Analysing Luminosity's de_cbble B-Split

In the group stage match between EnVyUs and Luminosity Gaming at DreamHack Winter 2015, Luminosity performed an unorthodox execute through the A-site of Cobblestone into the B bombsite, winning them the round in a matter of seconds. Here, I'll break down each aspect of this manoeuvre and how it led to success. 

First, let's look at how Luminosity manipulated EnVyUs's CT-side before the execute. Traditionally on Cobblestone, more focus will be given to the B Bombsite, with 3 players usually positioned there. Some teams even favour having 4 players playing there. There will usually be an A 'anchor', who stays on the A-site until the bomb is seen at the other site, and one player will often act as a rotator, holding Connector and switching between the bombsites dependent on information from his team. In this round, EnVyUs have two players on the B-site (one in Drop Room and one around Platform), as well as a 3rd player acting as the rotator. Two players hold together on the A bombsite, which this round is further back by the CT Van: 

EnVyUs have been running variants of this setup for most of the match, and so Luminosity's execute is designed to isolate as many Counter Terrorists as possible on the A-site in order to make the B bombsite easy to take over. The below diagram should explain this in better detail (the map is a little outdated, but you should be able to understand it). The grey line represents the wall of smokes the Terrorists will make to cover their entrance into Connector. Flashbangs will also be thrown to make the execute appear focused on the A site. This aims to bait out the player positioned in Connector into the A bombsite (the red arrow), so that only two players remain on the B-site, making it near impossible to hold - especially since they won't be expecting it. The movements of the Terrorists are shown by the yellow arrows - three players go through the A-site, and two others (including the bombholder) enter via Platform: 

The first part of the fake is to throw the wall of smokes on the A-site. This is performed from A Long by 3 players; fnx, coldzera and Fallen. These smokes are the normal smokes that are usually thrown to accompany an A-site take, which convinces EnVyUs that the Terrorists are going to attempt to plant at A due to the time left on the clock: with 35 seconds left it's unusual to fake an execute. 

These smokes not only fake an A execute but also cover the Terrorists in the next stage of the strategy, as they quickly rush from Long, up CT Ramp and into Connector. The first two smokes restrict vision for anyone playing at the back of the bombsite, meaning that anybody who will spot the Terrorists will be pushed forward in an exposed position. When the smokes land, all of the Counter Terrorists fall back into more passive positions on the site, including the rotator in the vent room/balcony area. This means they are denied information of the Terrorists' whereabouts, and so the rest of the team cannot react and counter the execute. The third smoke is the standard smoke used to cover Connector door - not only does this make the fake seem more convincing, but it also blocks off any rotators, who will also be caught off guard by the barrage of Terrorists pushing through it. This smoke in particular pushes the rotator Happy towards the balcony at the back of the site, which gives up Connector control.  

Finally, the other two players at B Long (TACO and fer) make as little noise as possible and do not throw any grenades, in order to maintain the surprise element for as long as possible. They also have bomb control, as to keep it safe. 

This execute from Luminosity does not guarantee success, but it puts in place a framework for individual players to do so. First, FalleN kills the entry fragger apEX, who was playing close to A Long in an attempt to gain information and get an opening pick (which is apEX's role within the team). Due to his exposed position, he is easily picked off by the Brazilian AWPer. apEX relays the information that he saw some players enter Connector, which the rotator Happy attempts to capitalise on by peeking. He is also fragged by FalleN, who is already holding the angle. At this point, fer and TACO move up from B Long to complete the split onto the bombsite. 

As you can see on the minimap in the above photo, the Counter Terrorists are disorganised and panicked by the execute, and the last two remaining players defending the B bombsite are separated (meaning they cannot trade frags) and are being pincered in on. KennyS, the last player left alive on A, is far away from the action and cannot help his teammates. The next two picks that secure the round come from the CT's response to the execute. NBK, who is holding in Drop Room, pushes forward to the window overlooking Connector to try and prevent the push, where he is promptly headshot by fnx. Kioshima responds by surrendering his position on Platform, which gives a free pass for TACO and fer to enter the site with the bomb. Kio is killed when he rushes forward to the Connector Doors, which gives up the bombsite and leaves just Kenny, who has to save his equipment and give up the round. He is also killed eventually whilst trying to save.

This may be a lot of information to take in at once, so it's a good idea to watch the round unfold so you can get your head around each aspect. Here's a YouTube video. Hopefully this breakdown gives you an insight into what made this strategy a success, and maybe you can implement something similar in your own matches. Happy holidays and have fun fragging!

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