Shockdodging

Learn the art of shockdodging in Mario Kart 7. Understand different shocker types and master strategies to avoid the dreaded Lightning.

Shockdodging is the term used to describe when you "dodge" a shock. Basically, you don't get hit by it for whatever reason.

You would think that with the ability to see other peoples' items on the bottom screen it would be easier to shockdodge in this game than in other Mario Kart games. You would be wrong.

The people with the shock can see when you have a star, or a bullet bill, and can time their shocks appropriately. Just because someone has a shock, doesn't mean they are going to use it right away. People with shocks have a variety of options, and your ability to shockdodge is hindered by all:

• The Immediate User--Usually the newbie racer, this is the person who uses the shock as soon as they get it. There usually isn't much you can do about this person; you won't be able to anticipate when they get/use the shock unless you have an amazing gut feeling. Shockdodging with these types of people is almost sheer luck.
• The Shock Abuser--This is the person who waits to use the shock for a while. They may be waiting for the last lap, or the huge gliding part of the track--you don't know. Thus, using your star or other shockdodging item immediately won't work with this person. You have to know when they are going to use it, and anticipate. If they are saving it for a cannon, you may want to stop before the cannon so that you don't get hit (if you don't have a star).
• The Chainer--This is the person who doesn't care who shockdodges, and simply wants a better item. These types of people are your best friends when attempting to shockdodge. Just watch your mini-map for when they are about to pass another set of item blocks, and use your star a good few seconds before then; you should get a shockdodge if they are holding to their patterns.
• The Targetshocker--This is the person who attempts to shock the person in first (or another person they particularly hate) off the course or in a bad position. Depending on how well you can see this pattern, it can be relatively easy to shockdodge in these situations; just watch for the targetshocker and their victim, and anticipate the shock by checking if the victim goes over a large gliding section or other terrible section of the track. Use your item before the victim enters this dangerous section just to be safe.
• The Anti-Shockdodger--There is also a very small group of people who are determined to not let anyone shockdodge. There's not much you can do about this person unless you are inconspicuous about using your items. You can possibly try to chain your stars, and hope that they use their shock for some reason; you can also attempt falling off, though I'll save that for later.
• The Pro--Heh, good luck. These are the people that change their tactics to throw others off. There's not much you can do, other than get lucky.

To shockdodge, you need to study the other racers, and learn what kind of "shocker" they are. Once you know this, you are much more apt to shockdodge, or at least minimize the effects of the shock. This is the part most people have trouble with; however, it is possible if you just are observant of how people use their items. In rooms where people are staying for ten to twenty races, you can definitely pinpoint the person who usually gets the shock is, and how they use it.

Falling Off

If you don't have a shockdodging item (Bullet Bill, Lucky 7, Star, etc), and you know when the shock is going to be used, you can minimize its effects. The best way to minimize its effects is to fall off if you are in the front of the pack. That's right, I told you to drive off the track. If you can anticipate the shock, fall off, and watch the shock go off. You will shockdodge (while the rest of the pack is tiny), get dropped off by Lakitu (and get the boost, I presume), and go along on your way. However, there is a huuuuuuge risk with this tactic; if the shock doesn't go off while you were getting retrieved, you just fell off for no reason. I guess you can say you were intentionally sandbagging, but you just lost a place or four for no reason. I would only recommend doing this (a) if you REALLY know your shocks, or (b) after the shock if you are in first, second, or possibly third. If Lakitu is generous in that particular area, you can get placed in a good spot and be big again.