Spacing on Mario

[MJN Pilot]

What would you guys say is the best tool to space with on Mario? I always find myself losing out on the natural because of this.

 

[DtJ XeroXen]

Your fireballs create space and give you opportunities to poke/grab. Otherwise, as far as strictly spacing goes you have 2 main options.

1: Ftilt. This is especially useful after whiffing a move when your opponent rushes in to punish, and is the longest-ranged move we have on the round. No real followups after this, unfortunately.

2: Bair - A perfectly spaced retreating bair can't be shieldgrabbed, but can still be punished in other ways. In an aerial spacing war, however, this will be tough to beat.

As far as the neutral goes, it's more about creating opportunities to get inside rather than poking and footsies, but they do indeed have a time and a place.

 

[HeroMystic]

D-tilt is also surprisingly good in neutral. It's capable of clanking with Falcon Kick and outright beats grabs if timed correctly, and pops up your opponent for decent follow-ups. Should be mixed up with F-tilt if you're forced to stay grounded.

 

[Hat N' Clogs]

The fireball is a pretty good tool to use for spacing, especially against a character in which one of their approach options gets wrecked (Bowser Jr. side special). B-air is a great tool to use if you space while airborne because of its solid priority.