I think you'll find that most of your questions can be answered by this site (selecting the general area on the left and only then more specific detail on the right):
http://www.gamebanshee.com/neverwint...dknockdown.php
In this case what you are missing is a base attack bonus of +7. (so as a pure fighter you should probably see it next time you can select a feat.)
edit: Hmm, if your level 8 then I believe that you should have a base attack of +7 (because a pure fighter at level 7 has a base attack of +7).. don't know what the deal is then? Is your character something other than a pure fighter?
[ 05-21-2004, 06:43 PM: Message edited by: ScottG ]