Demystifying Tekken Notation: A Friendly Guide to 1, 2, 3, 4

Hey friend! Have you been interested in jumping into the world of Tekken but felt overwhelmed looking at the fast-paced competitive play? I totally get it. I remember when I first started trying to learn Tekken 7 and saw videos of expert players pulling off incredible strings of attacks with notation like:

"uf+4, 4, b+3~f, F+3, micro dash, WR+2"

My mind was blown. How do top players translate these intricately notated combos into actual controller inputs? Well, I‘ve been on a personal journey to master Tekken notation over the past few years. And I‘m excited to break it all down for you step-by-step so you can understand how to read notation and unlock Tekken‘s incredible technical depth for yourself!

A Quick History of Tekken Notation

To start at the very beginning, the original Tekken on PS1 actually used directional inputs for its buttons just like Street Fighter. Tekken 2 was when the now iconic 1, 2, 3, 4 button notation was introduced.

At the time, 3D fighting games were still new and developers were experimenting with control schemes. Using numbers opened up more options for different attack input directions compared to relying on the D-pad directions alone.

This set Tekken apart from other 3D fighters like Virtua Fighter. While some players found it confusing at first, the numbered notation stuck and has become synonymous with the feel of performing combos in Tekken games.

According to Tekken director Katsuhiro Harada in an interview, the notation was chosen to be intuitive even for new players:

"We arranged the buttons from 1 to 4 to match the layout of a player‘s left hand. The idea is based on the fact that even a beginner can understand the notion that ‘1‘ corresponds to their left hand."

So Tekken‘s notation design takes advantage of the PS controller layout to map intuitively to a player‘s hands – 1, 2 on the left, 3, 4 on the right. This simple yet effective notation has stood the test of time, even as Tekken mechanics have grown deeper over each new sequel.

Breaking Down Each Button

Before we get into complex combos, let‘s break down what each number means in the most basic way:

• 1 – Left Punch – This is your character‘s left hand punch move, typically their jab.
• 2 – Right Punch – Your character‘s right hand punch. Often slightly slower than a 1 but with more damage.
• 3 – Left Kick – Your character‘s left leg kick move. A key poke and combo starter.
• 4 – Right Kick – Your character‘s right leg kick. Slower than a 3 but can launch opponents.

Pretty simple right? Always keep this number to limb mapping in mind and you‘ve got the foundation. Now let‘s build on top of that.

Directional Inputs

Once you‘ve got the four main buttons down, it‘s time to add directional inputs to the mix. Some common notation examples:

• f – Forward – Input toward the opponent
• b – Back – Input away from the opponent
• u – Up – Input up on the directional stick
• d – Down – Input down on the stick
• df – Down-forward – Diagonal down and forward

So for example:

• f+3 – Press forward plus 3 (left kick)
• d+4 – Press down plus 4 (right kick)
• b+1 – Press back plus 1 (left punch)

Chaining a direction with a button press will perform a unique move relative to your opponent‘s position. Already with just directions plus 1-4 you have access to dozens of moves!

Combining Buttons

Notation can also combine multiple button presses like this:

• 1+3 – Press 1 and 3 together (left punch and kick)
• 2+4 – Press 2 and 4 together (right punch and kick)

Button combinations perform special moves and throws. For example:

• f+1+3 – Performs a throw lunging forward
• FC 1+2 – From a crouching position, press 1 and 2

Knowing these combinations unlocks a character‘s grab moves and powerful low attacks.

Common Notation Terms

Once you have the basics down, you‘ll start seeing some common shorthand terms:

• WS – While Standing – Perform the move while standing up from crouch
• FC – Full Crouch – Perform the move from a crouching stance
• wr – While Running – Perform the move during a running sequence
• cd – Crouch Dash – Perform the move after a crouch dash input
• RA – Rage Art – Perform your Rage Art super move

For example:

• WS 4 – Press 4 while transitioning from crouch to stand
• wr+3 – Press 3 during a forward dash
• RA – Perform your cinematic Rage Art when Rage is active

These terms allow for concise notation of moves only performable under specific conditions. Learning them opens up your complete movelist.

Pulling Off Combos

Now let‘s see these concepts combined into a sample combo string:

f+3, 4, b+3~f, wr+2, cd+1 

Breaking this down:

• f+3 – Forward+left kick launcher
• 4 – Right kick to juggle opponent in the air
• b+3~f – Back+left kick transitioning to forward stance
• wr+2 – Right punch during a dash
• cd+1 – Left punch after a crouch dash input

This notation lets you visualize the sequence of attacks that make up the combo. With practice, you can translate it directly into controller inputs and execution.

Expert Techniques Hidden in Notation

Once you reach high levels of play, you‘ll start to see some incredibly precise techniques referenced through Tekken‘s notation:

• Just Frames – Executing a move with 1 frame perfect timing
• Korean Backdash cancelling – b,b~b timing to rapidly backdash
• Wave dashing – f,n,d,df timing to forward dash in crouch
• OTGF – Optimal Taunt Guaranteed Floor splat combo

Don‘t worry if these seem impossibly hard at first! They require meticulous practice and muscle memory. But notation provides the blueprint to master these cutting edge techs.

Tips For Learning Notation

If you feel overwhelmed looking at the crazy strings top players pull off, just remember to take it step-by-step:

• Start by just getting comfortable with single button presses – 1, 2, 3, 4. Get a feel for each limb.

• Then start adding very basic directional inputs like f+3, b+1. Simple direction plus button moves.

• Slowly try chaining 2-3 moves like f+3, 4. Get used to combo rhythm.

• Refer constantly to in-game movelists and watch demonstration videos to visually learn new notation.

• Pick a starting main character you really vibe with to focus your practice.

• Don‘t worry about memorizing everything initially. Be patient and let notation knowledge build up through experience.

Taking the time to methodically work your way up through notation complexity will pay off. Before long you‘ll be reading and performing combos intuitively!

Notation Cheat Sheet

Here‘s a reference cheat sheet of common Tekken notation terms to keep handy:

Term	Means
1	Left Punch
2	Right Punch
3	Left Kick
4	Right Kick
f	Forward
b	Back
u	Up
d	Down
WR	While Running
WS	While Standing
FC	Full Crouch
RA	Rage Art

Closing Thoughts

Decoding Tekken notation may seem daunting initially, especially if you‘re a newcomer to fighting games. But have confidence that with deliberate practice over time, reading notation will become second nature. It just takes patience and persistence. Notation is the gateway into Tekken‘s incredible technical depth, letting you analyze frames, reaction times, punish windows, and advanced strategies. I hope breaking down each concept in this guide helps you wrap your head around notation and inspires you to keep growing as a Tekken player. Feel free to hit me up anytime if you need help breaking down specific notation! Now get out there and start practicing those electrifying juggle combos – you‘ve got this!