1. Initial approach - In most matches, the offense and defense are clearly defined. It is considered fair game play for each offense to let the other pass, so long as they don’t have the flag. So approaching the enemy base doesn’t have the risk like it does in a pub. But keep in mind that during matches, some sort of voice communication is used, and your presence has probably already been communicated to the defense, so get ready!

2. Base entrance - This in my opinion is the key to any spy class in a match, entering the enemy base. I don’t mean just entering, but this is where the spy must know where to go, exactly when to go, and how to get by any defense that might be waiting. First thing I do is seeing if that entrance is being covered. Then, I take note of the name of the player who is covering it. Next, I find other ways into the base that are perhaps more effective. After that, I will wait for my teammates, and look for any death messages that show the player covering that entrance has been fragged. Finally, I enter the base, either grouped with my fellow offense or when the coast is clear. But wait! You still have a lot to get through yet…

3. Feigning - In a pub game, feigning is helpful. In a clan match, it is almost necessary. There have been times during games where I in essence had to feign my way all the way inside the enemy’s base and to where I had an opportunity to attack. Since clan matches are so hectic and the pace so frantic, most players won’t notice a corpse, or in this case, a feigned spy. Use this to your advantage, but if you’re spotted, GET OUT OF THERE QUICK!

4. Fighting - In clan matches, DM’ing is REALLY to be avoided unless ABSOLUTELY necessary. Your whole goal is outscoring your opponent, so personal scores have no relevance whatsoever in a match. If you have absolutely no choice, fight as best you can and let your teammates know of the defensive setup or flag location. Think of it this way - even if you win that DM, the guy you fought will bounce right out of respawn and either come right after you or warn his teammates. By then your armor and health are so depreciated that you won’t last too long.

5. Knifing - The only time you’ll really see a benefit to knifing in a clan match is when the flag is on the move and you cancome up on it from behind, or if there is a scrum you’re in the middle of and the enemy player(s) is low on health as it is. Most of the time players are so focused on defense that they cover every angle of their perspective defensive location that you’ll more than likely not sneak up on anybody. Use your super-shotgun if you have to, but put the knife away unless you see a golden opportunity.

6. SG’s - This is where you are key in a clan match. Your job, above all else in a match, is to get rid of those sg’s in any way possible. Most of your offense will be attacking in waves, but they won’t get far with a well placed sg and a skilled engy nearby. So you HAVE to be the one to make it easier on your teammates and blow those sg’s up as quickly and as efficiently as possible. If you have a choice between a wide open flag or taking out a nearby sg, I’m sorry to tell you but you need to leave the flag there and take out the sg instead. Don’t worry though, your teammates will thank you for it, and you’ll give your team a better chance to win.

7. Disguising - You only have a limited number of disguises to use in a clan match. Scout, Sniper, HW, Pyro, Spy - don’t even bother with these classes. Snipers and pyros are rarely, if ever, used in matches, and scouts are usually only seen in the beginning scout rush and sporadically after that. Limit your choices to Demo, Soldier, Medic, and Engy. If you’re attacking the flag room, limit it even more to Demo and Soldier. These are the most used defensive classes that move somewhat fast, so these are your best options.

8. Gas grenading - Pretty useless in matches. More often than now will get you and your clan labeled as llamas, even if you just throw one. Unfortunately, that’s the world TFC lives in right now, so it’s best to just put the pills away. You’ll be needed more for your speed than anything else.

9. Flag running - A key to playing spy well in matches, flag running is the main goal apart from sg removal. Matches are all about who has the most caps. So you HAVE to keep that flag moving. You have an advantage over the defense being a spy, because while the defense is focusing on looking out and killing any enemy offense, you as a spy disguised can get an extra step on the defense before they can stop you. One of the keys is throwing - THROW THROW THROW whenever you can. If you think you’re about to die, THROW that flag forward. If you are in the middle of a big scrum of defenders, THROW the flag forward. Just be careful and don’t throw it into a wall or anything…J The bottom line is, use your spy techniques to keep the flag going, no matter what. If you can use misdirection, feigning, and good communication, you can really make a defense struggle to keep up.

10. Overall, remember that clan matches are intense and extremely focused. A good spy can truly influence how a D can play. Spies of course are not as effective on some maps like 2Fort, but on maps that are dark like Smooth and Darkness, and maps with a lot of entry points like Badlands and Rock2, a spy can have a positive influence on the offense. If your clan decides that a spy will work on a certain map or in a match, use some of these tips, get a lot of touches (not necessarily caps) and flag movement, and you’ll find yourself getting a lot more PT and a lot more respect.

Well, that about wraps it up for the guide. Here are just a few key dos and don’ts for those future spy-hopeful’s out there:

Do’s - Patience; misdirection; knife discriminately; use shotty more than any other weapon; disguise as fast or defensive class; disguise away from your base; communicate defense and flag locations.

Don’ts - Throw all gas grens in one place or all over map; stab indiscriminately; play the game only for frags and stabs; play defense when your team has enough of it; gloat when you stab someone.

Hopefully these tips will be beneficial to any aspiring spy wanting to improve their gameplay and teamplay. As I mentioned at the beginning, this is from my own experience and should not be construed as being the ONLY way to play spy. But using these techniques and hints has helped me to be a better spy, and hopefully they will help you too.

If anyone has any comments, questions, or suggestions, feel free to contact me or post your questions at the forums.. You can also reach me on IRC in #res.

Thanks, and happy stabbing!

H-Town