When a nose-to-nose merge commences, by definition, neither side has an angle advantage. The combatants look to immediately maneuvers to gain angle. After angle has been gained, it can be built upon until enough angle is gained to obtain a on-six gun shot, or less ideally a deflection shot or snap shot. Both fighters can often begin this fight before the merge, (see lead turn below!) and indeed the smart pilot will try to set up his move well before the merge.
Both fighters usually attempt to reverse course immediately. So what is the most efficient turn in a nose-on merge? Most pilots choose the Immelmann Turn (1/2 loop up followed by a 1/2 roll) or variations thereof, for the reason that it is one of the most efficient ways to reverse course. It both gains altitude and reverses course to begin the attempt to gain position on the oppositions six.
The greatest merge error of new pilots make is to attempt to reverse using other Basic Fighter Maneuvers, such as the "flat" aileron turn or Split-S. It is not difficult to fathom why they are already well on their way to defeat. Visualize a scenario where on pilot performs a Split-S, while his opponent does an Immelmann. It is not difficult to see the result. The flyer who performed the energy conserving Immelmann will be two 1/2 turn radii above the flyer who chose the Split-S. The Split-S in this type of merge situation therefore provides the opponent with a large altitude and energy advantage on a silver platter. Defeat is all but assured. The "flat" turn reverse is also weak for the same reason, although it doesn't surrender as much altitude as the Split-S.
The Lead Turn: A very important merge tactic is the "Lead Turn". It is a very simple stratagem on the surface. Instead of waiting for the actual moment of the merge to begin the reverse, the pilot performing the lead turn anticipates the merge and begins to reverse before the actual merge takes place. This means while his opponent is still flying straight, he is already starting to turn - beginning the fight for an angle advantage early in the combat.
The Lead Turn can be tailored as to how aggressively it is executed. The earlier the pilot begins to turn, the more aggressive the lead turn. While it would seem that it is wise to fly as aggressively as possible, a lead turn begun too early can lead to quick defeat. If the opponent reads the move, and sees the lead turn developing in front of him, he can simply follow the lead turn up for an immediate kill! For this reason lead turns at 1/4 turn radius and beyond are very risky, and perhaps even foolhardy. This especially true on in a level merge with no vertical separation. (i.e. one plane has slight altitude advantages and the planes are "separated" vertically).
Stacking the Deck - Making the Lead Turn even more effective: To make a lead turn even more effective the pilot can attempt to establish some vertical separation before the merge. (The exact reasons why this "works" will be explained in the next section.) When a new pilot begins a head on merge with a veteran pilot he may notice that the veteran pilot is always trying to get underneath him! That is, the veteran is trying to establish vertical separation and will try to actually be beneath the other plane as the merge develops. The main reason is that vertical separation enhances the effect of the lead turn and allows the pilot to be more aggressive in the execution of the lead turn. The vertical separation created by the veteran in this scenario acts as sort of springboard for his attempt to gain the angle advantage. Not only can he begin the lead turn earlier, but the vertical separation established also means that as he begins to pull up into his opponent, the vertical separation he has established enhances angle gain.
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