See Distance for a discussion of how it works. All techniques that opponents use have a chain value associated with it, just like your normal techniques do — a number between 0-9. Some techniques/equipment/skills gain bonuses/penalties when used at certain distances.
Before ~February 2012, the only way to figure out chain numbers for unknown techniques was to observe them in action on opponents. Eg. if they chain Dive for Cover-Punch-Unknown Technique, the Unknown Technique must be chain 2. This can get more complicated with opponents that have more unknown techniques or shorter chains; often several opponents must be considered as a whole to figure out their chain numbers.
With the implementation of Grappler Gauntlets, the Distance formula was formalized and previously un-spadable techniques could be found.
Here are techniques that can be used to spade distance:
| Use to distinguish between | Short Techs | Long Techs |
|---|---|---|
| 0 or lower or 1 or higher | [6] | |
| 1 or lower or 2 or higher | [5] Shotgun Burst | |
| 2 or lower or 3 or higher | [4] Dust Conflagration | [9] In the Sights [9] Longarm |
| 3 or lower or 4 or higher | [3] | [8] Juryrigged Rocket |
| 4 or lower or 5 or higher | [2] Downward Stab [2] Gnawing Mask [2] Grappler Jab |
[7] Petrifying Roar |
| 5 or lower or 6 or higher | [1] | [6] |
| 6 or lower or 7 or higher | [0] | [5] |
| 7 or lower or 8 or higher | [4] Cyberbowl Rush | |
| 8 or lower or 9 or higher | [3] |
Additionally:
- Grappler Gauntlets gives a bonus to Melee Power at short distance — usable to spade an exact chain value as long as it is in the range of 0-7 and the opponent has a finite amount of Melee Defense.
- Whispers from the Stars gives a bonus to Etheric Power — usable to spade an exact chain value as long as the opponent has a finite amount of Etheric Defense.
- On the Edge could potentially be used, but currently can only be used against Flying Eyes whose chain numbers are already known.
