Ryu vs C.Viper

Viper:

Though this is an even match up (5:5), I would consider saying that instead of the matchup, you need to know your player better. Viper is more like a free style character especially when it’s against Ryu. Different Vipers reacts differently in certain situations. For example, when do a jump in attack…when they mash on burning kicks…how aggressive/ defensive she is…frame trap based or more on the vortex side..a lot to think when facing against her. In this guide I will briefly explain what you CAN do and CANNOT do against her.

Ground Game:

Far Range: Viper can take pretty good control at this range by using fake seismo to make you hesitate with fireballs. Observe carefully and if it is a seismo, Ryu can punish with Air hurricane kick or a ground roundhouse version hurricane kick.

Mid Range: Viper doesn’t have much footsies, so this is a pretty comfortable range for Ryu to poke with low forward. However, becareful for Ex seismo and Viper’s forward roundhouse kick (6hk, a 2 hit kick) does beat Ryu’s low forward clean, so beware. This is also a good range to throw fireball because it is hard to react to. 

Close Range: When you get in this range…ALL Vipers will mash on burning kick to get out of poke strings and throws. Without a doubt it is a cheap jail break, but it is counter-able with fast reaction with SRK.

On Ryu’s Wakeup:

The most common mix ups are crossup/non-crossup Burning Kicks. As a matter of fact, this doesn’t bother Ryu too much on wake up if you can time your low forward perfectly to lower you body and evade the kick. This also allows you to punish/forces your opponent to block or tech (No matter what it’s in your favour). Good Vipers would know about this trick, therefore they would probably mix it up with the followings….

•          Jump forward roundhouse -> combo/burning kick
•          Jump forward short > burning kick
•          Over head
•          Ex Seismo
•          Throw

*Note* There might be more mixups that I am missing…..

However, besides the jump ins, everything from ground is not scary nor works on Ryu. Let me explain….so first..whenever you do a low forward on a wake up, you would do it in this command (cr.lp+cr.lk+Cr.mk). This option select allows you to tech on wake up (Make sure you read my Fundamental guides if you don’t understand how this technique works), wake up low forward beats Ex Seismo and you might get hit by an overhead which does no damage.

Counter:

Thunder Knuckles: Can be beat by Mp SRK

Ex Version: Same as normal version

Burning Kick: All the normals that hit high and any version of SRK. Can use low forward to make this move whiffs *timing is strict*

Ex Version: Same as normal version + as long as you are in crouching position, this move whiffs.

Aerial Burning Kick: Low fierce,  LP SRK/MP SRK and using low forward to make this move whiffs.

Ex Version: AH…I don’t know..never got hit by this out of a combo…………….

Seismo: ANYTHING!!

Ex Version: Standing roundhouse, any version SRK, low jabs (low attack into any OS)

Against Ultra 1:

This Ultra’s start up is quick slow and it’s usually used in combos. Although it can also be used as AA, so yah..don’t jump J

Against Ultra 2:

This Ultra starts up fast and it’s usually used as a DIVE KICK.  As long as Ryu doesn’t throw reckless fireballs…I don’t know how Viper can land this besides from a combo…

Mind games and Option Select:

For a jump in attack OS, use fierce SRK which can beat all of her wake up options. And on ground wise, OS sweep would be the best choice because the only thing to worry about is his thunder knuckle. Standing roundhouse also beats Ex seismo clean, 2 hit also can hit Viper’s backdash, trades with thunder knuckles (Viper does not have time to juggle into any special moves/ultra) and can also beat burning kicks. By all means, only concern is a wakeup Ultra.

Similar to Chun Li when it comes to mind games. Mixup your safe jump OS with crossup jump ins and don’t forget crossup hurricane kick into super (if you have super meter)

There is also a little trick that you can do on Vipers wake up, a perfectly timed meaty low forward.

This trick allows you to shut down all her wake up options besides Ultra 1.

·         Makes reversal uppercut Thunder knuckle whiffs

·         Block reversal Ex Seismo

·         Block reversal Burning Kicks

Things to be aware of:

Vipers can do pretty nasty frame traps like dashing forward instant Burning kicks/ Ex Sesimo and a delayed low fierce in Ex Sesimo. You got to look at her gauges and analyze to predict what her next move is on your and her own wakeup. In my opinion with this match up, I would rather take the throw and reset the situation like I mentioned before in my fundamental guides. Furthermore, Viper does have “not so great footsies” but her forward roundhouse kick can beat Ryu’s low forward clean. So beware and in this case, substitute your poke with low strong.

As usual, leave questions and comments in the box below or my facebook page.

And Merry X'Mas!!