List of things to test vs. Marth

Actionable items to test vs. Marth:
1. Strings at TR:
1a. Dash forward (long) -> WD back
Variations: a. -> charge needle, a. -> WD back -> charge
After doing longer dash forwards and seeing that they react, make sure to do short dash forward next time to test their response. You can plan to attack that response next time
1b. Dash forward (short) -> dash back (long)
Variations: b. > long dash forward (can enter run) (-> WD back), b. -> short forward dash, b. -> WD forward
when doing running variant can shield sometimes
when doing short forward dash variant should watch closely when they move forward; if they don’t cross a certain point play it safe or be ready for them to WD dtilt out of that
1c. Short dash back -> long dash forward
Variations: c. -> WD back, c. -> pivot bair
When performed slightly inside Marth TR, make sure to watch how far he is and how he moves. He can pre-empt the bair variation if he’s quick enough to cover/react
2. If he comes into his TR, observe how deep he goes and also pivot point of DD to determine intent
2a. Too deep into TR and you can dash attack; if pivot point is farther away, then be careful
2b. Too far out of TR, you can freely take stage or set up jump, or even bair wall/pivot bair wall if he’s moving out shallowly
2c. Kevin says: Longer dashes move his point along, long then short dashes also shift his point. Short dashes continuously make it really hard for Marth to fight and also make his threat shallow. Combine with existing theory/idea that the later he is in a dash/the more length he has exercised or can exercise before you reach him, the better idea it is to be more reserved unless you specifically have a read
3. Hold down/shield vs. DA
4. WD or dash/run into shield sometimes to scout fsmash, badly spaced dtilts, and weird nairs
5. Mix up responses to getting hit by dtilt
6. If I get hit by RC dtilt, recognize that he has more control and be more patient (i.e. no YOLO DA/BG). After all, he had to run a relatively large, uninterrupted distance to get the move out.
6a. Marth full jumping from farther to circumvent interacting with dash attack/BG = cross him up if you have time, or punish landing/stay close to landing
7. Being close is fine when you have control (or at least Marth doesn’t have control) OR when Marth isn’t close in a way that allows him to hit without being hit himself (e.g. isn’t mobile when close out of dtilt)
7a. Jumping when close should only be done as a setup or a read and should usually be transitioned into safe stuff
8. Avoid shielding in scrambles, if you notice you shield, spotdodge is fine
8a. The less mobile you are the more susceptible to manipulation or other advantages of Marth