THE JUMPGATE DEFINITIVE GUIDE - Tripod

Tight Circle: This is usually accomplished with the aid of flashfires, in the combat of ships with poor
turn rates. My method for doing this involves approaching at a slightly steeper angle than that used for
a normal circle, moving to point towards the enemy at 4k. At 2.5k, I turn to point at 90 degrees to the
target, and flashfire. Then, using diag-turning, I pull into the direction of the enemies travel just before
they go past me. This will usually result in an extremely close range (50-200d) circle when correctly
pulled off. Obviously the numbers are variable dependent upon enemy approach vector and speed -
do it by feel once you get the hang of it. The lighter your ship is (and the better it's turn rate), the better
it will be at holding a tight circle. Be careful with this technique in realspace, as it will deplete your FF
reserves.
Deep Circle: Similar to the standard circle, but held at a longer range (1.5k +). The only real difference
is that your approach angle must be much wider. Don't lose patience if you close range slowly. Pull up
slowly to meet your enemy at the desired range (usually the max range of your guns). Deep circles are
typically used by: Ships with good profiles, ships with poor turn rates, ships with long range weaponry
(such as ions). Heavy ships are generally better at holding deep circles.
Circle Break: The circle break is most easily accomplished by imagining a point along your enemy's
vector where you will both meet. Fly towards that point, and what will generally result is a series of
short mini-jousts. The circle break is useful for a large variety of situations - if you are flying no duelist,
if your aim isn't so hot, if your profile is large relative to your enemy's, if your turn rate is good, if you
have low RoF weapons. Be very careful using this technique in realspace, as it leaves you vulnerable
to divebombs.
Duelling - Maneuvering - Choosing Approaches/Turning
Method
Which approach and turning method should you pick? There are a large variety of items to take into
consideration.
Profile: If your profile is large relative to your enemy's, they will have an easier time hitting than you
will. You thus want to lean more towards approaches that lead to easier vectors, or being close in.
Consider tight circles and circle breaks. Useful, for example, when the Typhoon is fighting a medium
fighter. Your profile is relatively large, so you want to minimise the effect of this. Get in close enough to
the MF that its profile is less relevant, with both combatants hitting well, and your superior
firepower/absorption will probably win out.
Turn Rate: If your turn rate is slow, you face the possibility of being out-turned by your enemy, and not
being able to keep hitting them while they can hit you. Lean towards approaches that don't require fast
turn rates - deep circles in particular. Most notably used to great effect by the Intensity. Conversely, if
your turn rate is good, you may wish to go for a tighter circle - often used by the Typhoon.
Aim: See profile. If your aim is bad, consider getting in close, or using a circle break for an easy
vector. If it's good, you may wish to stay out wide to maximise your advantage.
Rate of Fire: To some degree, low rate of fire weapons lend themselves towards circle breaks,
because your weapons can reset themselves during the turn-around period, maximising the advantage
that you get from the massive damage your low RoF weapons do in the initial volley. Try to time the
mini-jousts such that you fire just before having to turn, to enhance this advantage.
Weaponry: Slow weapons (novas, ammo, and to a degree mortars) are enhanced in ability when
aimed along easy vectors, and at close range. A tight circle will lead to a hard vector, but the range is
so close that you should get a good hit rate. A circle break will generally give an easy vector
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