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The Pros' Approach to Holding Mirage A
mahone
Overview
This video explains effective strategies for Counter-Terrorists (CTs) to defend the A site on a specific map, likely in a tactical shooter game. It covers early-round utility usage like Molotovs and flashes to slow down or deter rushes, and then details various defensive positions and angles on the A site itself. The guide emphasizes understanding enemy movement, using cover effectively, and employing utility to gain advantages in duels and control key areas like ramp, mid, and site.
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Chapters
- Throw a Molotov at ramp at the start of the round to prevent an immediate rush, ensuring it covers the ledge to limit enemy peeking opportunities.
- Use incendiaries with precise lineups for better coverage, as they are smaller than Molotovs.
- Throw a flash towards mid to support teammates and push back Terrorists (Ts) attempting to push A site, leveraging the unique CT angle to flash mid.
Effective early-round utility usage is crucial for setting a strong defensive foundation, preventing early site takes, and gaining initial map control.
Throwing a Molotov at ramp that spreads flames to the ledge to stop a rush.
- Playing under balcony is a strong defensive position that allows CTs to dictate engagements, as Ts are often exposed when pushing from ramp.
- Be mindful of footsteps; walk to avoid giving away your position if Ts don't challenge directly.
- A key spot is crouched next to the inside brick, allowing you to catch Ts jumping onto the Tetris box, as they won't see you until they jump.
- Understand how Molotovs affect this position: if it lands in the left corner, you are safe; if it lands in the right, you might be caught, influencing whether to stay or swing.
Understanding specific angles and how utility interacts with them allows defenders to hold strong positions and gain an advantage in duels.
Crouching next to the inside brick under balcony to surprise Ts jumping onto the Tetris box.
- To push ramp aggressively, have a teammate flash you in, ensuring the Ts cannot hear the grenade throw by being outside a specific audible range (marked by the flower pot ring).
- A deeper flash can clear the bottom of ramp, blinding passive Ts and allowing for full ramp control.
- When playing inside ramp, use ground shadows to spot Ts peeking from the far wall; if they avoid this wall due to awareness, you won't see their shadows.
- Use a smoke at the entrance to play passively and jiggle, dropping it when pressure is felt to make pushes difficult and gain early warning of executes.
Controlled aggression and coordinated utility can help CTs take map control and prevent Ts from establishing a strong presence on site.
A teammate throwing a flash for you to push ramp, with the teammate positioned outside the audible range of the grenade throw.
- When playing default, crouch on the right side of the brick for a better angle; standing exposes you to Ts crouching behind the brick.
- A smoke thrown to the left at default helps divide the fight, covering the 'sandwich' side and allowing focus on Ts from 'palace'.
- Use a smoke to block the choke point between Tetris and under balcony, forcing Ts to go over Tetris or guess your position if they push through.
Strategic positioning and utility placement in common defensive spots can create advantageous duels and control enemy pathways.
Using a smoke to block the choke point between Tetris and under balcony, forcing Ts to take a riskier approach.
- Tucking into a specific corner on balcony is effective because Ts often expect defenders on site, making them vulnerable when checking that corner.
- When using an M4A1-S, point your crosshair into the wall to avoid your gun sticking out, reducing visibility for Ts in palace and from Tetris.
- An off-angle next to the ladder in palace catches Ts off guard, as they typically expect defenders in the right corner.
- When pushing palace, anticipate Ts holding from the back left due to advantageous spawns.
- An off-angle along the wall can catch Ts crossing to Tetris just as they are looking for a CT under balcony.
Exploiting common enemy expectations and using unexpected angles can lead to easy picks and disrupt Terrorist site execution plans.
Holding an off-angle next to the ladder in palace to catch Ts who are expecting a defender in the right corner.
- The sandwich position can be overlooked and is safe from initial entry flashes, with the brick offering cover.
- From ticket, jump spotting towards the booth is safer than using the box, as it offers more cover and less damage taken per shot if hit.
- Be aware that constant jump spotting can be heard by Ts in palace, so alternate with holding palace to keep them guessing.
- Smoke palace by bouncing it off the wall above stairs to avoid exposing yourself.
- Use CT utility (like a smoke by Ts) to get cover behind triple when Ts take the site, hugging the left wall.
- Molotovs can be thrown off the wall near triple to force Ts to plant in the open if they are planting there.
- A spam lineup on the right side of ticket can quickly eliminate a T planting at default.
Versatile defensive setups and smart utility usage from various positions like ticket and sandwich can effectively delay or shut down site executes.
Jump spotting from ticket towards the booth for safer information gathering against Ts coming from ramp.
Key takeaways
- Effective A site defense relies on proactive utility usage to slow rushes and control space.
- Understanding common enemy positions and expectations allows for the exploitation of off-angles.
- Footsteps and sound cues are critical for both defenders and attackers; manage your own sound.
- Utility, especially smokes and Molotovs, can be used creatively to block sightlines, force enemy movement, and create advantageous duels.
- Defensive positioning should adapt to the enemy's likely approach and utility usage.
- Information gathering, such as jump spotting, is vital but must be balanced with not revealing your own position too predictably.
- Even seemingly small details, like crosshair placement against walls, can significantly impact visibility and survivability.
Key terms
MolotovIncendiaryFlashSmokeRampLedgeBalconyTetrisPalaceTicketDefaultSandwichOff-angleJump spottingUtility
Test your understanding
- How can a Molotov be used effectively at the start of a round to defend A site?
- What are the advantages of playing under balcony, and what specific spot is highlighted for its effectiveness?
- Why is it important to manage your footsteps when holding a defensive position?
- How can CTs use utility to gain control of ramp at the beginning of a round?
- Describe a strategy for holding the 'palace' area and why an off-angle might be successful there.