Nelson's plan temporarily exposed the advancing ships because their forward firepower was limited while the allied line could use broadsides. In later terminology, the British were allowing the enemy to cross their T during the approach. The gamble relied on speed of action, accurate gunnery, damage control, and the ability of each ship to keep moving after taking punishment. Once the columns broke through, British ships could double or triple isolated opponents in the center while the allied van struggled to return. Tactical geometry and fighting pace mattered more than simply counting guns.
Chapter · 1:19:45-1:22:28
The tactical gamble of crossing the enemy line
The British approach accepted heavy fire on the columns' bows in order to rupture the allied formation and concentrate force at close range.