Ibuki performing a Block String against Ling Xiaoyu in Street Fighter X Tekken.
A Block String is a pressure tactic in Street Fighter games.
Description
Street Fighter games tend to be balanced very highly on Frame Data, which is the idea of how faster (or slower) the user of any attack can move in relative to the opponent that the attack connected on in a hit or blocked context. A blockstring refers to a sequence of attacks that can be performed on block to pressure an opponent while keeping the attacker safe, either by ending in a move that is not negative enough to be punished by a quick attack, or a move that pushes the opponent far enough that their quick attack will not reach.
"True" blockstrings have no gaps in between the consecutive attacks, preventing the opponent from using a reversal option such as an invincible attack or a parry and forcing them to take chip damage. "Fake" blockstrings with gaps can be interrupted, however some blockstrings can leave the attacker advantageous on block, letting them become frame traps, or a blockstring that baits an opponent into retaliating, to which they are then counterhit by the attacker. Generally a character's preferred blockstring is also their 'bread and butter', a reliable combo with a combination of speed, safety, and damage.
Some attacks such as Ibuki's Tsumuji have multiple hits that can be part of their own blockstring, which can either be true or fake. For example, MK and HK Tsumuji do not have enough block stun such that the special cancel and Tsumuji itself on block will give the opponent a brief moment of control back, where they can use invincible attacks to interrupt her.
Tactics
Ibuki's crouching hard punch in SFXTK is +3 on block and a good block string starter.
Blockstrings are used to condition the opponent into blocking consecutive attacks, leaving them open for various unorthodox attacks such as Overheads or Tick Throws. Varying blockstrings is paramount to maintaining the offense. Overheads can open up crouch blocking, while lows can catch opponents trying to move out of range. Blockstrings with gaps can be interrupted by certain options depending on the game, such as a parry or a Drive Impact. Knowing when to stop a blockstring early to catch certain options can open up opportunities, such as punishing an EX reversal with a devastating combo, or beating an attempted throw with a shimmy or a move that is invulnerable to them.
For fake blockstrings, it is recommended players go into Training Mode and see exactly what can be interrupted. Oftentimes many sequences such as Rufus cancelling his standing hard punch after two light kicks into hard Galactic Tornado will be a false block string, his EX Galactic Tornado is a fake blockstring in between the "suction" and actual hit and can also be interrupted. In other context said attack is safe on block.
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