Newcomer to competitive Smash, have some questions

[Geotan]

Hello everyone!

This is going to be my first post here. I've looked over the rules and everything so I don't think I'm breaking anything but let me know if I am (or if this has been posted in the wrong section).

I am interested in playing semi-competitive SSB4 (or at least be able to) and right now I am just trying to understand playing with an actual opponent on For Glory. My first question is where do I start learning the game at a competitive level? I've looked around on Google and YouTube but the general information about advanced techniques/other is generally unhelpful in actually learning how to perform them (maybe I've been searching wrong?). My second question is how do I combo? I've been enjoying playing Marth recently and I have problems comboing. Another question sort -of related to comboing is when do I grab? I notice I get grabbed A LOT on For Glory and can rarely grab (and I think this is both due to really bad timing and lack of understanding of the boost grabbing techniques). Finally, I see that GameCube controllers are on sale on Amazon. I think I want to get a GameCube controller and adapter, but are they worth it over the pro controller specifically for competitive? And if so, do any of the different GameCube adapters have any competitive disadvantages?

 

[Trieste SP]

Welcome to Smashboards!

Here's the Marth sub forums. You should ask them.
http://smashboards.com/forums/marth.416/

As for the Gamecube controllers, they are up to you. If you feel more comfortable using the Gamecube controllers than I think they are worth it. Competitively, they don't have any advantages over the Pro Controller.

 

[Geotan]

Welcome to Smashboards!

Here's the Marth sub forums. You should ask them.
http://smashboards.com/forums/marth.416/

As for the Gamecube controllers, they are up to you. If you feel more comfortable using the Gamecube controllers than I think they are worth it. Competitively, they don't have any advantages over the Pro Controller.

Thank you very much Trieste

 

[Kaladin]

For basics, you should watch all of the following playlists/links: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL74xC7J5CkWECyo8LFWMtYFN_7loux3nW Fundamentals of smash #4 - Spacing Fundamentals of smash #5 - Landing the kill Fundamentals of Smash #3 - Mixups Fundamentals of Smash #2 - Rolling Fundamentals of Smash #1 - Understanding your character xSmash Theory: Edgeguarding Smash Theory: The Neutral Smash Theory: Reads Smash Theory: Zoning Beginner and Advanced Shield Options! (Smash Wii U/3DS) DI and Smash DI! (Smash Wii U/3DS) Wavebounce & B-Reverse Tutorial! (Smash Wii U/3DS) Dealing with Projectiles! (Smash Wii U/3DS)

There's about 12 hours of essential smash knowledge. If you really wanna git gud, I'd recommend buying lessons from a streamer like Dabuz or DKwill.

 

[Geotan]

Thanks I will check those out as well GenericHandle!

 

[Drewthedude64]

The main reason I prefer a GameCube controller over other controllers is the fact that GameCube controllers in general have less input lag than all other wireless controllers. This is not always true, and I have heard that wireless can sometimes be faster than wired. But that's under optimal conditions. If you're in a large area where many people are playing Smash with wireless, use GC. What happens is that with so many signals rampant about the room, a simple shorthop will have half a second of lag and be a fullhop. With wires, straight from the controller to the console, no interference.

 

[Tri10]

Nice to see a new face around! Hope you enjoy your stay here. I'm a Bowser/Brawler main and if you need any actual training with spacing or even a sparring partner I'm just a message away.
With the GameCube controller, I'd honestly choose it over the pro because it also helps with the convenience of a tournament. Many setups include an adapter since the GC is the norm. With the Pro I'm pretty sure you need to sync it before you can play on a different system.

 

[ChibiChan12]

First of all, welcome to SmashBoards! Unfortunately I cannot answer your GameCube controller question very well as I have never used it (for the latest game). However, I think I can answer the other ones, but note that I'm not near a professional at SSB4 but I've been playing For Glory since (almost) the beginning.

The grabbing is just something you get used to and should probably get in the habit of doing. I know there are the types that can't stop grabbing you over and over and you shouldn't try to become one of those type. But grabbing is very beneficial and can cancel out just about every attack, even shielding. Grabbing can lead into the combos like grab + up throw + aerial attack (attacks in the air) which can rack up some damage. With Marth, you can do his Dancing Blade move in whichever way you want and that can put on some damage on your opponent. Aerial attacks are good even if you're not trying to grab someone so you should consider getting in the habit of doing that.

Some other tips to playing competitive Smash is always staying on the edge of the stage. If your character has a projectile you should try firing it at your opponent a lot to rack up some damage and to keep them from getting bored. If your character is the type that can power up a attack or projectile (like Samus, Mewtwo, Lucario, Donkey Kong or Robin) then you should try to do that while you're at the edge and then release it when the enemy isn't expecting it.

Another thing is to try to stay calm when fighting. I know you can get mad and charge at someone but try to refrain from doing this and show no sign of frustration or agitation. Like I said, I'm not an expert at this and I'm probably leaving out a lot of things but I hope I helped. Oh, and if you ever need a break from For Glory, you can always join a group in For Fun and maybe do a Taunt Party and just play more casually.

Welcome again to SmashBoards and I hope you enjoy your stay!