The real reason people suck at duel is their practice regime.

It's like this - two middle skilled duelers join a server.

a) they have 1 close game - 1 says gg, other says luck/fag/wasn't trying/hack/cheat/phone (insert excuse) and leaves
b) They play 2-3 games at most - the loser says gg and leaves
c) They play all aim or all rush -> becomes a stupid fucking worthless game
d) They play a tense game -> winner says something about almost losing to a shitty newb fag -> disconnects
f) They say 'stop aliasing' or go play your own tier and disconnect [In warmup or 1-2 minutes into the game]

This is fucking retarded.

Online duel matches are all practice. Every single loss/win means nothing.

Look at Rapha/Cooller/Cypher/Toxjq and how they practice.

Rapha: Plays as solidly as if he were playing on lan vs someone dangerous, but does so versus ANYBODY. This means he won't overly rush or punish people for newb mistakes, because he is making sure 'HIS' own game is not affected or changed, he is not playing off of his opponents style. $$$$$$$

Toxjq: Plays lower skilled people (middle tier, not too pro) trying to control them with his aim alone - making showish shots and trying ridiculous things on them in game, then testing these things on pros to see if it will work on them too. Rinse + repeat

Cypher: Picks 1 map and practices it vs anybody that enters the server. He trys to not die at all versus them, which means he won't rush or overly defend, he will pick the right time and weapons for his attacks that will give him maximum damage to his opponent and take 0 damage for himself.

Cooller: Plays anyone and everyone on any map they want. He plays in control or gives you control depending on what he is practicing. Usually he tries to re-take control from people since he knows this is the major skill of quakelive. How to take back control with 10 minute time limits vs superior aimers. Even if he loses he doesn't care too much (unless it was all aim loss) But he still gets back on the horse and plays the guy again countless times trying whatever strategy he thinks will work well.


This is the fundamental flaw of NA quake duel scene since they are already a very tiny community, they won't play enough of each other to reach higher skill levels like over in Europe. They care too much about online wins/ disputes with other duelers / reputation about winning/losing etc.

Pathetic.