TRIANGLE SYSTEM
Fights in Dead or Alive are based on a triangle system: strikes beat throws, throws beat holds, and holds beat strikes. When you land an attack of one type that beats another type, like landing a strike when an opponent tries to throw, that attack becomes a Hi Counter attack and does even more damage.

HOLDS
Dead or Alive fights are more than just strikes and throws. You have to know how to use holds too. Right when your opponent throws a strike, do a hold to deflect it and attack them back for a lot of damage in one move.

BLOCKBUSTER STAGES
Two fighters battle it out as the walls around them crumble, generators explode, and entire buildings collapse beneath their feet! In Dead or Alive, you don't just watch the blockbuster action, you cause it. Use the new Power Blow move to knock your opponent into the series' signature Danger Zones to cause major damage and mayhem!

POWER BLOWS
This is a powerful move that lets you set a direction to blow your opponent away. Once the Power Blow hits, aim the camera left or right with the directional buttons/directional pad, then send your opponent flying! Do you knock them into a Danger Zone for certain damage, or do you send them off a cliff to try for even more damage - and risk doing none?

Source: official Website