The maps of Counter-Strike fall into three strategic categories: assassination/escort, hostage rescue, and bombing/defusing. Each class of map has specific needs that must be met to win as both counter-terrorists and terrorists. Lets go over the basic strategies that should be applied to all three map classes, beginning with assassination maps.
All assassination maps are a daunting challenge for counter-terrorist players due to the inherent vulnerability of the VIP. To win on these maps counter-terrorists must work as a team and focus their fire on singular targets as they present themselves. Time works against the counter-terrorists on these maps, since the game is over if the VIP doesn't reach the extraction point safely within the given time limit. For terrorists, nothing is more satisfying than the proverbial "release the hounds" plan of attack, which is effectively what all assassination maps offer. There are no hostages to babysit and no bomb to worry about planting. Your job is to kill your enemy, plain and simple.
 | 
The VIP must stay alive at all costs. |
All assassination maps offer four or five primary ways to extract the VIP from the counter-terrorist spawn point to a singular rescue spot. And while the map layouts differ, the general strategies to succeed on them are virtually identical from map to map.
To win on assassination maps, counter-terrorists must follow three major guidelines.
1. Stay with the VIP.
In the movie Top Gun, the experienced Viper told the rebellious Maverick that he should never leave his wingman during the action. If there's ever a scenario in a PC game where Viper's words ring true, it's Counter-Strike. Stay with the VIP at all times. Two or three counter-terrorists should lead the VIP, and two or three should guard his flank.
2. Overwhelm one area with intense firepower.
Since you're staying with the VIP (you are staying with him aren't you?), you might as well use your group's massive amount of weaponry and lead-throwing ability to its full potential. Pick one of the four escape routes (let the VIP decide at the beginning), and rush to it as quickly as possible as a group, picking off any foolish terrorists that have decided to be heroes and come in as loners looking for kills.
3. Use flashbang grenades to break out.
Once you're at the final leg of the particular escape route you've chosen, it's time to actually make the run to the extraction point and expose yourself and the VIP to terrorist fire. High-explosive grenades offer intense firepower, but have a relatively small blast radius. Plus, with their loud noise and tall explosion, they immediately broadcast to every terrorist within earshot that the counter-terrorists are coming from a certain hole, window, roof, or doorway. Instead, use one or two flashbang grenades to force any nearby camping terrorists to move away from the vulnerable spot where you exit from your counter-terrorist haven. Be careful not to flash your own teammates - communication is key. And once you break loose in the open, make a beeline to the extraction point, but make sure to maintain formation. If possible, remember to keep the VIP between a group of leading and a group of trailing counter-terrorists.
4. Do your part.
If you end up playing as the VIP, use your pistol. While you shouldn't leave your counter-terrorist escort to engage any hostiles, it's still a good idea to provide cover fire while running in formation.
Many Counter-Strike players will only play assassination maps as a member of the terrorist team - and with good reason. But even though terrorists start out with a slight advantage, poor team strategy will still let the counter-terrorists accomplish their rescue mission repeatedly.
Here's the way terrorists should hunt their prey down and execute him efficiently.
1. Monitor all the exit spots simultaneously.
At the beginning of the round, assign two terrorist team members to each possible exit point. If you haven't got enough people in the game, then lower that number to a single guard per area. Move your crosshairs on each teammate and try to place his name in the area he's guarding. That way, if a teammate gets killed, you'll instantly know where the action came from and, probably, where the counter-terrorists are attempting to break out.
2. The clock is your friend. Use it.
The mentality for terrorists when each round begins on an assassination map tends to be a shark-like feeding frenzy. This leads to rogue team members running off into the building and attempting to kill the VIP themselves, Rambo-style. It's better to relax at the beginning, corral your teammates, and get them each to monitor a break-out exit point. Since the onus is on the counter-terrorists to complete the mission, if they camp inside the building and refuse to come out, they'll lose when the timer expires.
