You go into ranked match, but you feel like you win really randomly.
You probably don’t understand the theory that many high-ranked players use.
if you don’t know this theory, you basically play Tekken 8 randomly.
Of course, you sometimes win, but you need to win consistently to climb the ranks.
I myself reached God of Destruction 5 using this theory.
So, in this article, I’ll explain what the theory is, and how to apply it in actual matches.
I also created some videos about it.
You can watch it if you prefer watching videos to reading.
Three Way Deadlock: Essential theory in Tekken 8
The strategy you need to know in Tekken8 is called “Three Way Deadlock”.
This is basically Tekken version of Rock-Paper-Scissors.
There are three components in this theory: 50/50 (fifty-fifty), Keep-out, Whiff Punishment
I’ll repeatedly use these terms to explain Tekken logically, so please memorize the terms and their roles.
Why you should know Three Way Deadlock
The best way to improve your game is to articulate what happened and what you should do in the next game.
These three terms are the best way to describe Tekken8 games.
For example, you can describe this game like these.
My opponent is focusing on 50/50, so I should counter with keep-out.
My opponent is watching my keep-out, so the best way to open this situation is going for a 50/50.
Of course, you cannot explain every situation in this game since we’re not mind^reading psychics.
Most situations are explained using these terms.
Understand three components of the theory
There are three components in this theory.
You might use them unconsciously, but basically you cannot get out of random wins and losses.
Label them first and apply them consciously in the matches!
The first one is very simple and you unwittingly use it.
What is 50/50?
50/50 is the most basic attack using mid or low.
In this game, you cannot block mid and low at the same time.
So, if you use a mid while your opponent crouches, you deal damage.
If you use a low while your opponent stands, you deal damage.
Your opponent has to guess whether you use a mid or a low.
That’s why it’s called 50/50 (50% chance each).
Some characters are very good at this.
For example, Mishimas, Azcena, Lars, etc are often considered 50/50 characters.
What is keep-out?
Keep-out is very important in this game.
This is a preemptive attack to deter your opponent from approaching.
While 50/50 needs to approach, Keep-out doesn’t require you to approach because you use keep-out expecting them to whiff.
Yoshimitsu, who is my main character, is very good at keep-out.
I basically focus on keep-out 80% of the match.
What is whiff punishment?
Whiff punishment is more difficult than other two.
When you whiff a move, you basically need some time to recover.
Whiff punishment punishes this recovery time after the whiff
Guaranteed punishment is included here because step-in guard works as a waiting option against keep-out.
However, recovery time is very short, so you need hand-eye coordination.
This is the reason why executing whiff punishment is difficult.
Cycle of Three way deadlock
50/50 wins whiff punishment.
Keep-out wins 50/50.
Whiff punishment wins keep-out.
Why does this logic work? 50/50 vs Keep-out
To execute 50/50, you need to move forward.
so the time your opponent needs is
T1 = approach + move
Keep-out doesn’t need approaching, so the time you need is
T2 = move
T1 > T2, so you can basically move faster.
Keep-out wins 50/50.
Keep-out vs Whiff punishment
Your opponent uses keep-out when he expected your 50/50 (approaching).
But you don’t approach, then your opponent whiffs their keep-out.
The time your opponent spends is
T3 = move + recovery
T3 is usually less than 1 sec, but you can punish it if you expect them to whiff.
Whiff punishment wins keep-out.
Whiff punishment vs 50/50
when you want to whiff punish, you need to wait for your opponent to whiff, meaning you have time not to do anything.
so you basically need T4.
T4 = waiting
compare with T1, T4 is much longer.
T1 < T4 thus you can approach for 50/50.
50/50 wins whiff-punishment.
Strategic Tekken
You can play Tekken8 without three way deadlock.
However, you can never go out of random attacks and random wins.
If you want to win consisitently, learn and apply this theory.
I’ll explain those 3 options in more detail in the future, so don’t forget to bookmark my blog or join my discord!
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