What are some good strategies playing on Chaffee?

So I have an elite Chaffee with crew all 50% camouflage and camo painting and vertical stabilizer + vents and camo net.

But I have some problems playing this tank.

AFAIK I should scout and not shoot. Well this is what happens if I do what people tell me to:

Passive scouting. so I get to behind a bush and stay still and not shoot. I'll get spotted while I've spotted no one(I don't have sixth sense, but sometimes there's a notification) so I move back and by that time other medium tanks are already gone further then me! so basically there's no need for me
Active scout. I go show a bit of my hull and comeback, sometimes I do spot people! but most of the times no matter how much I do i'll get 1 hitted by tier VIII or shot in the track and die. I don't dive in, I just do what quicky baby or mighty jingles do, or other people in replays , but somehow they dodge all the bullet, see everybody and no one sees them, but me, I see no one and everybody sees me and I get 1 hit no matter if i'm turning at 72 km/h

What am I doing wrong?

world-of-tanks

Best Answer

Some more important things to remember, when learning with light tanks. In addtion, what was already said:

Don't be too eager. Your priority is to stay alive and light tanks have much more difficult life in this. Start to play more like a coward before you get knowledge of map. Than you can start risk more. Always remember: dead scout does not spot anything.

Don't fight! Unless you are acompanied with your team mates. Even with other light tanks, if not necessary. They can damage you badly even when you win. Once situation starts to get bad, don't be a hero and just get the hell out.

More suggestions to learn:

study, how spotting algorithm in WoT technically works. This will help you to cover more effectively
Remember that you are visible 5 seconds (approximately) from moment you get back into cover. Get from cover - spot enemy and get spotted yourself meanwhile
hide - wait 5 seconds to get camo again. Repeat 2-3 times, then relax and wait until there is not so much heat on you. Or even better - find a new place.
Use autospotting of tanks, which are closer than 50m, even when they are behind obstacle and you don't have direct view.

Light tanks are far most difficult class to play. Don't be upset you got killed. Use your head. Analyze your game and learn from your mistakes. Be patient.