Advanced CS:GO Strategies and Principles

General Aggression and Positioning

• Aggression must be balanced by team dynamics.
• Gather information before deciding to reposition or re-engage.
• Mind games vs. playing default positions: strike a balance.
• Importance of staying active and not over-rotating.
• Adjust aggression level based on teammate activity and enemy behavior.

Specific Situational Plays

Playing as T (Terrorist Side)

• Problems with playing AWP on T-side: limits productivity and impact.
• Importance of making impactful plays rather than just holding angles.
• Emphasis on using rifles over AWP on T-side in casual play (like Faceit).
• Recommended T-side strategy: aim to control mid and rotate aggressively.
• Importance of default behaviors and rotations to increase success rate.

Playing as CT (Counter-Terrorist Side)

General Principles

• Importance of holding positions, not just aggressive peeking.
• Primacy of rotating based on actual map activity, rather than speculative repositioning.
• Always collect information before making a move—repick angles if safe.
• Useful CT strategies include jiggling for info, breaking smoke setups.

Window Play

• Starting in Window:
  • Common to be smoked out; learning to break smokes can give intel.
  • Rotate aggressively if confident, else hold position.
  • Utilize jiggle peeking for info instead of full peeks.
• Smokes analysis and breaking: know typical default spots.

Connector Play

• Starting at Connector:
  • Appropriate jumps to short, ladder, under to counter enemy plays.
  • Use teammates’ utility support (flashes) effectively.
  • Examples of utility: smokes, mollies for effective connector control.

Rotational AWPing

• Principles of rotating as an AWPer: only rotate on decisive intel.
• Holding default angles instead of continually moving keeps positions secure and predictable.
• Emphasize importance of rechecking angles and reacting to enemy signs.

Counter Strategies

Molotovs and Smokes

• Effective lineups for controlling key points (e.g., stairs, jungle, ramp).
• Use utility to provide cover and block off enemy approaches.
• Recommended utility throws and their use in mid/late rounds.

Flashbang Usage

• Flashing for self and team: use to force enemy reposition or enable teammate action.

Maps and Specific Tips

• Mirage specific strategies emphasized throughout.
• Importance of adapting based on in-game scenarios rather than fixed strategies.
• Recommendations for efficient transitions and entry points on common maps like Mirage, Vertigo, and Anubis.

Game Theory and Mindset

• Stress on learning and adapting beyond textbook strategies.
• Importance of situational awareness and practical decision-making over rigid rule-following.
• Practical tips for everyday gameplay improving reaction times and positional play.

Personal Performance Enhancement

• Avoid playing AWP on T-side for better map control and flexibility.
• If playing AWP, be creative and aggressive for maximum impact.
• Improve comms and team coordination to support smarter plays and better positioning.