Types Of Counter-Strike Tactics Explained

A fast and aggressive tactic where Terrorists quickly surge towards a bombsite to overwhelm Counter-Terrorists (CTs) who are typically stationed defensively. This tactic is effective in catching CTs off guard, but requires precise timing and coordination to pull off successfully. Typically, a Rush is called during the very first round of the half or on an eco round, where only pistols or submachine guns are being used as weapons. Rushes are a high risk strategy that can easily backfire, but result in the complete control of any given area should they prove to be successful.

Advantages: Can catch the enemy off guard, quick to execute.

Disadvantages: If the defenders are prepared or expecting the rush, the attackers can be easily mowed down.

A Split is a strategy used to push a bomb site from two different entry points, rather than staying grouped up in one area. Due to the limited number of defenders on each site, usually two or three, calling for a Split push will make retaining control of the site more challenging due to the number of areas having to be covered. Samples of a Split are a T group on Dust 2 pushing up both A Long and A Short at the same time, leaving CTs to reposition their aim at pretty much a 90 degree angle every time.

Advantages: Splitting forces the defenders to spread out, making it harder for them to cover all angles.

Disadvantages: Requires precise timing and coordination; if not executed properly, the groups can be isolated and picked off.

Fakes are an effective way to determine or manipulate the number of defenders on a single site. A common fake strategy is sending one player to a certain area while the four other members of the team stay behind or simply push up the opposite end of the map. Leaving the player to create noise and act as a decoy can pull rotations over to that one player and create a numbers advantage for the rest of his team on the other side of the map.

Advantages: Can mislead the defenders, causing them to rotate to the wrong site and leave the actual target less defended.

Disadvantages: If the defenders do not fall for the fake, it can leave the attackers with reduced time to execute their real plan.

Slow pushes are typically what you might see while watching a professional match, since with those caliber of players strategy and shotcalling are pretty much everything. Slow pushes typically revolve around running the clock down or playing to predictions – whether or not the opposing side have already moved out of their positions on the bomb site or not. While slow pushes are a good way for the attacking side to stay methodical, the same can be said for the CT side who may also benefit by establishing a superior holding position on the site.

Advantages: Can mislead the defenders, causing them to rotate to the wrong site and leave the actual target less defended.

Disadvantages: If the defenders do not fall for the fake, it can leave the attackers with reduced time to execute their real plan.

Similar to the Slow Push strategy but slightly more aggressive and forward-moving, playing off contact allows for situational play calling to happen. By getting a kill or even a tag on an enemy player in a certain area, it gives the rest of the team the chance to respond however they deem fit. Overwhelming the site where contact was first made, rotating the complete opposite way, or even executing a fake are just some possibilities of what can come out of contact play.

Advantages: Maintains the element of surprise and avoids giving away positions.

Disadvantages: Can be risky if the enemy is also playing quietly or has good positioning.

A common CT strategy especially when outnumbered, giving up the bomb site is not an uncommon occurrence as it allows for better setup and execution with the rest of the group. It is disadvantageous to try and fight a 2vs5 or 3vs5, so simply falling back and waiting for backup to turn the situation in to a 4vs5 or 5vs5 retake will give much better odds than trying to outgun the rushing Ts while outnumbered.

Advantages: Allows defenders to use teamwork and utility to clear out attackers from the site.

Disadvantages: Requires good coordination and timing, as the bomb timer is ticking down.

Stack

Stacking is another defensive tactic that, as the name suggests, puts all CT side players into one area or one site, leaving everywhere else uncontested. This is an extremely high risk strategy that, when pulled off successfully, almost always results in a round win. Otherwise, it becomes an easy plant for the T side and results in a 5vs5 retake.

Advantages: Can overwhelm attackers with superior numbers if they choose the stacked site.

Disadvantages: Leaves the other bomb site completely undefended, making it a high risk, high reward tactic.

An execute involves a lot of planning and pre-round strategizing within the team. Executes usually come in the form of heavy utility usage thrown towards a bomb site or area of the map in order to gain uncontested control. Timed flashes, smoke grenades, and molotovs are all part of a successful execute in which the main goal is to drive away defenders and get an open site to plant the bomb as easily as possible, leaving the CTs in a retake scenario.

Advantages: Provides a structured and methodical approach to taking a bomb site, minimizing exposure to defenders.

Disadvantages: Requires precise timing and practice, can be disrupted by well-placed defensive utility.

Each tactic requires everyone to understand their roles within the team. Roles within a team are typically informal but often include:

Entry Fragger: The first player to enter a bomb site, aiming to get the initial kill. Their primary job is to create space and usually those with the best aim on the team are designated as the Entry Fragger.

Support: Assists the team by using utility (flashbangs, smokes) to create opportunities. They have the most utility-based role and are generally the ones doing the dirty work.

AWPer: The player specializing in using the AWP to hold long angles. While many modern AWPers tend to stay back and play passive while utilizing certain angles, there are some that excel in the “battle AWPer” role such as Kenny “kennyS” Schrub who is usually the first one inside an area despite wielding the AWP.

Lurker: Plays towards the opposite side of the map from where their team is. Their job is to catch opponents off guard and get a pick to force rotations, or simply wrap behind the enemy squad while their four other teammates group together in one bomb site.

In-Game Leader (IGL): Makes strategic decisions and calls plays for the team.

It’s worth noting that simply playing online matchmaking will not guarantee these rolls will be filled by your five-stack, however when practicing with a group it’s best to try and have one player in for each role.

Practice Regularly: Consistent practice improves aim, reflexes, and game sense. Use Deathmatch and Aim Maps to hone your shooting skills.

Learn Recoil Patterns: Each weapon has a unique recoil pattern. Learning these patterns allows you to control spray and improve accuracy.

Watch Pro Matches: Observing professional players can teach advanced strategies, positioning, and utility usage.

Play with Friends: Playing with a coordinated team improves communication and overall enjoyment of the game.

Use Headphones: Good audio can help you detect enemy movements and actions, giving you a significant advantage.

Stay Calm and Have Fun: At the end of the day, it’s just a game.

Overextending: Pushing too far without support can lead to easy kills for the enemy.

Poor Economy Management: Mismanaging money can cripple your team’s ability to buy weapons and utility in crucial rounds.

Ignoring Team Communication: Not communicating or listening to your team can result in missed opportunities and poor coordination.

Predictable Play: Repeating the same strategy or positioning makes it easier for opponents to counter you.

Neglecting Utility: Underestimating the importance of grenades can hinder your team’s ability to execute strategies or defend bomb sites.