Gameplan Overview
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 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:
- WS – step-catcher and useful in close-range scrambles.
- – poke that sets up spacing and stance transitions.
(JFSR), , – core launchers.
, (on hit), ss – 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
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:
- :
- :
- ws:
- :
- ws:
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 > , Hwoarang can test them with , , or simply reset pressure.
- If an opponent challenges after blocking, Hwoarang can delay or bait with backdash, then punish accordingly.
- On hit (e.g. connects), safe strings like RFF > RFS 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 
? Do I use JFSR? Should I wait and check with first?
The answers to these questions define the pacing and mixup depth of a successful Hwoarang player.
LFS - Left Flamingo Stance
Left Flamingo is a forward-facing stance where Hwoarang balances on one leg (his right) with the left knee raised — a visually iconic pose shared with his master, Baek. But it’s not just flair: LFS is a blender — a stance designed to trap the opponent in a constant barrage of plus frames, pokes, and mix-ups.
Where Right Flamingo focuses more on explosive 50/50s and hard-hitting mix-ups, Left Flamingo excels at controlled pressure, frame traps, and constant threat cycling. It’s all about keeping your opponent guessing while you dictate the pace.
Overview
LFS is accessible from multiple transitions, including:
- From LFF via moves like or strings ending in Flamingo entries (e.g., or ).
- From RFF via RFF .
- From RFS via RFS .
- By canceling into LFS from RFS with
, allowing fluid transitions between stances.
The sheer number of entry points means you can pivot into LFS almost any time you’re in neutral or already applying pressure. It also offers evasive properties through built-in sidesteps on entry moves like .
Key Frame Advantages and Pressure Tools
What makes LFS so potent is how many of its moves leave Hwoarang at frame advantage, either on block or hit. Here are some examples:
- LFS → +15 on hit
- LFS → +7 on block, +5 on hit
- LFS → +9 on hit, transitions back to RFF
- LFS → +9 on block
- LFS (Fake Pressure) → +2 on block, +8 on hit
At these advantages, your opponent is constantly on the back foot — forced to guess whether they should block, duck, interrupt, or step. The wrong choice often leads to a counter hit or a frame trap.
Safe Pressure, Hard Checks
LFS doesn’t need to rely on risky options to stay threatening. Its low pokes, such as LFS d/b+4, and quick mids allow you to “check” opponents while still being safe — or even plus. These small hits add up, and if they hesitate or try to swing back recklessly, that’s when your counter-hit launchers come into play.
Examples include:
- LFS
— fast, low, and annoying - LFS — a mid string with good utility
- LFS — catches sidesteps, a crucial part of beating evasive play
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. For bigger risks or calls, you have unsafe but rewarding launchers like LFS, Hwoarang’s version of the classic “hunting hawk.”
Defensive Vulnerability and Sidestep Weakness
Every good tool has a drawback, and for LFS, it’s susceptibility to sidesteps, especially to the left (toward Hwoarang’s stomach). If you're on Player 2 side, this means the opponent can step left to escape some of your most oppressive strings.
How do you deal with that? Use coverage moves like:
- LFS — catches side movement
- Track the opponent’s step manually, and step with them to maintain pressure
- Mix in stance switches () to keep your options fresh
Layering Threats and Stance Loops
What separates an average Hwoarang from a great one is how well they loop stances and layer threats.
From LFS, you can transition into RFF, RFS, or back to LFF. For example:
- Hit LFS → transitions to RFF at +9
- From there, RFF creates enormous plus frames
- Then loop back into LFS with something like RFF or
- Repeat, adjust, and adapt
This keeps your opponent locked in a pressure cycle that forces mental fatigue, especially when every stance swap comes with new options and frame data.
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: 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: Loops the player back into RFF, enabling recursive pressure strings.
- RFF~, RFF, and RFF: Tools for crushing, spacing, and frame traps.
- LFF carryovers: LFF tools like , , ,
, 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:
- RFF →
- Transition to RFS →
- RFS (returns to RFF) →
- Repeat or mix with or JFSR
This sequence traps the opponent in a recursive loop with limited defensive options. On block, the frame advantage from RFF remains favorable, while on hit, the reward becomes significantly more punishing, 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., → SS → RFF),
- 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.
