The JK/MOTS manuals tell how to setup MP games. The easiest way is simply to head on over to
www.zone.com) (
http://www.zone.com) and download their software and start 'er up. Many of us prefer the "natural" way (that is, via IP). The manuals and Trail's Guide (hosted site) tells how.
As far as sabering is concerned, I recommend you practice alot, in No Force games and low force games to get good at saber use. Time your swings. If your ping is too high (over 500) you'll have trouble making hits count (it will appear as if your opponents can be hit dozens of times and not die). In a low lag game, one or two hits will kill (unless you have a super shield or something).
Most players feel that third person view (external camera) is best for saber fighting, and they have the "saber autocamera" box checked. But use what works best for you.
When you use the Double Swing (z key by default) don't overuse it. The primary fire is good for combos. Try movement combinations and different swings. While you are swinging you are more vulnerable, so watch where your blade is. When it's away from your body, you can be hit.
Try, for example, while double swinging, to time it so that while your saber is swinging "away" from your body, you are back from your opponent. Then quickly charge in while your saber is swinging toward your body (protecting you) and toward your opponent. One clean hit (and if you are good enough to hit them at the point where they are double swinging away from their body) you can score a clean cut and kill them in one hit, even if they have full health and shields.
Practice, and you'll get better. Again, keep in mind, the "lag" or latency will affect your performance, so you need to adjust your timing accordingly.
A word of warning. If the lag is really bad, that is it is fluctuating up into the 800-1000 range, and your opponent will suddenly "stand still" for several seconds and appear not to take damage, then suddenly zip around the room, or start "rotating" continuously, you probably should just give up. This situation makes a good duel next to impossible. Thank your opponent, and find another game to play. Keep in mind, you don't have to stay with a slow server (and it's not always the hosts fault, some people aren't geographically located well enough for a good connection).
If you ever get a chance to play over a LAN (local area network), you're in for a treat. It's the most silky smooth saber fighting you can hope for. ; )
There are plenty of saber masters on the web and saber guides to pour over, but ultimately, you have to figure out for yourself what works and what doesn't. Good luck!
Kurgan
[This message has been edited by Darth Kurgan (edited March 17, 2000).]