First things first. Sniping isn't for everyone. You should definitely be a person that has good reflexes. This may sound weird but when you add the lag factor and all the other slow downs: The first person to shoot, is the last one left alive. Consider your computer speed and connection (ill get to that later). A good mouse helps too. Large monitors are definitely a plus. u don't want to be squinting at your 14" monitor looking for individual pixels to move ;) A good connection helps A LOT. I have a 28K modem that works VERY good and i usually get a ping of 300 or lower. Also turn on your netgraph (type "r_netgraph 1"  minus quotes in the console)

 

Next pick a player model that fits in with the usual textures for the area. Camo players are a plus. Remember no one else can see your personal player models you've made or downloaded.

 

You should choose a weapon for you needs. If your strapped for cash get a scout but dont count on getting one shot kills. The AWP is the all around best sniper rifle. Magnum rounds HUGE scope zoom and fast reloading. Its down falls are its cost, small clip size and slow round chambering. The G3A3 is also a good choice, though not as powerful as the AWP, especially for people with high lag and for those large Games 15+ Players. It also has a good scope and is semi-auto meaning you can fling more lead at your target and it has a large clip. Its reloading time, though, is very long and it cost an arm and a leg. CTs have  a silenced colt that is great for close quarters sniper while Ts have the SIG. These are good for maps like Siege where there can be alot of close quarters combat and also sniping. Remember to fire single shots, auto is very inaccurate.

 

Next pic up some armor and if its a dark map get night vision (beta 6.1 and up), maybe pic up some flashbangs just in case someone surprises you. Just throw one and run like hell :)

 

Pick a spot in the level high up if there is one. Once there try not to move a lot. Movement attracts attention and that is bad. Now if your the last one alive, go looking for the other team or you'll be called a camper (never did get that, I'm sniping not camping you Q3A/UT playing CS wannabes:). Sweep the area quickly but completely focusing on the most likely spots for the enemy to appear and the shadows. Remember just cause you think your hidden doesn't mean another player cant see your arm or leg sticking out from a rock or crate. Also if you have a 3D sound card (SB LIVE!, A3D) listen for where their footsteps are coming from. Duck always unless your really restricted this helps your accuracy tenfold. And DON'T run or walk. Use the first Zoom mode most of the time. The second is usually too close but switch to it for those long shots or for very accurate shots.

 

Remember that Half-life uses locational damage and shot to the head will hurt more than a shot to the arm.

 

When you see your target take a quick look at your netgraph to see if your lagging. If the player is standing still just aim for the head and let're buck. don't move the mouse until you know you're target is out of commission, this way if you need to take another shot your aim will be right on or close to your target. If your target is moving take into consideration your lag. by this i mean if you have ping time of 300 it means your target is close to half a second ahead of where he is running. If your lagging you MUST lead your target. low ping means very little lead while a high ping means a large lead. This you will have to experiment with as it probably changes from computer to computer. Remember to reload. If you run out then you be vulnerable while they snipe you.

 

 

That's a good start. Just keep building on this and remember to practice!

- By unknown player