How to control the Super Saiyan in you!

Anger is an emotion that will most commonly be expressed physically and verbally although there are many more ways to express it. This feeling surges when an action or thing has violated one's basic boundaries. For example, in Counter Strike's case: the "noobiness" or ignorance of a player, his unwillingness to play as a team and many more aspects of the game that are most likely never going to disappear like trolls and griefers.

As you are reading this part of the guide and are realizing that YOU are angry at people like this, GOOD! That means that you are devoted and motivated to be the best player you can possibly be and that you want to play the game seriously! BUT, you must learn to control your rage.

Here are a few solutions that are tied DIRECTLY to the game and your ability to control your environment: the players, the map, your own progression, communication, etc.

The Players

There are three categories of players: you, your team and the opposite team. Let's talk about your team first.

Your Team

- Noobs

Instead of screaming after ignorant players, try to teach them how to play the game. For example, if the player failed to clutch in a given situation, tell him: "Nice try buddy. Try to keep your crosshair higher next time so that you can get more headshots." 2 sentences is all you need to temporarily or permanently change his game play.

- Lone Wolves

If you can't get him to come with you, join him. Get the whole team to follow the lone wolf so that you guys can make trades and/or take bombsites. Personally, this method has worked so many times when I've queued up with 3 of my friends. That last random player would eventually start communicating and playing as a team with us, instead of doing his own thing. In most cases, lone wolves are people that have lost many games in a row and think that they can just carry their whole team to victory.

- Trolls

To the trollers, try to get them to play seriously until you get in a decent lead. Afterwards, they may do whatever they like and maybe, if you wish, you can join them and have a little bit of fun. You can make some good friends this way to queue up with for future matches.


- Griefers

Unfortunately, the only answer to this type of person is to kick them. However, if they always come back when the whole team has died, are decent at the game and can clutch easily, I don't see why you should kick them. They are more than partially doing their part of the job.

 

The Opposite Team

If none of the above tips worked, you may also try to target the opposite team's players. Don't accuse them of hacks, try to boost their ego and accuse them of the "case of blues", referring to them as smurfs. They will inevitably be extremely confident and will start playing very aggressively. If this happens, you may take advantage of it and play very passively and take some easy frags. At times, these egotistical players will use unorthodox weapons like the Desert Eagle and it will be easy for you to take some frags, once again.

 

You

None of these tips worked? Maybe the problem to your anger is YOU! Maybe it's your own mistakes that are infuriating you. In this case, try going over the basics of the game: aim, game sense and movement. Then, you will be able to move on to more advanced techniques like the game's economy, grenades and calls. To fix these problems, just watch videos online, read some guides (what you are doing right now) and practice before and after your matches. Review your demos and try to figure out what you did wrong so that you can improve on those aspects of your game play.

Also, as far as communication goes, also be nice on the microphone and give your team suggestions: "Hey guys, I've realized that they only put two guys on B site and the rest of the team are very far at A. If we just rush the site, eliminate those two players, plant the bomb, and hold off, we should be perfect for the round." A logical suggestion with an explanation is more likely to work compared to: "Hey nerds, rush B."

 

Things You Can Do Outside The Game

- Step Away

When something infuriates you and you cannot control yourself, get away from your desk and go release your anger. Any way is possible, even painting and playing music for a few seconds. Punching a pillow or a rice bag can help as well. Doing so will tremendously help your anger issues and save your precious gaming equipment from breaking.

- It's Just a Game

Some players like myself have basically made Counter Strike their lives, but to some extent, you must realize that it's just a game. Why do you need to scream and shout when all of this is technically fake? Shouldn't you only be having fun?

- Excercise

In between rounds or after your death, you may also do some spontaneous exercises like push-ups, abdominal crunches and more.

- Take Time Off

This time off can be an extended period or a short one. In between games, you can go take a walk and get some fresh air, or you can go play another game and come back to Counter Strike when you feel ready.

 

To finish it off, just learn to be better! Find some friends you get along with very well, prepare some strategies and go have some fun!