Zaitsev's accuracy with a rifle led to him becoming a sniper. During Zaitsev's career as a sniper, he concealed himself in various locations – for example, on high ground, under rubble, or in water pipes. After a few kills, he changed his position. Together with his partner, Nikolai Kulikov, Zaitsev exercised his hide and sting tactics. One of Zaitsev's common tactics was to cover one large area from three positions, with two men at each point – a sniper and a scout. This tactic, known as the "sixes," is still in use today and was implemented during the war in Chechnya.