frametraps

A frametrap is a common term in fighting games referring to a situation where a player is left vulnerable to a guaranteed counter-attack after performing a specific move. This vulnerability is measured in frames, the smallest unit of time in a video game, and the duration of this vulnerability is crucial to understanding why a frametrap is effective. When a player initiates an attack, there's typically a period where their character is animating and unable to block or move. If this recovery period is longer than the opponent's fastest available attack, the opponent can initiate their attack during the vulnerable player's recovery animation, hitting them before they can defend themselves.

The effectiveness of a frametrap relies on predicting the opponent's reaction. If a player expects their opponent to attempt to block after being hit by a certain move, they can use a frametrap to punish that block with an attack that breaks their guard or leaves them vulnerable again. Conversely, if a player anticipates their opponent will try to retaliate with an attack, they might use a different sequence of moves to bait that attack and then punish the recovery frames of the opponent's failed offensive attempt. Understanding frame data, which details the startup, active, and recovery frames of each move, is essential for both executing and defending against frametraps. Successful frametrapping can lead to significant damage or even knockouts, making it a key element of high-level fighting game play.