Noob Combo

The so-called "Newb Combo" is the combination of the Plasma Pistol and Battle Rifle or SMG. 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 sprayed in the head with the Battle Rifle/Carbine in an instant. This combo was especially rampant on Beaver Creek (Level) and Colossus (Level). 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"

Whether or not this weapon combination is actually a sign of being a "newb" 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 newb will easily be taken down once the initial surprise is gone and you know he's using it.

Another variation of the newb combo is dual wielding a magnum and plasma pistol which is just as effective as the reguler combo of a BR 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 disharged bolt will home in on the grenade instead, while some believe that frags are better because they fly throught the air faster.

Both the duel wielding and grenade method work and its about preference on which to use

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