Understanding Frame Advantage

Frame advantage is the cornerstone of understanding fighting game interactions. When you perform a move, you're either left at advantage (plus frames) or disadvantage (minus frames) compared to your opponent. ## What is Frame Advantage? Frame advantage represents the difference in recovery time between you and your opponent after a move connects or is blocked. If you're "+5" on block, you recover 5 frames before your opponent, allowing you to act first. ## Key Concepts ### Plus Frames (+) When you're plus, you can continue pressure. Your opponent must respect your advantage or risk getting counter hit. Common plus situations: - Light attacks on hit (+3 to +5) - Certain special moves on block - Meaty attacks on opponent's wakeup ### Minus Frames (-) When you're minus, it's your opponent's turn. You must block or use defensive options. Being -5 or worse often means you can be punished. ### Frame Traps A frame trap is when you leave a small gap in your offense that catches opponents trying to press buttons. If you're +2 and do a 5-frame move, there's a 3-frame gap - enough to catch mashing but not enough to escape. ## Practical Application 1. **Know Your Key Moves**: Memorize which of your moves are plus on block 2. **Respect Minus Frames**: Don't press buttons when you're -3 or worse 3. **Create Frame Traps**: Use your plus frames to set up counter hit situations 4. **Punish Properly**: Know what you can punish at different minus values