Noob Combo

The so-called "Noob Combo" is the combination of the Plasma Pistol and Battle Rifle, Carbine or Magnum. Often one would be walking and hear the splash of the plasma pistol being fired only to turn around and be hit in the face with the giant green blob and then shot in the head with the Battle Rifle, Carbine or Magnum in an instant. This combo was especially rampant on Beaver Creek and Colossus. It was incredibly effective and often turned the tide of games. This tactic was considered so imbalanced that Bungie attempted to remove it from the game by implementing the new Battle Rifle game type which removes all Covenant weapons from the map. This was largely ineffective. They also made a Team ActionSack gametype for it called "combo training" but Bungie managed to shrink this problem a bit when the Halo 3 beta came out, Bungie made the charged shot of the plasma pistol travel much faster causing it to have very little maneuverability, since many players always hold the weapon ready to release the shot, Bungie made the battery power decrease the longer the player held the trigger down.

Whether or not this weapon combination is actually a sign of being a "noob" is up for debate. While it is indeed a powerful and arguably imbalanced combination, it does require some skill to use, and using weapon combinations effectively is not a trait of a new player.

However, even a player who would normally lose to you can kill you at least once with it. The main distinction being that a skilled player will survive the counterattack and go on to get a spree; while an actual noob will easily be taken down once the initial surprise is gone and you know he's using it.

Combinations
Note: the noob combo is executable only with a plasma pistol and a close range headshot capable weapon. The SMG-Plasma Pistol combo is NOT a noob combo for the simple reason that you are unable to do a headshot, although that rule may change due to the fact that many gamers consider duel wielding the SMG or the Pistol with a plasma pistol or plasma rifle is a noob combo. However, this combo is very useful in campaign, especially in the higher difficulties.
 * 1) Battle Rifle and Plasma pistol
 * 2) Carbine and Plasma pistol
 * 3) Dual wielding Magnum and Plasma Pistol
 * 4) Dual wielding SMG and Plasma Pistol

Blocking It
With a great deal of skill, patience and practice it IS possible to block the noob combo!

Here's what you do:

You MUST be dual wielding, and facing your opponent. Wait until the plasma discharge is about to hit you, then immediately press B, or melee. If done correctly, and properly timed, the plasma discharge will hit the weapon you just threw instead of you! It seems best to drop a Plasma Rifle.

A second method that can block the noob combo is to hit the discharged shot with a grenade. Plasma and Frag Grenades both work. Its argued that a plasma is better, because it is a glowing ball of energy that the discharged bolt will home in on instead, while some believe that Frags are better because they fly through the air faster. The Plasma Pistol overcharge may also set off a Frag Grenade that is thrown at it, injuring the person attempting to block the overcharge.

Both the dual wielding and grenade method work and it's about preference on which to use.

Another tactic, which should only be used as a last resort is to lob a fragmentation grenade in the direction of the blast and then crouch. While the person using the combo is attempting to line up a headshot (slowed down slightly by you crouching, the frag grenade should knock them off balance long enough for your shields to recharge a bit (or kill them if you're really lucky). Don't use a plasma grenade because you want an explode-on-impact grenade and it should be noted that against a Battle Rifle you're pretty much screwed anyways.

Finally, it's possible to kill the person while your shields are down. Jump towards the person while equipped with a powerful weapon, like an energy sword or shotgun, and try to kill them. You could also jump sideways or try to stick them. You'll probably die, but you may be able to kill them afterwards.

Survival can't be guaranteed, but it gives you an edge if you can master this slick move!