Lucky is a tricky zoner that specializes in runaway and poking strategies. Luckys main weapons are his array of basketball projectiles that he can launch at various angles and distances to control space: He also has a fast teleport move that makes it tricky to catch him as he can always be moving about while poking or throwing projectiles at you. His pokes are big and can be used to control space well when the opponent is too close for him to safely throw basketballs. Lucky also has some good options for fighting up close: his light strings are good, he has access to an overhead and a command grab super. He also has an invincible dp that helps him out on defense. His large size is a weakness as he's more vulnerable to some pressure and mixups.
{{StrengthsAndWeaknesses
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| description =Lucky is a tricky zoner that specializes in runaway and poking strategies. Lucky's main weapons are his array of basketball projectiles that he can launch at various angles and distances to control space; he also has a fast teleport move that makes it tricky to catch him as he can always be moving about while poking or throwing projectiles at you. His pokes are big, and can be used to control space well when the opponent is too close for him to safely throw basketballs. Lucky also has some good options for fighting up close: his light strings are good, he has access to an overhead and a command grab super. He additionally has an invincible DP that helps him out on defense. His large size is a weakness, as he's more vulnerable to some pressure and mixups, and a lot of his pokes go too high to hit crouchers.}}
== Changes from previous versions ==
== Changes from Previous Versions ==
'''98 to 98UM'''
'''98 to 98UM'''
Normals:
Normals:
* jump j.d+A now hits overhead
* raw f+B now hits overhead but can't be cancelled
* j.d+A now hits overhead
* Raw f+B now hits overhead but can't be canceled
* cl.D can now be canceled
* cl.D can now be canceled
Specials:
Specials:
* qcf+C trajectory has changed. it now flies closer to the ground. if it hits a airborne opponent Lucky can juggle afterwards
* qcb+P trajectory changed. heavy version throws almost directly below lucky, same with the aerial version
* qcf+C trajectory has been changed to now fly closer to the ground; if it hits a airborne opponent Lucky can juggle afterwards
* the ball bounces on the floor after lucky threw it. he can do it during backdash.
* dp+D changed, he now does a spinning kick move forwards
* qcb+P trajectory has been changed; C version throws almost directly below Lucky, same with the aerial version
* the moves that use balls can otg
* the followup to a missed qcf+P can be canceled. in the corner you can link two of these together
* The qcb+P ball now bounces on the floor after Lucky has thrown it, and he can do the move during a backdash
* the followup to a missed dd+X now hits overhead
* qcb+K less recovery
* dp+D has been changed, Lucky now does a spinning kick move forwards
* qcf+K increased total frames. heavy version has low invincibility
* qcfx2+C forwards movement distance increased. Max version also moves forward now
* All moves that use balls can now OTG
* The followup to a missed qcf+P can be canceled; in the corner you can link two of these together
* The followup to a missed d,d+X now hits overhead
* qcb+K now has less recovery
* qcf+K now has increased total frames, and the D version has low invincibility
Supers:
* qcfx2+C and qcfx2+AC have had forward movement distance increased
* qcfx2+P is now a command grab
* qcfx2+P is now a command grab
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Normals:
Normals:
* cl.C no longer whiffs on short characters
* cl.C no longer whiffs on short characters
* cr.C no longer whiffs on short characters, special/super cancellable on contact
* cr.C no longer whiffs on short characters and is special/super cancellable on contact
Specials:
Specials:
* dp+B invincible until just after the hitbox appears
* dp+D made it easier to connect in full if used as a followup in a combo
* dp+B is now invincible until just after the hitbox appears
* dp+D has been made more consistent to connect in full if used as a followup in a combo
== Normal Moves ==
== Normal Moves ==
'''Close'''
'''Close'''
*cl. A: Can be chained into other light buttons. One of his fastest buttons. But whiffs against short crouchers. Cancellable. Chainable.
*cl. B: Can't be chained into any button. Doesn't hit low despite its look. Cancellable. Chainable.
*cl. C: Most preferred close button most of the time. Cancellable.
*cl. D: has 8 frames of start up. Also has few active frames. Recommend using cl.C instead. Cancellable.
'''Stand'''
* cl.A: One of his fastest buttons, but whiffs against short crouchers. Chainable and cancelable.
*st. A: Fast and Basic st.A you can use for anti hop. whiffs on regular crouchers.
*st. B: Has somewhat higher hitbox, but way slower than st.A. whiffs on all crouchers.
* cl.B: Doesn't hit low, despite its appearance. Cancelable.
*st. C: Ok preemptive anti hop. whiffs on short crouchers.
*st. D: A very long poke button.
* cl.C: Most preferred close button most of the time. Cancelable.
* cl.D: Has 8 frames of start up, which is quite slow for a combo-filler close button. Also not very active. Recommend using cl.C instead. Cancelable.
'''Crouch'''
'''Standing'''
*cr. A: Can be chained into other light buttons. Quite good for a cr.A. Cancellable
*cr. B: Can be chained into other light buttons. Your main button for low pokes and combos. Cancellable
*cr. C: only on hit. A long poke. Since it is cancellable on hit, you can buffer specials or mainly super. Cancellable
*cr. D: A very long sweep. Be sure to cancel into other stuffs. Cancellable
'''Jump'''
* st.A: Fast and basic st.A you can use to anti-air hops. Whiffs on regular crouchers.
*j. A: Ok jump in.
*j. B: Resembles Kyo's j.B. Works quite similar, but without crossup.
*j. C: Not too useful.
*j. D: Nice air to air.
*nj. A: A bit better version of j.A.
*nj. B: Ok air to air.
*nj. C: Ok air to air.
*nj. D: An instant overhead.
'''Blowback'''
* st.B: Has a somewhat higher hitbox, but way slower than st.A. Whiffs on all crouchers.
*st. CD: Cancellable. Works similar to sweep due to its slow start up, but hits high. Not too much reason to use.
*j. CD: Cancellable. Quite decent air to air.
* st.C: Okay preemptive anti-hop button. Whiffs on short crouchers.
* st.D: A very long poke button.
'''Crouching'''
* cr.A: Quite good for a cr.A. Chainable and cancelable.
* cr.B: Your main button for low pokes and combos. Chainable and cancelable.
* cr.C: A long poke. Cancelable only on hit, so you can buffer specials or DMs automatically.
* cr.D: A very long cancelable sweep. Be sure to cancel it into something to make it safe and maintain pressure.
'''Jumping'''
* j.A: Okay jump-in.
* nj.A: A bit better version of j.A.
* j.B: Resembles Kyo's j.B. Works quite similarly, but without the ability to crossup.
* nj.B: Decent air-to-air.
* j.C: Not too useful.
* nj.C: Okay air-to-air.
* j.D: Nice air-to-air.
* nj.D: An instant overhead.
'''CD Normals'''
* st.CD: Works similar to sweep due to its slow start up, but hits high. Not too much reason to use this. Cancelable on hit, block, and whiff.
* j.CD: Quite decent air-to-air.
== Throws ==
== Throws ==
'''Dunk Buster:''' b/f + C
'''Dunk Buster:''' <code>b/f+C (close)</code>
A nice hard knockdown throw. Follow them with Lucky Vision(qcf + K) or meaty them with Death Shoot(d, d + C).
* Regular throw, techable. A nice hard knockdown throw. Follow it up with OTG qcf+K or meaty them with d,d+C.
'''Lucky Crush:''' b/f + D
'''Lucky Crush:''' <code>b/f+D (close)</code>
Untechable mash throw.
* Hold throw, untechable. The opponent can mash to reduce the number of hits, but you can mash to counteract their mashing.
== Command Moves ==
== Command Moves ==
'''Dunk Drop:''' In the air d + A
'''Dunk Drop:''' <code>d+A (in air)</code>
An overhead that causes hard knockdown.
* An overhead that causes a hard knockdown.
'''Lucky Kick:''' F + B
'''Lucky Kick:''' <code>f+B</code>
* An overhead, it wasn't an overhead before. Loses overhead property when canceled into it.
* An overhead when done raw, but it loses that property when canceled into.
* Cancellable when canceled into it.
* Cancelable when canceled into it.
* When late-canceled into, it acts like the raw version, allowing you to surprise your opponent with an overhead.
* Can be used as combo extension tool, but might whiff due to its short range.
* Can be used as combo extension tool, but might whiff due to its short range.
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== Special Moves ==
== Special Moves ==
'''Death Bound:''' qcf + A/C
'''Death Bound:''' <code>qcf+A/C</code>
* a diagonally moving basketball, the A version has a higher angle, while the C version is lower
'''Death Dunk:''' qcb + A/C (possible in air)
* A diagonally downward-moving basketball projectile. The A version has a steeper angle, while the C version is shallower.
* Lucky slams a basketball downward then it bounces back up in a sharp angle.
* The A version dunks further, while the C version has a more steep angle.
* Good for checking the opponent's approach.
* a decent zoning move from further away.
* Can OTG.
* the basketball will hit the ground and bounce upwards so it can catch people trying to jump over it.
'''Death Dunk:''' <code>qcb+A/C (can be performed in the air)</code>
* has long startup so it's unsafe to do up close.
* Lucky slams a basketball downward, which then bounces back up at a sharp angle.
'''Death Shoot:''' down, down + A/B/C/D
* The A version dunks further forward, while the C version has a steeper angle.
* Lucky shoots a free throw which causes the basketball to fall downward.
* A version has a closer drop, while the C version is the farthest from him.
* A decent zoning move from further away.
* a decent zoning move.
* The basketball's bounce can catch people trying to jump over it.
* When cancelled into Lucky will not throw the basketball but he'll instead do a jumping kick.
* Has long startup, so it's unsafe to do up close.
* if the basketball has been thrown it'll still be active even if Lucky gets hit.
* Can OTG.
'''Cyclone Break:''' qcb + B/D
'''Death Shoot:''' <code>d,d+A/B/C/D</code>
* an aerial spinning splits kick.
* B version travels close and does 4 hits while the D version does 5.
* Lucky shoots a free throw, which causes the basketball to fall downward to a set distance from Lucky.
* good preemptive anti air.
* A version has a closer drop, right next to Lucky, while the D version is the farthest from him, at fullscreen.
* both versions are negative on block.
* A decent zoning move.
'''Death Wheel:''' dp + B/D
* When cancelled into, Lucky will do a jumping kick after throwing the ball.
* The B version, Lucky does an aerial axe kick that does 2 hits.
* This is an invul reversal and also works as an anti air.
* If the basketball has been thrown it'll still be active even if Lucky gets hit.
* the D version travels horizontally then do the aerial kicks. Last hit is hard knockdown.
'''Cyclone Break:''' <code>qcb+B/D</code>
* D version combos well from both lights and heavies so it's his main combo special.
* An aerial spinning splits kick.
* D version has a lot of low invul when he's spinning.
* B version travels close and does 4 hits, while the D version does 5.
'''Lucky Vision:''' qcf + B/D
* a teleport dash where the B version goes half screen while the D version goes full screen
* B version has high and mid invul but gets hit by lows and D version has low and mid invul but gets hit by highs.
* Good preemptive anti-air.
* D version is good to get around grounded fireballs and B version gets around higher flying fireballs.
* Both versions are negative on block.
'''Death Wheel:''' <code>dp+B/D</code>
* For the B version, Lucky does an aerial axe kick that does 2 hits.
* This is an invincible reversal and also works as an anti air.
* The D version travels horizontally with a splits kick, then does the aerial kicks. Last hit is hard knockdown.
* D version combos well from both lights and heavies, so it's his main combo special.
* D version has a lot of low invincibility when he's spinning.
'''Lucky Vision:''' <code>qcf+B/D</code>
* A teleport dash, where the B version goes halfscreen while the D version goes fullscreen.
* The B version has upper-body invincibility but gets hit by lows, and the D version has lower-body invincibility but gets hit by higher-hitting buttons.
* The D version is good for getting around grounded fireballs, and the B version gets around airborne fireballs.
== Desperation Moves ==
== Desperation Moves ==
'''Hell Bound:''' qcf, qcf + A/C
'''Hell Bound:''' <code>qcfx2+A/C</code>
* using the starting animation from Death Bound, instead the basketball is a one hit vertical beam.
* Uses the starting animation from qcf+P, but instead the basketball is a one-hit vertical beam.
* The A version has Lucky standing stationary, while the C version has Lucky sliding forwards a bit.
* The A version has Lucky standing stationary, while the C version has Lucky sliding forwards a bit.
Lucky is a tricky zoner that specializes in runaway and poking strategies. Lucky's main weapons are his array of basketball projectiles that he can launch at various angles and distances to control space; he also has a fast teleport move that makes it tricky to catch him as he can always be moving about while poking or throwing projectiles at you. His pokes are big, and can be used to control space well when the opponent is too close for him to safely throw basketballs. Lucky also has some good options for fighting up close: his light strings are good, he has access to an overhead and a command grab super. He additionally has an invincible DP that helps him out on defense. His large size is a weakness, as he's more vulnerable to some pressure and mixups, and a lot of his pokes go too high to hit crouchers.
Changes from Previous Versions
98 to 98UM
Normals:
j.d+A now hits overhead
Raw f+B now hits overhead but can't be canceled
cl.D can now be canceled
Specials:
qcf+C trajectory has been changed to now fly closer to the ground; if it hits a airborne opponent Lucky can juggle afterwards
qcb+P trajectory has been changed; C version throws almost directly below Lucky, same with the aerial version
The qcb+P ball now bounces on the floor after Lucky has thrown it, and he can do the move during a backdash
dp+D has been changed, Lucky now does a spinning kick move forwards
All moves that use balls can now OTG
The followup to a missed qcf+P can be canceled; in the corner you can link two of these together
The followup to a missed d,d+X now hits overhead
qcb+K now has less recovery
qcf+K now has increased total frames, and the D version has low invincibility
Supers:
qcfx2+C and qcfx2+AC have had forward movement distance increased
qcfx2+P is now a command grab
98UM to 98UMFE
Normals:
cl.C no longer whiffs on short characters
cr.C no longer whiffs on short characters and is special/super cancellable on contact
Specials:
dp+B is now invincible until just after the hitbox appears
dp+D has been made more consistent to connect in full if used as a followup in a combo
Normal Moves
Close
cl.A: One of his fastest buttons, but whiffs against short crouchers. Chainable and cancelable.
cl.B: Doesn't hit low, despite its appearance. Cancelable.
cl.C: Most preferred close button most of the time. Cancelable.
cl.D: Has 8 frames of start up, which is quite slow for a combo-filler close button. Also not very active. Recommend using cl.C instead. Cancelable.
Standing
st.A: Fast and basic st.A you can use to anti-air hops. Whiffs on regular crouchers.
st.B: Has a somewhat higher hitbox, but way slower than st.A. Whiffs on all crouchers.
st.C: Okay preemptive anti-hop button. Whiffs on short crouchers.
st.D: A very long poke button.
Crouching
cr.A: Quite good for a cr.A. Chainable and cancelable.
cr.B: Your main button for low pokes and combos. Chainable and cancelable.
cr.C: A long poke. Cancelable only on hit, so you can buffer specials or DMs automatically.
cr.D: A very long cancelable sweep. Be sure to cancel it into something to make it safe and maintain pressure.
Jumping
j.A: Okay jump-in.
nj.A: A bit better version of j.A.
j.B: Resembles Kyo's j.B. Works quite similarly, but without the ability to crossup.
nj.B: Decent air-to-air.
j.C: Not too useful.
nj.C: Okay air-to-air.
j.D: Nice air-to-air.
nj.D: An instant overhead.
CD Normals
st.CD: Works similar to sweep due to its slow start up, but hits high. Not too much reason to use this. Cancelable on hit, block, and whiff.
j.CD: Quite decent air-to-air.
Throws
Dunk Buster:b/f+C (close)
Regular throw, techable. A nice hard knockdown throw. Follow it up with OTG qcf+K or meaty them with d,d+C.
Lucky Crush:b/f+D (close)
Hold throw, untechable. The opponent can mash to reduce the number of hits, but you can mash to counteract their mashing.
Command Moves
Dunk Drop:d+A (in air)
An overhead that causes a hard knockdown.
Lucky Kick:f+B
An overhead when done raw, but it loses that property when canceled into.
Cancelable when canceled into it.
When late-canceled into, it acts like the raw version, allowing you to surprise your opponent with an overhead.
Can be used as combo extension tool, but might whiff due to its short range.
Special Moves
Death Bound:qcf+A/C
A diagonally downward-moving basketball projectile. The A version has a steeper angle, while the C version is shallower.
Good for checking the opponent's approach.
Can OTG.
Death Dunk:qcb+A/C (can be performed in the air)
Lucky slams a basketball downward, which then bounces back up at a sharp angle.
The A version dunks further forward, while the C version has a steeper angle.
A decent zoning move from further away.
The basketball's bounce can catch people trying to jump over it.
Has long startup, so it's unsafe to do up close.
Can OTG.
Death Shoot:d,d+A/B/C/D
Lucky shoots a free throw, which causes the basketball to fall downward to a set distance from Lucky.
A version has a closer drop, right next to Lucky, while the D version is the farthest from him, at fullscreen.
A decent zoning move.
When cancelled into, Lucky will do a jumping kick after throwing the ball.
If the basketball has been thrown it'll still be active even if Lucky gets hit.
Cyclone Break:qcb+B/D
An aerial spinning splits kick.
B version travels close and does 4 hits, while the D version does 5.
Good preemptive anti-air.
Both versions are negative on block.
Death Wheel:dp+B/D
For the B version, Lucky does an aerial axe kick that does 2 hits.
This is an invincible reversal and also works as an anti air.
The D version travels horizontally with a splits kick, then does the aerial kicks. Last hit is hard knockdown.
D version combos well from both lights and heavies, so it's his main combo special.
D version has a lot of low invincibility when he's spinning.
Lucky Vision:qcf+B/D
A teleport dash, where the B version goes halfscreen while the D version goes fullscreen.
The B version has upper-body invincibility but gets hit by lows, and the D version has lower-body invincibility but gets hit by higher-hitting buttons.
The D version is good for getting around grounded fireballs, and the B version gets around airborne fireballs.
Desperation Moves
Hell Bound:qcfx2+A/C
Uses the starting animation from qcf+P, but instead the basketball is a one-hit vertical beam.
The A version has Lucky standing stationary, while the C version has Lucky sliding forwards a bit.
Combos from heavies.
Can be good for whiff punishing.
MAX version does three hits and more damage.
Lucky Driver:qcfx2+B/D (close)
A 1-frame throw move that turns into an aerial flurry of kicks.
Good for mixups.
MAX version just does more damage.
There is an technical oversight on this move, so they can mash after getting grabbed by heavy version of this move. So stick with light version.
Combos
General Notes
Meterless
Low
cr.Bx2-3, dp+D
Basic low confirm, good damage and a hard knockdown.
Voted "Most Improved" since '98
