We have all heard the term 'spray and pray' before. There is a reason for this; spraying (or the act of holding down the fire key in a continuous burst of bullets, without relent until the clip is empty, or more often the sprayer is dead) simply cannot go without praying.

Below are two accuracy demonstrations for the two most popular rifles, the M4A1 and the AK47 (respectively). The left frame is from firing while standing still, simply holding the trigger (entire thirty rounds), from the storage-room door to the wall at cs_office. The second slide is while strafing to the right, constantly firing (about 20 rounds). Note on the first slide how spread out the bullets are... it took thirty rounds to achieve that "accuracy." On the second window, you will notice not only the changing height of the bullet holes, but also the frequency of them - the distance between holes is inconsistent and unpredictable. The giant red dot is about where my crosshairs were. Remember, it is under calm conditions, up close, against a "target" that not only doesn't move, but is a wall.




Now, I have been playing a lot of Natural Selection lately, and I have learned to implement an incredibly useful tactic. I always knew it, but NS forced me to put it into use. And it most certainly applies to our world here, too. It is a multi-part strategy, so bear with me here.

Burst firing
Ever use the Clarion rifle, in burst mode? Notice how accurate it is? This method of firing is useful when you know you cannot pull off a one-shot kill, but two or three would do the job. Here's the basic run-down:

• Rate of Fire. This is an essential aspect to our burst-fire technique. Basically, what you do is press the attack button a restrained number of times to maintain a high accuracy, yet get off several rounds before that precision fails to the necessity of praying. The ideal rate is a double-tap, which is where you pull your trigger two times in rapid succession, but no more. If you fire beyond a controlled rate and amount, your accuracy will fumble and your shots will be off. So do not go beyond this. A good rule of thumb is when your crosshairs begin to widen excessively, you know you have gone too far.
  
• Physical Movement. Unfortunately, your accuracy plummets when you fire while in movement. To attain your peak skill, you must be perfectly still while executing your burst-fire attack. But remember, you only need to remain still during the firing. Feel free to move all about after you shoot! (But no bunny-on-crack hoppin').
  
• Burst Delay. This is rather important if you do not yet have the ability to kill a member of the opposing force with one burst, or you are facing a larger group of enemies. After your burst, wait for your crosshairs to settle to their normal size while at rest before firing again. If you fire burst after burst after burst, you sabotage the entire method. You must be controlled, and patient. If you use this technique, you will usually be able to outdo your opponent simply because of it.
  
• Strafe Aiming. This skill will do wonders for you. For the sake of simplifying explanation, I will make a few quick drawings to demonstrate. I will explain them, as well.
  
  First off, your movement will be side-to-side only. You will not be aiming at their head, but at their head level. When you feel you are at the correct height, strafe sideways to the position that will place your crosshairs on their face.
  
  Then execute your newly acquired burst-fire skill! (in this example, we are aiming for "Bob").

Now you know the basic steps to eliminating a dangerous foe! But as with all such things, it is practice and experience that shall improve your ability. So keep at it!


Do you see the different between spraying and a controlled rate of fire now? The improvements? Ask any skilled CS:S player, and they will tell you that spraying is an ineffective method. Ask any PCS player, and they will tell you that it is also quite untactical, and a waste of ammo.


The Glossary, in case you didn't keep up.
Spray and pray - firing constantly with the only control being a general target. Often combined with indirect movements, jumping, and wildness.
Sprayer - A person who uses the fault of spray and pray.
Rate of Fire - The length of time between bullets being fired. Call it the "rof"
Physical Movement - Something you don't seem to be getting enough of!
Burst Delay - Delay between burst fires. Or maybe it's the delay between impulses sent throughout your brain... keep up!
Strafe Aiming - You just read this part! Aiming while strafing, silly!
Head level - A horizontal line from someone's head. Allows the manuever known as a "head shot"
Poe - Your heretofore and future mentor. Might as well call him "Master" or "Savior".
Root - The part of a plant that anchors it into the ground. It plays a major part in gathering resources and keeping the plant alive and healthy. One of its widely known enemies is a natural disaster called a "hurricane".