I understand getting counter up to 75%, but why bother trying to master it? The counter skill, practically speaking, seems to be more useful as a deterrent than an actual skill that does damage. Only newbies would open up combat with something that is counterable. Furthermore, even at 75% it seems to work most of the time. So why bother getting it up so high?
Why train counter?
Nobody said you have to master anything. Practically speaking though, at least blm's should master it, as they can counter almost any opening so mastering both counters is important.
Master everything. Failing a skill/spell at a crucial time = death.
Counter is a fight winner.
A last minute charge can go through an un-mastered counter when you need to get away the most.
Also, the higher your proficiency, the more likely to counter certain abilities - IE blackjack, assassinate.
Also' date=' the higher your proficiency, the more likely to counter certain abilities - IE blackjack, assassinate.[/quote']
Really? The higher your proficiency in counter, the more likely you are to counter something? Well, when you put it that way...
Well, perhaps I should have made note separating the BLM/Monk class from the other classes with counter. Warrior and Paladin counters work differently don't they?
No.
yes.
paladins counter attacking damage normally . warriors counter attacking plus a bit more.
says so in the helpfile. (unless it's been changed)
I meant in regards to their usefulness in countering opening attacks.
Sorry I wasn't specific enough for you. 
yes.
paladins counter attacking damage normally . warriors counter attacking plus a bit more.
says so in the helpfile. (unless it's been changed)
Actually. Warriors + Paladins counter the attack and then some. Monks counter with less damage. So says the help file. 
EDIT: BLMs are not mentioned.
Also: I don't train counter. It goes up by itself quite fast enough once you hit 50 and start running gauntlets by yourself.
Also countering blackjack, etc. only works if you're a BLM or monk and you're predicting/preying mantis-ing.
Paladins and Warriors cannot counter those skills - only murder and charge are countered (off of the top of my head).
Dey
Backstab, ambush, etc.
hah, I thought this section of the forum was called Newbie Help 
Actually. Warriors + Paladins counter the attack and then some. Monks counter with less damage. So says the helpfile .
that's what I meant, but got brain twisted. bah.
I understand getting counter up to 75%' date=' but why bother trying to master it? The counter skill, practically speaking, seems to be more useful as a deterrent than an actual skill that does damage. Only newbies would open up combat with something that is counterable. Furthermore, even at 75% it seems to work most of the time. So why bother getting it up so high?[/quote']
Why bother training counter if only newbs will fall for it? Well, since anyone who isn't a newb won't be caught dead without being poisoned, or without sanc, or walk into a trap, or blasphemed...
Everyone get's sanc, everyone has detect traps up, remove blasphemy, and make anything that poison negates permanently useless.
I see what you're saying, but, it's this way for a reason. Counter does work better mastered. But, so do all skills (except for one, I'll let you learn that one on your own, man... you don't want to even practice it more than once with a fire giant... if fire giants could get it, that is...).
But, I see what you're saying. In a desperate attempt, some people will forget what they're doing and slip up. I've seen it happen... and I died because of it. "Oh! He's almost dead! CHARGE!" two rounds later. "Aw crap... hrm.. wonder if anything is in the pit? >l i pit"
a-g
Also countering blackjack, etc. only works if you're a BLM or monk and you're predicting/preying mantis-ing.
Paladins and Warriors cannot counter those skills - only murder and charge are countered (off of the top of my head).
Dey
Your statement is incorrect.
You can't counter what you can't see...
Some classes are better at 'seeing' things...