2on2

... or the prey and predator.


Hello everyone!

My name is Waldkautz. I've been playing JKA for some years now. As captain of the famous 'saberAcademy'-team I was able to gather a lot of TFFA experience in tournaments and the ESL ladder.
I'd like to explain to you now the tffa form closest to duel type, namely 2on2.


1. Introduction

Ever since JKA was released people have started playing not only the duel- and ffa-gametype, but also TFFA (= Team-Free-For-All). The 2on2 ladder was – and still is – one of the most popular ESL ladders, internationally as well as nationally. I think, that, due to lack of active players, which means, not enough persons to play spontanious 3on3s or 4on4s, 2on2 will soon be played even more often in the near future. Another reason for its popularity is in my opinion, that you have to get used to just one partner, while in 3on3 or 4on4 it's not sure, that you always play with the same teammates. JKA is a chaotic game: The more players, the bigger the chaos. In a 2on2 though one can easily keep track of all the events and opponents' moves. That's why it's a lot of fun for beginners and intermediates as well as professional players.


2. Tactics

Unlike in TDM (3on3 or more) a 2on2 can be better organised. Tactics are necessary, if you want to win and enjoy the match. Since there is only one other person in teamchat, it's clear, who and what is meant.

But first of all some things, that are required for proper 2on2:


2.1 Requirements

The following binds are important so as to provide a good team play:

Binds:
CODE
/bind f say_team ^7Watchout!
/bind q say_team ^7He's low!
/bind e say_team ^1Help me!


Skins:
Both players should use the same skin in order to leave the opponent in the dark, who is who, and this way not to allow the opponent to attack the player they consider weaker or with low health points.


2.2 Strategy

The main idea is always the same, although you have to adapt to the opponents' style of fighting.

Possibility one:

    Both opponents are attacking only one player.

    IPB Image



The player, who is attacked, has to defend. His goal is to keep the enemies busy, while his mate is waiting for chances to kill them from behind. He has to be able to defend well and be passive. Most of the time it makes sense to put a single saber player to do this, because he can both block better and not be blocked so well. As for the attacking part I would suggest a staffer, because he can, due to his saber style, attack and hit very fast. But a single saber player is also good in this position, because he can deal a lot of damage in one hit on defenseless opponents.

Possibility two:

    The opponents are splitting up. Two times 1on1 occurs.

    IPB Image



The staffer (singler) tries to lure one of the opponents away, while his partner is defending and trying to keep his counterpart in the same place. After the staffer has tricked the other opponent into following him further away from his partner, the singler now signalizes with his 'Help me'-bind, that the staffer should strafejump to him in order to backstab the singler's counterpart.

That's why I call this tactic 'the prey and predator'.


2.3 Tipps & Tricks

For the defending part:

    1. Try to search for a wall so as not to be in danger of being attacked from the back and to allow the opponent(s) to attack one only from one direction. This way it's easier for the mate to kill one of the other team.
    2. Don't jump a lot, but try to stay in the same place.



For the attacking part:

    1. Try not to be involved in the fighting. Exploit the vulnerabilities of your opponents.
    2. You have to be able to both strafejump fast and one-hit-kill, because your counterpart will follow you, consequently you have little time in which to act and not be disturbed.



For the team play:

    1. Try to hackle the opponent team, which means: Keep eye-contact with your partner, while you have the enemies between you and this way attack them from both sides.
    2. Be flexible concerning the roles. The attacker starts being the defending part, whereas the defender is now the attacker!




3. Conclusion

With these tactics you can also beat skilled 2on2-teams and have a lot of fun. Just try it out and train a bit with your partner. Soon you will enjoy playing 2on2 more and more and have interesting and exciting matches.


Good luck && have fun,

Waldkautz.