 Albemarle's intention was to strike a decisive blow before his ammunition and daylight ran out.Albemarle and Rupert gambled that de Ruyter would remain to windward and at a distance, so that Rupert's ships could hold them off for long enough for Albemarle to crush Tromp and van Nes.Albemarle attacked at close range and sent in a fireship, both of which caused confusion among the Dutch.