I have been performing this 4 gate variant in my PvT matchups for a long time with a huge success probably as high as 80% until now. This strategy is very micro intensive as your micro determines the strength of it. This is an all in 4 gate strategy where its basically the same as all other one basing strategy where you will most likely lose if your rush fail. The build is exactly the same as the PvP 4 gating build with 1 Zealot and 2 Stalkers at the 26/26 food mark. If you are still not familiar with the PvP 4 gate build, its listed below.
Patch 1.3 SC2 PTR changes
General:
Leagues & Ladders
- A new Grandmaster League has been added for 1v1 ladders. This league represents the Top 200 players in each region.
- Players are automatically drafted into Grandmaster League shortly after a new season starts, and will remain in the Grandmaster league until the end of the season. If a Grandmaster player’s available bonus points get too high due to inactivity, they will be automatically removed from the league and a replacement player will be drafted in.
- The Grandmaster League can be viewed by all players through the new Leagues & Ladders > Grandmaster tab
- The bonus pool has been reduced for arranged teams.
Leagues & Ladders
- A new Grandmaster League has been added for 1v1 ladders. This league represents the Top 200 players in each region.
- Players are automatically drafted into Grandmaster League shortly after a new season starts, and will remain in the Grandmaster league until the end of the season. If a Grandmaster player’s available bonus points get too high due to inactivity, they will be automatically removed from the league and a replacement player will be drafted in.
- The Grandmaster League can be viewed by all players through the new Leagues & Ladders > Grandmaster tab
- The bonus pool has been reduced for arranged teams.
OgSMC vs Butterfly PvT
In previous game, we have IMMVP GSL season 4 champion vs Butterfly. However, it seems Butterfly is getting matched up against another GSL champion OgsMC. OgsMC is said to be the best in the world amounting to as high as 90% winning ratio previously. Reigning supreme throughout his matches in previous GSL 3, where MC was able to defeat every of his Terran opponents with ease. Nicknamed the Kratos Protoss, from the Playstation Game series God Of War, MC gained this recognition from his ability to just own his Terran opponents without mercy by tearing their arms and heads off. MC's PvT matchup is unstoppable and mirrors Kratos himself.
IMMVP vs Butterfly TvT
GSL season 4 champion IMMVP takes on Butterfly in this TvT ladder game matchup. IMMvP seems unbeatable in every matchup at the moment and being the most feared player out there. Every pro Gamers puts their vote at IMMVP for being the best Starcraft 2 now. Steam rolling over MarineKingPrime MKP in this GSL finals makes every of his opponent seems inferior.
LiquidHuk vs MtwDimaga PvZ
Both these players need no introduction. Huk, one of the best Protoss in the world against Dimaga the very talented European Zerg on Metapolis. Armies collide, Heroes fallen, Corpse everywhere is all I can say from this replay cast. Watch the top Players from the Zerg and Protoss race battle it up. A very long and interesting game.
New Masters League for Team Games
It seems that Blizzard has silently implemented the Masters League for Team games in Random Team as well as Arranged Team. This includes all team game format from 2v2, 3v3 and 4v4. So you should not be surprised if you and your team are being promoted into the Masters League for Team games suddenly. Overall, a very good implementation game for Starcraft 2 overall as Masters League was previously being found only in solo ladder league. This may be a bonus for those casual gamers or players who care favoring team games.
A look into Pro Gamer's Hotkeys
Hotkey is one of the most important aspect in the game of Starcraft or any other RTS (Real Time Strategy) Games. The introduction of unit hotkeys is an invaluable asset to today's modern game design. Granting the ability to assign different hotkeys for our units and building facilities let us adept quickly to the game itself. I can not imagine a game without hotkeys in this modern age of gaming.
GSL 5 Code A RO 32 Day 2 RESULTS
For those of you who missed the live matches, you can subscribe to GOMtv season pass to view all the matches. However, if you are not planning to get the subscription, you can head over to www.sc2rep.com for GSL video,VOD, replay cast in Chinese language.
How to Improve in Starcraft 2 - Part 13- Watching GSL
Global Star League often known as GSL, the largest Starcraft 2 tournament in the world held in Korea every month. GSL is often considered the highest skill level for Starcraft 2 players. Even being at Code A of GSL is no easy business. Only the greatest players around the world and in Korea managed to secure a spot for them self either in Code S or Code A. A lot of high ranked players from Korea and the foreigner scene failed to qualify for GSL Code A qualifiers. Players have to fight through other highly skilled players as only a few spots are allocated through these qualifiers.
Why am I indicating a topic on 'Watching GSL' by itself in my 'How to Improve in Starcraft 2' tips and strategy guide series. As you all know, GSL consists of the finest players from every races around the world. Often times, these players spent countless hours and training per day. Some players are even training up to 12-14 hours a day on Starcraft. This is a long Starcraft 2 training schedule.
Through the games played in GSL by these professional level Starcraft 2 players, often times, new strategies will be shown in their matches. During the previous GSL season 2, Guinea Pig showed every Protoss players around the world an innovative unseen strategy in his PvZ match. He went for a Pylon Pylon Nexus expansion at 18 food count. He then transitioned into 2 Stargates for Void Rays and Phoenix together with a Robotic Facility for Colossus. Having taken down his opponent with ease, soon this strategy itself has been the most popular strategy on Battle.net servers across all realms; US, EU, Korea and SEA servers.
ST_July the legendary Starcraft 1 player who is now focusing in Starcraft 2 and managed to steal two straight wins from IM_MvP resulting a 2-0 against GSL 4 previous Season GSL champion yesterday in GSL Code S RO 32 Group A. July incorporated a heavily aggressive early build after putting down his Hatchery. July seems to be favouring an early aggression in his Zerg vs Terran ZvT matchup in the form of Zerglings and Baneling bust. Currently majority of Zerg players are performing the defender role in ZvT matches, where the Zerg player will only defend whatever the Terran units thrown at him. However, July plays a totally different style and manage to get two wins from MvP. I will say this type of play, will be seen and used very often in the near future. Another impressive trick such as building a Hatchery and then cancelling it to generate creep to build an Evolution Chamber at his expansion. This trick has caught many players off guard as players do not generally check the building at Zergs expansion.
Finally, from LiquidJinro's game against OgsMC previous season, Jinro managed to grab a 2-0 victory against the very best Protoss in the world by opting for a Terran Mech build. The Terran Mech build has long been forgotten by most players as Terrans generally prefer the bio ball army compositin in the form of Marines and Marauders due to its effectiveness and cost efficiency in the Terran vs Protoss matchup. Soon the mech build itself, has gain serious popularity online.
Hence, a good way to improve yourself in Starcraft 2 will be by watching the GSL itself. Watch, the very latest strategy performed by the very best players around the world. Implement their decision paths and thinking process into your games and you will be a step closer to being a better SC 2 player overall.
Why am I indicating a topic on 'Watching GSL' by itself in my 'How to Improve in Starcraft 2' tips and strategy guide series. As you all know, GSL consists of the finest players from every races around the world. Often times, these players spent countless hours and training per day. Some players are even training up to 12-14 hours a day on Starcraft. This is a long Starcraft 2 training schedule.
Through the games played in GSL by these professional level Starcraft 2 players, often times, new strategies will be shown in their matches. During the previous GSL season 2, Guinea Pig showed every Protoss players around the world an innovative unseen strategy in his PvZ match. He went for a Pylon Pylon Nexus expansion at 18 food count. He then transitioned into 2 Stargates for Void Rays and Phoenix together with a Robotic Facility for Colossus. Having taken down his opponent with ease, soon this strategy itself has been the most popular strategy on Battle.net servers across all realms; US, EU, Korea and SEA servers.
ST_July the legendary Starcraft 1 player who is now focusing in Starcraft 2 and managed to steal two straight wins from IM_MvP resulting a 2-0 against GSL 4 previous Season GSL champion yesterday in GSL Code S RO 32 Group A. July incorporated a heavily aggressive early build after putting down his Hatchery. July seems to be favouring an early aggression in his Zerg vs Terran ZvT matchup in the form of Zerglings and Baneling bust. Currently majority of Zerg players are performing the defender role in ZvT matches, where the Zerg player will only defend whatever the Terran units thrown at him. However, July plays a totally different style and manage to get two wins from MvP. I will say this type of play, will be seen and used very often in the near future. Another impressive trick such as building a Hatchery and then cancelling it to generate creep to build an Evolution Chamber at his expansion. This trick has caught many players off guard as players do not generally check the building at Zergs expansion.
Finally, from LiquidJinro's game against OgsMC previous season, Jinro managed to grab a 2-0 victory against the very best Protoss in the world by opting for a Terran Mech build. The Terran Mech build has long been forgotten by most players as Terrans generally prefer the bio ball army compositin in the form of Marines and Marauders due to its effectiveness and cost efficiency in the Terran vs Protoss matchup. Soon the mech build itself, has gain serious popularity online.
Hence, a good way to improve yourself in Starcraft 2 will be by watching the GSL itself. Watch, the very latest strategy performed by the very best players around the world. Implement their decision paths and thinking process into your games and you will be a step closer to being a better SC 2 player overall.
Protoss new 'Death Ball' Variation for PvZ
Zerg players around the world are currently calling 'IMBALANCE' on the Protoss new Death ball army. This is nothing new as Protoss Death ball; a term describing the ultimate and undefeated 200 food Protoss army' has always been coined Imbalanced all this while by Zerg and Terran players. There is no denying in the strength of Protoss max food army, as it is often impossible for other races to break in during the late game. The Protoss Death ball often includes a large number of Colossus, Stalkers and Sentries in the PvZ, Protoss vs Zerg matchup as a high number of Colossus can wipe out opposing Zerg armies in a matter of seconds. With a few well placed Force Field thrown in, its always an immediate defeat for the Zerg player.
However, hidden within the close borders of Korea Starcraft 2 Battle.net scene, a new version of near undefeated and insanely high winning percentage Protoss Death Ball variation has been brewed. It is still unclear who the original founder of this strategy is, but it is very clear that this strategy is currently tearing up the high level of Korean Starcraft 2 Battle.net ladder PvZ matchup. Let me reveal to you the ultimate new and latest version of Protoss Death ball army for PvZ.
This version of death ball consists mainly on units such as Colossus from a Robotics Facility and 2 Stargate Void Rays with a few Gateway units being thrown in. A very general build for this strategy will be;
9 Pylon
15 Nexus
Forge Gate Cannon
against a fast expending Zerg
Another variation can be Pylon, Forge, Nexus, Cannon and Gateway. As a general Rule of Thumb, you always want to build your Forge when the Zerg player starts his Spawning Pool. This will provide you with enough time to get your Cannons up.
There is no fixed build for this strategy. The general idea is putting up a Nexus expansion as early as possible in the game and turtle hardcore in two bases and not dieing to early rushes from Zergs. Onceyour expansion up, build a Stargate and train a Void Ray and then Phoenix . Scout the Zergs base with your Phoenix to determine Zerg's tech path; whether a Hydra, Muta or fast 3rd Hatchery build. Send your Void Ray for Overlord hunting and to Zerg's most likely 3rd Hatchery expansion position.
You will then put down a Robotics Facility and a second Stargate and just mass out Void Rays and Colossus from here with a few Gateway thrown in. Remember to get a few Gateway units early in the game such as Sentries, Stalkers and Zealots to deny any early aggression from the Zerg. If you the Zerg is going for Mutalisk tech path, you can always mass up Phoenixes to counter them. If they are opting for a normal Roach, Hydralisk build with Corruptors as their anti air unit, your army will perfectly counter his.
Once you have a large size food army consisting of Void Rays, Colossus and Gateway units, it is time to move out and clear any Zerg army without a problem. Warp in more Stalkers if the Zerg is favouring a Mutalisk heavy army. Just 'attack move' and watch your Protoss Death Ball tears through the Zerg swarm.
Here Artosis together with Idra in their 'Imbalanced' show talks on this topic itself. Hear their opinion towards the new Protoss Death Ball variation. Do expect to face this new Death Ball variation if you are a Zerg in your ladder matches.
However, hidden within the close borders of Korea Starcraft 2 Battle.net scene, a new version of near undefeated and insanely high winning percentage Protoss Death Ball variation has been brewed. It is still unclear who the original founder of this strategy is, but it is very clear that this strategy is currently tearing up the high level of Korean Starcraft 2 Battle.net ladder PvZ matchup. Let me reveal to you the ultimate new and latest version of Protoss Death ball army for PvZ.
This version of death ball consists mainly on units such as Colossus from a Robotics Facility and 2 Stargate Void Rays with a few Gateway units being thrown in. A very general build for this strategy will be;
9 Pylon
15 Nexus
Forge Gate Cannon
against a fast expending Zerg
Another variation can be Pylon, Forge, Nexus, Cannon and Gateway. As a general Rule of Thumb, you always want to build your Forge when the Zerg player starts his Spawning Pool. This will provide you with enough time to get your Cannons up.
There is no fixed build for this strategy. The general idea is putting up a Nexus expansion as early as possible in the game and turtle hardcore in two bases and not dieing to early rushes from Zergs. Onceyour expansion up, build a Stargate and train a Void Ray and then Phoenix . Scout the Zergs base with your Phoenix to determine Zerg's tech path; whether a Hydra, Muta or fast 3rd Hatchery build. Send your Void Ray for Overlord hunting and to Zerg's most likely 3rd Hatchery expansion position.
You will then put down a Robotics Facility and a second Stargate and just mass out Void Rays and Colossus from here with a few Gateway thrown in. Remember to get a few Gateway units early in the game such as Sentries, Stalkers and Zealots to deny any early aggression from the Zerg. If you the Zerg is going for Mutalisk tech path, you can always mass up Phoenixes to counter them. If they are opting for a normal Roach, Hydralisk build with Corruptors as their anti air unit, your army will perfectly counter his.
Once you have a large size food army consisting of Void Rays, Colossus and Gateway units, it is time to move out and clear any Zerg army without a problem. Warp in more Stalkers if the Zerg is favouring a Mutalisk heavy army. Just 'attack move' and watch your Protoss Death Ball tears through the Zerg swarm.
Here Artosis together with Idra in their 'Imbalanced' show talks on this topic itself. Hear their opinion towards the new Protoss Death Ball variation. Do expect to face this new Death Ball variation if you are a Zerg in your ladder matches.
GSL 5 Code S RO32 Day 1 OgsMc, IMMvP, St_July
Today marks the opening games for Code S GSL 5 (Global Starcraft League 5) Round of 32 for the month of March. Group A and Group B will be playing today on 22/2/2011 at 6.00 pm KST.
GROUP A
Group A is the most anticipated group of all with two previous GSL champions; GSL 3 Champion OgsMC and GSL 4 Champion IMMvp. Both of these legendary players often deem to be the best Protoss and Terran around the world currently. Along side the champions stands ST.July, yes, July Zerg the favorite and well known Legendary Zerg player from Starcraft 1. July managed to qualify himself a spot is GSL Code S through Code A Season 4. Finally OgsHyperdub, a very good Terran from the well known team Ogs. However, being in the same group with two GSL champions and a Starcraft 1 legend, proves to be an uphill task if Hyperdub wishes to sneak through this round.
Do Expect to see some crazy plays from the very best Protoss, Terran and Zerg in the world fighting for the top two spots in this group A to further advance into the round of 16.
Set 1: IMMVP (T) vs OGSHyperdub (T) (Tel'darim Altar)
Set 2: St_July (Z) vs OgsMC (P) (Zelnaga Caverns)
Set 3: Winner of Set 1 vs Loser of Set 2 (Tel'darim Altar)
Set 4: Winner of Set 2 vs Loser of Set 1 (Crossfire SE)
Set 5: 1st/2nd place vs 1st/2nd place (Metapolis)
Set 6: 3rd/4th place vs 3rd/4th place (CrossFire SE)
Group B
EgIdra will not be showing up in GSL Code S Season 5, as he will be focusing on the American and European scene tournaments. Thus, only three players from this group will be battling for the top two spots.
Set 1: EgIdra(Z) vs TSL_clide (T)
Set 2:OgsZenio (Z) vs ZenexByun (T)
Set 3 onwards
From set 3 onwards, the pairings will be the same as GROUP A and every other groups.
Stay tuned for the Clash of the Titans and most anticipated GROUP Stage for the Round of 32 of Starcraft 2 GSL Season 5.
RESULTS (SPOILER)
Group A.
OGS MC and ST_July makes it trough to round of 16. IMMVP is down to the 'up and down matches' where he will fight a code A player to maintain his code S status.
A surprising 2-0 win for July over MvP with aggressive Banelings and Zerglings build.
Group B
Clide and ZenexByun makes it through to RO 16. OgsZenio goes down to 'up and down matches'.
GROUP A
Group A is the most anticipated group of all with two previous GSL champions; GSL 3 Champion OgsMC and GSL 4 Champion IMMvp. Both of these legendary players often deem to be the best Protoss and Terran around the world currently. Along side the champions stands ST.July, yes, July Zerg the favorite and well known Legendary Zerg player from Starcraft 1. July managed to qualify himself a spot is GSL Code S through Code A Season 4. Finally OgsHyperdub, a very good Terran from the well known team Ogs. However, being in the same group with two GSL champions and a Starcraft 1 legend, proves to be an uphill task if Hyperdub wishes to sneak through this round.
Do Expect to see some crazy plays from the very best Protoss, Terran and Zerg in the world fighting for the top two spots in this group A to further advance into the round of 16.
Set 1: IMMVP (T) vs OGSHyperdub (T) (Tel'darim Altar)
Set 2: St_July (Z) vs OgsMC (P) (Zelnaga Caverns)
Set 3: Winner of Set 1 vs Loser of Set 2 (Tel'darim Altar)
Set 4: Winner of Set 2 vs Loser of Set 1 (Crossfire SE)
Set 5: 1st/2nd place vs 1st/2nd place (Metapolis)
Set 6: 3rd/4th place vs 3rd/4th place (CrossFire SE)
Group B
EgIdra will not be showing up in GSL Code S Season 5, as he will be focusing on the American and European scene tournaments. Thus, only three players from this group will be battling for the top two spots.
Set 1: EgIdra(Z) vs TSL_clide (T)
Set 2:OgsZenio (Z) vs ZenexByun (T)
Set 3 onwards
From set 3 onwards, the pairings will be the same as GROUP A and every other groups.
Stay tuned for the Clash of the Titans and most anticipated GROUP Stage for the Round of 32 of Starcraft 2 GSL Season 5.
RESULTS (SPOILER)
Group A.
OGS MC and ST_July makes it trough to round of 16. IMMVP is down to the 'up and down matches' where he will fight a code A player to maintain his code S status.
A surprising 2-0 win for July over MvP with aggressive Banelings and Zerglings build.
Group B
Clide and ZenexByun makes it through to RO 16. OgsZenio goes down to 'up and down matches'.
3 Roach Rush 3RR for Zergs by Ncinerate in ZvP and ZvT
Roach Rush variation builds such as 5 Roach Rush (5RR) and 7 Roach Rush (7RR) can often be seen mostly on the lower league of Starcraft 2. This is often considered cheesy and all in by most Zerg players, where often times, Zerg is being considered as a macro race. An unscouted Roach Warren early in the game by a Protoss players can usually means a game loss in the Protoss perspective. However, higher league players such as Diamond and Masters do a very good job in scouting overall and can often foil a 5 RR and 7RR perfectly.
A new and improved version of Roach Rush strategy has been introduced by Ncinerate. A 3 Roach Rush 3RR variation which focuses on getting 3 Roaches out as soon as possible in the game. Ncinerate earlier 3RR strategy is called 'Lightning Ragnarok Majesty' an indeed a cheesy and catchy name. However, he managed to tweak his 3RR build to an even faster timing at 3:33 mark which is considered super early Roaches.
With this build, often times if scouted, it can still be difficult to react such early in the game. As a Protoss player myself, battling 3 Roaches with a Zealot while waiting for the Stalker which seems to build forever can be a difficult task. A micro mistake here can often translate to a game loss. Even a Terran can often times fall to this build. Here's his build.
This strategy works perfectly on smaller two player maps. If you are looking for new cheesy strategies other than 6/7/8 Pool rush or just trying out new Zerg strategies, this present a good opportunity for you. Try out yourself in your Zerg vs Protoss ZvP and Zerg vs Terran ZvT matches and you may steal wins against unprepared opponents.
Here's a few replays by the creator Ncinerate himself.
http://www.sc2replayed.com/replays/142305-1v1-protoss-zerg-lost-temple
http://www.sc2replayed.com/replays/142124-1v1-terran-zerg-steppes-of-war
http://www.sc2replayed.com/replays/142138-1v1-protoss-zerg-xelnaga-caverns
Cheers.
A new and improved version of Roach Rush strategy has been introduced by Ncinerate. A 3 Roach Rush 3RR variation which focuses on getting 3 Roaches out as soon as possible in the game. Ncinerate earlier 3RR strategy is called 'Lightning Ragnarok Majesty' an indeed a cheesy and catchy name. However, he managed to tweak his 3RR build to an even faster timing at 3:33 mark which is considered super early Roaches.
With this build, often times if scouted, it can still be difficult to react such early in the game. As a Protoss player myself, battling 3 Roaches with a Zealot while waiting for the Stalker which seems to build forever can be a difficult task. A micro mistake here can often translate to a game loss. Even a Terran can often times fall to this build. Here's his build.
- Send Overlord to opponents ramp
- 3 Drones
- 9 Spawning Pool
- 2 More Drones
- 10/10 Extractor
- 9/10 Roach Warren asap
- 2 Drones on Gas when its done
- 9/10 Overlord
- 3 Roaches asap
- 3 Roaches towards opponent's base at 3:33
This strategy works perfectly on smaller two player maps. If you are looking for new cheesy strategies other than 6/7/8 Pool rush or just trying out new Zerg strategies, this present a good opportunity for you. Try out yourself in your Zerg vs Protoss ZvP and Zerg vs Terran ZvT matches and you may steal wins against unprepared opponents.
Here's a few replays by the creator Ncinerate himself.
http://www.sc2replayed.com/replays/142305-1v1-protoss-zerg-lost-temple
http://www.sc2replayed.com/replays/142124-1v1-terran-zerg-steppes-of-war
http://www.sc2replayed.com/replays/142138-1v1-protoss-zerg-xelnaga-caverns
Cheers.
Breaking News!! Liquid Huk Won his first Code A match
All hail to the Canadian foreigner Protoss MLG Champion. Huk won his debut match against ST Curious in his Round of 32 code A matchup just now. Huk managed to take down two games in a row with a 2-0 record in this Protoss vs Zerg PvZ game. Here's a short recap on both his matches. If you are not looking for spoilers skip this article.
Game 1 on Teldarim Altar
A new GSL map. For those of you who miss my review on the new GSL maps please check out my previous article post titled 'GSL Season 5 New Map Pool'. Teldarim Altar is an extremely large map. Huk spawned at the 7 o clock position while Curious spawned on the 11 o clock position. Huk started with Forge expansion build while Curious opt for a Gas Pool build and a slower Hatchery expansion. Curious managed to get 2 Zergling pass Huk's choke into Huk's main base and manage to stayed inside his base for a long period of time. Huk calmly microed his Probes and finally manage to take out the Zerglings. Curious got his second expansion after his first very early in the game. A push from Huk in the form of Sentry Zealots and Stalkers from a 5/6 Gate (I think) forced an insane amount of Roaches and Zerglings from Curious. Curious managed to defend and pushed Huk out from his base.
The game is then swing towards the favor of Curious with a large Mutalisk ball army catching Huk totally offguard without Cannons or Blink upgrade and managed to kill a lot of Probes but Huk managed to fend the Mutalisks off from his expansion. Then game soon dragged to a long macro war. Huk's army consists of mainly Gateway units and Immortals to battle Curious Roaches. A few burrowed Zerglings trick by Curious slowed down Huk's second expansion. A hidden Dark Shrine and Templar Archieve is being researched. A few warped in Dark Templars were able to kill a ton of Drones without the knowledge of Curious. Huk is exploiting the map itself for the long travel distances between expansion bases. It all went down hill for Curious from this point on. A very entertaining and good macro PvZ game with lots of battles. This is why the new GSL maps seems to be successful in promoting a longer and macro oriented game.
Game 2 on Metapolis
A close by air position where Huk spawned at 7.00 and Curious at the 11.00 position. Huk started with a standard 3 Gate into expansion and Curious was opting for the Gas Pool into Hatchery strategy build. Huk's army which consisted mainly on Sentries and a Zealot manage to catch a glimpse of Curious Zergling outside his base. Probably around 20 I guess. Huk instantly Force Field around the Zerglings creating a cage and boxed them in towards the wall. An impressive Force Field response by Huk. Two or three additional Gates from Huk ends the game outside Curious Base. Huk is considered one of the very best Force Fielder in the world and manage to show of his skill in this game by cutting, splitting and caging an insane amount of Roaches. A shorter game overall but nonetheless entertaining.
Huk is now a step closer to being qualified into the GSL Code S. If you miss the match itself, you can probably watched them at gomtv.net. You are only allow to watch a match if you don't plan to subscribe. Restreaming GomTV GSL matches is considered illegal. However, you can try watching from sc2rep.com but the commentaries are in Chinese.
Congratulations to Huk again.
Game 1 on Teldarim Altar
A new GSL map. For those of you who miss my review on the new GSL maps please check out my previous article post titled 'GSL Season 5 New Map Pool'. Teldarim Altar is an extremely large map. Huk spawned at the 7 o clock position while Curious spawned on the 11 o clock position. Huk started with Forge expansion build while Curious opt for a Gas Pool build and a slower Hatchery expansion. Curious managed to get 2 Zergling pass Huk's choke into Huk's main base and manage to stayed inside his base for a long period of time. Huk calmly microed his Probes and finally manage to take out the Zerglings. Curious got his second expansion after his first very early in the game. A push from Huk in the form of Sentry Zealots and Stalkers from a 5/6 Gate (I think) forced an insane amount of Roaches and Zerglings from Curious. Curious managed to defend and pushed Huk out from his base.
The game is then swing towards the favor of Curious with a large Mutalisk ball army catching Huk totally offguard without Cannons or Blink upgrade and managed to kill a lot of Probes but Huk managed to fend the Mutalisks off from his expansion. Then game soon dragged to a long macro war. Huk's army consists of mainly Gateway units and Immortals to battle Curious Roaches. A few burrowed Zerglings trick by Curious slowed down Huk's second expansion. A hidden Dark Shrine and Templar Archieve is being researched. A few warped in Dark Templars were able to kill a ton of Drones without the knowledge of Curious. Huk is exploiting the map itself for the long travel distances between expansion bases. It all went down hill for Curious from this point on. A very entertaining and good macro PvZ game with lots of battles. This is why the new GSL maps seems to be successful in promoting a longer and macro oriented game.
Game 2 on Metapolis
A close by air position where Huk spawned at 7.00 and Curious at the 11.00 position. Huk started with a standard 3 Gate into expansion and Curious was opting for the Gas Pool into Hatchery strategy build. Huk's army which consisted mainly on Sentries and a Zealot manage to catch a glimpse of Curious Zergling outside his base. Probably around 20 I guess. Huk instantly Force Field around the Zerglings creating a cage and boxed them in towards the wall. An impressive Force Field response by Huk. Two or three additional Gates from Huk ends the game outside Curious Base. Huk is considered one of the very best Force Fielder in the world and manage to show of his skill in this game by cutting, splitting and caging an insane amount of Roaches. A shorter game overall but nonetheless entertaining.
Huk is now a step closer to being qualified into the GSL Code S. If you miss the match itself, you can probably watched them at gomtv.net. You are only allow to watch a match if you don't plan to subscribe. Restreaming GomTV GSL matches is considered illegal. However, you can try watching from sc2rep.com but the commentaries are in Chinese.
Congratulations to Huk again.
GSL 5 Starts today!!
The long wait of 2 weeks seems to be finally over. All Starcraft nerds around the world cheered for this glorious day. Will the Legendary IMMVP, our previous GSL 4 champion continue his winning streak to take down the throne for a second time? Will previous season champions in the form of TSlFruitdealer, IMNestea and OgsMC make a comeback? Will new faces in the code S such as OgsTop, ST July perform well against the very best Starcraft 2 players around the world? Do we get to see more interesting and innovative strategies or totally unseen strategies before by the Emperor himself non other than Slayers Boxer? Boxer has shown some real insane strategies that makes the crowd goes wild. Such well strategic planned strategy for the whole game can only come from this genius. How will the new introduced GSL maps, Crevasse, Tel Darim Altar, Crossfire SE and Terminus RE affects each matchups?
All these questions linger within our minds every second. But we are definitely cheering for our favorite players and looking for their very best performance in their groups. It is undeniable that heroes will fall and bloodbath will be shed across the gaming arenas. Players are slain and blood spilled on the ground watering the mother earth herself, till the very last survival of these gladiators which will be crowned a new Champion.
Today will be the debuting match for Code A matches.
(Z) IMlosira vs Slayers_Legalmind (P)
(T) ST August (this is not July) vs Loner.Prime.We (T)
(Z) ST CUrious vs LIQUID HUK (P)
(Z) TSL Pretty vs ZenexBUtterfly (T)
Today will be the official debut in the Korean scene for our Foreigner favorite Canadian Protoss Hero, Liquid Huk. Having been in Korea for around two months without much achievement or news, until the recent European tournament, it is time for Huk to show everyone his countless hours of training in the Team LIquid OGS house.
GSL 5 Code A will be broadcasted live from gomtv.net for those of you who are interested in watching. Starting time will be 6.00PM KST Korean Standard Time (+9 GMT). Do adjust to your own time zone.
Cheers.
All these questions linger within our minds every second. But we are definitely cheering for our favorite players and looking for their very best performance in their groups. It is undeniable that heroes will fall and bloodbath will be shed across the gaming arenas. Players are slain and blood spilled on the ground watering the mother earth herself, till the very last survival of these gladiators which will be crowned a new Champion.
Today will be the debuting match for Code A matches.
(Z) IMlosira vs Slayers_Legalmind (P)
(T) ST August (this is not July) vs Loner.Prime.We (T)
(Z) ST CUrious vs LIQUID HUK (P)
(Z) TSL Pretty vs ZenexBUtterfly (T)
Today will be the official debut in the Korean scene for our Foreigner favorite Canadian Protoss Hero, Liquid Huk. Having been in Korea for around two months without much achievement or news, until the recent European tournament, it is time for Huk to show everyone his countless hours of training in the Team LIquid OGS house.
GSL 5 Code A will be broadcasted live from gomtv.net for those of you who are interested in watching. Starting time will be 6.00PM KST Korean Standard Time (+9 GMT). Do adjust to your own time zone.
Cheers.
How to Improve in Starcraft 2 - Part 12 - Units Mix Psychology
Units mix psychology is a very essential and interesting topic in the world of Starcraft 2. Starcraft 2 is a strategy based game involving a wide variety of decision mixes from each players. In general, this magnificent game is normally being divided into different unit combination for each races. Each races; the Zerg, Terran and Protoss each has their own different unit paths that players can utilize. Different units create the distinct uniqueness of each race thus, creating a totally different play style and strategies involved. This often leads to the strengths and weaknesses for the race itself. Protoss armies are generally, being the most expansive and high resources requirement especially in the form of Gas but the strongest in the game. On the other hand, Terran bio units such as Marines and Marauders are the most efficient unit in the game. Zerg has the ability to create a massive army mix in the blink of an eye if larvae permits.
Often times, X unit is considered to be the direct counter for unit Y. Take a Protoss vs Zerg match as an example. Hydras counters Protoss Gateway units due to it's high Damage per Second before the present of High Templars. Colossus is the direct counter to Hydras. A high amount of Corruptors will break the Colossus in no time. We are not counting from the perspective of a mix army here, just unit X vs unit Y.
The point of this how to improve in Starcraft 2 series will be looking into the perspective of Unit Mix Psychology. After watching the finals match between NightEnd (Protoss) against Morrow (Zerg), both insanely high ranked players in the Team Liquid Open tournament yesterday, NightEnd did a very interesting psychology build which he managed to pull off and eventually winning the match. NightEnd's strategy from the match itself can be summarized as;
Lets look at another PvT match between IMSeed (Protoss) against oGsHyperdub (Terran) in the recent Global Starcraft Team League (Korean SC2 tournament between Clans). Both of these teams needs no introduction. IMSeed the Protoss player managed to scout Hyperdub who is doing a 1 Barracks into expansion. Seed proceeded to expand himself across the map in a hidden location. Here's the real distinction between your normal PvT matches. Seed started to research Hallucination. Terran failed to scout the Protoss hidden expansion. IMSeed then Hallucinated two (I think) Immortals into his small army mix of only Gateway Units consisting Stalkers Sentries and Zealots. Seed then started moving towards the expansion of Hyperdub defended by only two bunkers. Hyperdub saw Seed's army outside his base and brought a high amount of SCVs towards his bunker in preparation to repair. Seed wisely turns around after revealing both his Hallucinated Immortals before taking and damage that may reveal his little secrets.
Thus, IMseed managed to tricked Hyperdub into thinking that he went for a 2/3 gate Robo strategy while in fact he did a 1 Gate expansion. Seed proceeded to put down another expansion at his natural expo which looks exactly like a failed 2/3 Gate Robo. Thus Seed's little mind trick here manage to win the game. Terran's army will not move out at this stage fearing of the Protoss Immortals in general.
Thus, constant switching between units and strategies can often times gain you valuable psychological advantage against your opponents. A hidden and unscouted Dark Shrine or Fleet Beacon can often catch your opponent off guard. Hallucinated Phoenix in the Terran vs Protoss matchup will make the Terran think twice about going Banshees build. Hope you like this.
Cheers.
Often times, X unit is considered to be the direct counter for unit Y. Take a Protoss vs Zerg match as an example. Hydras counters Protoss Gateway units due to it's high Damage per Second before the present of High Templars. Colossus is the direct counter to Hydras. A high amount of Corruptors will break the Colossus in no time. We are not counting from the perspective of a mix army here, just unit X vs unit Y.
The point of this how to improve in Starcraft 2 series will be looking into the perspective of Unit Mix Psychology. After watching the finals match between NightEnd (Protoss) against Morrow (Zerg), both insanely high ranked players in the Team Liquid Open tournament yesterday, NightEnd did a very interesting psychology build which he managed to pull off and eventually winning the match. NightEnd's strategy from the match itself can be summarized as;
- 1 Robo
- Getting an Immortal and a Robotics Bay
- Train a Colossus and add in a second Robotics Facility
- And scout, If opponent has a Spire, build only Immortals
- If not continue to pump out colossus
Lets look at another PvT match between IMSeed (Protoss) against oGsHyperdub (Terran) in the recent Global Starcraft Team League (Korean SC2 tournament between Clans). Both of these teams needs no introduction. IMSeed the Protoss player managed to scout Hyperdub who is doing a 1 Barracks into expansion. Seed proceeded to expand himself across the map in a hidden location. Here's the real distinction between your normal PvT matches. Seed started to research Hallucination. Terran failed to scout the Protoss hidden expansion. IMSeed then Hallucinated two (I think) Immortals into his small army mix of only Gateway Units consisting Stalkers Sentries and Zealots. Seed then started moving towards the expansion of Hyperdub defended by only two bunkers. Hyperdub saw Seed's army outside his base and brought a high amount of SCVs towards his bunker in preparation to repair. Seed wisely turns around after revealing both his Hallucinated Immortals before taking and damage that may reveal his little secrets.
Thus, IMseed managed to tricked Hyperdub into thinking that he went for a 2/3 gate Robo strategy while in fact he did a 1 Gate expansion. Seed proceeded to put down another expansion at his natural expo which looks exactly like a failed 2/3 Gate Robo. Thus Seed's little mind trick here manage to win the game. Terran's army will not move out at this stage fearing of the Protoss Immortals in general.
Thus, constant switching between units and strategies can often times gain you valuable psychological advantage against your opponents. A hidden and unscouted Dark Shrine or Fleet Beacon can often catch your opponent off guard. Hallucinated Phoenix in the Terran vs Protoss matchup will make the Terran think twice about going Banshees build. Hope you like this.
Cheers.
The Deadly Polt Timing Push Terran one base: Terran vs Protoss Strategy
During GSL 1, PoltPrime a top Terran player from Clan Polt used a one basing Terran Strategy to take wins mostly from of his TvP matches. Using a unit combination in the form of Marines, Siege Tanks, Banshees, Raven with some SCVs, Polt Prime seemed to be dominating his TvP games easily. This is referred to as the infamous 'Polt Timing Push'. Pushing around the timing of of 9:30 minutes in game where most Protoss player will not have enough units to match the might of Terran ball. This strategy works perfectly against a 1 Gate expo Protoss Player or normally know as the KCDC 1 Gate expo. This is due to Protoss inability to match up the number of units at this time against such a huge and insanely high Damage Per Second DPS Terran armies.
The Polt Timing Push gains its strength from units such as Marines with insane DPS. A Raven is being thrown into the mix for Point Defense Drone PDD to deny opponent's Stalkers. Banshees are used to haress during the early stage to force Stalkers from the Protoss and using PDD to deny them when the major push by the Terran player comes. Siege Tank with Siege mode gains the Terran valuable terrain Positioning and forces the Protoss player to fight at bad locations. A slow siege Tank leap frog push; where you move your Siege Tanks closer to opponent's base a few steps at a time which is the most irritating tactics to battle against as a Protoss player. Alongside with the SCVs that often serve as the meat shield to suck up opponent's damage while obliterating the Protoss player's army forces with your high DPS units. SCVs can often fortify your position by building Bunkers outside the Protoss base. This protects your fragile Marines. Banshees and Raven provides you with high ground sight which serve magnificently with your Siege Tanks.
A few threats has sprout up by Protoss players around the world to find the exact counter to this strategy. Opinions are being gathered and strategies had been discussed. However, there seem to be no single perfect exact answer. I have lost countless of PvT matches to this strategy alone. From the Protoss point of view, probably a unit combination of Immortals with Warp Prism drop, Stalkers, Phoenix, Observer and Zealots can be a very good counter. Other players may opt for a more traditional 3 Gate with Colossus route. Some may argue that Warp Prism haress or even Dark Templar haress will be efficient. However, a lot of Protoss is still having trouble against this build.
Polt Timing Push will often starts with a 1-1-1 Build, Destiny Cloud Fist Build or whatever you prefer to call it. However, players can then select to branch out. Polt Timing Push has currently spawned into a few different variations such:
The Polt Timing Push gains its strength from units such as Marines with insane DPS. A Raven is being thrown into the mix for Point Defense Drone PDD to deny opponent's Stalkers. Banshees are used to haress during the early stage to force Stalkers from the Protoss and using PDD to deny them when the major push by the Terran player comes. Siege Tank with Siege mode gains the Terran valuable terrain Positioning and forces the Protoss player to fight at bad locations. A slow siege Tank leap frog push; where you move your Siege Tanks closer to opponent's base a few steps at a time which is the most irritating tactics to battle against as a Protoss player. Alongside with the SCVs that often serve as the meat shield to suck up opponent's damage while obliterating the Protoss player's army forces with your high DPS units. SCVs can often fortify your position by building Bunkers outside the Protoss base. This protects your fragile Marines. Banshees and Raven provides you with high ground sight which serve magnificently with your Siege Tanks.
A few threats has sprout up by Protoss players around the world to find the exact counter to this strategy. Opinions are being gathered and strategies had been discussed. However, there seem to be no single perfect exact answer. I have lost countless of PvT matches to this strategy alone. From the Protoss point of view, probably a unit combination of Immortals with Warp Prism drop, Stalkers, Phoenix, Observer and Zealots can be a very good counter. Other players may opt for a more traditional 3 Gate with Colossus route. Some may argue that Warp Prism haress or even Dark Templar haress will be efficient. However, a lot of Protoss is still having trouble against this build.
Polt Timing Push will often starts with a 1-1-1 Build, Destiny Cloud Fist Build or whatever you prefer to call it. However, players can then select to branch out. Polt Timing Push has currently spawned into a few different variations such:
- 2 Barracks 1 Factory 1 Starport: Choosing to mix in Maruders into Marines, Tanks, Banshee, Raven (Most of the time no Cloak research for Banshees)
- 1 Barracks 1 Factory 2 Starports: Marines, Tanks and favor more heavily towards Banshee plays with Cloak
- 2 Barracks 1 Factory 1 Starport: Marines, Marauders, Banshee, Raven with Thors mix in
- Or any variations out there
The exact Protoss 4 Gate build
Every Protoss player should be very familiar with the 4 gating strategy. However, I always wonder how many of you do in fact knows the exact 4 Gating build strategy which is often used in Protoss vs Protoss and to a lesser extend in Protoss vs Terran match up. The perfect 4 gate strategy that I will be writing here is the near optimized 4 Gate build focusing on Zealots and Stalker.
The Build Order
The Build Order
- 9/10 Pylon
- Chrono Boost Probes once Pylon is done
- 12/18 Gateway and scout with Probe
- Chrono Boost Probes once more (Spend only a total of 2 Chrono Boost on Probes and the rest for Warp Gate research)
- 14/18 Assimilator
- 15/18 Pylon
- Put Probes into Assimilator when done
- 17/18 Cybernetics Core
- Train a Zealot
- Continue Probes
- When Core is done Chrono Boost a Stalker and Warp Gate Research
- Constant Chrono Boosting on Warp Gate Research
- Stop your Probes when you have 24/26 food count including one Zealot and one Stalker
- Save up to 450 and build 3 more Gateways
- Train one more Stalker, thus 26/26 with 20 Probes plus One Zealot and 2 Stalkers
- Proxy a Pylon near opponents base now with your previous scouting Probe
- When Warp Gate research is done, warp in 4 more stalkers
- The exact timing of this build now is approximately 5:45 to 5:50 minutes in game time
- With your 1 Zealot and 6 Stalkers, use your Probe to build another Pylon outside your opponent's ramp
- The next round of warp in will consists of 4 Zealots and proceed to win the game.
How to Improve in Starcraft 2 - Part 11 - Use your map Vetos
Starcraft 2 Tips and Guide will be looking at the use of map Vetos in you games for today's series on How to Improve in Starcraft 2. Map Vetos or often known as map preference, which is a very essential tool for every Starcraft 2 players. In general players are allowed to veto a total of 3 maps from the map pool which will not be played during your battle.net games. If your aim and goal is totally just to win your matches whether to climb the ranking fast or just looking for more wins, it is advisable for you to close down your weakest 3 maps. These maps can involves maps that are not favorable to your own race or due to map sizes and backdoor entrance.
It it best to accomodate the maps to your own personal playstyle. For example, most players are not a big fan of Steppes of War due to its miniature size. However, if you are one of those players favoring a one base all in strategy, this map is very suitable for you.
Lets look into the current 1v1 solo maps. A total of 8 maps are currently available on the solo battle.net maps devided into a 2 players maps or 4 players maps.
2 Players Map
These maps generally has only two spawning locations for you and your opponent. You will always know your opponent's spawning location from the individual map itself. Due to this fact, strategies such as proxy Gateways, Cannon rushes, 6 Pool Zerglings, 7 Roach Rush, Marines with Scvs all in (Bit by Bit strategy)
are often considered the more successful strategies except probably Scrap Station for its long travel distance between bases.
1. Blistering Sands
Generally Blistering Sands gives a huge advantage to the attacker and the aggressive players. With the introduction of a back door entrance on this maps, thus creating two different entrances once the rocks had been taken down, the defending player will not gain any defender advantage. Hence, strategies such as 3 Rax bio by the Terran, 4 Gates by the Protoss and Aggressive Ling/Roach works very well here. If you are more towards a passive playing style where macro is your game, it is most advisable to close this map.
2. Scrap Station
A long travel distance between the bases with a short air range. Often times, this is deemed to be the ultimate Zerg map as they are given a free expansion early in the game. The long travel distance gives the Zerg player enough time to prepare ahead for any rushes. It is possible for Protoss and Terran to get an Early expansion however, due to the huge and wide base entrance, a mistake here can often costs you the game. Pay attention to the back door rocks at your expansion as well. Air strategy plays is prevalent on this map. Units such as Banshees, Phoenix and Void Rays and Mutas are often used to abuse the short air distance. A recommended Zerg map.
3. Steppes of War
The smallest map ever seen on Starcraft 2. You can probably fit 4 Steppes of War on a Shakuras Plateau. I am not joking here. Insanely short distance between bases which often times makes early rushes scary. Due to its tiny size, the game itself often ends when each player has an average of two bases. Very limited time to prepare for any opponent's offense. Least favorite map of all time but an all time favorite for cheesy players.
4. Xel'naga Caverns
Generally one of the best and well balanced two player map. A very strategically designed map and often played by every race.
5. Jungle Basin (Which seemed to be removed from the map pool currently)
Often considered a Protoss and Terran favored map. Zerg in general has a tough time securing a third base on this map. A two basing strategy from Protoss and Terran is at the strongest here. Protoss has the ability to warp in their units to opponent's expansion easily.
4 Player Maps
On a 4 player maps, players spawn at a random location except Shakuras Plateau where players can only spawn on the opposite side of the map. 3 types of distance is possible; close spawn location, close by air or far distance location.
5. Delta Quardrant
Not a favorite map by most players due to its design. An expansion behind each player's base with destructible debris can be found. An easy expansion but hard to defend. Often times the high ledge near this expansion can create a problem which often been the target of drops such as Siege Tanks or Colossus plays. Players in general expand outside their base closer to their opponent.
6. Lost Temple
A decent map in design overall. However, Lost Temple often favors the Terran player as the ledge on the expansion will be the target of Terran drops. We have seen strategies such as Siege Tanks with Missile Turrets against a Zerg player proves to be devastating. On the other hand, more players from different races are currently exploiting this as well from the use of Nydus Wurms with Hydras and Warp Prism Stalker drops.
7. Metapolis
A preferred map by most players. However, the wide area at the natural expansion can be a disadvantage often times for the defending player.
8. Shakuras Plateau
The largest and lastest map introduced by Blizzard. Shakuras immense size fits similarly towards the previous Starcraft one macro playstyle. Thus, we often seen and play longer games on this map in general. A map for those macro oriented style players. We will be seeing more maps like this in the future, such as the new map pool in the current Starcraft Test server and GSL as well.
Overall, It is best to only pick maps that are most compatible with your own personal play style and strategy choosing maps that you have the highest winning percentage. Getting familiar with only 5 out of the 8 maps can be an easier job here. However, do not forgo the training task for the leftover maps as well.
Cheers.
It it best to accomodate the maps to your own personal playstyle. For example, most players are not a big fan of Steppes of War due to its miniature size. However, if you are one of those players favoring a one base all in strategy, this map is very suitable for you.
Lets look into the current 1v1 solo maps. A total of 8 maps are currently available on the solo battle.net maps devided into a 2 players maps or 4 players maps.
2 Players Map
These maps generally has only two spawning locations for you and your opponent. You will always know your opponent's spawning location from the individual map itself. Due to this fact, strategies such as proxy Gateways, Cannon rushes, 6 Pool Zerglings, 7 Roach Rush, Marines with Scvs all in (Bit by Bit strategy)
are often considered the more successful strategies except probably Scrap Station for its long travel distance between bases.
1. Blistering Sands
Generally Blistering Sands gives a huge advantage to the attacker and the aggressive players. With the introduction of a back door entrance on this maps, thus creating two different entrances once the rocks had been taken down, the defending player will not gain any defender advantage. Hence, strategies such as 3 Rax bio by the Terran, 4 Gates by the Protoss and Aggressive Ling/Roach works very well here. If you are more towards a passive playing style where macro is your game, it is most advisable to close this map.
2. Scrap Station
A long travel distance between the bases with a short air range. Often times, this is deemed to be the ultimate Zerg map as they are given a free expansion early in the game. The long travel distance gives the Zerg player enough time to prepare ahead for any rushes. It is possible for Protoss and Terran to get an Early expansion however, due to the huge and wide base entrance, a mistake here can often costs you the game. Pay attention to the back door rocks at your expansion as well. Air strategy plays is prevalent on this map. Units such as Banshees, Phoenix and Void Rays and Mutas are often used to abuse the short air distance. A recommended Zerg map.
3. Steppes of War
The smallest map ever seen on Starcraft 2. You can probably fit 4 Steppes of War on a Shakuras Plateau. I am not joking here. Insanely short distance between bases which often times makes early rushes scary. Due to its tiny size, the game itself often ends when each player has an average of two bases. Very limited time to prepare for any opponent's offense. Least favorite map of all time but an all time favorite for cheesy players.
4. Xel'naga Caverns
Generally one of the best and well balanced two player map. A very strategically designed map and often played by every race.
5. Jungle Basin (Which seemed to be removed from the map pool currently)
Often considered a Protoss and Terran favored map. Zerg in general has a tough time securing a third base on this map. A two basing strategy from Protoss and Terran is at the strongest here. Protoss has the ability to warp in their units to opponent's expansion easily.
4 Player Maps
On a 4 player maps, players spawn at a random location except Shakuras Plateau where players can only spawn on the opposite side of the map. 3 types of distance is possible; close spawn location, close by air or far distance location.
5. Delta Quardrant
Not a favorite map by most players due to its design. An expansion behind each player's base with destructible debris can be found. An easy expansion but hard to defend. Often times the high ledge near this expansion can create a problem which often been the target of drops such as Siege Tanks or Colossus plays. Players in general expand outside their base closer to their opponent.
6. Lost Temple
A decent map in design overall. However, Lost Temple often favors the Terran player as the ledge on the expansion will be the target of Terran drops. We have seen strategies such as Siege Tanks with Missile Turrets against a Zerg player proves to be devastating. On the other hand, more players from different races are currently exploiting this as well from the use of Nydus Wurms with Hydras and Warp Prism Stalker drops.
7. Metapolis
A preferred map by most players. However, the wide area at the natural expansion can be a disadvantage often times for the defending player.
8. Shakuras Plateau
The largest and lastest map introduced by Blizzard. Shakuras immense size fits similarly towards the previous Starcraft one macro playstyle. Thus, we often seen and play longer games on this map in general. A map for those macro oriented style players. We will be seeing more maps like this in the future, such as the new map pool in the current Starcraft Test server and GSL as well.
Overall, It is best to only pick maps that are most compatible with your own personal play style and strategy choosing maps that you have the highest winning percentage. Getting familiar with only 5 out of the 8 maps can be an easier job here. However, do not forgo the training task for the leftover maps as well.
Cheers.
How to Improve in Starcraft 2 - Part 10 - Terrain and Positioning
"Sun Tzu said: There are different kinds of terrain in nature. Some terrain is easily accessible, some is entrapping, some temporizing, some constricted, some precipitous and some distant.
What terrain is accessible? Ground that is easy for both your troops and the enemy's to move across is called accessible terrain. If you enter the accessible region, you should first take high and sunny positions and keep your supply routes unimpeded. This is convenient for you to fight with the enemy."
(Chapter X http://www.chinavista.com/experience/warart/warframe.html)
The above extract is quoted from Sun Tzu's military text from his writings in 'Art of War'. chapter X. Sun Tzu is a very famous military strategist of the State of Wu during the sixth century BC in ancient China. His influential military tactics written in the 'Art of War' has played a significant influence for battle strategies and tactics throughout history from the Ancient times of Chinese Emperors and conquerors till this very day. Art of war has been published by hundreds of different publishers in different languages around the world. His emphasis and in depth thoughts in military tactics has gained fame and 'Art of War' is deemed to be the oldest and most successful and influencial work books on military strategy.
Chapter X of 'Art of War' focuses on the specific topic; Terrain. Sun Tzu's emphasis on the importance of terrain for the determination of a military warfare. Starcraft 2 is a game involving various military tactical strategies which plays a very similar role to a real time war. Strategies and the insights of the player itself determines the outcome of an individual match.
We will be looking on the specific topic on Terrain/ Positioning on today's Starcraft 2 Tips and Guide. How often do you lose a battle due to bad positioning as a Protoss? Did you get your army consisting of 200 food Zerg units getting wiped out instantly? Why are you losing battles that you think you can win?
The very answer can often comes down to 'Terrain and Positioning'. I will break this and look into Terrain and Positioning alone.
Terrain
What is terrain you may ask? Terrain in Starcraft 2 can generally be defined by a couple of factors.
I) Maps
Maps in Starcraft 2 itself is the direct and most specific way as a determination for Terrain. Different maps can often be considered as different Terrains. Take for example where Scarp Station is often considered as a Zerg favored map, where Zerg can expand safely. Maps such as Blistering Sands with a backdoor entrance often requires a different approach towards defending your base. Jungle Basin which seemed to be removed from the map pool often gives both players a free expansion easily defended within a base to each players. Hence, different strategies can be used and work best on certain maps while not on others.
II) High and Low Ground
Most of the Starcraft 2 maps gives a high ground defender advantage for each player's starting base. High ground gives a greater sight on the map which often translates to a defender advantage as you have vision of your opponent when he is outside of your base. In general, due to the creation of both high and low ground, it is thus, harder as the offender / attacker to win a battle. Terran is considered being the ultimate defending race due to the general design of Terran overall. Well placed bunkers and Siege Tanks often creates a near impossible fort to break in.
III) Island expansions that can only be accessible by air
Island expansions is often considered to be very save from your opponents onslaughts which can be only accessible by air. Often times, you can manage to sneak up an island expansion without your opponent's knowledge until it is too late.
Positioning
My insight of positioning will be towards your battle army composition positioning.
I) Narrow or Open Position
Narrow or open position refers to the surrounding areas when both of you and your opponent's armies collide. Often time this is very essential for a Protoss player to battle on a small and close position against a Zerg opponent. 'Wall hugging' is the preferred term here. This is due to Protoss Sentry's Force Field ability and unit composition. Countless battles can be won if a Protoss player is able to get a few well placed Force Fields.
On the other hand, taken from the perspective of a Zerg player, the Zerg swarm will always try to force a fight in a wide area where flanking is often the winning strategy for Zerg players. If you manage to catch your opponent off guard and able to flank from both sides, the match will very likely swing towards your favor.
Fighting at a tight choke can often swing the battle outcome towards a certain player.
II) Army positioning
In general for example, as a Protoss player, you will always want your Zealots to be the front line. I have seen countless of Professional Starcraft 2 gamers made a mistake of not positioning their army strategically. Stalkers in general has a higher movement speed than other Protoss units and thus will always move towards your opponent first. Thus, it is best to always position your Stalkers behind your Zealots. It is most advisable to have two different hotkeys; one for Zealots and Sentries and another for Stalkers. However, I am just too used to putting them all together in a key.
As a Terran player, it is essential to always battle your opponent within your Siege tank's range. Always try to kite and draw your opponent towards your Siege Tanks.
I hope you have gained a more indepth insight towards the importance of both Terrain and Positioning.
Cheers.
Things You Sould Know For each Races
Today on Starcraft 2 Tips and Guide, I just wish to point out some things that you really should know from the perspective of each races and in general.
General
1. You can hold down a specific unit short key button to create a repetition of the unit. Eg, instead of pressing D 10 times to train 10 Drones, you can hold down the D button to immediately turn all your larva into Drones.
2. Same rule applies here for Protoss. You can hold down 'Z' left click left click left click to Warp in Zealots intead of Z left click Z left click Z left click.
3. Right click your worker on a mineral patch can make the worker by pass your opponent's units. Eg. when your scouting worker is surrounded, quickly 'Right click' on a mineral patch and your surrounded worker will be able to escape. (EDIT: No longer works since patch 1.20 as your units can't bypass enemy units anymore T_T)
4. There are only 7 patches of mineral patches for the two bases outside your base on Shakuras Plateau. (Refer to my previous post)
5. The income for an ally is split evenly to his other allies if the player has left the game.
6. You can start trading and requesting minerals starting from the 5 minutes in game time.
7. Remember to set 'Unit HP Bar' always 'ON' for ease of micro instead of pressing the 'Alt' button.
8. You can check your Opponent's race again if you didn't pay attention during the load screen by clicking the 'top right' icon to toggle player stats while in game.
9. You can type '/dance' with your units selected to make them dance LOL.
8. You can check your Opponent's race again if you didn't pay attention during the load screen by clicking the 'top right' icon to toggle player stats while in game.
9. You can type '/dance' with your units selected to make them dance LOL.
Terran
1. Performing a 'Viking Flower' with your Vikings. This is a really useful strategy by bunching all your Vikings together at the same spot. With the advantage of long range, your Vikings will always perform a shot instantly when enemy air units are spotted. A must know in Terran vs Terran matchup. How do you perform this?
- It is best to hotkey all your Vikings at the same key.
- Then 'Right Click' on a spot to make your Vikings bunch up. (You can right click a few times)
- Immediately press 'P' for Patrol and 'left click' on the same spot again.
- This will perform a 'Viking flower' where you will see the vikings bunch up together while spinning.
2. You can actually repair your Mech Units such as Tanks with SCV when both of them are in a Medicvac. Remember to set your 'Auto Repair' on your SCVs.
3. SCVs can repair each other when both of them are inside a Bunker. Set 'Auto Repair' on.
4. Siege Tanks has longer Attack range than its Vision. It is best to gain vision with your air units or Scans.
Protoss
1. You can Chrono Boost your Gateway when the Gateway is transforming into a Warp Gate. This hasten its transformation.
2. Remember to right click on the 'Build Interceptors' ability on Carriers to set them to auto builds.
3. A Void Ray beats a Queen one to one.
4. Remember to 'Hold' on your Zealot at your front door choke when facing a Zerg opponent.
5. You will have enough time to kill a Nydus Wurm by sending all your mining Probes on minerals to kill it.
Zerg
1. You can explode your Banelings when they are Burrowed. Either set the Baneling to auto-explode by 'Right clicking' the Banelings ability when they are Burrowed or you can explode them manually. It is best to do it manually for maximum damage.
2. Overlord Speed upgrade increases the speed of your Overseer as well.
3. Remember to start generating creep with your Overlords when you have your Lair tech. This helps to increase your creep spread creating a creep highway or just to prevent your opponent from expanding.
4. Performing the 'Magic Box' with Mutalisk. Magic Box is a term used for spreading your Mutas to prevent bunch ups
- This skill is very important against the Thors from Terran.
- Thors will completely obliterate bunch up Mutas
- Select all your Mutas and Press 'S' for Stop. Magic Box can also be done by leaving your Mutas alone as they will spread out themself.
- When facing a Thor, DO NOT right click your Mutas on the Thor as this will create a bunch up. Instead once you have done a Magic Box, Right click behind the Thor, when your Mutas are on top of the Thor, Press either 'H' for Hold or 'S' for Stop.
- This significantly reduces the effect of Splash damage from Thors.
5. Infestors can cast 'Infested Terrans' while burrowed.
Shakuras Plateau TIps: 7 Mineral Patches
All of us have played the map Shakuras Plateau in our solo 1v1 matches before. But how many of you do realize that there is only 7 mineral patches at the expansion outside our starting base location? If you already know this, good, as you understand your maps more than a lot of players out there. I bet a lot of you don't realize the fact that there's only 7 mineral patches. Take a look at the Shakuras Plateau map above. Both the red X mark shows that there are only 7 mineral patches at those locations. The same applies for every other starting bases.
You may be wondering this doesn't seem to be important. I'll say it does in some games that you play on this map such as a long macro game. Sometimes the extra mineral patch which gives us an additional 14.2% extra income compared to a 7 mineral patches will determine the game. However, this factor alone will not determine the outcome for majority of your games.
As a general rule, 2 workers mining from a mineral patch gives the highest return for us as each additional worker provides us with just a minimal extra income. I do not recommend you to build only 16 mineral mining workers at your main base as you are always going to need your expansion unless you are pulling off some 4 gate all in builds or one base all ins. The highest amount of workers you can place at each mineral patches is 3. Hence, 24 mineral workers for your starting base with 8 mineral patches.
Thus, on shakuras plateau, the best saturation at your 7 mineral patches is 14 workers on minerals. You can always build more workers to prepare for another location. This article is just to provide some tips and strategy guide on Shakuras Plateau knowledge.
Another important tips here. Your opponent can only spawn the other side of the map. If you are spawning on the left side, your opponent will always be on the right side either the top or bottom base. So no point wasting your time in scouting the same base as your side.
Both the islands on Lost Temple has 7 mineral patches too for your information. The new GSL maps has different mineral patches as well. Do find out yourself.
Cheers.
OgsMC the Best Protoss in the World
OgsMC is the best Protoss in the world. The previous champion of GSL 3 showed every Protoss players out there how to beat their Terran opponents. No one understands the PvT matchup as much as OgsMC does during the GSL season 3. OgsMC was a former Starcraft 1 player, however he didn't achieve much during his Starcraft 1 career with a winning percentage of lower than 50% in his on stage match performance. Nicknamed the Iron Man and or Suicide Tos in the former Starcraft 1 arena. He got his 'Suicide Tos' nickname, during one of his onstage game, where he performed his rituals where he slides his index finger over his neck giving a warning to his opponent that he will be owning his opponent hard. However, MC turned out to be the loser of the match it self making him a complete fool. Thus, gaining the nickname of Suicide Tos.
Fowarding over to his Starcraft 2 career, OgsMC's impressive micro and macro strategy gained famed and popularity across the world. With his pure ownage style in his PvT matches, where he claimed that he has a winning percentage of 90%, is no joke. He took down his Terran opponents with ease during his journey to be crowned as the GSL 3 champion. Nicknamed the 'Kratos Protoss' by Artosis and Tasteless; both commentators of GSL for the English audience; where OgsMC will just rip through every of his opponents by pulling their arms and heads off. A synonym for Kratos the protagonist in all time favorite God of War series. MC most famous and probably infamous strategies to the Terrans out there includes his Stalkers and Voidray rushes and 3 Gate into an 6 Gates from 2 bases.OgsMC from the team Ogs (Old Generation Starcraft), a team which was created by the older generation of Starcraft 1 players.
OgsMC is like no other professional Starcraft players around the world. MC is deemed to be extremely cocky and proud, a total opposite of the Emperor Slayers Boxer humble and down to earth personality. MC 's after game rituals such as the 'thumbs down at his opponent' or 'waving his index finger' is scene not to be missed.
Being a typical Korean, where most Koreans do not speak and understand the English language, MC began picking up English from the Team Liquid members. Most people are not brave enough to speak out in English in front of a TV during the GomTV after game interviews. However, OgsMC doesn't seem to be anxious about his English commentating ability. Here's his quotes.
"Me all in, he drone drone drone, me win."
"Marauder damage
Zealot defense
Stalker attack
but Sentry Forcefield Forcefield
Marauder... cage
Marauder die die"
Zealot defense
Stalker attack
but Sentry Forcefield Forcefield
Marauder... cage
Marauder die die"
On STC
"He very practice gosu
Him very thank you"
Him very thank you"
"The first round went exactly as I thought it would. So I knew then for sure that the terrans are still beneath me. All the terrans in this GSL did exactly what I expected." Translated into English.
New Protoss PvP Build order KCDC 2 Gate Robo
Todays on Starcraft 2 Tips, I will be introducing to all of the Protoss players out there a new Protoss PvP matchup build order. During these days, most PvP matches are being determined by 4 gating madness. strategy. A lot of PvP matches comes down to 4 gating each other. The popularity of 4 gates in PvP has skyrocketed on every servers and leagues. Whether you are a Masters or Gold League, mastering both sides of 4 gating is very crucial as the aggressive pusher role or as the defending 4 gates. This will determine your Protoss vs Protoss matches outcome. There are times in PvP matches involving cheeses such as cannon rush or proxy two Gateways. Builds such as Blink Stalker, Fast Dark Templars, 3 Gate Robo can be seen very often in PvP as well.
However, today I will be introducing to you guys a new Protoss PvP build order. This new PvP build order is being introduced to us by KCDC a very high ranked Protoss player from the American server. KCDC is one of the earliest or probably the founder for the 1 Gate expansion in the Protoss vs Terran matchup. This is a very popular strategy during the early release and first few months of Starcraft 2. However, currently 1 Gate into expansion in PvT is kind of risky bet as most Terrans will just one base and rollover you with Marines, Banshees, Raven with a mix of Tanks or Marauders.
Traditionally a Gate Robo Gate build is very risky in PvP. As nearly all players are aware of the 'Warping over Force Field' trick, where you can warp your units over opponent's Force Field and mostly able to take the game down if your opponent starts with a 2 Gate Robo build. A standard 2 Gate Robo build does not perform so well and probably an instant loss if your opponent is 4 Gating. 2 Gate Robo works perfectly if your opponent is starting with a 2 Gas builds. However, KCDC has made some tweaks to the new 2 Gate Robo build and innovating an awesome new build.
Basically, the build involves an earlier Assimilator for Gas than normal builds at 13 Gateway and 13 Assimilator. What this strategy mainly revolves in getting an Immortal out from your Robotic Facility as soon as possible. Chrono Boosting out your first Stalker after your first Zealot to take out your opponent's scouting Probe is very important. The strength of this build is its ability to obtain an Immortal at 6 minutes mark as this is the standard 4 gate rush timing of 5:45-5:50. You will be able to have an army of 5 Zealots, 1 Stalker and 1 Immortal during this time if your performed a perfect build. Your army can easily decimate your opponents army consisting of a standard 6 Stalkers and a Zealot.
With this build you are able to get a very early Robo compared to your opponent thus, if his early push failed, you have basically won the game as you can tech to Collosus very much sooner than your opponent. Another thing to take notice of this build is it looks very much similar to a standard 4 gate build. This keeps your opponent on the defensive tone as most likely he will be preparing to defend a 4 Gate from you which will never arrive. Do try this build out yourself by practicing the build a couple of times on custom games before trying it out on ladder.
BUILD ORDER by KCDC
9 pylon (1st chronoboost on 11th probe)
13 gate (scout with probe that builds gateway)
13 gas (will have to cut probe production for about 1 second here. chronoboost immediately after starting next probe)
15 pylon
13 gate (scout with probe that builds gateway)
13 gas (will have to cut probe production for about 1 second here. chronoboost immediately after starting next probe)
15 pylon
Core @ 100% gate
Zealot @100 minerals
Stalker and warpgate research @ 100% core (chronoboost both gateway and core at this point. this allows You to get your stalker earlier to deny scouting and makes it look like a 4 gate)
Robo ASAP when you can deny scouting (chrono the stalker out and start the robo out of the probe's vision If it stays in your base to be hunted down by your stalker. you need an immortal by 6 minutes and there aren't many seconds to spare)
Pylon
robo @ or before 100% stalker (see above regarding timing)
zealot @ 100 minerals
2nd gateway
pylon
immortal
zealot
@100% warpgate research, 2 more zealots and another immortal
Zealot @100 minerals
Stalker and warpgate research @ 100% core (chronoboost both gateway and core at this point. this allows You to get your stalker earlier to deny scouting and makes it look like a 4 gate)
Robo ASAP when you can deny scouting (chrono the stalker out and start the robo out of the probe's vision If it stays in your base to be hunted down by your stalker. you need an immortal by 6 minutes and there aren't many seconds to spare)
Pylon
robo @ or before 100% stalker (see above regarding timing)
zealot @ 100 minerals
2nd gateway
pylon
immortal
zealot
@100% warpgate research, 2 more zealots and another immortal
Replays of KCDC: (Replace the dots below)
http://www.gamereplaysdotorg/starcraft2/replays.php?game=33&show=details&id=187625
http://www.gamereplaysdotorg/starcraft2/replays.php?game=33&show=details&id=187624
GSL Season 5 Code A Brackets
GSL Season 5 Code A brackets has been released.Pay Attention to the brackets below and did you notice something? YES, our Canadian Protoss Hero Liquid Huk is in the first group. This will be his debut match in the Korean scene. Its been a while since his last GSL 4 qualifier where he lost in his finals of group qualifier. Huk has been a strong force in the Korean Battle.net ladder being ranked at number 5 couple of days ago. Climbing and ranking no 1 on the European server over the span of 4 days starting from 1k Masters points is no easy feet and being the first player around the world to obtain 4k Master League points. Do support him and watch his debut matchup in GSL on 21st February. Huk lost in the quarterfinals of Assembly Winter 2011 a large European Tournament to aTnSocke yesterday. Losing the final match to proxy gateway on Steppes of War is a disappointing way to leave a tournament. But that's the nature of Protoss vs Protoss currently due to certain maps. MoonGlade the SEA best hope and champion will be making his debut too on GSL. Wish them best of luck.
21 Feb
1.
IMLosirA vs 
SlayerS_LegalMind2.
ST_August vs WE.LonerPrime3.
ST_Curious vs LiquidHuk4.
ST_Posh vs ZeNEX_ButterflyEffect23 Feb
1.
ST_Virus vs FOXMoon2.
GanZi vs LiquidHayprO3.
ZeNEX_Coca vs ST_Ace4.
SlayerS_YuGiOh vs LeenockfOu25 Feb
1.
TSL_Rain vs Yeah2.
mOOnGLaDe vs ZeNEX_Destination3.
IMJunwi vs SlayerS_Alicia4.
MvP_Dog vs MakaPrime.WE28 Feb
1.
oGsSuperNova vs ST_Squirtle2.
TSL_Alive vs oGsCezanne3.
SlayerS_CchapSeungEu vs LiquidRet4.
TSL_Killer vs oGsjookTo
How to Improve in Starcraft 2 - Part 9 - Preparing for Tournaments
In this 'How to Improve in Starcraft 2' series part 9, I will be talking on Preparing for Tournaments. Whether you will be joining your first tournament online or offline or you are already a constant tournament competitor, this article will give you a better idea on how to improve your games and winning more games in tournaments.
I have personally only played one online tournament couple of weeks ago. It feels different generally when I am in a tournament. As compared to ladder games, I don't really care about the outcome as mainly to improve my own play style and for practice reasons. However, in a tournament, there will always be pressure. Sometimes immense pressure from your first tournament can be too great which will probably affect your gameplay. Wanna know the outcome of my first online tournament? I lost my first round best of one game. T_T. During that game, I seem to be under some pressure as it feels weird to be playing my first tournament. Most people probably been through this. This pressure seems to come from lack of experience and nervousness which in turn affects my general micro and macro gameplay strategy.
I will be entering my second online tournament soon and I hope that I will do better this time around. You may be wondering how do I practice currently and ways to prepare myself for my next tournament I'll outline the general guide and strategy for tournament preparations.
1. Practice partners
Practice partners are generally very crucial during your practice matches before tournaments. In general, ask your friends to play with you as many games as possible. It is advisable to practice against a better or good players. Playing against better players will give you a sense of your strengths and weaknesses in your overall strategies and gameplays. It is always better to compare yourself to someone who is better at Starcraft 2. It is best to have one or more persons for a specific race. This is due to different playstyle and strategies by player preference. Some player opt for more one to two basing all in aggressive strategy while others prefer a longer macro game style. It is best to have more experience against a wider range of playstyle as our future tournament opponent will be random.
2. Practice against a Specific Race
The necessity to practice against a specific race. If for example, Zerg vs Protoss is your weakest match overall, practice more on the specific ZvP match. Followed by your second weakest match. Finally, your best matchup can come up last. You need as much practice for your weakest match to gain your more experience and idea of the specific matchup.
3. Practice with and against a specific strategy over and over
It is best for you to practice on performing each of your own specific strategy over and over again. For example you have three types of main builds consisting of; 4 Gating, 2 Gate Robo, 2 Gate Stargate. Then , divide your practice time performing the same strategy over and over against different opponents. Familiarizing and mastering each of your personal strategy is utmost important.
4. Get your practice partners to perform a specific strategy over and over
If your focusing on the PvZ match, you would want your practice partners to perform the same strategy over and over until you are familiarize the same strategy performed by your opponent. Take an example where your Zerg opponent only does a 14 and 15 hatch build for a few games in a row. After playing against the same build over and over you will become very familiar with his build such as expansion timings and timings for Speedlings, Lair tech etc. Do practice against a wider range of strategies.
5. Practice on different maps
The same argument as the above two points will be used here. As every tournament has a range of map pools, familiarizing yourself on each and different maps can be an advantage. Some tournaments allow map vetos where others do not. Please refer to your tournament details for more information.
6. Psychological Factors
Psychological factors seems to be a great influence during your tournament matches. For example, a lot of pro Gamers perform wonderfully on ladder matches but failing to perform well in their offline LAN matches. This scenario occurs a lot on GSL players as they are not used to play infront of a camera and audience. The best psychological guide I can give here is try to relax and play more custom games with observers watching your games. You may get used to being watch and play tournaments after a few tournaments.
7. Best of one, Best of three and Best of five games factors
Another aspect that you should take into consideration is the tournament formats; whether is it a best of one, three or five series. In a best of one match, players generally play a safer and less all in strategy as most players are reluctant to risk the game due to build orders alone. On a best of three or five matches, do prepare your self with a few different build orders. As players generally want to be as unpredictable as possible to your opponents. If you are up a game in a best of three series, you can always consider to cheese and perform a riskier strategy. Even performing a cheese and all in strategy in your first match can create a psychological effect on your opponents. Try out for yourself.
8. Just to add the final and one of the most important way. Download and watch as many replays and cast possible for each matchup particularly focusing on your weakest. For eg watch 10 PvZ in a row to analyze the Pro gamers gameplay.
Finally, I hope the above tips and guides will helps you to prepare for your next upcoming tournament and I hope I will perform better this time around.
Cheers.
I have personally only played one online tournament couple of weeks ago. It feels different generally when I am in a tournament. As compared to ladder games, I don't really care about the outcome as mainly to improve my own play style and for practice reasons. However, in a tournament, there will always be pressure. Sometimes immense pressure from your first tournament can be too great which will probably affect your gameplay. Wanna know the outcome of my first online tournament? I lost my first round best of one game. T_T. During that game, I seem to be under some pressure as it feels weird to be playing my first tournament. Most people probably been through this. This pressure seems to come from lack of experience and nervousness which in turn affects my general micro and macro gameplay strategy.
I will be entering my second online tournament soon and I hope that I will do better this time around. You may be wondering how do I practice currently and ways to prepare myself for my next tournament I'll outline the general guide and strategy for tournament preparations.
1. Practice partners
Practice partners are generally very crucial during your practice matches before tournaments. In general, ask your friends to play with you as many games as possible. It is advisable to practice against a better or good players. Playing against better players will give you a sense of your strengths and weaknesses in your overall strategies and gameplays. It is always better to compare yourself to someone who is better at Starcraft 2. It is best to have one or more persons for a specific race. This is due to different playstyle and strategies by player preference. Some player opt for more one to two basing all in aggressive strategy while others prefer a longer macro game style. It is best to have more experience against a wider range of playstyle as our future tournament opponent will be random.
2. Practice against a Specific Race
The necessity to practice against a specific race. If for example, Zerg vs Protoss is your weakest match overall, practice more on the specific ZvP match. Followed by your second weakest match. Finally, your best matchup can come up last. You need as much practice for your weakest match to gain your more experience and idea of the specific matchup.
3. Practice with and against a specific strategy over and over
It is best for you to practice on performing each of your own specific strategy over and over again. For example you have three types of main builds consisting of; 4 Gating, 2 Gate Robo, 2 Gate Stargate. Then , divide your practice time performing the same strategy over and over against different opponents. Familiarizing and mastering each of your personal strategy is utmost important.
4. Get your practice partners to perform a specific strategy over and over
If your focusing on the PvZ match, you would want your practice partners to perform the same strategy over and over until you are familiarize the same strategy performed by your opponent. Take an example where your Zerg opponent only does a 14 and 15 hatch build for a few games in a row. After playing against the same build over and over you will become very familiar with his build such as expansion timings and timings for Speedlings, Lair tech etc. Do practice against a wider range of strategies.
5. Practice on different maps
The same argument as the above two points will be used here. As every tournament has a range of map pools, familiarizing yourself on each and different maps can be an advantage. Some tournaments allow map vetos where others do not. Please refer to your tournament details for more information.
6. Psychological Factors
Psychological factors seems to be a great influence during your tournament matches. For example, a lot of pro Gamers perform wonderfully on ladder matches but failing to perform well in their offline LAN matches. This scenario occurs a lot on GSL players as they are not used to play infront of a camera and audience. The best psychological guide I can give here is try to relax and play more custom games with observers watching your games. You may get used to being watch and play tournaments after a few tournaments.
7. Best of one, Best of three and Best of five games factors
Another aspect that you should take into consideration is the tournament formats; whether is it a best of one, three or five series. In a best of one match, players generally play a safer and less all in strategy as most players are reluctant to risk the game due to build orders alone. On a best of three or five matches, do prepare your self with a few different build orders. As players generally want to be as unpredictable as possible to your opponents. If you are up a game in a best of three series, you can always consider to cheese and perform a riskier strategy. Even performing a cheese and all in strategy in your first match can create a psychological effect on your opponents. Try out for yourself.
8. Just to add the final and one of the most important way. Download and watch as many replays and cast possible for each matchup particularly focusing on your weakest. For eg watch 10 PvZ in a row to analyze the Pro gamers gameplay.
Finally, I hope the above tips and guides will helps you to prepare for your next upcoming tournament and I hope I will perform better this time around.
Cheers.
How to Improve in Starcraft 2 - Part 8 - Losing
Starcraft 2 tips and strategy guide on how to improve in Starcraft 2 Part 8. Today, I will be writing on the topic Losing. Yesterday on my ladder games, I have met Infiroz the higgest ranked player; rank 1 currently on the SEA server. Playing him three games in a row on a PvP matchup is boring. I am not a big fan of PvP. However we did have a discussion no a topic regarding 'Why some players stop to improve?'
This is a very interesting topic here. Upon some discussion, he pointed up most players including some of whom he mentors has a huge problem that most players are facing. The refusal to accept their loses. Most players generally hate to lose and sometimes losing leads to demoralization and our desire to play on. I have to say that losing plays a very important role in everything. Starcraft 2 is no different here. From my previous topic; where I have pointed up that Learning from our mistakes plays a very key role in our learning curve acting as a guiding light for our growth as a gamer.
It is definitely fine to hate losing but its wrong to fear and deny it. What this means is humans generally hate losing. This always leads to us finding ways to improve ourselves from every aspect tackling the problem. From loses, we learn our mistakes and not to lose in the same fashion again. On the other hand, fearing of losing is a disease that generally affects our gameplay and often times causing us to be reluctant to play more. Having less games played will limits our Starcraft 2 learning curve. I used to have the same problem as most of you here. I would only play two to three games in a row and spending the rest of the time watching replays and playing team games. Often times, after two wins I will just stop.
The main cause for the fear of losing is giving too much credits for your Starcraft 2 battle.net rankings and points. Most players determine the skill of a player by looking at their game statistics and points. This in turn make creates an illusion for a majority of players where more points means a better player. This is totally false. Why are pro Gamers so good in their games? The definite answer will always be repeating itself; training and learning from their loses. Countless hours has been spent by these group to analyze their loses and improving and learning from the same mistakes. They lose more than everyone else. Take for example, CheckPrime.We. He has the most games played on the Korean Ladder currently. On the other hand, he has one of the most accumulated loses as well.
Thus, I seriously hope that you guys view 'Losing' is part of the game Starcraft 2 itself. Everyone hates to lose their games and this is a good motivational tool for us to play better and learn. However, do not fear losing as this will only limits our learning curve. Stop caring about battle.net points and just search your games to enjoy it.
Cheers
This is a very interesting topic here. Upon some discussion, he pointed up most players including some of whom he mentors has a huge problem that most players are facing. The refusal to accept their loses. Most players generally hate to lose and sometimes losing leads to demoralization and our desire to play on. I have to say that losing plays a very important role in everything. Starcraft 2 is no different here. From my previous topic; where I have pointed up that Learning from our mistakes plays a very key role in our learning curve acting as a guiding light for our growth as a gamer.
It is definitely fine to hate losing but its wrong to fear and deny it. What this means is humans generally hate losing. This always leads to us finding ways to improve ourselves from every aspect tackling the problem. From loses, we learn our mistakes and not to lose in the same fashion again. On the other hand, fearing of losing is a disease that generally affects our gameplay and often times causing us to be reluctant to play more. Having less games played will limits our Starcraft 2 learning curve. I used to have the same problem as most of you here. I would only play two to three games in a row and spending the rest of the time watching replays and playing team games. Often times, after two wins I will just stop.
The main cause for the fear of losing is giving too much credits for your Starcraft 2 battle.net rankings and points. Most players determine the skill of a player by looking at their game statistics and points. This in turn make creates an illusion for a majority of players where more points means a better player. This is totally false. Why are pro Gamers so good in their games? The definite answer will always be repeating itself; training and learning from their loses. Countless hours has been spent by these group to analyze their loses and improving and learning from the same mistakes. They lose more than everyone else. Take for example, CheckPrime.We. He has the most games played on the Korean Ladder currently. On the other hand, he has one of the most accumulated loses as well.
Thus, I seriously hope that you guys view 'Losing' is part of the game Starcraft 2 itself. Everyone hates to lose their games and this is a good motivational tool for us to play better and learn. However, do not fear losing as this will only limits our learning curve. Stop caring about battle.net points and just search your games to enjoy it.
Cheers
Congratulations to Liquid Huk for reachig 4001 Points on the EU server.
Congratulations to LiquidHuk for being the first person in the world to reach 4000 points in the Masters League. A magnificent stats of 386-185 with an impressive 67.60% winning rate. All this is done from only around four days of game play on the SC2 European (EU) Server. It seems that Huk started with around 1000 points in Masters League. Gaining 3000 points over the span of 4 days is no easy feet even for GSL Code S gamers the very best players in the world from Korea. But we are talking about the incredible Huk here. He does things that seems to be impossible for most players. If I'm not mistaken Huk is currently in Europe.
Huk has been improving crazily fast since the day he first landed at Korea trying out his fate at GSL. Failing to qualify during GSL 3 has put Huk under pressure to perform well. Countless hours and training done by Huk each day has finally paid off. He plays around 10 plus hours a day of Starcraft 2 for your information. If you are still wondering who is this guy, please read my previous post on 'Who is Huk', where I have introduced and gave all the information that I could get hold off.
Be prepared to watch this upcoming Canadian star in this GSL Code A matches starting next week. Big hopes are being put on him from the foreigner's scene other than EgIdra and LiquidJinro. Lets congratulate him once again being the first person around the world to achieve a 4000 Masters League Points.
GSL Season 5 New Map Pool
For those of you who may or may not know, GSL season 5 will be utilizing a new map pool. Maps such as Jungle Basin, Steppes of war and Delta Quadrant has been removed. Nothing too surprising here, as these maps are considered and favored towards a specific race. Steppes of War is just too small.
On the other hand maps such as Lost Temple, Xelnaga Caverns and Metapolis has been modified slightly mainly to prevent a dual bunker block at the bottom of ramp. This change is mainly aimed for Zerg players, as Zerg is having a seriously hard time against their Terran opponent on a close spawn position where the Terran will most likely open with a double Barracks Marines into double bunker at the bottom of the Zergs ramp thus, forcing the Zerg to go one base strategy. We can see this clearly during LiquidJinro against EgIdras quarterfinals match on GSL. Jinro managed to build double bunkers below the ramp and surprisingly Idra GG and leave immediately. With this change for the maps above, it is predicted to increase the lifespan of Zerg players from stress of getting cheesed.
Lets look at the new maps.
Crevasse
Crevasse has a lot of expansions that can very easily be taken during the early stages of the game. Thus, do expect to look forward for more fast expansion openings by all races in the coming GSL. Do take note the four expansions around the center map only has 6 mineral patches and only 1 gas. Thus, a very unlikely expansion target during the late game.
Crossfire SE
A map with lots of bridges and ramps. Players should be constantly paying attention to opponent's main army on this map. We would see a lot more of air plays such as Phoenix and Mutalisk to exploit their mobility. Do pay attention to the tight paths and ramps all around the map. The Protoss 200 army Death Ball will become even stronger against Zerg as Zerg will prefer to engage on a wide and open area.
Terminus Re
Another huge maps with two free expansions for every player. Fast expansion builds will be the top priority on this map. This seems to be the replacement map for Delta Quadrant.
Tal'Darim Altar
Last and final new map being introduced. Another crazily large map compared to the original Blizzard maps. A easy to defend second expansion. Pay attention to the third expansion on the top left where there are two entrances.
The introduction of these 4 new maps seems to indicate us the Gom (officials of GSL) and GSL seems to take a stance towards larger maps. Removal of maps such as Steppes of War will definitely eliminate short cheesy games. All the new maps are favoring an expo oriented builds, which may be beneficial to all races especially Zerg. However, larger maps may or may not means longer games. For example, two to three fully saturated bases for Protoss can lead to the fearsome Protoss Death Ball early in the game. If you wish to try out these new maps, you can download them from the 'Custom Games' and search for 'GSL'.
So the final map pool will be;
1. Crevasse
2. Crossfire SE
3. Terminus RE
4. Tal'Darim Altar
5. Lost Temple
6. Metapolis
7. Xelnaga Caverns
8. Scrap Station (I'm not too sure on this)
Cheers.
On the other hand maps such as Lost Temple, Xelnaga Caverns and Metapolis has been modified slightly mainly to prevent a dual bunker block at the bottom of ramp. This change is mainly aimed for Zerg players, as Zerg is having a seriously hard time against their Terran opponent on a close spawn position where the Terran will most likely open with a double Barracks Marines into double bunker at the bottom of the Zergs ramp thus, forcing the Zerg to go one base strategy. We can see this clearly during LiquidJinro against EgIdras quarterfinals match on GSL. Jinro managed to build double bunkers below the ramp and surprisingly Idra GG and leave immediately. With this change for the maps above, it is predicted to increase the lifespan of Zerg players from stress of getting cheesed.
Lets look at the new maps.
Crevasse
Crossfire SE
Terminus Re
Tal'Darim Altar
The introduction of these 4 new maps seems to indicate us the Gom (officials of GSL) and GSL seems to take a stance towards larger maps. Removal of maps such as Steppes of War will definitely eliminate short cheesy games. All the new maps are favoring an expo oriented builds, which may be beneficial to all races especially Zerg. However, larger maps may or may not means longer games. For example, two to three fully saturated bases for Protoss can lead to the fearsome Protoss Death Ball early in the game. If you wish to try out these new maps, you can download them from the 'Custom Games' and search for 'GSL'.
So the final map pool will be;
1. Crevasse
2. Crossfire SE
3. Terminus RE
4. Tal'Darim Altar
5. Lost Temple
6. Metapolis
7. Xelnaga Caverns
8. Scrap Station (I'm not too sure on this)
Cheers.
How to Improve in Starcraft 2 - Part 7 - Warming Up Your Fingers
Part seven of my 'How to Improve in Starcraft 2' series. Today I am writing on the importance of warming up your fingers before you play your first Starcraft 2 match of the day. Ever, realize why professional gamers always shake and stretch their fingers before their important tournament match? Wonder why most players including me, lose our first match of the day if we search for a game right away when we enter the Battle.net screen?
The answer is very obvious here. You fingers are not fully warmed up. This causes the lack and sloppy micros from your play which in turn causes you to lose. We always need to get our blood circulation flowing through our body before we start any form of sport activities. Starcraft 2 is not any different from any other form of sports. Warming up your fingers is very critical in determining your games. You can get wins sometimes without a warming session but this is a risky bet. Why would you take such risk in your games and causes you to play at a disadvantage?
A very simple way to warm up your fingers before you start your first match will be just stretching and shaking your fingers. This get the blood in your hand and finger to flow perfectly which in turn leads to better micro. Another simple method that I that I use every time before searching for my first game of the day is hosting and playing a 'Custom Game' against a computer. Any computer difficulty will do in this case. The main point is to warm up your fingers. You are always welcome to begin your session by playing a few team games with your friends. We care less about team games generally.
Thus, I hope you guys do take into consideration this Starcraft 2 tips and strategy. Do warm up before playing your first game and watch for yourself the results.
The answer is very obvious here. You fingers are not fully warmed up. This causes the lack and sloppy micros from your play which in turn causes you to lose. We always need to get our blood circulation flowing through our body before we start any form of sport activities. Starcraft 2 is not any different from any other form of sports. Warming up your fingers is very critical in determining your games. You can get wins sometimes without a warming session but this is a risky bet. Why would you take such risk in your games and causes you to play at a disadvantage?
A very simple way to warm up your fingers before you start your first match will be just stretching and shaking your fingers. This get the blood in your hand and finger to flow perfectly which in turn leads to better micro. Another simple method that I that I use every time before searching for my first game of the day is hosting and playing a 'Custom Game' against a computer. Any computer difficulty will do in this case. The main point is to warm up your fingers. You are always welcome to begin your session by playing a few team games with your friends. We care less about team games generally.
Thus, I hope you guys do take into consideration this Starcraft 2 tips and strategy. Do warm up before playing your first game and watch for yourself the results.
How to Improve in Starcraft 2 - Part 6 - Understanding and Mastering Your Race
Understand and mastering your own race; whether you are a Protoss, Terran or the Zerg Swarm is one of the top priority for every gamers. Having the necessary required knowledge will provide you in choosing optimal and the best strategy against your opponents. Starcraft 2 in general can often be regarded as a game of strategy war and decision making. Players employ their own personal strategy and is put up against his opponent. Through scouting, information is gathered for further decision making process. A general 1v1 match involves one or more strategies utilized and numerous decision making process.
Lets take an example here. You are up against a Zerg opponent on Steppes of War. Your overall strategy here will be setting up for a normal 3 gate expansion into a 6 gate push. However, upon scouting your Zerg opponent, you notice that he is putting up a very very early pool at probably 6 or 7 food. Thus, your immediate response will be building a second Gateway or a Forge and doing a full wall in. This is often the case when you have the knowledge of strategies employed by your opponent. However, if you continue to proceed with your starting strategy without taking into consideration of your opponent's, you will end out dead most likely in this case.
The knowledge of when and what to do at certain situation and or facing against a specific strategy requires tremendous understanding in the strengths and weaknesses of your own race. This will determine the long term outcome of your games results. Understanding and mastering your own race involves every aspect from your race's point of view, different build orders to unit composition mixes. Mastering a specific race comes down to practice and the learning process.
Thus, knowing the inside out and every aspect of your own race will serve as an invaluable strength and opportunity in improving your Starcraft 2.
Lets take an example here. You are up against a Zerg opponent on Steppes of War. Your overall strategy here will be setting up for a normal 3 gate expansion into a 6 gate push. However, upon scouting your Zerg opponent, you notice that he is putting up a very very early pool at probably 6 or 7 food. Thus, your immediate response will be building a second Gateway or a Forge and doing a full wall in. This is often the case when you have the knowledge of strategies employed by your opponent. However, if you continue to proceed with your starting strategy without taking into consideration of your opponent's, you will end out dead most likely in this case.
The knowledge of when and what to do at certain situation and or facing against a specific strategy requires tremendous understanding in the strengths and weaknesses of your own race. This will determine the long term outcome of your games results. Understanding and mastering your own race involves every aspect from your race's point of view, different build orders to unit composition mixes. Mastering a specific race comes down to practice and the learning process.
Thus, knowing the inside out and every aspect of your own race will serve as an invaluable strength and opportunity in improving your Starcraft 2.
GSL Season 5 Code S Brackets
The GSL Season 5 Code S Brackets has just been released. This very new season will definitely include previous GSL winners such as Fruitdealer, Nestea, OgsMC, the recent winner of GSL 4 IMMVP. The very best starcraft 2 players are being placed into each groups alongside with 28 world top class players has been placed into each specific Groups. The first match for GSL 5 will be streamed live on 21st of February 2010 for Group A and B. The brackets are as follow. Do take note, GSL has introduce new maps for its map pool. Thus, this creates a different map pool with the standard Starcraft 2 battle.net. If your wondering where to watch live GSL matches, hope over to 'gomtv dot net' where Standard quality is free.
GROUP A
1. T IMMVP
2. T OgsHyperdub
3. Z St.July
4. P OgsMc
GROUP B
1. Z Eg.Idra
2. T TslClide
3. Z oGsZenio
4. T ZenexByun
GROUP C
1. T LiquidJinro
2. T PoltPrime.We
3. T StRainbow
4. Z CheckPrime.we
GROUP D
1. T OgsNada
2. T THebestfou
3. P HongUnPrime.we
4. T OgsTop
GROUP E
1. Z ImNestea
2. P SansZenith
3. T Slayers_BOxer
4. T OgsENsare
GROUP F
1. P ChoyaFou
2. T FoxLyn
3. P BanbanssuZenith
4. Z OgstheWind
GROUP G
1. P Tsl.Trickster
2. P AnyproPrime.We
3. P NSP.GEnius
4. Z Tsl.Fruidealer
GROUP H
1. T MarineKingPrime.we
2. Z KyrixZenith
3. T Scfou
4. P OgsInca
GROUP A
1. T IMMVP
2. T OgsHyperdub
3. Z St.July
4. P OgsMc
GROUP B
1. Z Eg.Idra
2. T TslClide
3. Z oGsZenio
4. T ZenexByun
GROUP C
1. T LiquidJinro
2. T PoltPrime.We
3. T StRainbow
4. Z CheckPrime.we
GROUP D
1. T OgsNada
2. T THebestfou
3. P HongUnPrime.we
4. T OgsTop
GROUP E
1. Z ImNestea
2. P SansZenith
3. T Slayers_BOxer
4. T OgsENsare
GROUP F
1. P ChoyaFou
2. T FoxLyn
3. P BanbanssuZenith
4. Z OgstheWind
GROUP G
1. P Tsl.Trickster
2. P AnyproPrime.We
3. P NSP.GEnius
4. Z Tsl.Fruidealer
GROUP H
1. T MarineKingPrime.we
2. Z KyrixZenith
3. T Scfou
4. P OgsInca
How to Improve in Starcraft 2 - Part 5 - Stop complaining and Learn to Beat it
I have read post on 'aaa' imbaness, 'bbb' cheese, 'ccc' overpowered over and over again on threats in Battle.net. Generally, people will always complain regarding the imbalance of some strategy and goes into a never ending bad mouth dissatisfaction towards a specific race and the game itself. Human is a creature with a lot of self pride. Often times, this causes our downfall, as we are limiting our view and thoughts towards a specific problem.
I will be looking at the nonstop complains of individuals for Starcraft 2 strategy and guide in this article. Very often, I've seen Protoss players complaining the overpower and efficiency of 'Stim bio ball army', Ghost EMP, calling the 4 gates a never ending cheese, Protoss ball of doom GG, noob cannon rushers and the list goes on. What is strong about some of the cheeses stated here is the failure to scout for the specific strategy. I bet most or all Protoss players has been cannoned rushed through their Starcraft 2 life. This occurs mainly due to the lack of scouting from our parts. Now, you have just been cannon rushed and your raging all over at your opponent. I must say get over it. Watch your own replay and learn to beat it.
However at times, the counter for some strategy or cheese will not has an obvious answer. For example, the one basing Terran all in with unit composition such as Marines, Banshees, Tanks and SCVs or any one basing variation. In my experience, I have a hard time beating a one basing Terran all in. I can continue and keep on complaining about the effectiveness and efficiency of Terran armies or learn to beat it. The obvious answer will definitely figuring your way out. It is advisable to watch pro replays or even seeking guides from better players at forums and discussions.
At times, psychological health plays a very essential role in Starcraft 2. If you often complain and deemed a specific unit to be overpowered, this will cause you to play horribly and making lots of mistakes each time you are faced with the so called 'imba' units or strategy. Learn to beat it is all I have to say.
Cheers.
I will be looking at the nonstop complains of individuals for Starcraft 2 strategy and guide in this article. Very often, I've seen Protoss players complaining the overpower and efficiency of 'Stim bio ball army', Ghost EMP, calling the 4 gates a never ending cheese, Protoss ball of doom GG, noob cannon rushers and the list goes on. What is strong about some of the cheeses stated here is the failure to scout for the specific strategy. I bet most or all Protoss players has been cannoned rushed through their Starcraft 2 life. This occurs mainly due to the lack of scouting from our parts. Now, you have just been cannon rushed and your raging all over at your opponent. I must say get over it. Watch your own replay and learn to beat it.
However at times, the counter for some strategy or cheese will not has an obvious answer. For example, the one basing Terran all in with unit composition such as Marines, Banshees, Tanks and SCVs or any one basing variation. In my experience, I have a hard time beating a one basing Terran all in. I can continue and keep on complaining about the effectiveness and efficiency of Terran armies or learn to beat it. The obvious answer will definitely figuring your way out. It is advisable to watch pro replays or even seeking guides from better players at forums and discussions.
At times, psychological health plays a very essential role in Starcraft 2. If you often complain and deemed a specific unit to be overpowered, this will cause you to play horribly and making lots of mistakes each time you are faced with the so called 'imba' units or strategy. Learn to beat it is all I have to say.
Cheers.
How to Improve in Starcraft 2 - Part 4 - Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone
Human beings is a creature of habits. We often repeat our daily activities without giving must thought and performing the same activities without questioning its relevance. In Starcraft 2 tips and strategy today, we are applying the same rule for our Starcraft 2 Gamers. Often times, we will repeat our actions over and over again without having much thought into the relevance and importance of the action itself.
Lets take a look from a Zerg's player point of view, the 'Injecting Larvae' skill by the Queen. Most lower league players are performing the act of injecting their larvae at their own time; only when the remember. Often times, at higher levels, a miss in Injecting Larvae early in the game can means a life or death situation. During the early phase of a Zerg vs Terran or even Protoss/Zerg matchup, larvae is the most important and valuable resources for the Zerg player. Why is the Zerg mechanic differentiate so greatly from the Terran and Protoss Arsenal? The obvious reason is the Larvae mechanic. Zerg needs larvae to build Drones and armies. Thus, as a Zerg player yourself, a perfect timing of Larvae Injection is very crucial in your games. If you are one of the players that often times, miss your Larvae Injection, it is now the perfect opportunity to get out of your own comfort zone, and always pay attention to this invaluable skill.
Another aspect that can often times relate to this, is the 'General Strategy'. A lot of players which even include myself, where we are performing the same few strategy over and over again during our ladder matches. There is nothing wrong with us sticking to the same strategy if it wins us the game. However, looking from a different point of view, this is a serious limiting factor for our future development. Most Terran players are always sticking to a one or two bases strategy which they are very comfortable performing in. However, when they are faced with a situation where the game itself just keep on dragging into a long macro war, these players will lack the ability in dealing on this type of situation. Thus, from this scenario, we can clearly see that the need of getting ourselves out from our comfort zone to explore more variations of our strategies and in game decision making.
Lets take another example here where you are playing comfortably with a 50 APM (Actions Per Minute) average throughout your games. You are currently sitting comfortably in the Gold League division. However, often times, this may occur due to your low APM while macroing over your bases and or in your unit micros. Thus, learning to improve your APM is a very essential way. I am not pointing out for everyone to have a 200 plus APMs in the game. The problem here is that most likely, your macro and micro is lacking compared to your opponents, thus often referring to being at a disadvantage. In my personal opinion, I feel that an average of 120 APM is good enough. However I do see some high level Pro Gamers like Minigun whom has a very low APM. Probably 80 I guess?
I hope that you guys like this series of Starcraft 2 guide and strategy 'How to Improve in Starcraft 2' so far.
Lets take a look from a Zerg's player point of view, the 'Injecting Larvae' skill by the Queen. Most lower league players are performing the act of injecting their larvae at their own time; only when the remember. Often times, at higher levels, a miss in Injecting Larvae early in the game can means a life or death situation. During the early phase of a Zerg vs Terran or even Protoss/Zerg matchup, larvae is the most important and valuable resources for the Zerg player. Why is the Zerg mechanic differentiate so greatly from the Terran and Protoss Arsenal? The obvious reason is the Larvae mechanic. Zerg needs larvae to build Drones and armies. Thus, as a Zerg player yourself, a perfect timing of Larvae Injection is very crucial in your games. If you are one of the players that often times, miss your Larvae Injection, it is now the perfect opportunity to get out of your own comfort zone, and always pay attention to this invaluable skill.
Another aspect that can often times relate to this, is the 'General Strategy'. A lot of players which even include myself, where we are performing the same few strategy over and over again during our ladder matches. There is nothing wrong with us sticking to the same strategy if it wins us the game. However, looking from a different point of view, this is a serious limiting factor for our future development. Most Terran players are always sticking to a one or two bases strategy which they are very comfortable performing in. However, when they are faced with a situation where the game itself just keep on dragging into a long macro war, these players will lack the ability in dealing on this type of situation. Thus, from this scenario, we can clearly see that the need of getting ourselves out from our comfort zone to explore more variations of our strategies and in game decision making.
Lets take another example here where you are playing comfortably with a 50 APM (Actions Per Minute) average throughout your games. You are currently sitting comfortably in the Gold League division. However, often times, this may occur due to your low APM while macroing over your bases and or in your unit micros. Thus, learning to improve your APM is a very essential way. I am not pointing out for everyone to have a 200 plus APMs in the game. The problem here is that most likely, your macro and micro is lacking compared to your opponents, thus often referring to being at a disadvantage. In my personal opinion, I feel that an average of 120 APM is good enough. However I do see some high level Pro Gamers like Minigun whom has a very low APM. Probably 80 I guess?
I hope that you guys like this series of Starcraft 2 guide and strategy 'How to Improve in Starcraft 2' so far.
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)
LinkWithin
