How to Strafe Like a Pro in CS 1.6

Counter-Strike 1.6 strafe isn’t just movement — it’s mastery. Whether you’re dodging bullets, closing gaps, or bunny hopping across Dust2, understanding strafing is key to your in-game dominance.

In this guide from CS16.LT, we’ll break down exactly what is cs 1.6 strafe, step-by-step, with tips to sharpen your reflexes, boost your speed, and outmaneuver your opponents.

cs 1.6 strafe tutorial

✅ What is Strafing in CS 1.6?

Strafing refers to moving sideways using the A (left) and D (right) keys while maintaining control over your aim. It’s essential for:

  • Dodging shots in firefights.
  • Bunny hopping (strafe jumping) to move faster.
  • Peeking safely around corners.
  • Gaining momentum during jumps.

🧠 Why CS 1.6 Strafe matters

Strafing improves your survivability, accuracy, and movement speed. High-level players use it to:

  • Make hitboxes unpredictable.
  • Chain jumps together (strafe jumping) for faster traversal.
  • Maintain aim while moving, especially in 1v1 fights.

Strafing separates casuals from competitors.

🕹️ Step-by-Step: How to Strafe in Counter-Strike 1.6

1. Basic Strafing

  • Press A to move left, D to move right.
  • Combine with mouse movement:
    • When strafing left (A), move your mouse slightly left.
    • When strafing right (D), move your mouse slightly right.
  • This aligns your view with movement for smooth transitions.

🎯 Pro Tip: Combine short bursts of A/D to throw off enemy aim.

2. Strafe Jumping (for Bunny Hopping & Speed)

Want to move faster than normal? Master strafe jumping.

How to Do It:

  1. Press jump (SPACE) and move forward.
  2. While in the air, let go of W.
  3. Hold A and move the mouse slightly left → land.
  4. Jump again, hold D, move mouse slightly right.
  5. Repeat in a rhythm.

🛠️ Settings Tip: Use a jump bind for better control:

bind "MWHEELUP" "+duck" (for double duck purposes)
bind "MWHEELDOWN" "+jump" (to easily bunnyhop while scrolling your mouse wheel down)

This lets you scroll to jump — essential for smooth bunny hops.

3. Air Strafing (Momentum Control Mid-Jump)

CS 1.6’s physics allow air control — this is where strafing becomes art.

  • After jumping, use A/D + mouse movement to curve through the air.
  • You don’t need to hold W — just steer with strafe keys and mouse.
  • This helps dodge mid-air and land precisely.

🌀 Advanced Trick: Practice on bhop maps from servers to get fluid.

🔥 Final Thoughts: Strafing = Winning

Whether you’re a beginner or a returning 1.6 veteran, strafe mastery will instantly boost your performance. Combine smart movement with sharp aim, and you’ll become a force on any map — from de_dust2 to aim_headshot.

You can take a look on this YouTube Strafing tutorial video for CS 1.6 and understand this technique of strafe movement deeper:

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