Different Economy Round Types and Terminology
Eco (economy) rounds: teams save money by buying minimal weapons/utility. Forces teams to win through positioning and utility (nades instead of rifles). Eco rounds are intentional losses to set up full buys next round. Win rates on eco rounds are low (20-30%) but acceptable if full buy follows.
Half-buy (semi-buy): moderately-priced weapons (SMGs, pistols) with light armor. Costs $3000-4000 per player. Half-buys maintain some competitiveness without risking full economy. Rarely used in pro play—teams prefer full save or full buy.
Full buy: rifles, armor, utility. Maximum investment per round. Full buys determine series outcomes. Winning full buy rounds extends leads; losing full buy rounds loses multiple rounds' worth of economy. Full buy success is the primary win condition.
Broken buy (or anti-buy): unusual buys addressing specific situations. Example: after eco loss against expected eco, team buys light utility and pistols to minimize loss while maintaining competitive chance.
Key Points
- Eco: save for next round
- Half-buy: moderate investment
- Full buy: maximum investment
- Broken buy: situational
- Timing affects multi-round strategy
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Wrong timing on saves
- Inconsistent buy communication
- Wasting eco rounds