seizing against the lay

[Renoir]

I've read that a seizing and whipping should be made against the lay of the rope yet I would like to understand the downside (if any) of making them with the lay of the line.????

[Ian McColgin]

As stress comes on the line, it tends to open the lay. If you serve, whip or sieze against the lay, the service will tend to tighten as the lay attempts to open, so they cancel and the line or cable remains more stabile.

[andert]

The old saying to remind which way to go is "Worm and parcel with the lay; turn, and serve the other way"...if you say that to any normal person, they'll think you need medication...