Competitive Gaming is based on the single idea of spreading knowledge. For any gamer to transcend the role of “casual” into “competitive” they have to learn. The basics of any competitive game lie in understanding and comprehending the concepts that are common knowledge. Dead or Alive 4, the Xbox360’s premier fighting game, is one of said games that need a further delving into. With its advanced offensive and defensive scheme, the game is on a level on its own in the world of eSports. This is the first step towards that understanding.

TERMS
In any eSports title, terms are as important as the game itself. From the basis of the terms lie the understandings that may follow. Below is a list of the games most basic, yet crucial terms for any beginner of Dead or Alive 4.

Offensive Terms

Safe 
An attack that the opponent cannot respond to with any action (counter/attack/throw) of his/her own.

Stun 
A type of attack that leaves the opponent defenseless. The stun is characterized by an animation.
NOTE: Counters and Slow Escape can take the players out of Stun.

Launcher 
An action (counter/attack/throw) that literally “launches” the player upward. This can range from just off the ground to high in the air.

Juggle 
A series of attacks made after the launcher. This is consider also a “combo” but is different only in its ability to keep the opponent off the ground.

Defensive Terms

Slow Escape
During a stun, players are able to reduce, if not, eliminate stun by moving in a directional motion with the D-Pad or Analog controller. (I.E left to right, up to down, or vice versa.)

Counters
Using the free button (usually X) a player can successfully counter the opponent’s attack with an action of his/her own. Generally there are four types of counters.

1. High Counter
   Counters any High punch/kick
2. Mid Counter
   Counters any Mid Punch/Kick
3. Low Counter
   Counters any low kick
4. Advance Counter
   Counters SPECIFIC attacks.