Key Tactics in CSGO: Mastering Timings

In CS:GO, understanding time nodes is crucial for determining when to play aggressively and when to be cautious. Today, we will explore how to leverage these time nodes to enhance your game sense and tactical decisions, using two popular maps—Mirage and Inferno—as examples.

Why Are Time Nodes Important?

The time between rounds is not just a countdown; it helps you predict enemy movements and positions. By mastering key time nodes, you can better plan your actions and avoid unnecessary mistakes. We will focus on two critical time nodes: 1:40 and 1:30.

The 1:40 Default Time Node

At 1:40 on Mirage, you can generally expect the following:

• Underpass: Enemies are just reaching the starting point.
• A Apartments: Enemies might have reached the end.
• A Site: Enemies are likely waiting at the back.
• Mid: Enemies could be hiding behind sandbags.
• B Apartments: Enemies may have reached the kitchen.

At 1:40 on Inferno, you can generally expect:

• B Site: Enemies might have reached the planks.
• Mid: Enemies are likely at the corner of mid.
• Banana: Enemies are yet to reach the spiral staircase.

Tactical Approaches for the 1:40 Time Node

Knowing these patterns, you can employ the following tactics:

Mirage:

• Before 1:40, throw a smoke grenade at A Apartments to prevent enemy threats.
• If you prefer aggressive play, clear A Site before 1:40.
• After securing mid, throw a flashbang at underpass between 1:40 and 1:35.
• At 1:40, throw a grenade or molotov at the back of the kitchen.

Inferno:

• Before 1:40, throw a molotov at the planks to prevent a rush.
• Throw a grenade to hit enemies behind the planks.
• Before 1:40, throw a grenade at banana, giving you an advantage in gunfights.

The 1:30 Combat Time Node

At 1:30, the likelihood of engagements increases significantly, which is why I call it the “combat time node.”

On Mirage:

• Underpass: Enemies are likely under the VIP room.
• A Apartments: Enemies might appear at any moment.
• Mid: Enemies could be coming through the archway.
• A Site: Enemies might be ready to push.
• B Apartments: Enemies could be at the window or key spots.

On Inferno:

• B Site: Enemies might be pushing the planks or the bomb site.
• Banana: Enemies could be setting up on the second floor.
• Mid: Enemies are likely at the mid corner.

Tactical Approaches for the 1:30 Time Node

At this critical time node, stay alert and prepared for engagements:

Mirage:

• Avoid wandering with a knife or utility at this time.
• Be prepared to counter enemy pushes or CT retakes.

Inferno:

• Ensure you are in a favorable position, ready to counter enemy aggression.

Conclusion

Mastering timings is essential for improving your tactical play in CS:GO. By understanding the 1:40 and 1:30 time nodes, you can better plan your actions, reduce mistakes, and increase your win rate. While tactics can be flexible, knowing these time nodes allows you to develop more strategies and minimize unnecessary losses. Mastering timings will ultimately lead to smarter plays and more consistent victories.