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Playing an item game

Spiny Top

Smash Cadet
Joined
Jan 5, 2019
Messages
49
If you play quickplay, some times you will be forced to play with items like it or not. It happens, even in elite smash.

In those situations it is helpful to know how to play an item game. It is a very different kind of game, not just in the obvious sense that there are items, But in the mentality that you should have when playing an item game.

First of all an item game is all about stage control. That is the most important thing. Don’t worry about edge guarding, don’t worry about chasing down your opponent, worry only about holding and controlling centerstage. The reason for this is the more of the stage you can control, the more likely you are statistically to be closer to the item drops. Anytime in item drops if you’re in firm control of centerstage you will have the best possible opportunity to get the grab on it. A solid centerstage position should give you a fair chance at any item that drops anywhere on the stage for the most part.

What to do when a desirable item does drop? Don’t immediately go in for the grab. Assess whether or not it is safe to do so. Remember, grabbing an item gives you a few lag frames during the pick up which makes you vulnerable. If your opponent is near enough to punish you for immediately going for a grab on the item, then you need to fight a little more before it is safe. Try to land a hit with some knockback, then safely take the item. Conversely, look for a punish on an opponents premature grab.

The ultimate goal is to snowball. By successfully controlling centerstage and winning your skirmishes for item grabs, you will gain more power from the items, which will allow you to further lock down center stage, give you more fuel to win future Items skirmishes, and so the snowball gets rolling. Look at every item in terms of how it’s going to allow you to further control the center and collect even more items. Think snowball.

Anyways thanks for reading hopefully this helps you win more games with items. Personally I have found item games are far more enjoyable when you approach them with a methodical game plan like this. If you have Item game related tips, please post them. I would like to know.
 
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crazyjohn

Smash Rookie
Joined
May 26, 2018
Messages
12
if you queue with items on you should be automatically disqualified from elite smash
other than that good guide
 

Spiny Top

Smash Cadet
Joined
Jan 5, 2019
Messages
49
if you queue with items on you should be automatically disqualified from elite smash
other than that good guide
Can't say I disagree, but hopefully this makes us able to make them regret it... And thanks.
 

Noncommunistuser

Smash Rookie
Joined
Jan 20, 2019
Messages
9
Good ideas. Don't just mindlessly rush in for Daybreak parts if it puts you at a lot of risk. This also might obvious but make sure you know what items actually do. Depending on how strong the item is you might change what you want to do, wether it be to grab it yourself or baiting your opponent to try to get it.
 
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Spiny Top

Smash Cadet
Joined
Jan 5, 2019
Messages
49
Another big thing, try to utilize your cloud time to the fullest after getting stocked.

Don't immediately pop off the cloud, take a moment to survey the stage for items, and wait another moment to see if something drops. If you spot something use the post spawn invincibility frames to safely run over and grab the item. Get the fresh stock off to a good start.

Otherwise, use the invincibility frames to scare your opponent away, taking center stage. That is key, as we discussed. Try to recognize that ebb and flow of the item game, where whoever was just stocked has a momentary advantage, if they play it right.
 
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