Yes, you can 4-stack (queue with 4 players) in CS:GO's competitive matchmaking, but there are some important limitations and considerations to keep in mind.

In regular competitive matchmaking, 4-stacking is allowed and quite common. You and three friends can queue together, and the system will match you with a random fifth player to complete your team.

However, in CS:GO's Premier mode (previously known as Premier Matchmaking), 4-stacks are not allowed. This restriction was implemented to prevent potential toxic behavior towards the solo queue player and to maintain a better competitive environment.

When 4-stacking in regular competitive mode, here are some key points to remember:

Always communicate effectively with your random teammate
Avoid isolating the solo player from team strategies
Share information and callouts consistently
Don't blame the random player for team losses
Treat them as an equal part of the team

The matchmaking system will typically try to balance teams by matching your 4-stack against another team with a similar party composition, though this isn't guaranteed. You might face another 4+1 combination, or a different mix of players.

While 4-stacking is permitted, many players consider a full 5-stack to be optimal for competitive play. This ensures complete team coordination and eliminates the variables that come with random teammates.

For the best experience when 4-stacking, I recommend using voice chat actively and making sure your solo queue teammate feels included in the team's strategy. This significantly increases your chances of winning and creates a better gaming environment for everyone involved.

Remember that toxic behavior towards the solo queue player can result in reports and potential penalties, so always maintain good sportsmanship regardless of your stack size.

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