Lurker of TYM, looking to level up

[f24]

Hey guys,

I'm Tony. I bought MKX on PC a while ago and I've logged around 150 hours into it. I'm still a huge scrub at fighting games, but I'm trying my hardest to improve. I have a few questions.

Where is my time best spent trying to get better?

I main Johnny and I practice my combos and run cancels religiously and I understand my character at a basic level, but I feel like there are so many minute things that are affecting my game. My biggest problem is getting too caught up in trying to execute something, rather than having a reason for doing it in the first place.

Is the the best way to get better just playing lots of games? Is it studying frame data not only for Johnny but for match ups I have trouble with? How do I build the game sense to know when it's a good idea to use a run cancel instead of just doing them because I feel like I should?

I watch lots of videos, I play lots of matches, but it seems like I am hindered by all the things that I don't even know exist.

http://steamcommunity.com/id/tkirk513 if anyone would like to add me.

Thanks

Tony

 

[StealthyMuffin]

Before you play a match, whisper, "I'm the best Cage on Steam. Free."

 

[Alien Substance]

Greetings, Tony F24. Welcome to this site of knowledge, drama, information and chaos! We have free salt packets.

Where is my time best spent trying to get better?

Reading up on knowledge and then trying to apply what you've learned; either right away, or after you give it some time to sink in.

I main Johnny and I practice my combos and run cancels religiously and I understand my character at a basic level, but I feel like there are so many minute things that are affecting my game. My biggest problem is getting too caught up in trying to execute something, rather than having a reason for doing it in the first place. Is the best way to get better just playing lots of games?

You will most likely find it a slower process to get better if you don't identify where you can improve upon.

Is it studying frame data not only for Johnny but for match ups I have trouble with?

It is useful to know when to poke out, keep blocking, do something and such. But, you aren't required to know the exact numbers of your opponent's frame data: you may keep mental notes on which of your character's moves can counter/punish this or that of the opponent's. (All these are my opinions, of course.)

How do I build the game sense to know when it's a good idea to use a run cancel instead of just doing them because I feel like I should?

It would help to understand what "yomi" is in fighting games. Browse around these forums and take time to learn:
Fighting Philosophy.
MKX Strategy Zone.

 

[infamy23]

Seems like your approach is exactly what it needs to be. It just takes time. Keep doing what you're doing. Most good fighting game players have been playing for years so it's not going to happen overnight.

 

[11411181]

If you can do your own bnbs consistently 10/10 times, then it's time to learn matchup knowledge by just playing the game.

If you know what your opponent wants to do to you, you can react to this or block and punish him accordingly.
If you know what your character cannot punish with an opener/bnb, you can play around this with using your footsie tools in neutral (D4 on Cage is amazing for this) in order to open up your opponent.

A good rule of thumb is to use throw as a measure of whether a move/poke is worth doing. If you don't gain an advantage in +frames or a knockdown/restand (or reset to the neutral game) from a move hitting, or are able to convert more damage than a throw off it - as a general rule, it's not worth doing.
The moment you can consistently hit people is where learning your bnbs comes into play - since you can make those touches count into either advantage or large damage.

As a Cage, your beginning footsie tools are D4, F3, F2(4), D1 and maybe standing 11 or 333 (into a special? idk if SK is safe). In that order.

You need one wakeup option with armour, and one reversal option with armour. Depending on the variation, you're playing - this will vary. My advice is while playing - to wake up with armour as much as possible, so you can learn the value of it by using it.

Most of your falldowns initially will be in execution under pressure - which is only fixed by playing games, and learning to identify what options you have where. Fighting games are still reaction-based at their core, knowing is only half the battle.

 

[Daemantalo]

Your username is awesome.

 

[RM slacked]

Oh dude I completely ignored you the last time you wanted to play, my bad. I'm free for sets later.