Stalling
Stalling is any strategy that avoids all fighting conflict with the goal of making the game unplayable or winning a match by going to time out. It involves using actions and techniques to waste time, such as running away, planking, infinites, and charging through the opponent with a move that has launch resistance. Agile characters, especially ones that can safely travel under a stage, are usually the most successful at stalling.
Many forms of stalling are typically banned in tournaments in addition to techniques that may lead to stalling. Excessive stalling can prolong a tournament and will often have the smasher disqualified. Some forms of stalling are allowed if the opponent is capable of dealing with them or if the technique is too subtle to be recognized as stalling. Stalling is considered by many to be exploitive of character mobility and detracting, while others see it as a skillful and legitimate way to win, requiring careful spacing and effective mindgames.
Stalling is not to be confused with camping, which usually seeks to change how the conflict is approached.
Examples of stalling
Super Smash Bros. Melee
- Using Peach's Peach Bomber repeatedly against a wall without gaining height. This technique is banned in tournaments, although it is allowed for recovering.
- Using Jigglypuff's Rising Pound repeatedly away from the other player. This technique is banned; however, as with Peach Bomber, if this technique is being used for recovery, it is allowed in tournaments.
- The Luigi Ladder, performed by two Luigis. This technique is banned in doubles play.
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
- Repeatedly using Homing Attack with Sonic or Kirby under a stage. This technique is banned.
- Using Meta Knight's Infinite Dimensional Cape so that he cannot be attacked. This technique is banned.
- Using either of Meta Knight's two glides to travel under the stage to the other side.
See also
Notes
- ^ A ledge grab limit is enforced in most tournaments.
