Block

Blocking in fighting games means taking a defensive stance that reduces or stops incoming hits. It is safe against most attacks, which is exactly why games give attackers a way to break it, often a throw or a guard-breaking move.

BOTVBOT’s Block is the only move that gives stamina back besides Recover (+6, against Recover’s +22), and it deals no damage. It beats Jab and cuts an incoming Heavy from 18 to 4.

Its weakness is Feint. A Feint breaks a guard for 12 damage and strips 15 stamina, so a fighter that blocks on a pattern is giving its opponent a free read. The FAQ puts it simply: Block soaks up hits and rests you a little, but a feint breaks it.

Block suits plans that want to defend while getting some stamina back, for example “Block when you are tired.” The best plans pair it with a rule for when the opponent starts feinting.