How Many Rounds Are in CS2? MR12 Explained
Quick facts
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Rounds to win a map | 13 |
| Rounds per half | 12 |
| Max rounds in regulation | 24 |
| Side switch | after round 12 |
| Pistol rounds | round 1 and round 13 |
| At 12-12 | depends on mode, see below |
What MR12 means
MR12 stands for "max rounds 12", the number of rounds each team plays on one side. After 12 rounds the teams switch: the Ts become CTs and the other way around. Both teams get the same number of rounds on each side, which matters because many maps favor one side.
Each half begins with a pistol round, because money resets to $800 at the start of the half. That gives every map two pistol rounds: round 1 and round 13.
What happens at 12-12
| Mode | At 12-12 |
|---|---|
| Competitive matchmaking | the map ends in a draw |
| Premier | one overtime; if it is also tied, the map ends in a draw |
| Pro matches | overtime blocks repeat until someone wins |
In pro play, overtime is played in blocks of 6 rounds, 3 on each side, and the first team to 4 rounds in a block wins. Details in CS2 Overtime Rules.
MR12 vs MR15
CS:GO used MR15: 15 rounds per half and 16 to win, up to 30 rounds. CS2 moved to MR12 at launch. Maps got shorter, and each round got more important: there are fewer rounds to recover from a bad start, so pistol rounds and economy swings decide more maps than before.
How many rounds in a pro series?
Rounds are counted per map. A BO3 series can include anything from 26 rounds (two quick 13-0 maps) to well over 70 when all three maps are close. See BO1 vs BO3 vs BO5 for how series work.
Related
FAQ
How many rounds do you need to win in CS2?
13. CS2 uses the MR12 format, so the first team to win 13 rounds wins the map.
What is the maximum number of rounds in CS2?
24 in regulation. With overtime there is no fixed maximum in pro play, because overtime blocks of 6 rounds repeat until there is a winner.
When do teams switch sides in CS2?
After round 12. The second half starts at round 13 with another pistol round.
Can a CS2 match end in a draw?
In Competitive matchmaking, yes: 12-12 is a draw. Premier plays one overtime and can end in a draw if that is tied too. Pro matches always continue until there is a winner.
Related guides
CS2 Rules Explained: A Beginner's Guide to Competitive Counter-StrikeHow competitive CS2 works: two teams of five, T vs CT, 13 rounds to win a map, the bomb, the economy and how pro matches are played as BO1 or BO3.
CS2 Overtime Rules ExplainedAt 12-12, pro CS2 maps go to overtime: 6-round blocks, 3 per side, first to 4 wins, with fresh money each half. How it differs in Premier and Competitive.
How Long Is a CS2 Match?A Premier match takes 30 to 50 minutes. In pro play one map takes 40 to 60 minutes and a BO3 often 2 to 3 hours. What makes a CS2 match longer or shorter.
Pistol Round in CS2: Why the First Round Matters So MuchEach CS2 half starts with a pistol round: $800 each, pistols and light gear only. Winning it often decides the next two or three rounds. Here is why.
MR12MR12 means max rounds 12: in CS2 each half has 12 rounds, a map has up to 24, and the first team to 13 wins. How it differs from CS:GO's MR15 format.
Sources
Reviewed by the R1GG team