SunnyD
24 Low Hat!
Hey guys, I'm trying to pick up Lao for Liu's bad MU's. (It is another mirror I enjoy as well, next to Subby)
I was wondering what the b-line is to Lao. I know not to use Low Hat for his pressure game. (Courtesy of UFG) As of right now I'm using his 1121 as his main pressure string. Though I'm just mindlessly doing it, I don't know the reasoning behind it. I use b33 into Spin to keep them blocking low. I rarely use his 24 string. I usually use it to end a round, and never use 24 Low Hat. d3 and Spins after 1121 to prevent them from poking. I only know his pressure game. I feel like I'm doing something wrong here, or rather, I'm missing something.
What can I do to improve my Lao?
Well, start off by using his 21 string more often. 2 is 7 frames compared to his 1 which 10 frames. 1121 should only be used after something that jails the opponent, like a jip, a stagger, or a delayed tele 3. But his best pressure string is 212121, so you can pretty much replace all your 1121 opportunities with 212121. 1121 is just more hit comfirmable than 212121, in most other situations 21 or 24 is better. 21 is neutral on block, so dont worry about throwing it out there. After a blocked 21, dont be afraid to do another. Its 7 frames, so its unlikely that you'll get combo'd back. If your opponent pokes, keep that in mind. Do a delayed spin next time, spin beats all pokes and you'll get a free combo. 21 is his BEST string along with 24, use it as much as possible
Dont use low hat in mixups except for ex mindgames (i use it like Subby's ice clone) and to end a round. I prefer grabs to get the opponent to stop stand blocking,but any competent player shouldnt be stand blocking KL anyways.
B33 is pretty harshly negative on block, and since KL thrives on being neutral or +frames at all times, i would throw this out RARELY. Also very hard to hit confirm, you have to preemptively input b33 spin, which is also a massive downer. Using it sparingly, i find it useful after a crossup jip. Grabs and the 24 string works really well if you want to check the opponent low however.
My whole mindset behind KL pressure is to use the neutral strings and bait that counterpoke. Once you get them counterpoking, you can counter thier counter (counterception) with a spin into full combo, 30+ percent.
Also, study this shit like the Bible:
http://testyourmight.com/threads/kung-lao-2-0-guide.15364/
and lastly, i demand mirror matches online to help you out. Not this weekend though, i got a shit-ton of homework to do