Just played a game using 3 tie interceptors.

Fel, royal guard, PTL, hull, targeting computer

Jax royal guard, hull, targeting computer, opportunist

Turr, royal guard, ptl, targeting computer

while I did win, it was very close and I have a couple questions. First off Opportunist, when Jax keeps the player from using a focus token does it count as them not having one? If the Opportunist card can't get used unless the focus token isn't there then I feel like the 4 points could be better spent on PTL and make the total 99.

2nd question kind of related. Let's say Jax is at range 1 so he gets 4 dice. He targets as his action. Now would it be better to take the stress to activate opportunists and get a 5th die? or have PTL and take the stress to focus?

the reason is I'm thinking that PTL has way more value long term.

Next game is going to be against all turret fleet. I expect this build to die a quick and tragic death. but should be fun.

Just played a game using 3 tie interceptors.

Fel, royal guard, PTL, hull, targeting computer

Jax royal guard, hull, targeting computer, opportunist

Turr, royal guard, ptl, targeting computer

while I did win, it was very close and I have a couple questions. First off Opportunist, when Jax keeps the player from using a focus token does it count as them not having one? If the Opportunist card can't get used unless the focus token isn't there then I feel like the 4 points could be better spent on PTL and make the total 99.

2nd question kind of related. Let's say Jax is at range 1 so he gets 4 dice. He targets as his action. Now would it be better to take the stress to activate opportunists and get a 5th die? or have PTL and take the stress to focus?

the reason is I'm thinking that PTL has way more value long term.

Next game is going to be against all turret fleet. I expect this build to die a quick and tragic death. but should be fun.

2). Opportunist is better in that instance, but ....Having PTL is much better on interceptors because you can use it as an option for either offense or defense, which, you'll need against turrets to have a chance.

4 dice with TL & Focus = 3.75 on average, 5 dice with TL = 3.75 on average, so both just as good as each other. At range 2-3 opportunist is better, but PtL is more versatile and cheaper, so I'd go with that if I were you.

4 dice with TL & Focus = 3.75 on average, 5 dice with TL = 3.75 on average, so both just as good as each other. At range 2-3 opportunist is better, but PtL is more versatile and cheaper, so I'd go with that if I were you.

They're the same on average, but that doesn't tell the whole story. PTL there zero chance of five hits. In principle, though, yeah, PTL on interceptors is the best choice.

I don't know how useful it is thinking too much about extremes, as it works both ways - 5 dice with TL is more likely whiff than 4 dice with TL & Focus. At the end of it all the dice should average out, so your much better off maximising averages.

Honestly, I think PTL is definitely what should be on Jax. Making sure he's in range 1 with a minimum of shots available on him (let's face it, no shots would be best) may require a barrel roll AND a boost.

I don't know how useful it is thinking too much about extremes, as it works both ways - 5 dice with TL is more likely whiff than 4 dice with TL & Focus. At the end of it all the dice should average out, so your much better off maximising averages.

Again, that said, I still take PTL on my interceptors for more long term goals.

Im not sure what you mean by general averages. TL and focus have the same net effect on dice averages separately. having both has a different return. I factored both into the averages I used in my post above.

The extra dice is only better when this is true:

0.75(d+1) > 0.9375d

that is true for values of d of 1-3.

So if we're talking specifically about interceptors the extra dice is better at range 2-3 but equal at range 1. Then we consider all the unquantifiable factors, like how often will you be at range 1, how likely are they to have no focus tokens, etc.

Ben

Having a higher maximum damage with the same average damage can be considerably better (even if it comes at the cost of more frequent low damage rolls) if you are targeting enemies with comparatively high agility. Imagine doing 2 dmg on average, 3 max, compared to 2 avg and 4 max against an enemy getting 3 evades on average. The sub-average (<2) damage rolls are usually going to be wasted anyways, so the increased low-dmg probability for the 4 max attacker isn't too great a disadvantage here, whereas the gained ability to top the defender's average evade is significant.

Depends actually about opportunist. Jax's text says "Can not PERFORM the Evade/focus action at range 1, or even use them" if they had them via kyle/Garvin, ect ect.". So yes, if he's at range 1, there by preventing the opponent from even taking the action, opportunist is useful.