A couple of quick "how to's" questions
 

What's the trick to just throw up a dogfight server so my buddies can join.

I have forwarded the 27015 port in both my router and allowed the program in windows firewall, but they can't see it in the server list, nor can they join through "join friend" thing in steam.

Is this the correct port?

Thanks,

Been browsing around while I wait for a reply. Am I reading this right? The only way to host a game is by using the dedicated server?

You can host a game without using the dedicated server.

Under multiplay just click on server(instead of client) and choose your map and follow the instructions.(buttons)

Your game should show in the server list.

That is what I tried to do; but something isn't working because it doesn't show up, and if they try to join through stream my server "isn't responding".

I host T/S, I host ROF games, so I know about port forwarding and have forwarded the 27015 port, but still, no joy.

Server section will not work if you are behind a router. In this case use Lobby section in MP.

It may take some time for a server to show in server list. Ask friends to use Direct Connect in this case.

If your friends add your server to their Favorites in Steam, it will appear in their Favorites list in game (chose Favorites page instead of Internet in server browser).

Thank you. It seems if I launch from the "Lobby" they can join.