic handshake that goes on as the battle begins. Here is where styles are defined, and tactics are discarded.

The opening move
Having an opening move can be risky (it depends how "Exposed" you end up after doing the move). For example a fireball is somewhat risky if done immediately at the opening (since the other opponent might jump and reach you). Other opening moves includes the hurricane kick (which can be stopped by a crouched high punch). Nevermind those that open with dragon punch (they get thrown). In all the opening move is so pervasive because it works fairly well in 75% of the cases (or it seems that way), specially against other aggresive players.

Also, connecting an opening move have a psychological advantage. It puts pressure already in the game since the opponent is starting with "less" energy, and sometimes it comes for cheap.

What I do (feel free to try your own), is to wait....



and wait....

and wait....

After being at a safe distance, I will poke with a fireball, but essentially I'm trying to instigate a reaction from the other player.


The first 5 seconds
After the opening move you start measuring what kind of techniques do they use. For example,

- Is that Abel player a "roller"?
- Is the Ryu reactionary, or "aggresive"
- Is that Cammy more of a traditional player, or a grabber
- What are the special moves that are being used
- Is he a goofy foot player?

These questions goes through your mind as you start the fight. Mostly is about what are they comfortable using and not using. Wake up Dragon punches are a good example. You can tell if the person (almost instinctively) performs a dragon punch at wake up. (this in itself is a disadvantage since you can grab them as they come down).

You then for the next 5 seconds proceed to write a small to-do list, looking at their weaknesses (and revealing your own), as you keep "handshaking"

Not a lot of advice, but to keep your "handshaking" to a minimum. If you show that you can connect hits in the first 10 seconds, and they can't, you make a big chip in their confidence (and that goes a long way to win a tournament).