Tekken 6/Hwoarang/Strategy

Overview

Movelist

Punishers

Combos

Strategy

Matchups

Resources

Stances & Transitions

Stances

LFF - Left Foot Forward Stance

LFF is Hwoarang's default stance and functions as the central hub of his gameplay. After being hit or blocking in any other stance, Hwoarang automatically reverts to LFF, making it the stance he occupies most often. As such, mastery of LFF is foundational to playing Hwoarang effectively.

LFF as the Central Hub

LFF provides access to Hwoarang’s generic tools—including , , and —which serve as foundational moves for both pressure and stance transitioning. It also enables transition routes via moves like f2, ff3, df4, and 12 strings, which can lead into either Flamingo stance or RFF depending on the input.

These tools are integral not only for spacing and pressure, but also for safely transitioning into mixup-heavy stances like LFS and RFS. For example:

• > creates a frame advantage situation where Hwoarang can test the opponent’s responses.
• If the opponent respects the frame trap, Hwoarang can commit to a stance transition via or .
• If these options are interrupted or challenged, reverting to simpler pressure (e.g. > backdash) can bait reactions for adaptation.
  

This structured pressure-reaction cycle underpins much of Hwoarang’s offense.

Frame Advantage Transitioning

On block, certain tools—such as —transition directly into RFF while leaving Hwoarang at a modest frame disadvantage (e.g. -2). Despite this, he retains multiple viable follow-ups:

• RFF to crush highs and potentially deal significant damage.
• RFF or to apply fast 12f pressure (high or special mid, respectively).
• to return to neutral and potentially whiff punish.
  

These options collectively illustrate how Hwoarang can maintain offensive momentum even when technically minus on block.

Notable LFF Tools

Key moves within LFF that support offense, defense, or transitions include:

• WS3 – step-catcher and useful in close-range scrambles.
• df4 – poke that sets up spacing and stance transitions.
• JFSR, df2, b3 – core launchers.
• f1+2, b4 (on hit), ss4 – situational combo starters or pressure resets.
  

Movement complements these tools: LFF allows for backdashing, crouch dashing, and stance canceling into RFF via manual transition or move strings. For example, LFS cancel > RFF > SS+4 opens new movement and attack routes.

Frame Data and Safety Considerations

Many of Hwoarang's LFF-to-stance transition tools are relatively safe, which enables him to test opponents without taking major risks:

• f2:
• df4:
• ws3:
• df1+2:
• ws44:
  

This frame safety allows Hwoarang to "throw out" moves to collect information on the opponent’s reactions, then adjust his strategy accordingly.

Adaptive Pressure Tools

Hwoarang’s mixup game relies on observing the opponent’s behavior during pressure strings and adjusting transitions:

• If an opponent blocks jab > df+1, Hwoarang can test them with d+3,4, 1,2,4, or simply reset pressure.
• If an opponent challenges after blocking, Hwoarang can delay or bait with backdash, then punish accordingly.
• On hit (e.g. f+2 connects), safe strings like RFF df+4 > RFS 1 allow follow-up options or transition back into stance-based pressure.
  

Balancing transition and non-transition sequences is critical. Players must ask: Do I run up for d+3,4? Do I use JFSR? Should I wait and check with 1,2 first?

The answers to these questions define the pacing and mixup depth of a successful Hwoarang player.

LFS - Left Flamingo Stance

Left Flamingo Stance (LFS) is a fundamental part of Hwoarang’s identity and mix-up potential. LFS is renowned for enabling relentless pressure, safe poking, and consistent frame advantage, earning its nickname as “the blender” among competitive players.

Overview

LFS is accessible from multiple transitions, including:

• From LFF via moves like f+3 or strings ending in Flamingo entries (e.g., 1,2,3 or 2,3).
• From RFF via RFF f+3.
• From RFS via RFS 3.
• By canceling into LFS with 3+4, allowing fluid transitions between stances.
  

LFS gives Hwoarang access to a wide array of tools that maintain pressure and force defensive guesses. It also offers evasive properties through built-in sidesteps on entry moves like f+3.

Key Frame Advantages and Pressure Tools

LFS is designed around keeping the opponent locked down with plus-on-block attacks and chip damage options. Many of its moves are significantly plus on hit or block:

• LFS d+3,4: +15 on hit.
• LFS 1: +7 on block, +5 on hit.
• LFS 2: +9 on hit, transitions back to RFF.
• LFS 3,4: +9 on block.
• LFS f+3 (Fake Pressure): +2 on block, +8 on hit.
• LFS backdash or hop back: A defensive retreat option while staying in stance.
  

These options keep opponents under constant pressure, as many of the tools reset to LFS or transition to other advantageous stances.

Mix-Up and Counter-Hit Potential

While not focused on heavy 50/50 mix-ups like RFS, LFS excels at:

• Counter-hit launchers: LFS d/b+4 and LFS f+2,3.
• Safe mid pokes and frame traps.
• Threat reinforcement: Opponents who fear low pokes or fakes (e.g., fake pressure from LFS f+3) may hesitate, opening them up to jabs or mids.
  

LFS also supports seamless stance looping, enabling continuous pressure and psychological mix-ups. When combined with transitions to RFF or RFS, it becomes part of a larger stance cycle designed to confuse and frustrate opponents.

Defensive Vulnerability and Sidestep Weakness

Despite its strengths, LFS has some vulnerabilities:

• It is weak to sidesteps toward Hwoarang's stomach — generally, stepping left when Hwoarang is on player two side.
• Moves like LFS b+4 are useful for catching sidesteppers.
• The stance’s low commitment tools can be stepped or backdashed with proper timing, making spacing and move choice critical.
  
  

Strategy and Application

Players are encouraged to:

• Vary pressure using LFS pokes and fakes.
• Use plus frames to bait retaliation and punish.
• Mix stance transitions to keep opponents guessing.
• Utilize counter-hit tools when opponents press in disadvantage.
  

The stance is most effective when used in tandem with Hwoarang’s other stances to build layered offense and pressure loops. Unlike RFS, LFS is not built around explosive mix-ups, but rather calculated pressure, chip damage, and frame traps.

RFF - Right Foot Forward Stance

RFF is colloquially referred to as the "bully stance" due to its oppressive pressure potential, especially near walls. It functions as a dynamic bridge between offense and neutral play, offering unique mobility, powerful transitions, and access to tools from both RFF and LFF.

Concept and Utility

RFF acts as a middle-ground stance — whereas LFF serves as the central hub for transitions and defense, RFF leans more toward neutral control and offensive pressure. The stance is accessible via various LFF moves and can seamlessly transition into or out of both Flamingo stances (LFS and RFS). Its main appeal lies in maintaining pressure while retaining movement and flexibility.

Characteristics and Movement

RFF maintains a similar movement profile to LFF, with the added nuance of a subtle hop during backdash, potentially offering a quicker dash recovery. This slight difference contributes to RFF’s enhanced ability to maintain forward momentum and sustained threat during neutral play.

Offensive Arsenal

RFF grants access to a robust selection of tools that can be used either directly or via stance transitions:

• RFF df+4: A fast mid poke that forms the foundation of the “bully loop.” On hit, this move grants strong frame advantage and transitions into RFS.
• RFS 2: Loops the player back into RFF, enabling recursive pressure strings.
• Backlash, RFF b+2, and RFF 2: Tools for crushing, spacing, and frame traps.
• LFF carryovers: LFF tools like df+1, df+1+2, db+4, u+3, and JFSR remain usable in RFF, providing versatility and unpredictability.
  

This dual-access makes RFF a hybrid stance, extending Hwoarang’s effective range and threat while offering layered mix-ups.

Pressure Loops and Wall Game

The “bully stance” nickname is derived from RFF’s loop potential in wall situations. A typical wall loop might include:

1. RFF df+4 →
2. Transition to RFS →
3. RFS 2 (returns to RFF) →
4. Repeat or mix with d+3,4 or JFSR
   

This sequence traps the opponent in a recursive loop with limited defensive options. On block, the frame advantage from RFF df+4 remains favorable, while on hit, the reward becomes significantly more punishing (+12 to +24), reinforcing the stance’s oppressive nature.

Stance Flow and Reset Points

RFF serves as a reset point in many offensive sequences. It acts as a pivot from which the player can:

• Continue offensive pressure via loops and transitions,
• Bait defensive responses with sidestep options (e.g., df+1 → SS → RFF b+2),
• Or disengage to re-establish spacing and tempo.
  

This design philosophy emphasizes fluidity: while LFF may represent control and stance access, RFF is the engine that drives pressure and momentum.

Pressure & Mixups