CS2 Betting Glossary

Master CS2 betting terminology, esports slang, and strategic concepts. Essential reading for both beginners and experienced bettors.

10Betting Terms
10Gameplay Terms
8Strategy Terms

Betting Terms

Handicap Betting

A bet where one team is given a virtual advantage or disadvantage (e.g., +1.5 maps) to level the playing field. Popular for matches with clear favorites.

Example: Navi -1.5 maps means they must win by 2+ maps for the bet to win.

Over/Under (O/U)

Betting on whether the total number of maps/rounds will be over or under a specified number.

Example: Over 2.5 maps means the series must go to at least 3 maps.

Moneyline

A straight bet on which team will win the match. No point spreads or handicaps involved.

Example: Betting $100 on Faze at -150 odds to beat G2.

Pistol Round

The first round of each half where players only have starting money ($800). Winning pistol rounds often leads to economic advantages.

Example: Pistol round betting: Will Navi win the first round?

Live Betting (In-Play)

Placing bets while the match is ongoing. Odds change dynamically based on the current score and situation.

Example: Betting on Team Liquid after they lose the first map at improved odds.

Value Bet

A bet where the odds offered are higher than the true probability of the outcome occurring.

Example: If a team has a 60% chance to win but odds imply 50%, that's a value bet.

Bankroll Management

The practice of responsibly managing your betting funds. Common strategy: never risk more than 1-5% per bet.

Example: With a $1000 bankroll, bet between $10-50 per match.

Expected Value (EV)

The average amount you can expect to win or lose per bet over time. Positive EV = profitable long-term.

Example: +EV bet: 60% win chance at 2.0 odds = (0.6 × 2.0) - 1 = +0.2 or 20% expected profit.

Accumulator (Parlay)

Combining multiple bets into one. All selections must win for the bet to pay out, but odds multiply.

Example: Betting on 3 matches: Navi, Faze, and G2 all to win. If one loses, entire bet loses.

Cash Out

Settling a bet before the event concludes. Useful for securing profits or cutting losses early.

Example: Your team leads 13-5 but you cash out at 80% profit to avoid a comeback risk.

CS2 Gameplay Terms

Eco Round

A round where a team intentionally saves money by not buying weapons/armor to afford a full buy next round.

Example: After losing 3 rounds, teams often eco to reset economy.

Force Buy

Buying weapons despite insufficient funds for a full buy. Risky strategy to avoid consecutive eco rounds.

Example: Buying SMGs and light armor on $2500 instead of saving for rifles.

AWP

The most powerful and expensive sniper rifle ($4750). One-shot kill to the body. High risk, high reward.

Example: s1mple's AWP pick gives Navi a 5v4 advantage.

Clutch

Winning a round when outnumbered, typically 1v2 or worse.

Example: ZywOo clutches 1v3 to win the round for Vitality.

Entry Fragger

Player who enters sites first to get opening kills. High-risk, high-impact role.

Example: rain on Faze is a top entry fragger with 0.85 opening kill ratio.

IGL (In-Game Leader)

The player who makes tactical calls and strategies during matches.

Example: karrigan (Faze) is one of CS2's best IGLs.

Rotation

Moving players from one bombsite to another based on information or fakes.

Example: Navi rotates B to A after hearing footsteps on long.

Trade Kill

Immediately killing an opponent after they killed your teammate, maintaining number advantage.

Example: After electronic dies, Perfecto trades the kill instantly.

Utility

Grenades (smokes, flashes, molotovs, HE). Essential for site takes and retakes.

Example: Navi uses 3 smokes and 2 flashes to execute A site on Inferno.

Map Pool

The 7 competitive maps in CS2: Dust2, Mirage, Inferno, Nuke, Overpass, Vertigo, Ancient.

Example: Faze bans Nuke, Navi bans Vertigo in BO3 veto.

Strategy & Analysis

Form Analysis

Reviewing recent match results and performance trends to predict future outcomes.

Example: G2 won 8 of last 10 matches = strong form.

Map Veto

The ban/pick process before matches. Understanding team map preferences is crucial for betting.

Example: Navi always picks Mirage (70% win rate), bans Vertigo (40% win rate).

Best of 1 (BO1)

Single-map match. Higher upset potential due to map RNG and variance.

Example: BO1 matches are riskier bets than BO3 series.

Roster Changes

Player transfers significantly impact team performance. Always check lineup before betting.

Example: Navi benched Perfecto, added new player w33haa - impacts team synergy.

H2H (Head-to-Head)

Historical matchup records between two teams. Some teams consistently beat others.

Example: Faze 7-2 vs G2 in last 9 meetings - strong H2H advantage.

Tournament Importance

Teams prioritize majors over tier-2 events. Motivation affects performance.

Example: Top teams may underperform in minor online cups.

Ping/Latency

Online matches can be affected by server location favoring one team with lower ping.

Example: EU team playing NA server = 100+ ping disadvantage.

Momentum

Winning multiple consecutive rounds creates psychological advantage and economic superiority.

Example: After winning pistol + 3 rounds, team has $10k+ economy.

Related Resources

CS2 Betting Guide
Complete beginner to advanced
Betting Tips
Daily expert predictions
Live Matches
Today's CS2 matches
Team Rankings
Stats & world rankings