Introduction

As essential as it is to kill the counter-terrorists, you have to make it to the bomb site and plant the bomb to make the job even harder for the CTs. You run onto the bomb site, plant and now you have become sitting ducks for about thirty-five to forty seconds. The only option here, since you want to win the round, is to defend the bomb site and it can become particularly hard when people are doing something that could potentially get you spotted and killed. Especially in a completely random lobby it can be very hectic and unorganized (to hold a bomb site), but even if you are the only one who tries to play smart, it can have a major benefit for the hold.

I will only cover different scenarios on Dust 2's bomb site A due to the sheer amount of maps and bombsites combined. Everything here can be applicable one way or another on each and every map and bombsite.





Bomb placement



A major factor to take into account when entering the bomb site is to:

A. Check all the corners for potential hiding CTs/Ninja defusers. Also keep in mind if there is a random smoke on the bomb site it never hurts to spray into it, just incase.

B. Once you are sure that there aren't any hiding players in the close proximity of the bomb site you (obviously) must protect the bomb planter. (Taking into account that there are two or more players alive on your team.) Don't run off hunting for the players nor look at a tiny angle, make sure you that when the player is planting cover his most open side. Since when he is planting (or she) he is vulnerable to any attack.



Assuming you have now secured the bomb site you must choose a good planting spot. Remember a general thumb rule to take into account is: The more exposed you are during your plant the more exposed the opponent is when he tries to defuse. Sometimes you just have to risk it to get such a plant which will make it easier to defend.

Also keep in mind when planting the bomb:

A. The weapons your teammates have (Ranged, close range [pistols/shotguns]..etc)

B. Situational assessment, sometimes when rushing you have no choice, but to plant as fast as possible or you are surpressed by the CTs from one side which leaves you to only one spot to plant. Do remember though that the riskier the bomb plant the easier it is to hold.



For example:

You push out through long onto bomb site A on De_Dust 2. Your team loose two players in exchange for two CTs, 3v3. You have two AK-47's and an AWP. In this case it is the wisest to plant for pit, so your awp can sit in pit and aim at the bomb. There is no cover for the CTs to try and defuse the bomb so the only two legitimate alternatives will be using a smoke grenade as cover which is very risky or to kill the awp. Both very hard alternatives. Whilst either one teammate covers long box or even both. (although generally one stays either in CT spawn or on site). This is generally a very effective way of holding bomb plant A on De_dust 2.







The Hold

You have anaylised the situation and placed the bomb down according. The general rule to holding is to see as much area as possible and not having two players watch the same point of entry. If your teammates, for which ever reason, do not listen to you when you ask them to watch CT spawn or long don't get aggressive and yell at them, but rather be the intellectual one and go watch long or CT spawn yourself. (Don't become the negative guy in your team).



Scenario 1:



5 players enter through long, upon getting to the bombsite two CTs are eliminated leaving the T team in a 5v3 situation. Generally in this situation the biggest mistake you can make is be over confident. A 5v3 can easily turn into a 3v3 or even 2v3. Just relax and cover as much visual area. One watching short, one CT spawn, one long box and the two remaining people can stay on long and bombsite as backup.



Scenario 2:



Your team exchanges 2-2 upon entry onto the bombsite. Remember you have to risk it to get the biscuit meaning: plant in an open area incase the 3v3 turns into a 2v3 or 1v3, this leaves you a chance to win the round nevertheless. Planting for pit is always a viable option.

Scenario 3:

One way or another, you and your teammate get onto bombsite A in a 2v5 situation. You should plant the bomb in a secure position. Short is practically out of question since you can be easily swarmed. Long is a viable option if you know that the CTs do not have an awp or an aug AND you know that you can out-shoot them (accuracy wise). It leaves you with only one option and that is becoming sitting ducks on the plant.

Versus an awp you should by all means hide behind the boxes and not challenge him. One of you should watch long/CT and the other short (assuming there is no awper). Your only hope is to out manouver and out-smart the CTs. Being unpredictable is the key. With a bit of luck and correct movement you can win the round.

Scenario 4:

1v1's are all mind games after the bomb has been set down. Playing time is always a key factor. Do not overpeak nor be overconfident. Try to keep your position hidden until you have a clear shot, alternatively, if for instance the CT is coming from short suppress him and do not let him get out of short.





Conclusion



No matter what situations you face, remember:

1. Evaluate your situation and based on that plant the bomb in an according location.

2. Play time in tough situations, if you stall the CT just enough even if he gets you he may fail to defuse the bomb in time.

3. Position yourselves in the most efficient manner (covering as much visual area as possible).

4. Most importantly being unpredictable is the biggest advantage you can have. Coming from a surprising angle will always give you the upper hand in any situation, you can apply this in any circumstance in CS:GO!