Tiger take a Bow

[SoshiSone]

Really, it's about the bow.  UK cruisers are known for their glass bows.  Neptune?  16mm.  Mino?  16mm.  Plymouth?  16mm.  And it only gets worse when you go down tiers.

But Tiger is a bit more interesting.  It might be a T8...but its bow eclipses the UK T10 lights.  It has a 25mm bow.  That means 14 inchers don't overmatch.  So you can bow tank those BBs.  Granted, you only have a two barrel pee shooter when doing so...but still...it's an option.  In fact, sometimes, I just stick it out there to get whacked.  Reds see this glass cruiser sitting duck and can't resist pegging me with an AP broadside.  I might not have much in return, but it gives my friendlies more longevity.

Unless you play Tiger or  have studied or discussed its bow, and you just think it's another UK glass bow...well, think again.  Also note the latest new T8 BBs (Iparanga and Tenn) both run 14 inchers.

 

[Wolfswetpaws]

 @SoshiSone sinking ships with "pop-guns" like the Tiger Woman would take-down men with her blowgun darts.  🙂 

 
 

[Sumseaman]

I was going to ask you about the ship @SoshiSone as I think I'll pick it up next month. Perhaps see if I get it in a crate first but otherwise.

The fact that BB mains rag on it makes me want it all the more. Superb utility and armour scheme. Clearly your notoriety in the ship is well deserved.

Edited November 15, 2024 by Sumseaman

[SoshiSone]

1 hour ago, Sumseaman said:

I was going to ask you about the ship @SoshiSone as I think I'll pick it up next month. Perhaps see if I get it in a crate first but otherwise.

The fact that BB mains rag on it makes me want it all the more. Superb utility and armour scheme. Clearly your notoriety in the ship is well deserved.

Well, consider there are many BBs with 15 and bigger.  Those will cit you from almost any angle.  Tiger excels at a DD killer...if you have a team that shoots when you light them up.

[Sumseaman]

Just now, SoshiSone said:

Tiger excels at a DD killer...if you have a team that shoots when you light them up.

Yeah a big 'if'. Similar to when you light up enemy subs with sub surv and the ASW aircraft just don't appear....

[SoshiSone]

2 hours ago, Sumseaman said:

Yeah a big 'if'. Similar to when you light up enemy subs with sub surv and the ASW aircraft just don't appear....

Oh, one other factor for Tiger.  When properly spec'd the detection range is about equal to radar range.  So you can push to contact and pretty much guarantee a radar catch.  But it's critical to know the threats.  Fortunately, Tiger has good brakes and smoke.   Still, there is a vulnerability window you must know how to manage.

As for the push to contact, you can get more than just DDs.  Most subs also like to push on surface early...so they will spot you at normal distances and will also get caught in the radar (until they dive).  Tiger has its own air drop ASW, but if you have friendlies in range, they too will drop on the sub.  

It only has two turrets with two guns per turret.  they rotate super fast...but the DPM is abysmal.  So Tiger is best used where friendlies can lend support...shooting at radar'd DDs and dropping on radar'd subs.  This actually makes up tier work out well.  Ships focused in T10 die quickly...so if I can get a red T10 DD lite up early...I might not put much damage on the DD but my team can.  Also there are several T10 (and even T9) DDs that can outgun Tiger.  So even if you catch 'em solo and can engage mano mano with guns...the mantra that CL can kill DDs doesn't always pan out...no torps required.

Also note that although many enemy radar ships out range Tiger, they also don't have smoke.  So unless they are divisioned with smokers (pay attention to MM), they won't push clear water caps without land to hide behind.  That means Tiger can either push to a clear cap (without worrying about enemy radar) and get it...or at least pop radar on any DDs that give it a try.  I've solo snagged many caps, even in (if not more in) T10 matches.

You must know how to work smoke when torp threats are present.  Smoke is a torp magnet.  A little DD experience helps here.  Comb positioning is critical even if it only leaves you with one turret.

Tiger needs support in most instances.  I play solo, but pay close attention to those around me who provide mutual support.  The best defense against a lone solo Tiger is often to push it.  Without friendlies that can focus a red pusher, Tiger quickly runs out of options.  Poor DPM and no torps...or hydro.  One must be very mindful of this issue and either not get into such positions or have a good escape plan.

Circling back to the 14 inch bow bounce.  One does not seek these encounters out...they are very situational.  The stats I posted at beginning were just the result of circumstances that presented themselves. First time I found THREE 14 inch BBs on my bow without any flank threats.  So...it just happened. Not planned.  Not sought out.  Just in the course of battle...there they were.

Here's a clip from a while back of what can happen if you get too cocky.  Check out that super heal.

 

[Sumseaman]

2 hours ago, SoshiSone said:

Here's a clip from a while back of what can happen if you get too cocky.  Check out that super heal.

 

Incredible. Thanks for the in depth advice Soshi.

I really like the support ship playstyle. Honestly the xp/credit system rewards players well for blasting DDs/Subs so they are likely to shoot if a target lights up. The fact that Tiger, as a light cruiser, has ASW ac instead of charges is a big plus that is likely an overlooked part of its arsenal. I was referring to using Sub Surv in subs as you need to be quick to ping acoustics and a few strikes help seal the deal.

I also think you have proven Tiger just isn't an expected threat, making it ever more dangerous in the right hands.

[Admiral_Karasu]

9 hours ago, Wolfswetpaws said:

 @SoshiSone sinking ships with "pop-guns" like the Tiger Woman would take-down men with her blowgun darts.  🙂 

 
 

When I play, on the other hand, I have tried to keep my lips as loose as I can but it doesn't seem to be helping...

[Justin_Simpleton]

32 minutes ago, Admiral_Karasu said:

When I play, on the other hand, I have tried to keep my lips as loose as I can but it doesn't seem to be helping...

You should keep a stiff upper lip.

[Estaca_de_Bares]

15 hours ago, SoshiSone said:

[...]Granted, you only have a two barrel pee shooter when doing so...but still...it's an option.[...]

I guess it could be called that (bold added), and not only regarding Tiger's, due to its usefulness technically being in pissing off others...

Salute.

[SoshiSone]

4 hours ago, Estaca_de_Bares said:

I guess it could be called that (bold added), and not only regarding Tiger's, due to its usefulness technically being in pissing off others...

Salute.

Good catch.