CS Knowledge Hub

# G2 Esports vs. North: Inferno A-Site Pit Execute (DreamHack Masters Malmö) ## Match Context * **Event:** DreamHack Masters Malmö (0:17) * **Teams:** North (CT-side) vs. G2 Esports (T-side) * **Map:** Inferno. The strategy targets the A-site, focusing on Short Mid ("petit mid"), Apartments ("appartements"), Pit ("bac à sable"), and Long ("longue"). * **Round Phase:** Round 4 of the first half (0:50). The execute initiates with 1:08 remaining on the clock. * **Score State:** North 0 - 3 G2 Esports (0:50). * **Economy & Stakes:** Both teams are on a Full Buy (0:50) in the first gun round of the half. G2 has full armor, rifles/SMG, and utility with a ~$3,000 average bank remaining. North is equipped with M4A4s, full armor, and utility. G2 aims to utilize their economic momentum to extend their early lead via a highly coordinated, utility-heavy set piece. ## Players & Roles * **apEX** * **Role:** Entry Fragger ("ouvreur"). * **Activity:** Leads the initial charge down Mid to take space in the Pit area (0:52). * **Equipment/Visuals:** Wields a **MAC-10** (0:50) for high mobility. Throws the rightmost A-site **Smoke** (4:59) and an anti-push **Molotov** (3:22). * **bodyy** * **Role:** Rifler / Support. * **Activity:** Pushes directly behind apEX into the Pit as part of the core entry trio (0:58). * **Equipment/Visuals:** Equipped with an **AK-47 | Orbit Mk01** (1:04). Responsible for the leftmost A-site **Smoke** landing near Cemetery (3:54). * **kennyS** * **Role:** Rifler / Support (deviating from his primary AWPer role). * **Activity:** The third member clearing the Pit (0:58). Plays a vital utility role with high pop-flashes over the roofs to blind defenders. * **Equipment/Visuals:** Uses an **AK-47 | Vulcan** (1:10), **Specialist Gloves | Crimson Web**, and a default CT knife (2:14). Throws the Long **Smoke** (3:00) and high **Flashbangs** (5:54). * **NBK-** * **Role:** Lurker / Flank Control. * **Activity:** Splits from the main group to push "Long" (1:16), cutting off CT rotations and establishing a crossfire from Cemetery (2:20). * **Equipment/Visuals:** Wields an **AK-47 | Bloodsport** (1:17), **Specialist Gloves | Crimson Web**, and a **Karambit | Doppler (Phase 2)** (6:18). Throws the middle A-site **Smoke** (4:27). * **shox** * **Role:** Lurker / Support. * **Activity:** Holds Apartments (1:25) to prevent CT aggression and flush out defenders with utility. Shares responsibility for the Long **Smoke** (1:44). * **Equipment/Visuals:** Uses a standard **AK-47 with four "Doge" stickers** (1:25). Throws a critical **Molotov** from Apartments into Pit (1:26). ## Utility & Resources ### Grenade Sequence & Lineups * **0:43 - 0:48:** A synchronized 3-smoke wall is deployed from Mid to completely cut off long-range A-site sightlines. * *Left Smoke (Cemetery):* Thrown by `bodyy` via jump-throw from Mid river, aligning a gutter and roofline (3:54). * *Middle Smoke:* Thrown by `NBK-` from Mid river, aiming at a wooden beam under the roof (4:27). * *Right Smoke:* Thrown by `apEX` from the Mid bench, aligning between a roof tile and the second chimney (4:59). * **0:52:** Initial **Flashbangs** are thrown toward Short/Mid to blind aggressive CTs. * **1:26:** A **Molotov** is thrown by `shox` from inside Apartments down into Pit. * **1:44 (Lineup at 3:00):** A **Smoke Grenade** lands deep Long. `kennyS` aims from the Mid corner at protruding roof leaves. * **1:58 (Lineup at 5:54):** High pop **Flashbangs** thrown by `kennyS` from Mid, aimed high above the roofline to detonate in the sky above the site. * **3:22:** An anti-push **Molotov** (Long/Boiler) is demonstrated by `apEX`, bounced off the room wall near Mid door frame to spread in the hallway. ### Economy & Resource Impact G2 utilizes their strong economy to execute a resource-intensive strategy (3 smokes, multiple flashes, molotovs) that isolates half the bombsite. Rather than purchasing an AWP, `kennyS` opts for an AK-47 to prioritize scaling, rapid trading, and utility execution. `apEX` opts for a MAC-10, banking on the utility forcing extremely close-quarters engagements in the Pit where SMG mobility excels over rifle accuracy. ## Strategy & Tactics * **Pacing & Strategy:** The round transitions from a methodical 4-1 default gathering Middle control (0:00 - 0:40) into a sudden, explosive execution (0:43) focused entirely on isolating the "Pit" (bac à sable). * **Formations:** The team shifts from a 4-1 setup (four Mid/River, `shox` in Apartments) into a 3-1-1 execution split: three players hit Short/Pit directly (0:58), one pushes Long (1:16), and one holds the flank in Apartments (1:25). * **Sightline Denial:** The 3-smoke volley creates a continuous wall, completely nullifying defenders positioned at Arch, Library, or the back of the site. * **Crossfire Establishment:** `NBK-` lurking up Long creates a deadly pinch, trapping CTs between Long and the trio pushing Short, while `shox` safely flushes hiding spots from above. ## Decisions & Critical Moments * **The Execution Trigger (0:48 - 0:52):** The critical turning point is the simultaneous bloom of the smoke wall and detonation of entry flashes. G2's decision to shift tempo instantly denies the CTs any opportunity to adapt, forcing them into isolated engagements. * **The MAC-10 Entry (0:50):** Choosing an SMG for `apEX` on a full buy is a deliberate decision; it allows him to draw fire and close distance in Pit much faster than a rifle would permit. * **NBK- Splitting to Long (1:16):** A key tactical choice that prevents CT rotations. This pays off directly at 2:19 - 2:25, when `NBK-` secures the opening frag near Cemetery, breaking the CT defense and granting a man advantage. * **Mistakes & Vulnerabilities (6:20 - 6:30):** The heavy 4-man grouping in Mid temporarily concedes map extremities. Aggressive CT pushes down Banana or deep Apartments could secure a flank and dismantle the execute before it starts. * **Strategic Scarcity (6:46):** G2 deliberately uses this exact setup only 2-3 times per tournament. If overused, CTs will adapt by pushing through the smokes with pop-flashes or counter-stacking Pit. * **Alternative Fakes (7:16 - 7:40):** The heavy Mid utility presence allows G2 to fake an A-hit, drawing rotations before rapidly pivoting to hit the B-site. ## Practical Takeaways * **Lessons:** * *Isolate Bombsites:* Use synchronized utility walls to divide a bombsite, allowing you to overwhelm close defenders without worrying about long-range crossfires. * *Optimize Entry Weapons:* Match your weapon to your execution path; an SMG is highly viable on gun rounds if the strategy forces close-quarters entry. * *Clear Angles from Safety:* Flush deep corners using geometry (e.g., throwing a Molotov from inside Apartments into Pit) without exposing yourself to a direct duel. * **Anti-Patterns:** * *Overusing Set-Pieces:* Repeating heavy, static executes makes you predictable and easily countered. * *Ignoring the Flank:* Grouping too many players for utility throws without a dedicated anchor leaves the team vulnerable to aggressive early flanking. * **Improvement Areas:** * *Tempo Control:* Practice the immediate transition from slow, passive defaults into full-speed execution, and back to methodical clearing post-entry. * *High-Trajectory Flashes:* Learn to throw flashes over building geometry to blind enemies without blinding rushing teammates below. * **Drills:** * *The Wall Sync:* Practice the 3-smoke lineup on a private server with teammates, ensuring simultaneous detonation with zero visual gaps. * *Utility Fake & Pivot:* Throw the A-site smoke wall, then immediately rotate through Mid to execute onto B against shifting defenders. ## Conclusion This breakdown serves as a masterclass in spatial isolation and utility synchronization. It highlights the value of trading early map control for a devastating, localized execution, perfectly demonstrating how high-level Counter-Strike teams use specific utility lineups, pacing shifts, and tailored weapon choices to mathematically disadvantage defenders and force favorable close-quarters engagements.