All-forward guns can invert the logic of crossing the T

Crossing the T normally lets one line bring a broadside against an opponent that can answer with only its forward guns. This geometry helps explain the different logic behind British all-forward capital-ship designs. The F3, G3, and O3 concepts sought to aim their main batteries toward the threat while presenting a smaller end-on target. That arrangement could reverse part of the conventional advantage by concentrating fire through the narrowest visible aspect of the ship. Speed still determined which fleet was more likely to obtain the favorable position, as Averof demonstrated at Elli.