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Spacing is the utilization of a character's range in comparison to the opponent's range to ensure the character's attacks make contact and that the opponent's do not.
To space, players have to take into account the range of the attack they plan to use and take steps to position themselves at the optimum distance from their opponent. The goal is to withdraw to the maximum distance possible; ideally, in this position their best attacks can hit while their opponents' cannot. Aerial speed is also a factor - characters like Wario can use their amazing air mobility to seemingly "fade in and out" with their aerial attacks. Other characters, like Donkey Kong and Ike, can rely on sheer range alone: for example, Ike's forward aerial has enormous horizontal and vertical range in front of him, making it one of the best spacing tools in the game. Spacing is considered very effective for characters such as Marth - notably, his forward aerial has quick speed and very good range (especially in Melee), while not having much landing lag either, making it very effective in SHFFLs (Melee) and SHFFs (Brawl).
Contrary to what newer players may believe, spacing is character-specific and influenced by the stage being played. Platforms will drastically affect spacing.
The true key to mastering spacing is experience - learning the range of other characters and how to space against them when faced with a given situation. To improve spacing, c-sticking aerials has also been advised as it can negate the momentum that aerials would have when using the "A" button.
However, spacing is not just limited to aerial attacks. Many tilts can be used for spacing with great effect, especially those such as Donkey Kong's forward tilt, which is an excellent spacing tool due to its incredible range. Certain special moves such as Zero Suit Samus's Plasma Whip can be used with similar results. Almost all projectiles are incredible tools used for spacing because of their extreme range.
Spacing is known for being especially effective against characters with poor range, such as Wario, making it more difficult for these characters to approach and land hits on their opponents.