How opponents could fight an oversized first rate

How could an enemy commander fight a hypothetical 170-gun first rate?

They would avoid a fair duel by using an equivalent ship, crossing her bow and stern, or concentrating two or three ships against her.

An enemy could answer the giant first rate with concentration and positional tactics. One option is an equivalent capital ship, although that accepts the rival's arms race on its own terms. Another is to cross ahead and astern of the large ship, attacking its vulnerable bow and stern arcs. Two or three ships could also engage together and force it to divide its fire.