Introduction
A returning member of Smash Brothers, Kirby is a Low tier character that relies on defensive gameplay, along with the use of his aerial moves (predominately the Uair Bair, and Fair). Described as a "guerrilla fighter" by some, his moves, while nothing particularly amazing, are in fact a dangerous weapon in the right hands.
"B" Moves List
Move Analysis
B: Swallow
This move swallows the opponent and can either be followed up by pressing B, swallowing the character and absorbing their power, or by pressing A and shooting the character out as a star, causing damage and flinging the opponent away. The second technique can be particularly useful for shooting an opponent under a level, or against a heavy opponent, a combo opportunity.
Since your character can move short distances with this move, it is extremely useful on the edge, for either the swallowside or a false swallowside on certain characters. For more information, see Swallowside.
Forward B: Hammer
The not-so-trusty little hammer. On the ground, the hammer is swung horizontally, and sends the opponent at a 45 degree angle from the head. Beware using this move on the ground, because it has an awkward hit box, and the end lag of this move is extremely punishable. Instead, it is recommended that you use it in the air, since it has a disjointed (albeit low priority) hit box, and does a decent amount of damage.
Up B:Final Cutter
The Final cutter involves Kirby jumping into the air and swinging a blade downward into the ground, throwing a blade in the direction he was facing. It will mainly be used as a recovery move, rather than an attack. When Kirby is moving upward, the hit box is reliable, however at the peak of his jump, it is less so, and the projectile that comes from the result of the move is weak and slow moving, making it useless. On the edge, the downward moving blade can be used as a Meteor Smash, but is unreliable, so it is not recommended to use it in battle.
Down B: Stone
Using Stone turns Kirby into a stone of some kind, either a pink rock, a Thwomp, a pink box, or a weight. This move is a fairly useless move, since Kirby can be grabbed from it, and there is a large amount of endlag from the move, and it sends the opponent upward with minimal damage if used from the sky. It is not recommended that you use this in any battle, unless the opponent is guaranteed to die from it, and even then, a Bair is probably a more suitable choice.
Combos
Frame Data
Strategies
Overview
Zoning
Character Specific
Swallowcide
The Swallowcide is a move used by many Kirby players as a way to get ahead a life, with little to no punishment and safely making it back to the level. This is a very useful tactic on Final Destination, since on most other levels, it is rendered useless by the shallowness of the other levels.
To accomplish a swallowside, you must Swallow (B) your opponent while either near an edge, or hanging off of a ledge. You will drift off of the level with the opponent in your belly! This would seem to be fatal, but do nothing. As you fall to the bottom of the level, your opponent will break out. as they break out, they will fall downward and die. At this moment you air jump upwards and continue to do so until you make it to the level. This is much easier said than done. On Final Destination, the frames you have to be able to make it back are as follows.
Bowser - 7 frames (i.e. 2/15 second)
Captain Falcon, DK, Samus, Ganondorf - 6 frames (i.e., 1/10 second)
Mewtwo, Marth, Roy - 4 Frames (i.e., 1/15 second)
Fox, Falco, Link, Peach, Shiek, Young Link, Zelda - 3 frames (i.e., 1/20 second)
Doctor Mario, Mr. Game and Watch, Pikachu, Luigi, Mario, Yoshi - 1 frame (i.e. 1/60th second)
Pichu, Kirby, Jigglypuff, Ice Climbers, Ness - 0 Frames (i.e., Impossible)
As you can see, the heavier characters are easier to swallowcide, but it is also based on the size of the character.
This tactic is useful on Kirby's Dreamland and Green Greens, however, be warned of Dreamland, as it is only possible to make it back from 3 frame characters and up.