In CS:GO, there are many ways to play the defensive set-ups of the CT-Side, however, it is not too easy to fully grasp the possibilities they offer to you and when you should use which exact set-up. This is why, in this guide, I'll show you how you can optimally play defensive set-ups as well as how to fully realize their potential against what kind of offence. I'll tell you about the CT-side set-ups and explain them to you with images, too, so you can properly visualize how a good set-up looks like.

Sometimes, offence is the best defence

Let's get this out of the way first: In CS:GO, it is crucial to go aggressive in the right moments. Actually, most rounds do have some kind of CT-aggression in pro play and that's the most telling reason why you should be open to getting offensive on CT.

1. Gaining map control

Depending on how the enemy plays, you'll find that it can be hard to defend certain parts of the map without gaining some kind of buffer between your most crucial positions and the enemy aggressor. This is why it is sometimes necessary to counteract strong set-piece heavy teams with a bit of aggression to gain a bit more map control at the beginning of the round. You should go aggressive to gain map control when:

• They rely on set-ups in front of your bombsites
• They void you of all information until they explode
• They Keep running you over when you're playing defensively

Examples: Banana on Inferno, B-Apps on Mirage, B-Short on Overpass (which is crucial for most CT sides anyway).

2. Disrupting execute-heavy or rigid teams

When teams play to set every player up into a crucial position or they are in need of a calm before the storm to execute with great set-pieces, it's your time to disrupt them with a precise strike either during early rounds or when you suspect that they're setting up. Keep an eye out for these teams, are they are the ones most easily countered by early- and mid-round CT aggression. The disruptions in their plans caused by your early non-traded kill or a kill during a set-up phase will cause the enemy to lose focus and have to play on your instead of their terms, taking them out of their most comfortable zone into a hopefully more uncomfortable zone. You should go aggressive to disrupt the enemy when:

• They rely heavily on executes
• They bleed you dry of utility before the end of the round
• They try to use every player in every round

Examples: Apps peek with an AWP on Inferno, Flashing into Mid on Inferno during set-ups, taking back A-Long in front of Doubledoors late-round or flashing into Top-Banana.

3. When you're at a man disadvantage

To even the odds again after you've been caught by surprise, you'll need to get aggressive somewhere around the map. Of course, be sure to set up proper support methods to do so in your team via calling for flashes or otherwise a few tradefraggers to follow you. It is not uncommon to find pro teams get aggressive on the opposite side of the map when they lose a man untraded at the other side of the map in order to gain info and potentially a kill when done properly. To do so correctly, be sure to try and ensure you're always peeking with an advantage in your pocket. Examples: A flash from your teammates or going 2v1.

When to go defensive

You can play defensively whenever you feel like the enemies are forced to make a move and you won't gain much by keeping onto your offensive line of sights like an AWP aiming down Mid on Inferno. This is especially true towards the end of the round when you don't need any map control anymore and you have a man advantage. By playing defensive set-ups, you'll be able to play down the advantage with great confidence, always playing on your terms and not allowing yourself to be caught out in the wrong positions.

Different ways to play defensively

1. Crossfire
(2+ people shooting at enemies at the same time)

To set up a crossfire you'll need at least you and someone else to play in complementary positions that allow the Ts to only enter the line-of-sight of both of you at the same time, always making it a 2v1 whenever a T peeks. In the worst case, you'll have to trade your teammates, however, if you're able to kill the peeking T before he can kill one of yours, you'll now have a huge advantage.

Since the worst case is a 1v1 trade unless you guys whiff big time, these set-ups are essentially a round-win-guarantee if played properly in man-advantage situations. This is why you should stop any aggression once you're ahead and establish one of the defensive set-ups I'm currently showing you, as they'll greatly increase your chances of winning the round.

Since no crossfire is perfect, a great crossfire has at least three of the following five characteristics:

• You aren't both flashed off by a single flash
• You can hide shortly after taking the first fight
• You aren't easily flank-able
• You aren't easily mollied or smoked off
• You can hold an entire bombsite this way

2. Attention split
(2+ people jiggling/peeking to cause the enemies to split their attention)

Similarly to the crossfire, in an attention split, you'll need yourself and at least one teammate to play properly with you. However, instead of holding the line-of-sight together with your teammate, you're jiggling constantly at the edges of your cover with your teammate doing the same. Therefore, if an enemy spots you, he won't be likely to instantly headshot you, while your teammate has the chance to kill him by shooting him in the back, putting the other Ts that are with him in a really tough spot, as they'll now have to fight the both of you without anyone of you fully committing to a fight.

This is a good alternative to a crossfire when you won't be able to get into positions that allow you to hold the entire bombsite. On top of this, an attention split will allow you to buy time and give you a chance to survive multiple encounters, making it more difficult for the enemy to kill you since you're constantly moving. To top this off, it'll also be harder to flash both of you at the same time.

Again, no set-up is ever perfect, however, a great attention split has at least three of the following five characteristics:

• You both are able to jiggle from your position
• You both can hide for at least a second or two after being spotted without getting rushed instantly
• You both are in a position to buy a bit of time and hold onto a bit of map control until your teammates arrive
• You both aren't easily flashed off at the same time
• You aren't easily flank-able

One and done
(potentially followed by attention split; Good when you're in an advantageous position (5v4, 4v3))

This one isn't a proper set-up since it only requires a single player, however, it is crucial enough part of a few great on-the-fly defences that this one definitely deserves its spot in this article. One and done is a position that grants you a bit of wiggle room when to peek, allowing you to decide when the fight takes place, as well as being easily overlooked by enemies when they're entering a bombsite. However, as you're now stuck in a position that is easy to deal with once you know about it, you're most likely going to die and trade one for one.

As you can see in the image, positions such as Sandwich on Mirage or behind Halfwall on Inferno are great for such a playstyle late-round. This also offers up to hold complex places with relatively low numbers to its fullest, as you'll most likely be able to cut the Bombsite in half or not even grant the Ts entry into the site without passing you, alerting the other CTs of the position of the Ts while they can focus on other parts of the map, as is seen in the image above. After they know of your contact, people around you can now try to split the attention of the Ts by peeking as you fight the next T, giving you a huge advantage in the fight.

You can play a one and done only when you're at a man advantage since you'll most likely die. Don't take this lightly, either, since it really is difficult to get more than one enemy from such a position, especially when no one else is around.

Conclusion

Go aggressive when you're at a man disadvantage or when you need more map control than usual due to the playstyle of the enemy. Go defensive when the Ts are running out of options or you've successfully run down the clock. Set up crossfires to cripple the incoming bombsite take or play attention splits when you have to buy a bit of time and can't properly hold the entire bombsite. Never be predictable and be sure to throw one or two curveballs per half.

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