Using platforms...

[ApolloX54]

I don't know but I dominate on FD but pretty much nothing else, mainly cause of platforms.
They just throw my game off. Any help on using them?

[NintendoKing]

Lol. Just use em. Great combo ability with platforms. Just do it? Yeah just do it.

[Wilhelmsan]

If anything I suffer largely on FD where there aren't platforms.

If you and your opponent are both on the platform:
Drop down, get underneath. Fox is the most effective when his enemy is above him.

You can also shine them off, which will naturally send them farther than shining them on level ground. This can lead into combos, and essentially works well at breaking momentum (not to mention +5 dmg)

Dsmash is a great option if you get an opportunity to punish your opponent, but be careful (maybe 'mindful' is a better word) of its long recoil, or you will be punished yourself.

If you and your opponent are both below the platform:
I really think that trying to land a utilt is your main priority. If you can flip them up on top of a platform, they're if position to be juggled further. If they platform tech on the way up, go for a quick nair.

When you're both below the platform you can, of course, fight as you normally (or better yet, abnormally) would.

Full jumping when your opponent remains below is a teriffic first move. If you wish, you may full jump onto the platform, and make a move from there. You can full jump and fastfall through the platform and land a surprise nair, bair or dair. You can waveland on the platform, either sliding off the side for a surprise attack or remain on it.
Point being: you can do a crapload of different stuff from this position, and surprise is what smash is all about.

If your opponent is on the platform and you are below:
If they're on the side of the platform, a well placed dair is pretty effective, as you can get some damage in and still have options with your DI.
One, you could pass the side of the platform falling out of harm's (shieldgrabber's) way.
Two, you could land on platform into a shine.
Three, you could miss them altogether (mindgames, use them)

If positioned right, an upsmash can hit someone on the platform above you. Not just on FoD's low platforms, but on Pokemon Stadium and Battlefield as well (probably more, but you catch the drift). Realistically, they're far enough away for you to not be punished unless you abuse this tactic...and the same goes for just about any strategy.

Shuffled Uair is probably my favorite. Even if they're hit by the first kick only, you can be quick enough to come right back and do it again. On the higher platforms, a full-jumped Uair will tend to hit them with only the first kick.

If you're on the platform and your opponent is below:
I would normally say GTFO because you're at a strong disadvantage, but that's vague. There are a lot of ways to "dismount" a platform, and utilizing all of them helps keep the hypothetical unpredictability quotient much higher.

Just a few:
-WD off
-Jump off
-Run off
-Illusion off (typically to the opposite platform)
-Firefox off (slow, not recommended)
-SHFF Waveland below
-Press down on the stick: not fancy in the slightest, but sometimes it's the best way

[ApolloX54]

Thanx, I've never really used platforms to my advantage...mostly I don't use them...I'll definitely integrate that into my gameplay!

[Silent Wolf]

platform fall through combos are the best and help camping duh.
bair land fall through bair shine repeat's too good, and combos like drill, fall through *attack* (many work, it depends).

[ApolloX54]

Maybe I just suck at using platforms....:-P

[Zjiin]

I had the same problem for the longest time, but the answer is one that will help your overall gameplay: Practice wave landing. Once you become familiar with using them as boost for speed and control, instead of them just being something in the way, you'll be glad they're there. And i guarantee your game will sharpen drastically.

[ApolloX54]

Yeah, I should practice my wavelanding it takes just a little to much effort right now..(not muscle memory yet) but thanx I will definitely put that in my game.