Super Smash Bros. Melee plays differently from almost any other fighting game ever made. The objective is to do as much damage to your opponent's) as possible then knock them out of the arena with out getting knocked out yourself. The more damage you do to your opponent, the farther they'll go when you hit them. One thing to note is that unlike other fighting games there is almost no limit to the amount of damage you can take. Although it will be harder to fight with lots of damage, you won't lose a stock until your actually knocked out of the arena.

The Controls

The controls of Super Smash Bros Melee are like a hybrid of the controls in fighting games and platform games. While characters do rely on basic and special attacks, they also rely on maneuverability.

Basic Moves
The movement and basic attacks for all the characters are very similar so it won't take to long to get used to a character after mastering another.
or (soft)	Walk
or (smash)	Run
or /	Jump
(soft)	Duck
(smash)	Drop Through Platform (only some platforms)
Basic Attacks
Tapping the A button and a direction will result in a basic attack. While they don't do much damage, they're great for racking up damage and combos.
	Weak Attack
or +	Strong Attack
+	Upward Attack
+	Downward Attack
(while running)	Running Attack
Smashes
Smashes are the most important attacks in SSBM. They can do lots of damage and rack up for combos as well. You can even charge a smash by holding A instead of just tapping it. A smash is performed by "smashing" the control stick in the given direction.
or + (smash)	Forward Smash
+	Upward Smash
+	Downward Smash
Special Attacks
Where the characters really star to differ from each other is in their special attacks. No two special attacks from all the characters are exactly the same.
	Special Attack (usually can be charged or held)
+	Strong Special Attack (occasionally 3rd jump)
+	Upward Special Attack (usually 3rd jump)
+	Downward Special Attack (usually defensive)
Grab / While Holding
Although not as prominent as they were in Super Smash Bros, each character gets 4 throws. The Slap and the Throw moves can be used when you have grabbed an opponent.
(or while use the shield)	Grab
or s	Slap
or or or	Throw
In Air Movement / Attacks
While in the air, fighters get a whole new array of movements and attacks.
	Double Jump
or /	Puff (only Kirby and Jigglypuff)
	Float (only Peach)
	Weak In Air Attack
+	Forward In Air Attack
+	Backwards In Air Attack
+	Upward In Air Attack
+	Downward In Air Attack
s	Grapple (only Samus, Link and Young Link)
Items
Items are another vital part of fighting in Super Smash Bros Melee. Pick up items by pressing A
	Use / Throw Item
or +	Forward Swing
or + (smash)	Smash Item / Smash Throw Item
s	Drop Item
or +	Throw Item
Defensive
All fighters also get a small array of defensive moves.
or	Strong Shield
s	Weak Shield
or (in air)	Dodge
or (while use the shield)	Dash
(while use the shield)	Dodge
Ledge Climbing
If a fighter gets knocked far from the arena, they may have to grab onto a ledge to get back. There are a few ways to get off the ledge depending on the circumstances.
	Jump
or /	Jump Return
or	Attack Return
or	Dash Return
Other
	Taunt
	Control Camera (only in 1P Mode)
i s	Pause
+ + + (while paused)	End Battle
(while paused)	Control Camera