"Cheap" is a word that has been used to complain about almost any aspect of a game.^[1] Because of this, it has no clear meaning. Some common definitions include when a character, move, technique, strategy, or other gameplay aspect:

• ...is seemingly impossible to counter.
• ...is seen as unfair or in poor sportsmanship to use.
• ...produces equal success compared to a more complex or difficult alternative, requiring less effort to reach the same success.
• ...has exceptionally low risk and high reward compared to similar alternatives.

One of the most classic strategies that is well-known for being called "cheap" by some players is Kirbycide, specifically camping the edge of a stage to Swallowcide any who approach. This strategy has multiple aspects that can be considered cheap: it avoids interacting with the opponent, some characters find it difficult to play around, and it is low-risk and high-reward, especially in earlier games where landing one Inhale offstage can be a guaranteed KO at any percent.

As the concept of "cheapness" is nebulous and subjective, there are generally no rules for banning something in tournament play on the basis of it being cheap. If something is truly strong enough to unanimously be considered bannable, it is typically regarded as being "broken" instead of cheap. It is also entirely possible that the accusation of cheapness is unfounded, and the accuser is simply lacking information or execution to create proper counterplay.

The word "cheap" is included in some bonuses that do not necessarily reflect the community usage of the term:

• In SSB64, the Cheap Shot bonus is worth -99 points and is awarded for overusing a single move, an action that could be regarded as cheap.
• In Melee, the Cheap KO bonus is worth +500 points and is rewarded for KOing an opponent from behind, which has virtually no gameplay effect.

See also

• John

References

• Unofficial lingo
• Terms
• Competitive play