It's great. I tend to bait for holds a lot depending if my opponent holds a lot XD. The triangle system: (strikes) beat (throws), (throws) beat (holds) and (holds) beat (strikes).
Free Step Dodge
DeadlyChase
KasumiLover
Same here!^_^ I It really helps when fighting higher skill players. But I make sure to not rely on it heavily, because they'll sometimes catch on quick and won't throw out holds so quick like you saw them do it earlier.
Force_of_Nature
It is indeed good, but skilled players don't randomly hold much. They hold either on reaction or read.
KasumiLover
@Force_of_Nature exactly! I noticed that as I fight higher ranked players, the higher their rank is, the less they throw out missed holds. I myself don't fall for it, because I can read pretty well, and since Idk how to SE right, I'm extra cautious
DeadlyChase
Blocking is very important. Don't let holds replace your block button. I have seen some people spam hold like it's gone out of style. I actually have a replay of this, It's sorta funny.