Samurai Shodown

Keeping your cool

Calm hands when it all goes wrong. When you feel the grip tighten on the pad, notice it. Loosen your hands on purpose. That is the whole drill.

Reading people

Spotting the habit before the move. Spend a whole round just watching your opponent. Do not try to win it. Name their habit.

Timing and rhythm

The beat under every good jump. Turn the music up and play to it. Many old games time their enemies to the soundtrack loop.