Alpha Counters, also known as Guard Cancel Blowbacks in The King of Fighters, are a defensive technique first introduced in the Street Fighter Alpha series, which they are named after. When performed, Alpha Counters allow the user to immediately execute a predetermined Special attack after blocking an opponent's attack, but before blockstun ends. This typically requires power meter in order to use and, in some games, the attack may do lower damage than its normal counterpart, but have faster startup.
The amount of damage an Alpha counter does varies by game. In some games, it does a small amount of damage. In other games, it does no damage.Alpha counters usually don't KO an opponent even if the damage would normally KO them. The first two SFA games are notable exceptions to this rule.While rare, it is entirely possible to block Alpha counters, particularly if the defender chooses to do an AC on a move that recovers very quickly.
