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Jordan Gilbert

Are you a regular CS:GO player but aren’t sure what you can do to reach a higher level of play? Are you curious about how CS:GO pros think when they play and practice? If so, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive - Play Like a Pro is your opportunity to learn skills and strategies from a seasoned professional, gain a deeper understanding of fundamental game concepts, and become a more well-rounded competitor.

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Are you a regular CS:GO player but aren’t sure what you can do to reach a higher level of play? Are you curious about how CS:GO pros think when they play and practice? If so, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive - Play Like a Pro is your opportunity to learn skills and strategies from a seasoned professional, gain a deeper understanding of fundamental game concepts, and become a more well-rounded competitor.

My name is Jordan “n0thing” Gilbert and I’ve been playing Counter-Strike for 18 years, with the last decade of my career playing competitively with top-level teams such as Evil Geniuses in CS 1.6 and Cloud9 for the majority of CS:GO. During my time as a pro I spent at least a few days a week coaching individuals playing CS:GO at various levels. After multiple years of individual coaching, I found that teaching the community as a whole via my Twitch streams and YouTube videos was more effective in reaching many more people. I’ve wanted to create a course like this for awhile and have a collection of tips and tricks learned over my decade of competitive experience to share with aspiring CS:GO players. My goal is to help shape how you view and play the game, and in the end create more well rounded players out of everyone who takes this course.

This course is built for players familiar with CS:GO who aspire to play at a higher level. I will help you master various skills by providing lectures, in-game examples, and practical tips that apply to each topic. Specifically, this course will cover:

*Intro sections include background on myself and my journey to pro, before jumping into the following*

  • Setting up CS:GO and finding the configuration that works for you

  • Mastering game mechanics, including:

    • Aiming

    • Crosshair placement

    • Recoil control

    • Grenade usage

    • Angles & positioning

    • Movement

  • Communicating effectively and efficiently during the three round phases, Solo Q and team play

  • Strategizing for early, mid, and late round play on both the CT and T side

  • Developing a process-oriented attitude to continually practice, improve your game, and avoid “ladder anxiety” as well as getting down on yourself

  • Utilizing offline servers to help practice outside “the game”

  • Utilizing community servers (DM, Retake, Surf/KZ)

  • Finding mentors and playing with/against better players

  • Approaching individual practice for maximum improvement

You’ll also get your hands dirty in-game by completing the activities and drills provided in each section. While the lectures will cover my best practices and key concepts for playing CS:GO, the activities will be your chance to apply what you’ve learned and find what works best for you.

I know that this course will help you not only fine-tune your skills in-game, but also to develop the professional attitude and practice-focused mindset that got me to where I am today. By the end of this course, you will be prepared for competitive play no matter what level you started at. If you’re ready to start the journey to high-level CS:GO, enroll in this course today. Let’s have some fun.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Set up a configuration that works for you
  • Master the mechanics of movement and gun control
  • Identify the best communication styles for effective team play
  • Excel at early round planning for both ct/t side
  • Master rotations and mid-round play
  • Master late game and clutching concepts
  • Explore ways to create your own game strategies
  • Reflect on your own play in order to practice and develop your skills
  • Cultivate a process-oriented attitude to foster consistent improvement
  • Take responsibility for your own success in-game!

Syllabus

Welcome To The Course!
Who I Am
Welcome To The Course
What You'll Do
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Understand Jordan's path to professional CS:GO so as to help you create realistic goals and objectives as a hobby or future career.
Intro
Starting Out & Building Reputation
Going Pro
Progressing in the Scene Today
Explore in-game settings, desktop settings, and ways to create consistency with your physical setup.

Review launch options, briefly explain DPI/windows sensitivity/mouse software, look at nVidia 3D settings/color settings, and resolution/scaling options.



I'm going to have you turn off unnecessary settings, maximize the effect of commands for information like radar and net_graph, help you understand the benefit of binds, talk a bit more about sensitivity, and explain the differences of resolutions.

We're going to explore ways to make your setup more consistent by looking for patterns in the way you align your keyboard, monitor, mousepad, desk, and chair. I will also recommend some ergonomic positions for better overall posture. 

Gear Choices
Activity: Set Your Settings!
The objective of this section is to help students master the basics of aim, recoil, movement, and grenade usage to improve overall game knowledge!
Activity: Find Your Sensitivity
Aim & Crosshair Placement
Activity: Pre Aim Practice & "Duel" Review
Recoil Control
Activity: Recoil Control Drills
Grenade Usage
Angles & Positioning
Movement
Recap
Communication
Key Communication Concepts
Bad Habits of Communication
Early Round Comms
Mid Round Comms
Late Round Comms
Solo Q vs. Team Play Comms
Activity: Record Yourself & Take Note
Mastering the Three Phases of the Round
What Is A Meta?
Activity: Find a Meta!
Early Round & Protocols (CT)
Early Round Play (T)
Mid-Round & Rotations (CT)
Mid-Round & Map Control (T)
Activity: Plan Your Own Round!
Late Round & Retakes (CT)
Late Round & After Plants (T)
Practice & Development
Attitude
Activity: Utilizing Offline Servers
Activity: Community Servers (DM, Retake, Surf, & KZ)
Activity: Play & Reflect
Activity: Outside Help
Conclusion
What's Next?
Master a variety of topics in this FREE bonus section!
Mastering defensive positions (Inferno A Example)

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores core fundamentals that are core to the game, providing a strong foundation for learners
Teaches strategies, knowledge, and skills that are highly sought after by industry professionals
Provides opportunities for learners to practice and develop their skills in a hands-on way
Builds a strong foundation for advanced courses in advanced Counter-Strike Global: Offensive topics
Provides in-game examples that effectively illustrate concepts
Relies on instructing you to utilize third-party sites and servers to enhance learning.

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Reviews summary

Play like a pro in counter-strike

According to students, this course features engaging assignments that start with teaching matchmaking game mechanics and then build to advanced topics. Reviews largely praise the instructor, Jordan, for his 20 years of professional gaming experience and his ability to make complex concepts easy to understand.
The course starts with matchmaking game mechanics and then build to advanced topics.
"The course starts with showing you the mechanics in the game + Ways to drill them so you don't have to think about them while being in a matchmaking situation."
"After that he will go about advanced topics, wich I am looking forward to see."
The instructor, Jordan, is a highly experienced Counter-Strike player with 20 years of experience.
"With Jordans 20 years of experience, he clearly knows what he is talking about."
"Keep it up Jordan! You inspire me! :)"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive — Play Like a Pro with these activities:
Join a CS:GO Discord server and connect with other players
Expand your CS:GO network and learn from other players by joining a Discord server
Browse courses on Networking
Show steps
  • Search for CS:GO Discord servers online
  • Join a few servers that interest you
  • Introduce yourself and ask questions
  • Participate in discussions and events
Create a frag movie of your best CS:GO clips
Showcase your skills and creativity by creating a frag movie of your best CS:GO clips
Browse courses on Video Editing
Show steps
  • Gather your best CS:GO clips
  • Choose a video editing software
  • Edit your clips together
  • Add music and effects
  • Share your frag movie with friends and the community
Volunteer as a coach for a CS:GO team
Share your knowledge and help others improve by volunteering as a coach for a CS:GO team
Browse courses on Volunteering
Show steps
  • Find a CS:GO team that needs a coach
  • Offer your services as a volunteer coach
  • Develop a practice schedule and training plan
  • Coach the team in-game and provide feedback
  • Help the team improve their skills and win matches
One other activity
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all four activities
Contribute to the CS:GO community by creating a custom map or mod
Give back to the CS:GO community by creating a custom map or mod
Browse courses on Open Source Software
Show steps
  • Learn the basics of map making or modding
  • Choose a project to work on
  • Develop your map or mod
  • Upload your map or mod to the Steam Workshop
  • Promote your map or mod to the community

Career center

Learners who complete Counter-Strike: Global Offensive — Play Like a Pro will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Analyst
Analysts play a central role in developing and refining competitive play strategies in professional Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO). Data analysts use statistics and game logs to identify trends and analyze patterns in player performance, team dynamics, and map strategies. Results of these analyses help teams create and implement game plans that increase their chances of winning. Analysts typically work with coaches and managers to design strategies and collaborate with players to ensure that the team is executing the strategies effectively. This course can help you develop the analytical skills and strategic thinking necessary to succeed as an analyst in the esports industry.
Esports Team Manager
An esports team manager oversees the day-to-day operations of the team by organizing travel, coordinating practice schedules, and managing player contracts. They are responsible for ensuring that the team has the resources and support staff necessary to succeed in competition, such as analysts, coaches, and physiotherapists. This course can provide you with the knowledge to build competitive teams and manage their performance, which can be a valuable skill for a team manager in the esports industry.
Esports Coach
An esports coach is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to improve team performance, as well as providing guidance to players on individual gameplay and teamwork. They work with players to identify areas for improvement, provide feedback, and help them develop the skills and strategies necessary to compete at the highest level. This course can provide you with the knowledge and skills to help players improve their individual mechanical skills and team strategy, which can be a valuable asset for an esports coach.
Esports Content Creator
Esports content creators are responsible for creating entertaining and informative content related to competitive gaming. This can include creating videos, writing articles, or streaming live gameplay. They work with esports teams and organizations to promote their brand and connect with fans. This course can provide you with the skills to create engaging content that appeals to a wide audience, which can be a valuable asset for an esports content creator.
Esports Commentator
Esports commentators are responsible for providing commentary on live esports matches. They work with broadcasters and tournament organizers to provide insight into the gameplay and strategies of the teams involved. This course can provide you with the knowledge and skills to analyze gameplay and communicate effectively, which can be a valuable asset for an esports commentator.
Esports Journalist
Esports journalists are responsible for reporting on the latest news and developments in the esports industry. They write articles, conduct interviews, and cover tournaments to provide fans with the latest information. This course can provide you with the skills to write clearly and concisely, and to conduct research and interviews, which can be a valuable asset for an esports journalist.
Esports Event Organizer
Esports event organizers are responsible for planning and executing esports tournaments. They work with venues, sponsors, and teams to create a successful event for players and fans. This course can provide you with the knowledge and skills to manage large-scale events, which can be a valuable asset for an esports event organizer.
Esports Player Agent
Esports player agents are responsible for representing the interests of professional esports players. They negotiate contracts, manage finances, and provide guidance on career development. This course can provide you with the knowledge and skills to understand the legal and business aspects of the esports industry, which can be a valuable asset for an esports player agent.
Esports Marketing Manager
Esports marketing managers are responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns for esports teams, organizations, and events. They work with partners and sponsors to create and implement marketing strategies that reach target audiences. This course can provide you with the knowledge and skills to develop and manage marketing campaigns, which can be a valuable asset for an esports marketing manager.
Esports Tournament Administrator
Esports tournament administrators are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of esports tournaments. They work with organizers to ensure that the tournament runs smoothly, and they provide support to players and teams. This course can provide you with the knowledge and skills to manage tournaments, which can be a valuable asset for an esports tournament administrator.
Esports Venue Manager
Esports venue managers are responsible for managing esports venues. They work with organizers and teams to ensure that the venue is ready for tournaments and events. This course can provide you with the knowledge and skills to manage esports venues, which can be a valuable asset for an esports venue manager.
Game Designer
Game designers are responsible for designing and developing video games. They work with programmers, artists, and producers to create games that are fun and engaging for players. This course can provide you with the knowledge and skills to design and develop video games, which can be a valuable asset for a game designer.
Software Engineer
Software engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. They work with programmers and analysts to create software that meets the needs of users. This course can provide you with the knowledge and skills to design and develop software applications, which can be a valuable asset for a software engineer.
Programmer
Programmers are responsible for writing the code that makes software and video games work. They work with designers and analysts to implement the functionality of software applications. This course can provide you with the knowledge and skills to write code, which can be a valuable asset for a programmer.
Web Developer
Web developers are responsible for designing and developing websites. They work with designers and programmers to create websites that are user-friendly and visually appealing. This course can provide you with the knowledge and skills to design and develop websites, which can be a valuable asset for a web developer.

Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive — Play Like a Pro.
While The Art of War by the ancient Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu is not specific to CS:GO, it provides valuable insights into the psychology of conflict and the importance of strategy and tactics.
Written by retired Navy SEAL David Goggins shares his story of overcoming incredible adversity to achieve his goals.
Mindset by Stanford University psychology professor Carol Dweck introduces the concept of a growth mindset as opposed to a fixed mindset. can impact how you approach the challenges of learning CS:GO.
While On Killing by retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Dave Grossman focuses on the psychology of killing in combat, it also provides insights into the psychology of violence.
Examines the strategies and tactics used by powerful people throughout history.
This classic work of political philosophy explores the nature of power and how to acquire and maintain it.
By Kevin Mitnick, a former hacker, provides insights into the psychology of deception and how to protect yourself from being deceived.
While Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, the Player's Handbook provides useful information on character creation, combat, and other game mechanics that can be applied to CS:GO.

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