Pistol round in CS2: what to buy and how to play
How to win the pistol round in CS2: an $800 buy, T and CT tactics, and what to do in the second round after a win or loss.
The pistol round is the first round of each half. It sets the economy for several rounds, so it matters a lot.
💰 What to buy with $800
Kevlar (no helmet) — the most common choice.
P250 + a grenade — good against unarmored enemies.
Utility (flash + smoke) — for a team execute.
As CT you can keep the USP-S and buy a defuse kit and a flash.
🔧 T-side tactics
Play together: five players on one site almost always beat spread-out CTs.
Use flashes before entering.
A fast plant gives you a chance to win even a lost fight afterwards.
🛡️ CT-side tactics
Stack a site or play crossfires — do not stand alone.
Fall back and wait for teammates instead of holding alone against five.
🎯 Second round
Won the pistol round: buy SMGs or armor to punish the enemy's economy (anti-eco).
Lost it: usually eco, sometimes a force if the enemy bought weakly.
⚠️ Tip
Tap the head. With pistols, spraying almost always loses to precise taps.