Optimal Pistol Round Execution

Pistol round execution determines economy trajectory. Winning pistol round provides $2400 + bomb plant bonus, enabling full buy round 2. Losing forces anti-eco recovery. Most teams prioritize pistol round execution through practiced set-plays.

T-side pistol: typical play involves light armor on all players, SMG on one player, utility on supports. Main strategy: take early map control, force CTs into bad positions, trade kills efficiently. T-side pistol often involves aggressive early positioning.

CT-side pistol: buy armor on all, pistols (USP-S default). Positioning focuses on site defense, controlling common attacker entry points. CTs play retake-focused pistol rounds, preparing rotations if Ts assault sites.

Pistol anti-eco: if losing pistol round, team buys minimal (armor + pistol) next round. Play for picks without committing to site takes. Win pistol anti-ecos occasionally, setting up rapid economic recovery.