Meter Management Strategy

Meter is a finite resource that can swing matches. Smart meter management separates good players from great ones. ## Meter Economy Basics ### Building Meter - Offense generally builds more than defense - Special moves build more than normals - Getting hit gives meter (but at a cost) ### Spending Priorities 1. **Killing**: Securing the round takes priority 2. **Reversing Momentum**: Getting out of bad situations 3. **Extending Damage**: Only when it matters 4. **Chip Kills**: Guaranteed damage to close rounds ## Offensive Meter Usage ### EX Moves - Enhanced properties (invuln, armor, safety) - Combo extensions - Pressure resets ### Super Combos - Maximum damage conversions - Anti-air conversions - Punish opportunities ### System Mechanics - Roman Cancels, Focus Attacks, etc. - Create new combo routes - Make unsafe moves safe ## Defensive Meter Usage ### Reversals - Wake-up EX moves - Guard cancels - Alpha counters ### System Options - Pushblock/Advancing Guard - Burst mechanics - Dead Angle attacks ## Situational Decisions ### Round Start - Consider opponent's options - Building meter vs. early aggression - Character-specific strategies ### Mid-Round - Balance offense and defense - Save for key conversions - Adapt to opponent's usage ### End Game - Chip kill opportunities - Reversal threats - Comeback mechanics ## Character-Specific Considerations Some characters are more meter-dependent than others: - Grapplers often need meter for approach - Zoners may save for defensive options - Rushdown characters balance both needs Remember: Having meter changes both players' decision-making. Sometimes the threat of EX reversal is worth more than using it.