Zhengwei "alex" Bian recently made his comeback to Counter-Strike 1.6 as the team captain of wNv.cn. After spending eight months playing Counter-Strike: Source for the Wuhan Dragon CGS franchise, he has rejoined the wNv organization, a place he feels is, “more of a home than a work place”. Bian was first designated the team captain of wNv.gm in 2004 and helped the team seize two international championships during his tenure, WEG 2005 and WEG Masters 2006.

Tt seemed as though Bian had moved on from 1.6 once he began playing Counter-Strike: Source. However, he is back in the CS 1.6 spotlight, and speaking with GotFrag tells us what he has been up to lately.

First of all, what have you been doing recently? We haven’t heard much from you since you left wNv to play Counter-Strike: Source.

I have rejoined wNv as the captain of its Counter-Strike squad. At the moment there is only one Counter-Strike team at wNv, we have no split between CN and GM anymore. I am really happy to play 1.6 again, and I feel as though I have a new lease of life. Right now we are preparing for the grand finals of ESWC China in Wuxi and WCG China in Shanghai. We've been training very hard for these tournaments, 6 days per week. Frankly, it can be quite boring when you spend such a long time in front of a computer, but you can motivate yourself by thinking of the events ahead.

What made you return to Counter-Strike 1.6?

Many people have asked me that question. Why have I chosen to step back into the fiercely competitive world of 1.6 having already reached the great heights of it? It is all because of my unabated love for 1.6. It is undoubtedly true that I could earn more money playing Source, but I know what I really want. Also, I could not turn down wNv's call for my comeback as I would not have had achieved recognition and respect as a Counter-Strike player without the initial trust of wNv. I have reached the highest point once before, now I am going to achieve it once again with my brothers. There will be nothing to regret as long as we have endeavored.

You spent 8 months playing Counter-Strike: Source. Was the transition back to 1.6 difficult?

Actually, I've been doing well. I played 1.6 for 6 years and I still played 1.6 with my friends while I was in the Wuhan Dragon. However, it definitely took time to readjust after spending 8 months on Source. In the first few weeks after I made my return I had to train myself like a beginner, playing against bots and in PUGs after daily practice with my team in order to get my shooting back on the rails as quickly as possible. I am now back to normal, even better in some ways.


Did you gain anything by playing Source that has been useful in 1.6?

Yes, it has helped me to be a better in-game decision maker. As everyone knows, CGS Source matches are much shorter than standard 1.6 games, so you don't have as much time to think things over - you have to be a sharp leader to make your decision as soon as you can. Once you make your mind up, all you need to do next is to give your rival a good trouncing. If your opponent puts up a fierce resistance, you need to figure out a way to adapt to the situation in nanoseconds. Now that I am more decisive I won't let any chances slip through my fingers easily.

I’m not sure if you’ve been watching recent international Counter-Strike 1.6 tournaments such as KODE5 in Russia and ESWC Masters in Paris. How do the latest tactics and team playing trends in Counter-Strike 1.6 compare to the style of play used when you last competed?

Yes I did watch most of those two tournaments. It seems as though the pace of attack on T side has become much faster in recent months. More and more teams choose to attack quickly instead of taking their time, hoping their rival will be cocky enough to make the first mistake. It is obvious that this current style of play requires higher individual ability, more accurate judgment, and better teamwork. MeetYourMakers is a prime example of a team that uses this new play style, but unfortunately they didn't do well in the last two events.

In fact, as time goes on, there will be no more tricks left to play on each other in 1.6 competitions. Teamwork determines the outcome of every game. If you have better tactics, as long as they work well in the match, you will be victorious. Teamwork is the key for the successful fulfillment of your ambitions. Please keep your faith in your team-mates!