Guards and Openings | Response to

Guards always get their fair (sometimes unfair) share of discussion, including the famous middle guard. Is this a really advantageous position? Is it not? Can you purely rely on the openings you give your opponent to predict what they will do, or must you have a more nuanced approach?
This is the purpose of this video, to broaden the discussion a little on this subject as presented by ‪@JustaBug‬.
Don't forget to check out Nathan's original video for context:
• Tic Tac Toe Theory and...
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[@JustaBug]

Thanks for making this vid Nate! You've definitely put in a few things I couldn't fit in my original vid.
I really like the point on merging, I guess I teach prediction to my students but not in a way of actively burden your brain and think all x possibilities, because that'd be a stupid way to fence. It should be instinctive by that point.
I do also really like the point that predictability works both ways and feinting. I definitely take advantage of this a lot. Tic tac toe can't fit full fencing theory into it sadly haha. Thanks again for adding to the dialogue and great vid as always mate

[@NathanaelTheAussie]

Cheers bud 🙏
Kudos to you as well for bringing all of this up and for stating the crucial elements as well. Sure tictactoe can’t fit into everything, but it is still a great way to put into context the basics of lines and methods of approach. Once again, as you say, it all comes back to instincts developed through training and sparring 😁
Keen for the next vid! 😎

[@TheSwordLynx]

Another way to think about this is that by choosing a non-center guard, you are reducing your opponent’s infinity of options. Reducing options is not the same as predicting the next move.

[@NathanaelTheAussie]

I agree. Reducing the options is one of the key terms here.

[@TheSwordLynx]

A bad analogy is picking a non center guard is like going into a bakery and saying you can't have gluten. They still have some options like potato bread or whatever, but you never know if they'll throw something random at you like "here's my mum's gnocchi". You probably wouldn't be able to predict exactly what they have.@@NathanaelTheAussie

[@NathanaelTheAussie]

@@TheSwordLynx 👆😂👍