[Black Guard] BG Decision Making

[Squiji18]

Hello All,

I'm fairly new to the game as I dabbled in it a bit on live as an IB and I recently decided to give this server a try and decided to roll a BG. I've got a few questions regarding decision making in terms of what buffs and debuffs to use when and how it relates to SC/WB play.

I've read several posts regarding the importance of guard and how it is utilized in both formats but I never really seemed to find anything that particularly relates to how I should be thinking as a BG. I've read in several places that a BG takes a lot of learning and understanding to play the class properly as well as the situational awareness that is required to be a reliable tank, but I was curious what kinds of things should I be thinking about while leveling to work towards this level of understanding.

I try to shuffle my Dark Protector target where I think it needs to be in terms of outgoing and incoming damage but I feel like there's more I could be doing with the BG specific mechanics. What kinds of situations should I be looking for to throw out my buffs/debuffs to ensure that I have the largest impact I can on fights and help my team out the most?

I understand that there's no catch all answers to these questions, I would just like to better understand the mindset needed to perform properly and to not be a detriment to my groups.

I made it to CR12 over the weekend so I've got a long way to go before I do anything where I need to be truly reliable but I'd like to get the ball moving now so I can learn to properly play my class before the expectations to know how to are greater.

Thanks in advance!