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A Guide to Betting on Counter Strike

What are Counter Strike tournaments?

Counter Strike, often called CS, is one of the most popular esports in the world. The game is played by millions of people globally and there have been international and national tournaments since the 2000s. One of the reasons why CS resonates with many fans is because it does not have a huge learning curve, such as in games like DOTA or League of Legends. The world of esports organises tournaments where the very best in the world compete for huge cash prizes, and the game is just as fun to watch as it is to play.

For those new to Counter Strike, the basis of each game is quite simple. There are two teams, the Terrorists and Counter Terrorists, both comprising 5 players. The Terrorists have to plant a bomb on the map, and Counter Terrorists have to try and stop them. Each game is played until one team wins 16 rounds, going up to 30 rounds not including overtime. Though the game seems like a straightforward shoot 'em, there are many complexities and strategies employed by the most skilled players to outwit their opponents.

After each round, both teams are awarded a certain amount of in-game money, based on whether they won or lost the previous round. The teams can use their money to buy gear that may help them in the upcoming round. When teams do not have enough money to buy the specific gear to fit their game strategies, they must use other tricks and different tactics to use what they can buy to try and win the next round. This makes gameplay extremely compelling to watch and can lead to some very competitive games.

Games are broadcast or streamed, making fans of the CS franchise able to access live coverage of the largest competitions. With professionally coverage including dynamic first person camera views and alternating player points of view, games are easy to watch and understand. Die-hard fans of CS will notice certain strategies, or may be able to fully appreciate the tricks and skill that the top players have, and possibly develop their own style whilst watching the top ranking players in CS.

How to Bet on Counter Strike

With the undeniable popularity of CS and CS tournaments, it was only a matter of time before online bookies started offering bets on CS. There are matches played virtually everywhere, meaning that competitions can be found daily. There are many different leagues in the CS world, including the ESL Pro League, ESL Challenger, ESEA: Advanced Division, and many more, as well as some national leagues.

Betting on CS is very similar to betting on conventional sports games or events. Sports bettors will be able to recognise a handful of the bets available.

Outrights

Outright bets can be placed on any team to win a large competition. These bets are incredibly difficult to predict, and that is represented by the long odds that can be found. These bets can be placed well ahead of time, and are usually the most profitable when placed before a competition starts.

Live Betting

Live betting in CS works the same way as it does for sports events. In CS, most of the bets available before the match are available as live bets during a game too. The odds will fluctuate, depending on how a team is performing, though this is nothing to worry about because games can last a long time and there are many twists and turns. To make the most of the live betting option, it is good to follow the game and try to find out the strategies each team employs.

With new players and teams always joining the biggest competition, it is far more difficult to do research on a team, when compared with sports betting. This is why live betting is highly recommended, and if a bettor has a strong knowledge of the game, they will not really need any background information on either team. The understanding of the game will allow them to place tactical bets and win big.

To win

The most standard bet is simply on which team will win the game. There will be odds offered for either side, and it is easy to determine which team is favoured, as they will have lower odds.

By Rounds

Games can last a long time and sometimes it is more exciting to place a bet on a certain round. This bet can be placed during a game (from the following round), which can be a highly exciting and potentially profitable bet. Bets on rounds can be easier to predict because bettors will know if a team has won the previous round, they will go into the next with more money and may be able to buy better gear or use better tricks.

By Map

Games can also be divided into maps, opening more betting options. One team may play stronger as the Terrorists, or one team may have a weakness when playing on the defence. This can work to the advantage of the punters.

Handicaps

Handicaps can be set by round or by map. This allows players to increase the betting odds or reduce the risk of placing money on the underdog.

Many more Bets

Bets can become very specific, allowing fans with expert knowledge the chance to try and win huge sums of money. These can include things such as pistol round winners, will there be an overtime on one of the maps, which team will have the most kills and many more. These bets are fun to place because they can bring the action to small details in each game.