vs Lau

source: Black Book
translation: SuperGolden

This isn't the best translation so if anybody wants to add / correct feel free /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif

Lau's attacks aren't especially difficult. If you just remember his basic attacks, then the match will be decided on your abillity to read your opponent and your fighting spirit.

Fighting Lau Basics
Lau has many good followups to his /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif, major and minor counters can lead to damaging combos for him. His five throw directions make him a well balanced character.
His throws are also powerful. You definitely want to escape forward and down-forward. Even if you freeze up guarding you need to be careful to throw escape. Don't whiff throw escapes (?) though because you could eat a combo for huge damage. It's important to constantly stay calm while fighting Lau.
Against Lau it is important to know your guaranteed counter attacks. Also remember that Lau can get a lot of damage on minor counter so don't throw out too many moves that are going to leave you at -15 or higher of blocked.
Lau can use /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/uf.gif+/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif to eat low attacks and throws so try to hold back on low punching. If you high punch him out of this move do a good combo!

Tiger Stance
Even if you guard an attack and are at advantage, if Lau goes into tiger stance you are going to lose that advantage. After guarding /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/f.gif+/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif Lau's /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/ub.gif+/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif will eat elbows. /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif and /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/d.gif+/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif will beat that, but will lose to /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif+/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif and /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/uf.gif+/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif. If you predict he will enter Tiger Stance try back dashing to avoid further attacks.

You can basically stand there and guard and be safe against most attacks coming out of Tiger Stance. If Lau tries to cancel Tiger Stance and throw or use /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/f.gif+/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif+/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif to break your guard crouch under those attacks and then counter attack.

Picture #1
Crouch to avoid his commonly used high attacks like /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/f.gif+/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif and /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/b.gif+/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif+/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/g.gif and then use combo started to counterattack for big damage...

Picture #2
Lau's /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/f.gif+/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif+/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif avoids high attacks. If you guard it you are going to be pushed back so... ?

-Alex

 

This is a total scrub-question, but I never see it talked about. Probably because I got into the series very late.


How does the average player anticipate the /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/d.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif and /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/b.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif mix-up?

Because one hits mid, and the other hits low and kills sidestepping. Do you just guess, or use your eyes?

I would assume most people would prefer blocking-low, because even if he hits you with the /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/b.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif, he's at -9 so you can probably move in on him, plus it's his weakest option damage-wise.

I'd appreciate any advice.

 

You can lp lau out of the string before the last hit mix up, especially if the lau player delays the last hit. Otherwise, it's a true guessing game.

Most players will opt to block low due to the reason you gave yourself.

 

A nasty option that you have to keep your eyes out for is /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif~/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/g.gif~/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/uf.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif. The string is ended before the /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif option with a /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/g.gif cancel, and instead you get hit with his while rising /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif which is slam on Hit or CH. It is easily side stepped, but if you crouch all the time in anticipation of the /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/d.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif or /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/b.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif to finish the string, your likely to get tagged.

 

I've been trying the /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/uf.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif combo at the end of Lau's punch string with pretty good results.

One thing I have been doing more often now is his slams with a /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/df.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/d.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif. I haven't mastered the timing but when it works it looks brutal and seems to demoralize my buddy more than the /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/b.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif move (which admittedly hits near all the time).

There's something satisfying about hearing someone say "Is there anything Lau can't add a big ass combo to?"

 

Here is a nasty little bounce combo that I have been using against light characters off any counter hit launch to /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif,/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/d.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif+/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif bounce.

(Example off a Souko Reppa)

/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/df.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif+/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif,/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif,/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/d.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif+/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif~(bounce)~/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/b.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif

(Another Example @ 1:41)

/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/f.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif+/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif,/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/d_.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif,/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/d.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif+/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif~(bounce)~/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/b.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif

<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nSbsFGwwWkI"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nSbsFGwwWkI" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>

Watch 90+ DMG disappear from your opponent's life total.

 

I love big damage. =)

 

Damn Matt,

I love that combo. You're the one who inspired me to add as much 'wacky' as possible to Lau's repertoire. It's making him a lot of fun to play. Lau has so many solid options from /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/df.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif, /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/f.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif, punches and his insane throws. It's easy to minimize the Kokei and great /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/f.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif+/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif and /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/f.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/f.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif+/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif stuff.

Have you ever tried /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/f.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/f.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif+/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif then the (backturned) /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/u.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif+/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif? It's slow but man, talk about wacky. Looks cool too. I've been working on my back turned kickflips but still need practice.

I think I need a couple of rounds against you to see how a Lau can be played. Have you been playing him a lot recently? I can't remember the last time I saw your videos with him.

-Shiz

 

He is the only character that I play right now. Not many replays have been saved from the gatherings as of late. I will try and get more saved. You should come out next Thursday to Plague's.

 

Shiz -

Don't know if you've seen this already:

http://virtuafighter.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/166832/page/1#Post166832

Azusabo has a nice Lau -- some good pressure and set ups here. Lau is my secondary, so as soon as I deem him worthy enough, I'll put up some vids. :>

- Sweep!

 

WHAT WAS THAT VIDEO!?!?! HAHAHAH That was great!

OK - let's be honest. My Lau is hardly competition worthy but I love the character. He's replaced Jacky as one of my personal favorites in terms of sheer 'fun to play'-ness.

One thing I enjoy is his throw game. He's got many fast mid's and highs with a decent low sweep that it's pretty easy to set up an opponent to stand or crouch as you like. I've been going for the crazier throws lately like (Kokei) /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/f.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif (on hit) /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif+/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/g.gif and the always crowd pleasing /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/b.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/df.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif+/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/g.gif.

Good stuff.

-Shiz

 

Alright, help me.

I'm playing against a decent enough Lau, and I fail horribly at it.

My problem seems to be, that Lau seems to be really powerful and really fast, as well as not all that counterable (mind that I'm not complaining about this, I'm simply trying to iterate my perception of him at the moment).

His mid level moves all seem to drag me out of a crouch guard and into a stagger, where he is then free to hit me with his massively powerful standing palm of death. to counter this, I either evade or standing guard, but then I just get hit with huge damage throws and/or full circular highs.

Basically my problem seems to be that he is fast and powerful, so he beats me to the punch a lot, and does a lot of damage when he lands things. It seems like, when I'm toe-to-toeing it with him (by that I mean trading poking moves like jabs and elbows), he'll always come out dealing more damage than I have (and I'm using Jacky, who is supposed to be one of the best pokers, no?).

I'm just looking for some advice, as I'm used to playing against Kage, where I always have speed and damage on my side, and now it seems I have neither.


Oh, and I've also tried using my Jeff against Lau, but the small amount of extra combo damage that I have doesn't seem to be enough to give me any sort of real advantage; Lau is almost as powerful, and much much faster than Jeff, with a throw game that is not that much worse than Jeff's.

All help and advice would be appreciated.

 

Here are some of the things I would do:

First off, look at Lau's frames, and take note when looking at them the situations in which your friend catches you. Now that you've seen the frames, contemplate your options. Remember, if a string ends with a high attack, duck it instead of blocking it and make sure you dole out some punishment (either with a 0-frame throw or a quick /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif, or whatever works). Also, you may want to play with Lau a bit to get comfortable with his options yourself, especially so you know when he can go into Kokei and what his strongest options are in certain situations.

Now, keep these two things in mind about Jacky:
1) Neutral mid/high /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif inashi. This will counter Lau's /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/b.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/f.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif, /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/b.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/b.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif, /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/f.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/f.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif+/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif, /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/df.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif (and everything in the /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif string), the last hits of /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/f.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif and /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/df.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif, and so on. If your opponent is getting predictable with his shit, make him rethink his offense.
2) Jacky's /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/db.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif has good range, and he ducks under high attacks easily, and on mC the follow up /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif strings.

Finally, make sure you're intimately familiar with Jacky's moves and set-ups. Watch videos of Jacky online and in the Exhibition mode of the game. I believe if you were as familiar with Jacky as you apparently are with Kage, then when you would go toe-to-toe with Lau you would certainly be able to deal more than your share of sick damage. /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif

 

I started playing with Lau.
My advice is to just take it.

 

Resisting only makes it hurt more.

Accept your Total Pwnage at the hands of Lau.

 

In this case all you need to do is apply some patience. Here is one thing I do against him and everyone else that would help. (I don't see lau as a major issue)

Let him beat you to the punch and defend his attacks and watch the timing of them all and potential lag times that come after he attacks. He will be left open after all of his better attacks regardless of how fast he executes them so if they miss you can either throw him or attack him right away and all he will be able to is stand there and eat it because he isn't able to recover from his attacks in time. I don't matter what character I use all I do is wait for them to make the first move and react to what I see based on that if you can do this no character will be hard for you regardless of who they are.

 

I'm curious:

If you struggle fast enough, can you avoid /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/b.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/f.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif after /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/f.gif/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/p.gif+/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/k.gif+/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/g.gif?

 

If you want you can test this, go to dojo mode and in free training go to CPU settings and put stagger recovery to fastest and you can get your answer. I would have tested it for you but I cant right now.
Most players are not THAT fast though, so if you want to test it for the way that the average player stagger-recovers, put it to normal.

 

Alright guys, I'll take into consideration what you've said, and I may even try playing as Lau a little, because I must admit that I believed Kage to be overpowered until I forced myself to play as him, where I then found that he does in fact have weaknesses.

 

as Ladon said Lau has many strings that end with a high attack like 6+P,P the new 8+K,K or 3+K,P,P (which you can't inashi since it's a slam on any hit btw) try to duck and punish mabe with Jacky's 3+PPP.
To pressure his tech roll try using Jacky's P+K,K4 and see if opponent ducks the second hit, if he's not you got a free hard hiting "safe" mid that you can mix with jacky's throws.

If he uses 3+P+K be sure to punish it with 3PPP.
If you block 6+P, going immediately into your 1+P can be a good choice as it will stuff the canned P folowup by ducking it AND stop a lot of his blocked flowcharts.
Hope this helps.