Phosferrax
Original Liu Kang cop.
Since the last patch, most people are aware of the buff CT Kano received regarding his Blade Slice (db1) move, which went from -8 to -5. Since this buff, we've seen a lot of examples of the move being used when it would never be used before, such as in block strings, as a footsies tool, or to catch counter pokes. Specifically, I want to look at the usage of d4~db1 and outline why you shouldn't really do it.
The general purpose of d4 cancelled into blade slice is to catch people pressing buttons (counter poking) after your poke is blocked, which then leads into some pressure for Kano. I can see the appeal of this; db1 is safe so if it's blocked there is no risk, and on hit you get frame advantage. The main problem with this tactic is that it stems from a read that the opponent is going to block your d4, as the main purpose is to trick them into letting go of block which would lead them to getting hit by db1.
If you were reading that they would block, why didn't you 50/50 them? There is less risk and much greater reward when you do this, as D4~db1 can be interrupted with armour or even an 8f normal, and if db1 is blocked you're in a meta game that stems from your minus frames instead of neutral or plus frames. Would you rather have hit them with a 50/50 into a combo and corner death, or with db1? That is the core question you should ask yourself regarding the usage of this tactic.
The other problem with this tactic is that you can't hit confirm your d4 when you do this, meaning that if your poke hit them and they then block the db1, you have surrendered your frame advantage and turned it into disadvantage for no good reason. Frame advantage to CT Kano is very scary for the opponent to have to deal with and really is where you get to use your 50/50 the most, so it is quite costly to waste it because you didn't want to hit confirm your d4 properly.
In order for CT Kano to achieve the monster potential he has, the players need to iron out the inaccuracies and gimmicks in his current play style, of which d4~db1 is certainly one of, and properly apply fundamentals and patience to the neutral game, which is the area of the game I personally feel is the weakest of CT's current gameplay.
tl
r Rely on your reactions and reads instead of d4~db1. If you think they'll block then 50/50 them, if you think they'll get hit the, don't cancel the poke.
The general purpose of d4 cancelled into blade slice is to catch people pressing buttons (counter poking) after your poke is blocked, which then leads into some pressure for Kano. I can see the appeal of this; db1 is safe so if it's blocked there is no risk, and on hit you get frame advantage. The main problem with this tactic is that it stems from a read that the opponent is going to block your d4, as the main purpose is to trick them into letting go of block which would lead them to getting hit by db1.
If you were reading that they would block, why didn't you 50/50 them? There is less risk and much greater reward when you do this, as D4~db1 can be interrupted with armour or even an 8f normal, and if db1 is blocked you're in a meta game that stems from your minus frames instead of neutral or plus frames. Would you rather have hit them with a 50/50 into a combo and corner death, or with db1? That is the core question you should ask yourself regarding the usage of this tactic.
The other problem with this tactic is that you can't hit confirm your d4 when you do this, meaning that if your poke hit them and they then block the db1, you have surrendered your frame advantage and turned it into disadvantage for no good reason. Frame advantage to CT Kano is very scary for the opponent to have to deal with and really is where you get to use your 50/50 the most, so it is quite costly to waste it because you didn't want to hit confirm your d4 properly.
In order for CT Kano to achieve the monster potential he has, the players need to iron out the inaccuracies and gimmicks in his current play style, of which d4~db1 is certainly one of, and properly apply fundamentals and patience to the neutral game, which is the area of the game I personally feel is the weakest of CT's current gameplay.
tl
r Rely on your reactions and reads instead of d4~db1. If you think they'll block then 50/50 them, if you think they'll get hit the, don't cancel the poke.
but honestly, with the last D4 is more negative on block too so you need to pay attention if you don't follow it anyway. D4 is more lick a footsie tool so follow with DB1 is better against agressive opponents. U use D4 more for low profile and footsies
