Unlocking and Other "dirty" tricks?

Alright so, I was playing a messed up 1v1 duel with my friend. And he's good. Like really good. He kept destroying me. And he was telling me all about how some people (including him) unlock to guarantee two lights or to dodge a bs attack (like Highlander's kick). Then he went on about teching attacks to make the indicator indicate the opposite direction that the attack was coming from.

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So, and be honest, are these dirty tricks that only pro players use to get an advantage. Or is everything fair in war?
And, are there ways for me to punish people who unlock/tech attacks without being cheap like them?