Using Steam for counterstrike

[Dr.MAD]

Is it possible to connect myself to a counterstrike game without using the Steam Client?
Steam is a well known client (similar to GameSpy) to play Half Life and mods online.
Unfortunately, Steam keeps failing to connect itself when I try to connect it. And my friends all play CS using Steam, and I would like to join without Steam. Is it possible? And if so, how?

Thanks in advance

[NorthViking]

I just heard that if you want to play latest version - you need Steam.

Not total sure tho.

Edit: I think I was wrong.
Check here http://cs.rin.ru/download-cs16-non-steam-eng-old.html

[Revelation]

There are ways around it, but I have to try them myself, as I REFUSE to use STEAM.

As a matter of fact, I refuse to play CS 1.6
They have made the game as lame as possible with this version. I play (and run my server) at version 1.5 ONLY.