SpawnPoint

As any dedicated reader of Dwinx's blog knows, I am still very new to any sort of competitive gaming. I have played Counter Strike off and on since 2000 but always in pubs, trying to get my kdr above that magic 1.0 barrier. 1.0 is not longer an issue and I can comfortably keep north of that, even while admining. 

The competitive thing is a whole new can of worms. Even the folks we play in CAL-O seem to be as good as the best player on a given pub server. I generally only get one shot and it better kill the opponent or I am in trouble. Another major difference is that AWPs rule everything, and no one whines about them because you pretty much cannot win without them. I have been trying to model my pub game around things I experience in matches. I am trying to get better at winning one on one matches with headshots instead of just trying to catch people off guard. In matches, I always want to rush everywhere, and oftentimes the best strategy is to play it slow.

I have really enjoyed scrimming with PHXX the past few months instead of constant pubbing. It really forces you to pick up your game. We did the first internal 5 v 5 that I have been a part of and we had a lot of fun. The Vets tore us new guys a new one, but it was a much more enjoyable match than many of the srims we seem to find.

The CAL season is over now, but there are many other opportunities and if one presents itself to you, I highly suggest you explore it.

Raven @ 2007-11-16 10:25:48
The thing I find really funny in clan matches is there can be a number of rounds go by where you don't even see an oponent.

If you're on CT and are sent to guard "long A" and the T's go another way the round can be over before you fire a shot.

Also, you pretty soon get uses to stacked odds as, in the above example you can find yourself 4 v 1 if the T's decide to rush the way you're guarding :D

I also find that your "personal" score doesn't really matter in clan matches it's the overall win v losses that counts.

As you say AWP is a big and integral part of clan matches and you find, through playing, that you naturally get better with the awp.

It's been a while since i've been in a really "active" match playing clan and really miss it.

I'm glad you're having fun Dwinx as it adds a new experience to CSS.

Mr-Me-II @ 2007-11-16 11:15:21
Organization, discipline, and communication are all just as important as skill in compeditive gaming. From my experience, PHXX is among the most well-organized teams around. I learned a lot while I was there.
Always listen to feedback from the team, never try to be the hero. If you are told not to peek, don't!
Patience for the win :)

teh-pwnzer @ 2007-11-16 21:10:57
I am learning sooooo much just by attending practices and scrimming with a clan. I'm learning the maps, the calls and more importantly I get constructive criticism.

I can play reg. css all I want, but if no one is going to tell me what I'm doing wrong or what I should do differently, I'll never learn. I will eventually learn through trial and error but it'll take a VERY long time!