T-pose
A T-pose, sometimes known as a bind pose or reference pose, is the default unanimated state of a model in 3D graphics. This pose is often with all of a model's various parts straightened out or flattened for ease of animation. For most characters, this results in a pose where the legs are straight and the arms are pointing sideways in a T-shape.
Description
While a game is in development, character models are created and later textured; in this case, the bind pose acts as the best way to allow the development team to apply textures to character models, as it allows viewers to see most parts of the model's body with no obstructions. As expected, the Super Smash Bros. series is no exception to this "rule" of development, and players can potentially view the original bind poses using external programs, such as BRRES Viewer.
While the vast majority of characters in Smash use standard T-poses, certain characters have variants due to their body characteristics. Yoshi and R.O.B., for instance, have their arms extended in front of their bodies, while Ganondorf's armour in Melee forces him to take on an "A-pose" instead of a T-pose. In Super Smash Bros. 4, Link's bind pose depicts him in a battle-ready stance, slightly crouching forward with his left arm extended behind him.
Characters that use model effects for facial expressions (such as Sonic or Kirby) can have their facial expressions look unusual when forced into their bind pose. Sonic's eyes, for instance, will always appear closed, while Kirby's mouth will be forced into his standard "o" shape.
In gameplay
Funny haha tpose
Gallery
Two bind poses in SSB; note how Link is in the standard T-pose while Fox is not.
Mario, using Luigi's moveset through hacks, enters a bind pose due to a lack of suitable animations for Luigi Cyclone.
Mewtwo and Ganondorf's bind poses in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, shown via a glitch. Note the aura around Mewtwo's body.
