Reddit has been ablaze for the past week or so with debate over which is the superior game, 1.6 or CS:GO. While I do think that there are definitely valid reasons that 1.6 is superior, like jumping accuracy, some of the RNG, and most cases of running accuracy. However, I think that the way CS:GO handles pistols is healthy for the game, and I think it adds tactical depth and more excitement for the spectators.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. Pistols shouldn’t be able to beat rifles in a fair fight, especially not with equally matched opponents. And I agree. But if every time a team was on a save they lost, the game would get boring fast. If rifle players play dumb, and hold bad angles, and don’t clear their corners, they deserve to lose. One of the reasons SK is (arguably) the best time in the world, is that they never lose anti-ecos. Playing anti-ecos smart is a skill, and it’s something that separates good teams from bad. And if pistols get neutered, this aspect of play will go away. The best thing stronger pistols do is punish laziness. It makes it so that teams can’t sleep through their anti-ecos, and if they aren’t playing right, they get punished. Risk creates excitement, as do underdog victories, which obviously makes competition better.

Clearing your corners, moving into the site patiently, using molotovs and smokes are all ways to counter saves on the T side. Holding long angles, and using your utility correctly, and patiently, are ways to counter it on the CT side. Understanding how pistols work is important to beating them. Pistol players are going to look to catch lone players so they can mob them and take guns, and hide in cheeky angles to get backstabs, and stack sites to try and play the numbers games.

Now, pistols may still be slightly too powerful, which is something I personally can’t comment on too heavily as a non professional player. However, I do think that pistols need to have some power, and that upsets by eco-ing teams should be possible. A nerf is probably needed, but not a nerf so heavy that it makes anti-ecos child’s play.

While pistols are definitely stronger in this game, I don’t think that makes it worse than 1.6. Just different. A high win rate on anti-ecos is possible and its something that can make a champion. It’s just necessary to play anti-ecos differently and understand how pistol players need to play.

Fair warning, I have never played 1.6. All of this is conjecture from a theoretical and tactical standpoint. Please let me know if I get anything wrong. If you disagree with me, which I’m sure a lot of you do, let me know why. I’d love to hear your reasoning.