Conscious Thinking vs. Conditioning

[Thanos828]

Obviously when high level Melee is played a lot of thinking goes into the game in many ways - most people are aware of this. I brought this up on a stream once and I got a few answers, but I want to see what everyone has to say.

When you think during a match, do you think consciously, as if you are talking to yourself or studying the opponent constantly, or do you think mostly prior to a match and condition yourself through training to react to certain things? Which one is better for the best possible caliber of play?

I know certain characters, usually slower or less technically demanding ones, induce more thinking or smart play than others (generally). Which ones, exactly, would you think spur the most thinking or "smart" playing naturally?

 

[-ACE-]

Both. With higher level play the conditioning is more like second nature and you are playing your opponent more so and not the character.

 

[GhllieShdeKnife]

Eliminating certain motions from muscle memory with the goal of eliminating lag that gets you damage
while analyzing and interpreting your opponent intentions and options is better than either alone.

 

[Superspright]

Ganon yo. More deliberate than anyone lol