If you want to compete on an even playing field, the last thing you want is a dated rig or sloppy internet connection holding you back. In a game whose combat is as finely balanced as that of Counter-Strike, just a slight framerate drop can be catastrophic. Low fps can affect your recoil, bullet registration and smoothness of your game. If you're stuck with a terrible computer, you don't really have much chance online against someone with a top-end machine. Also, a good computer and connection will be the same conditions you'll be playing on when you turn up to a tournament, so you won't have to adapt to different conditions when you set up on the day.

Sometimes in life we're all thrown into a situation where we have to work with people we aren't so fond of. But there's no doubting that getting on with your team mates is going to make things a whole lot easier down the line. In fact, it might even be better to pick friendly souls with potential to improve than switching in the cream of the crop without knowing them well. Playing with people you get along with will make you enjoy the game much more, and undoubtedly be more likely to stick together, also, changing your lineup every month won't do you much good, even if you're replacing a player with someone slightly better.

If you're considering competitive Counter-Strike, the chances are you'll already spent a fair number of hours playing the game. But practicing in the right environments is key to your continual improvement. Deathmatch servers are a good place to start. You respawn as soon as you die, so you're constantly shooting and it's a good way to improve your gunplay. Clan war practice is pretty much essential.

Practice might make perfect, but there are numerous things that you may be able to pick up from others. Watching demo videos of other players is a great way to assess their mad skills without fear of being gunned down if you take too long to stop and stare. Professionals will have various different ways of moving, aiming, shooting and reacting to different situations. Just make sure you try out your own moves as well.

It's always nice to win, so it might be tempting to select weaker opponents for practice matches. But this can be counter-productive. Unless you're playing at the highest level you're capable of, there's not a great deal of compulsion to improve and certainly less you can take away from both victories and defeats. Although playing against people below your own ability will still benefit you in some ways, playing against top teams will give you an insight into the level of professional play, and allow you to learn from high level players.

As with all team-based games, but perhaps even more so with Counter-Strike, it's important to be in good contact with your team mates throughout a match. A lack of communication can be the difference between a decisive victory and an embarrassing, crushing defeat, so talking to each other is important. But simply maintaining contact isn't enough: it's imperative to be efficient with your communications. It's best to keep your calls about what's happening short and quick, and explain everything you know, such as how many enemies you see, if you see the bomb carrier, and what weapons they have, and be sure to get hold of a voice chat program such as skype or teamspeak 3 to utilise during practice. They allow you to speak to your team mates whether you're dead or alive, an advantage not afforded by Counter-Strike's in-game chat system.

There are three key things to master in Counter-Strike combat: recoil, flashbangs, and smoke grenades. Counter-Strike's recoil patterns are very different to many shooters, and it's imperative to master the technique. For most professional players, the general technique is to spray at close range, tap fire at medium range, and tap slightly slower at long range, all while moving in between taps to make you a harder target to hit. Meanwhile, good grenade use can make all the difference. Again, watching a professional player's demo will give you some useful tips, but it's always best to join an empty server with your team mates and practice them for yourself.

Counter-Strike isn't all about the combat tactics. It's also a game in which managing your money is key to high-level success. You need to make sure your finances are in check whether you're winning or losing, because ensuring your team is finely in-tune and well-timed with quick purchases is essential. If you find yourself short on money after, losing the pistol round, the best thing to do is save your money by not buying anything for one or two rounds, so you can save up enough cash to purchase a rifle and armour.