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How to Psyche Yourself into Being Better

guitalex2007

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We are getting an onslaught of new players with every new DLC, and a lot of returning players. Additionally, there is also a large amount of players who are having trouble seeing improvement, or that think they suck just because they lose a lot. This is a handy guide that is aimed at all of the above. For the true TL;DR type of person, the titles of each section should be a short version of the explanation that follows.

People who start playing a new game need to understand a few basic concepts. They will make perfect sense, and you'll think "this is very obvious", but somehow when we're playing our minds are too focused on the game and we push ourselves into training mode grinding without putting these concepts in your head. Because I'm a teacher at heart and in my profession, I will show you these concepts and hopefully it will help whoever needs it to get that boost in confidence and experience to advance.

CONCEPT #1: EVEN WHEN YOU LOSE, YOU WIN

You might not have heard it said the same way, but the truth is that every loss you take still makes you a better player. During the match you can see your mistakes. You can see how your opponent reacts. You get to see what works in what ways, what works in specific setups and what doesn't work. While during the match you might be upset that you are losing (and after the match you might feel like throwing your stick out the window), the truth is that your brain is processing everything that is happening (even if it's too late to react to it) and you will slowly begin to make adjustments. You'll learn the matchup mostly by losing. Losing is actually your best tool to see what you are doing wrong, what the opponent is doing right and what is keeping you from winning.

When players play a FT5 (first to 5 wins), FT7, FT10, FT25 or something even crazier, something magical happens. Both players have the ability to win, but also if they lose they get to try to adjust their gameplay, team composition, assist choices, neutral game etc. in order to overcome that last loss and come out the victor. You might not remember how the last match went exactly, but playing a long set and LOSING is the best way to see how to overcome the opponent. After all, if you win all you're thinking of is to keep the momentum but you tend to not want to change strategies because what you did worked. It's more of a learning experience when you lose, because you are forced to rethink your options, and since you did fall for certain setups you already know those setups exist and you get to come up with ways to get over them (Did he go for throw resets too often? Lows? Did he have a certain zoning pattern? Will pushblocking at certain points help?). When you win, you get the benefit of confirming what you already know. But when you win after a loss, you prove that you've learned, adjusted your gameplay and adapted. This is why it's beneficial to go long sets against someone as opposed to a single fight: win or lose, you know that you've learned something and become better.

There are only two things preventing you from winning: your opponent and you. The matchup itself is not as relevant as these two factors, so keeping a positive attitude about the match (both during and after) is the first step toward improvement. Losing a defeatist attitude is difficult but crucial, so the mere act of changing your perspective on a tough match will reduce stress and improve your performance.

CONCEPT #2: TO KNOW A CHARACTER'S WEAKNESSES, PLAY THE CHARACTER

This is seen usually as a time sink because you'll lose a lot, but see Concept #1. I'm not the best player in the world, but I make an effort to play as every character in the game. Many people think I might be trolling, but there's a method to the madness: by playing other characters I get to see specific weaknesses of certain characters in certain matchups. I can try the mirror matches and learn from my opponent. If they do something cool, I get a new toy. If they fall for something, I begin to think if the character has a weakness for that setup. If I play with a solo DLC character when it's first released, I'm testing the limits of the character against established teams. I might play something awkward like Parasoul (HP Napalm Shot)/Valentine (HK Bypass) when Valentine is usually a point character and Parasoul usually uses Napalm Pillar in order to test specific strengths. That team allows Parasoul to do some zoning, and Valentine gets a Napalm Shot to help her approach and keep her safe with the shot's explosion. Is it viable? Is it strong? Does Valentine really need an invincible assist? The answer to all these questions might be yes, but we would never know unless you tried.

Have trouble against Peacocks that only spam projectiles? Try to play as Peacock and use only projectiles to try to win. Slowly you'll see people get around your patterns and you'll see not only weaknesses in the patterns, but the true difficulty of the zoning playstyle. You have to control the space well enough and menacingly enough that the opponent moves in the directions you want them to move (or not move at all!). She benefits greatly from a lockdown assist but armored assists also help. When you try that out you'll see the weaknesses and strengths and you'll learn. But you would not know that unless you tried. You will never know the true difficulties of playing a character, or the true reasons for team/assist choices unless you try it yourself.

CONCEPT #3: SPECTATE, RECORD, PLAY BETTER
Youtube, Twitch, Niconico, Hitbox... They all have one thing in common: they are all resources with immediate access to match videos. I am well aware that watching videos of gameplay isn't exactly the most fun (it's more fun to play, obviously). But watching videos of your characters or even other characters is 100% a learning experience (and since there is no stress, it can even be more enjoyable in a leisurely time). You get to see what the options for each player were and how each reacted. You get to see new tech you haven't seen before and your brain will start to make associations. Just like watching a teacher explain a complex math problem, you might get lost. But like a teacher breaking down the problem into easy chunks, you can pause, rewind and watch it again. Your fingers will start to twitch as you see the inputs and you might even be compelled to launch the game and try it out. Your mind might even start to race with new possibilities. You will jump online to try them, and you might still probably fail. But hey, Concept #1 states that when you lose, you learn. That, and this as well.

Yes indeed, that was Alanis Morissette back in 1995 schooling your ass.

If at all possible, record yourself playing other people. The quality does not matter, so even if you have to prop up your Nokia 521 against a book and fill out your internal memory (seriously, get a micro SD card), then do it. Get OBS if you have the PC version and record some videos. Then watch the match with fresh eyes, even waiting until the next day if possible. See what you did right, see if you happened to do something awesome or bad and you'll learn how or how to not recreate it. Seeing yourself play with fresh eyes is a great way to see where you can improve.

Don't be afraid to post your match in Youtube or stream your gameplay sessions. Doing so, you will not only have access to the match videos later, but you'll become a valuable resource yourself.

CONCEPT #4: SEPARATE LIFE AND GAME

This part is mostly to those who go to tournaments and do not perform well. I've seen players from @Kit Ballard to @Negus Eyoel get bummed out. Hell, when I lost at EVO I was bummed out too. But much like @Kit Ballard found that apparently she has a really good knack for blackjack and won enough money to buy a PS4, find something else to do. When you go to big tournaments, consider that only a handful of people will win everything. Everyone else will watch finals because not only is it hype, but also because Concept #3 is a good one.

It doesn't have to be gambling (seriously, makes me nervous). But it's important to know that while losing in a big tournament sucks, you are not a loser. It's really hard to make that distinction because of the whole definition of the word loser, but in reality video games are designed to be fun. Being good at them is just an added bonus. Go have fun with all the other "losers" who are still having fun watching others play or trying weird stuff in casuals or making enough money to buy a kickass Zero Suit Samus figurine with your blackjack money (seriously @Kit Ballard teach me the ways).

CONCEPT #5: SURROUND YOURSELF WITH SUPPORT

If you're here in Skullheart we can conclude one of many things: you love Skullgirls, you love playing Skullgirls and/or you want to support Skullgirls. This is excellent. Join groups, show the game to others, ask for help. Oh, why the hell not... draw fanart, write fanfics, cosplay, write awful music in combo videos. I HAVE DONE ALL OF THESE, and I'm not completely ashamed. Do whatever! The important part is to surround yourself with positive attitudes and people with those attitudes have a better chance at winning. Obviously, Skullfanning it up isn't going to make your training better. But again, the whole point of this whole post is to change your mindset so that you do think and feel positive and relieve stress about your perceived lack of improvement. Keep a great attitude and work will not seem like work.

My great attitude comes from my wife's support. If she wasn't the literal pillar of support in my life, and wasn't so supportive of the community I would've quit this game. I'm sure @Swiftfox-Dash is glad his family was there the last two EVO's to support him too! Support from an online community is nice, but support from family and friends is best.

CONCEPT #6: DON'T BE AFRAID... PLAY WITH THE BIG GUNS

This is a tricky one to swallow. Even when you do know people around your skill level, it helps to occasionally play against some top ranked players. Yes, Alanis Morissette doles out some more knowledge. Instead of closing the window or turning off the game when the likes of @Duckator @WingZero @konkrete @winnie @keninblack or many more show up, bite the bullet and please remember Concept #1 and Concept #3. I've seen numerous Youtube videos that say "Here's a video of me getting my ass kicked by @dekillsage " or the like. But the truth is that not only is this resource matchup experience and all the wonderful benefits explained in Concept #1 but you also get an insight on how well you could do with more experience.

You might be happy that Duckator didn't get a perfect on you and you might even do a little dance at first. You might be able to beat Duckator's Valentine and you can celebrate after his Filia destroys you. But you're one step closer. Having a goal in reach keeps you motivated, and keeps you on your toes.

Along that same line, this needs to be said. Go to tournaments. Many times people don't enter because they think they will lose (or "know", as they've convinced themselves), but we've covered a few concepts that should help turn that mindset into one willing to learn from the experiences. Tournaments don't just happen and then everyone involved is sucked into the vacuum of space; they will be there for casuals. You will play people. Not online. The experience of playing someone offline is unlike anything experienced online, regardless of how great GGPO has the potential of being. You can find out if setups that work online don't work normally, or you might realize you can block Filia a little better, or that you can get around Peacock's zoning more consistently. You can also see firsthand if your strategies do work, and you can also make adjustments to whatever doesn't.

-o-o-o-o-

So, we've seen the current concepts that will help psyche you up and become a better player.

CONCEPT #1: EVEN WHEN YOU LOSE, YOU WIN
CONCEPT #2: TO KNOW A CHARACTER'S WEAKNESSES, PLAY THE CHARACTER
CONCEPT #3: SPECTATE, RECORD, PLAY BETTER
CONCEPT #4: SEPARATE LIFE AND GAME
CONCEPT #5: SURROUND YOURSELF WITH SUPPORT
CONCEPT #6: DON'T BE AFRAID... PLAY WITH THE BIG GUNS

I will likely add more if I think of anything else, but I hope that this helps any of our players overcome their thoughts of being unable to get better. Mind you, this is all about mind games. This is to get into the proper mindset, but you'll need proper training as well. Check out our other resources at Skullheart and see what you can find!
 
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You don't have to talk to them, just go on ranked and play Canopian Roulette.
 
Finding them on ranked is difficult. They don't play PSN much at all. Who knows what else they do on PS3. Duck plays Arcane Max heart 3 or whatever that is. Dekill isn't getting on and accepting my FR. Severin is off bein' a cool kid. kenny is lazy. Swift already bodied me in FT30.
I guess you'll just have to go to a nearby tournament! :p
 
Finding them on ranked is difficult. They don't play PSN much at all. Who knows what else they do on PS3. Duck plays Arcane Max heart 3 or whatever that is. Dekill isn't getting on and accepting my FR. Severin is off bein' a cool kid. kenny is lazy. Swift already bodied me in FT30.
guitalex is pretty good too
 
Something to add to that:

Learn Character X by playing Character X is great, but knowledge/experience gained learning Character Y (i.e., the counter pick based on matchup strength) will often help too. In terms of matchup confidence, you're tearing down the idea that the character is particularly difficult by showing yourself that it has weaknesses. In terms of technical issues or matchup strategies, you may learn something that you can apply to your main team/characters, or a clutch counterpick.
 
Something to add to that:

Learn Character X by playing Character X is great, but knowledge/experience gained learning Character Y (i.e., the counter pick based on matchup strength) will often help too. In terms of matchup confidence, you're tearing down the idea that the character is particularly difficult by showing yourself that it has weaknesses. In terms of technical issues or matchup strategies, you may learn something that you can apply to your main team/characters, or a clutch counterpick.
That makes sense. But how would you know what the counter pick is without any experience with the character? I can say Peacock's a counter pick to Painwheel and unless you're familiar with both characters, you can only speculate.

Every matchup chat and chart has info, but it's all based on experience playing the matchup in both sides.
 
Guitalex. I'm not understanding why I'm losing to this not so good player when I've beaten him multiple times already. And judging an occasion for me is coming that doesn't really make me happy. So yeah.
He's getting better. Record your matches, see what he's doing differently and learn from that.
 
its all about what its like playing competitve fighting games. Or any other game really. The big key thing @guitalex2007 wants to get across here, is that win or lose, you learn. Once you learn, then you can figure out how to beat it either it be a move or set up, or so on. it takes time to be good at anything let alone skullgirls. Yes, you will get your ass handed to you time and time again. But everyone had to start out somewhere. We all took our good share of ass kickings while playing this game, but we all learned from experience. being a good player is more of a marathon and not a sprint.

also good shit @guitalex2007 for this write up.
 
Can we add "don't say you lost because the matchup is bad for you, say you lost because you weren't experienced/knowledgable on how to play the matchup."

That said this is concise and well written. I've had such a hard time staying positive lately and stuff like this is a great help, so thanks guitalex.
 
Can we add "don't say you lost because the matchup is bad for you, say you lost because you weren't experienced/knowledgable on how to play the matchup."

That said this is concise and well written. I've had such a hard time staying positive lately and stuff like this is a great help, so thanks guitalex.
The article mostly focuses on positive things. I might add this statement though:

"There are only two things preventing you from winning: your opponent and you. The matchup itself is not as relevant as these two factors, so keeping a positive attitude about the match (both during and after) is the first step toward improvement. Losing a defeatist attitude is difficult but crucial, so the mere act of changing your perspective on a tough match will reduce stress and improve your performance."

Should I add that to a current concept or a separate one?
 
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The article mostly focuses on positive things. I might add this statement though:

"There are only two things preventing you from winning: your opponent and you. The matchup itself is not as relevant as these two factors, so keeping a positive attitude about the match (both during and after) is the first step toward improvement. Losing a defeatist attitude is difficult but crucial, so the mere act of changing your perspective on a tough match will reduce stress and improve your performance."

Should I add that to a current concept or a separate one?
Fits decently with "even if you lose, you win."

Your approach is definitely better suited to people then mine is.
 
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You could also add "Don't let trollers on rank get you down" People like evoracer or Johnny. SonicFox well. SonicFox is a cool kid member.
I would rather just say "as a response to Johnny Sanchez, link him this thread".

:PUN:
 
I tought "Don't let trollers on rank get you down" was a general internet rule
You shouldn't take Sanchez seriously most of all. Everyone can tell ya just how pathetic that guy is
 
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Good read, 10/10.
It's unfortunate that most people have this sort of problem, it's good that you're taking the time to help guide them.
 
This is actually some pretty good advice. I should really follow this :P
 
Not quite the same, but you can use similar strategies.

 
How do I get good at blackjack, though
 
Nice job writing that, thanks. The toughest ones for me are recording matches (my brother's computer/Ps3 setup doesn't have this) and a local scene. I should try Milpitas Golfland sometime- I think that's the only Bay Area spot.
 
I dont agree with this thread
if youre negative as hell you can basically never lose
ecsape for me im negative as hell and I still lose because im just that garbage
 
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@guitalex2007 Thanks for writing this. It encourages me to better myself as a player in general.
 
mine is plying top players more often..I've been trying to get better at it lately and sticking around for sets w/ bigger guns even when I'm not totally up for it or sending friend requests to cats that kick my ass..
 
Observation is a key habit that players should develop when trying to get better.

Now, I'm not talking about "looking over your mistakes" after the fact. Going over past matches is important to do to recognize your faults and learn how to react when you get put in a certain situation later, but the observation I'm talking about is live, real-time, observation of your opponent and yourself while you're playing the match. It's understanding what options you both have, noting position, and picking up on player habits to exploit.

It may sound simple but it's difficult because everyone resorts to auto-piloting because it's less strenuous on the mind. Yes. EVERYONE auto-pilots to some extent, or has relied on auto-piloting at some point in their FG career. What matters is that you know when to turn it off and focus on what you need to.

The best outlet to practice observation is at tournaments because it gives you a specific time and place you can focus on rather than limitless games at home. When you're at home it's difficult to know or decide when to start practicing observation and when to end. This can be strenuous and lead to mental fatigue because you can play for a lot longer in casuals than you can in tournaments.

Once you get into the habit of observing the opponent, it becomes easier to practice at home and becomes less strenuous allowing you to reinforce the habit until it becomes second nature.
 
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Is there a guide to get me psyched to read this?

I'll have to read this in short increments because I don't have the attention span to read so much.
 
Is there a guide to get me psyched to read this?

I'll have to read this in short increments because I don't have the attention span to read so much.
Read the big bolded sentences, doofus. That was the whole idea. What, you didn't even read the end of the first paragraph where I say as much?
 
That's the hard part ;~;
 
Then read the titles in the bottom of the post. OMG.

Everything is there for a reason.
 
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Oh, my god. I'm reading a bunch of self-help affirmations. How much of a fucking loser have I become?
 
Oh, my god. I'm reading a bunch of self-help affirmations. How much of a fucking loser have I become?
Remember Concept #1: EVEN WHEN YOU LOSE, YOU WIN

:PUN:
 
Dude seriously this is the kind of guide I think we need to see more of. This is what I was trying to get at with mine but yours is far more advance and detailed thank you
 
FMisDDM.png

I'm just going to leave this here.
 
Omg that was amazing, thanks.