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EGIdrA: Don't Get Cute with Me

Blogs > gods_basement
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gods_basement
Profile Blog Joined August 2010
United States305 Posts
February 04 2011 22:31 GMT
#1
Idra has always been a fan of solid, reliable play. He thinks that true skill is in accurate decisions and dependable builds. He hates the element of luck and loathes people who depend on it. This is why Idra is not a poker player. This is why he is the most (second most?) fearsome Zerg in the world right now.

I think the greatest testament to Idra's solid play is his recent performance in the GSL Code S RO16. Here, he faced three top-level players who went for very unconventional builds. Here, we got to see IdrA's preparation, accurate decisions, and solid builds in action. You see that Idra has a solid reactions to any scenario, and is not a one-trick pony. Without further ado, I bring you:

[image loading]


Game 1: TSL_Clide [T1] vs EGIdrA [T7]
In game one on Xel'naga Caverns, Idra spawns in the south. Clide was Tastosis's favorite to win in many a GSL, so surely he will be a formidible opponent.
Nervous about abuse of Cavern's wide natural, Idra opts for quick speed, while Clide, hoping to abuse Caverns' wide natural, opens 2-rax. Idra delays speed to start his natural at 21, and moments later Clide's first marines push from the watchtower. Clide realizes that his rush will be ineffective versus pool first, so he pulls back, starts two refineries and a command center.

Clide gets a factory with reactor, and begins hellion pressure just as Idra starts his spire. Between the 10 Zerglings made to defend the 2rax and the hellion pressure, Idra is unable to drone as much as he would like, and finds himself undersaturated as mutas pop. Clide's expo is almost fully operational at this point.

[image loading]
1.1 A cute push

Clide moves out with seven marines, six mauraders, and seven hellions, trying to severely damage the Zerg before mutas pop, but he misses his timing, losing all his marines without killing a single mutalisk. However, the attack is still quite successful, as a majority of Idra's Zerglings were slaughtered, Clide executes a beautiful army split. The marauders stim and kill the queen while the remaining hellions kill about 10 drones. Clide ends the attack with 45 scvs; Idra with 28 drones. The game is all but over; Idra has one attack to win the game. Or so I thought.

[image loading]
1.2: The end goal of all hellion openings

The only reason Clide did not win at this moment was because he was overconfident. He only made a couple of turrets and a bunker to defend. He produced Marauders to strengthen his next push, instead of making marines to defend. Idra masterfully exploits the holes in Clide's defense, killing the undefended marines rallied from the barracks. He continuously snipes the SCVs building turrets, and sends in his Zerglings. Clide's mental state begins to fall apart.

However, this attack was not an all-in, and instead, a reflection of the Gracken's brilliance. Behind this attack, Idra had produced over a dozen drones, expanded to his third, and started a baneling nest. Clide's production buildings begin to burn and explode, just as the mutalisk cloud grows to a gruesome throng of membranous wings. Idra continues to abuse the mutalisk's strength with micro reminiscent of Brood War (everything except stacking). Idra retreats to begin heavy droning; Clyde is nearly mined mined out in his main, with only a few barracks and less than a dozen marines.

[image loading]
1.3: Mutas are powerful when they outnumber marines

Clide's only chance is to take the gold, and he knows it. However, Idra sees Clide's army attacking the rocks, and sends Zerg swarm to crash down on his opponent's head.

[image loading]
1.3: Most of Clide's army is in this shot; Idra's army doesn’t fit on the screen

Idra sips his Gatorade like he never feared losing, and Clide asks himself what happened.

[image loading]
1.4: DGAF at its finest

Game 2: EGIdrA [Z1] vs NsPGenius [P7]
Idra's next opponent is Genius opens with a forge expand as Idra opens 15-hatch. Just kidding about the expand part; Genius creates an enclosed space by warping 3 pylons, and warps in 2 cannons in the middle. Idra cancels his hatchery, and Genius cancels one cannon.

[image loading]
2.1: Cute building placement

Idra expands to 3 o'clock and builds a roach warren. Genius, confidant that Idra would sit back and macro, relied on 1 cannon to defend his natural; but instead, Idra built 6 roaches to siege the front. The initial cannon falls, then the nexus soon follows. Eventually, enough cannons finish that Idra is forced to retreat, but Genius is miles behind. He has so many minerals sunk into defending a dead nexus, and Idra has started his lair.

[image loading]
2.2: Inadequate Defenses

Genius transitions into a 4gate attack while expanding, but the attack is thwarted by Idra's many units. Genius warps in cannons to defend, but the loss of thousands of minerals, catches up to him, and he is steamrolled by Idra's roaches. Genius tries to defend with a hero void ray, but fails and types out.

[image loading]
2.3: Too little, too late

Idra, emotionless as always, without fear and doubt, sips more Gatorade. These games already belonged to him; he just had yet to claim his win.

[image loading]
2.4: Cracking knuckles only to match the leather gracket


Game 3: oGsNaDa [T6] vs EGIdrA [Z3]
Idra's final game is a sure to be an exhilarating finale. He gets to close out the group against his idol, oGsNaDa. They spawn close south positions on Metalopolis. Nada opens with a standard 12-rax 13-gas, and Idra opens hatch-first. Idra's scouting drone is thwarted by a wall-off, and IdrA is forced to play blind. Nada pushes with 2 marines, kills 2 drones, and retreats just as the Zerglings pop.

Idra, still unaware of Nada's plans, starts a roach den to be safe. His zerglings see a reactor on the barracks, so he cancels the den for a Baneling Nest, fearing the marine all-in, but Nada has other plans. Dark, sinister, at times, even cute plans. Nada takes his second gas and builds a fast Thor and medivac, and opts for a Thor drop. Nada drop the Thor on the ledge overlooking the ramp, but Idra executes a beautiful Zergling surround on the Thor, and Queens target the medivac. Nada's harass is over as soon as it began, and he is forced to retreat. During this attack, IdrA did not lose a single unit.

[image loading]
3.1: How to defend Thor drops

Nada decides not to expand, and knows that he has one timing to deal some damage to the Zerg. He pushes out with his 2 medivacs, airlifting 2 Thors, and a handful of SCVs and marines. Idra has a baneling nest, but has only started morphing as Nada pushes out. The queens delay for just enough time, and the banelings come in to save the day. The banelings deal maximum damage and Nada is forced to lift his Thors home.

[image loading]
3.2.1: An army…
3.2.2: …is met by banelings…
3.2.3: …and is sent home crying.


Nada regroups, repairs and pushes immediately. He attempts some cute micro, but Idra just has too many units. After losing all his Thors, Nada concedes the game.

[image loading]
3.3: An insurmountable lead

This time, IdrA had a little bit of a smirk on his face. After all, he had just crushed one of the most successful progamers of all time.

[image loading]

Idra doesn’t have time for silly games where you hope and pray that your build can outwit him, because you can't. He has time for the long games, but you will probably lose those too. So let this be a warning to you cheesy noobs out there. You have a cool build? A nice rush timing? You think that you've got what it takes to take a win off of Idra? Do you know what Idra would say?
[image loading]

He'd say bring it. He would kick your nooby little ass. And he has enough APM that he can tell you exactly how retarded you are as he does it.


****
(TT~TT)
Raeleigh
Profile Blog Joined September 2010
Canada902 Posts
February 04 2011 22:46 GMT
#2
Maybe I should get "cute" with IdrA, see what happens. ^_~

On a different note, he is a BAMF for sure, and his skill level is insane, but like I was discussing with my friend while watching his stream, he's very macro-heavy. So he gets caught up and loses early game quite often when he streams, which is unfortunate. But, he does know exactly what went wrong, and although he might BM, he does take it, realize it, and do something about it. So. o:

Nonetheless, awesome read, enjoyed it a lot! =D 5/5
you are perfect porcelain.
Hellie
Profile Joined April 2010
Sweden94 Posts
February 04 2011 22:50 GMT
#3
Whew, that's one huge mancrush you got there. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but it almost makes your write-up sound biased! /sarcasm

You have to tip the hat to the foreigners bad boy of choice. Nice write-up, enjoyed it.
It's the least I can do.
Saechiis
Profile Blog Joined May 2010
Netherlands4989 Posts
February 04 2011 22:56 GMT
#4
I still can't believe he won agianst Clide, he was the clear favorite in all GSL's so far.
I think esports is pretty nice.
D1pstick
Profile Joined October 2010
United States106 Posts
February 04 2011 23:14 GMT
#5
After watching that MVP vs IdrA game (on stream)

+ Show Spoiler +
I feel confident IdrA can take the GSL this time


IdrA FIGHTING!
SubtleArt
Profile Blog Joined January 2010
2710 Posts
February 04 2011 23:15 GMT
#6
On February 05 2011 07:46 Raeleigh wrote:
Maybe I should get "cute" with IdrA, see what happens. ^_~

On a different note, he is a BAMF for sure, and his skill level is insane, but like I was discussing with my friend while watching his stream, he's very macro-heavy. So he gets caught up and loses early game quite often when he streams, which is unfortunate. But, he does know exactly what went wrong, and although he might BM, he does take it, realize it, and do something about it. So. o:

Nonetheless, awesome read, enjoyed it a lot! =D 5/5


Every zerg loses early game quite often lol
Morrow on ZvP: "I'm not very confident in general vs Protoss because of the imbalance (Yes its imbalanced, get over it)."
Dacendoran
Profile Blog Joined June 2009
United States825 Posts
February 04 2011 23:16 GMT
#7
Thanks so much for the write-up! Very good read, looking forward to more from you, though obviously biased I too am a fan of Idra.
Raeleigh
Profile Blog Joined September 2010
Canada902 Posts
February 04 2011 23:22 GMT
#8
On February 05 2011 08:15 SubtleArt wrote:
Show nested quote +
On February 05 2011 07:46 Raeleigh wrote:
Maybe I should get "cute" with IdrA, see what happens. ^_~

On a different note, he is a BAMF for sure, and his skill level is insane, but like I was discussing with my friend while watching his stream, he's very macro-heavy. So he gets caught up and loses early game quite often when he streams, which is unfortunate. But, he does know exactly what went wrong, and although he might BM, he does take it, realize it, and do something about it. So. o:

Nonetheless, awesome read, enjoyed it a lot! =D 5/5


Every zerg loses early game quite often lol

Oh trust me, I know. My boyfriend could rival IdrA with the stuff I hear after he loses from an early game rush. I daresay, it entertains me when I'm half asleep in bed at 4am and he's gettin' mad. (If you see this, I'm sorry. LOL.)

Idk. My boyfriend says Hydra's should be a Tier 1 unit. I almost agree at times.
you are perfect porcelain.
GreatFall
Profile Blog Joined January 2010
United States1061 Posts
February 04 2011 23:59 GMT
#9
Amazing writeup, I loved how the pictures and the animated gif fit with the story and flowed so nicely. Well Done!
Inventor of the 'Burning Tide' technique to quickly getting Outmatched Crusher achivement :D
Deltawolf
Profile Blog Joined June 2010
United States105 Posts
February 05 2011 00:03 GMT
#10
On February 05 2011 08:14 D1pstick wrote:
After watching that MVP vs IdrA game (on stream)

+ Show Spoiler +
I feel confident IdrA can take the GSL this time


IdrA FIGHTING!


It was insane, I loved it :D He is flawless when he is in the zone.
* Thus it is that in war the victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won, whereas he who is destined to defeat first fights and afterwards looks for victory.
forgotten0ne
Profile Blog Joined March 2009
United States951 Posts
February 05 2011 00:04 GMT
#11
Unless you're Jinro or Choyafou (stream), where 2 bunkers or 3 pylons is enough to make him leave (and 7 pool you the next game).
"Well it’s obvious that these Terran gamers are just extremely gifted when it comes to RTS games" -Ret, in regards to the first months of SC2
RezChi
Profile Blog Joined January 2010
Canada2368 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-02-05 00:13:54
February 05 2011 00:09 GMT
#12
Idra kicking korean butt? what is happening in this world, SC 1 he was practically just a low B-team toilet scrubbing nobody, now in SC2 idra the killshit.
gods_basement
Profile Blog Joined August 2010
United States305 Posts
February 05 2011 00:25 GMT
#13
believe it or not, i'm not as much as an idra fanboy as this might seem. i wanted to write a recap of some games, so i thought it would be interesting to describe idra's games, because i like his playstyle and i havent seen these games yet. this was simply the narrative that was most fitting, but thanks for all the support! i will no doubt write more in the future.
(TT~TT)
evanthebouncy!
Profile Blog Joined June 2006
United States12796 Posts
February 05 2011 02:18 GMT
#14
great coverage!
Life is run, it is dance, it is fast, passionate and BAM!, you dance and sing and booze while you can for now is the time and time is mine. Smile and laugh when still can for now is the time and soon you die!
nayumi
Profile Blog Joined May 2009
Australia6499 Posts
February 05 2011 03:01 GMT
#15
what i like about idra is that he's not playing the rock-scissors-paper game ... instead he tries his best to come up with motherfucking chuck norris roundhouse kick which beats all three ...

Sugoi monogatari onii-chan!
amd098
Profile Blog Joined January 2011
Korea (North)1366 Posts
February 05 2011 06:34 GMT
#16
yea he does play a heavy macro game, but small tiny maps screw him over big time, as with just about any zerg
North Korea is best Korea!
FragKrag
Profile Blog Joined September 2007
United States11552 Posts
February 05 2011 06:42 GMT
#17
IdrA fighting!!

<3 how IdrA plays this game
*TL CJ Entusman #40* "like scissors does anything to paper except MAKE IT MORE NUMEROUS" -paper
LoLAdriankat
Profile Blog Joined August 2010
United States4307 Posts
February 05 2011 08:42 GMT
#18
On February 05 2011 09:09 MarineHeroSamKhan wrote:
Idra kicking korean butt? what is happening in this world, SC 1 he was practically just a low B-team toilet scrubbing nobody, now in SC2 idra the killshit.

Well to be fair, most of the top Koreans in SC2 were B-teamers or didn't keep up with the raising skill cap (Boxer, Nada, etc.).

IdrA's my idol. Watching him play is like looking at a better reflection of my play. Good solid builds and good mechanics.
SushilS
Profile Joined November 2010
2115 Posts
February 05 2011 13:02 GMT
#19
On February 05 2011 08:14 D1pstick wrote:
After watching that MVP vs IdrA game (on stream)

+ Show Spoiler +
I feel confident IdrA can take the GSL this time


IdrA FIGHTING!

VoD's or it never happnd!! Oh please I need to see this NOW!

Also, loved the write-up! But just thought I should add that NaDa just went for a cute strat in an inconsequential match so that he cud hide his better strats for later.

NaDa>Everyone else.
iceiceice: I’m going to make this short; I am the one true tinker player.
Gummy
Profile Blog Joined October 2010
United States2180 Posts
February 05 2011 18:48 GMT
#20
On February 05 2011 08:22 Raeleigh wrote:
Show nested quote +
On February 05 2011 08:15 SubtleArt wrote:
On February 05 2011 07:46 Raeleigh wrote:
Maybe I should get "cute" with IdrA, see what happens. ^_~

On a different note, he is a BAMF for sure, and his skill level is insane, but like I was discussing with my friend while watching his stream, he's very macro-heavy. So he gets caught up and loses early game quite often when he streams, which is unfortunate. But, he does know exactly what went wrong, and although he might BM, he does take it, realize it, and do something about it. So. o:

Nonetheless, awesome read, enjoyed it a lot! =D 5/5


Every zerg loses early game quite often lol

Oh trust me, I know. My boyfriend could rival IdrA with the stuff I hear after he loses from an early game rush. I daresay, it entertains me when I'm half asleep in bed at 4am and he's gettin' mad. (If you see this, I'm sorry. LOL.)

Idk. My boyfriend says Hydra's should be a Tier 1 unit. I almost agree at times.

Tier 1.5 might be nice, but their hp would have to be reduced. *cough* Broodwar *cough*
¯\_(ツ)_/¯ There are three kinds of people in the world: those who can count and those who can't.
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