Overview
This analysis provides detailed strategic insights for the Peach vs. Marth matchup in competitive Super Smash Bros. Melee, focusing on optimal use of turnips, movement, and decision-making in various scenarios.
General Matchup Concepts
- Predicting when Marth uses down tilt versus aerials is key for Peach.
- Peach should use back air to counter Marth’s down tilt and float at varying heights.
- Holding down or crouching after committed moves is underutilized and effective for Peach.
- Turnips are critical for controlling Marth’s ground movement and creating openings.
- Playing too aggressively or relying heavily on straight combat is less effective for Peach against Marth’s range and speed.
Dealing with Marth’s Options
- If Marth down tilts Peach’s shield, he tends to dash away—throwing turnips in these cases is useful.
- When Peach grabs Marth, choosing reactive follow-ups (dash attack or float aerials) is safer than committing to down tilt.
- Marth players may overuse side B; preemptively throwing turnips can punish this.
- Marth often jumps off ledge with aerials—maintaining punish range and baiting attacks is recommended.
- Shielding or dash-dancing in tech chase scenarios can open Peach to counterplay; adapting the response is important.
Stage Control and Punish Game
- After missed techs, Peach must quickly decide between attacking or pulling a turnip to avoid losing advantage.
- On platform stages, Peach should maintain a horizontal gap to better cover Marth’s landing and escape options.
- When cornered, Peach’s priority should be to return to the ground while holding down to minimize risk.
- Recognizing when an opportunity has passed and backing off is preferable to forced, late attempts.
- Peach should capitalize on turnip bounces off Marth’s shield for follow-up attacks.
Adaptation Recommendations
- Increase use of turnips, especially when given time or stage control.
- Mix in more grabs to punish excessive shielding by Marth.
- Use movement and flow-cancel aerials to maintain ambiguity and pressure.
- Adapt tech chase strategies by noting Marth’s defensive tendencies.
- Avoid excessive float aerials that do not yield advantageous positions or punishes.
Decisions
- Turnips are prioritized as the main tool for Peach in the matchup.
- Increase use of grabs to counter Marth’s frequent shielding.
Action Items
- TBD – Peach players: Practice turnip usage in neutral and punish scenarios.
- TBD – Peach players: Integrate more reactive movement and less commitment to float aerials.
- TBD – Peach players: Review and adapt to Marth’s ledge and tech chase habits in matches.
- TBD – Peach players: Focus on regaining ground and minimizing risky jumps when pressured.
Recommendations / Advice
- Use turnips both defensively and offensively to restrict Marth’s mobility.
- Punish Marth’s predictable habits, especially repeated jumps and side Bs.
- Continuously assess and adapt to Marth’s reactions after aerials, grabs, or tech scenarios.
- When late to an opening, reset positioning rather than forcing an action.