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Hey everyone, it's ionize again. 
I've played a couple of 1v1 now and I realized I have no clue what to focus on for starters.
I decided to learn the 4 Warpgate build order first. I started by playing the AI and get to know the build, then I used it on the ladder, with varying results.
What I ask myself the most is, should I even be learning a build order at this time? My macro is really not so good. I often forget unit production while I attack my opponent and I forget Pylons as well. 
Then I read the article on this guy from Reddit, who Stalker macroed his way up to prove that macro is VERY important for any player, especially lower levels (and that's where I am). So I'm asking myself what I should do?
Just play without a set build order and focus on macro?
Learn a different build order, which is more macro oriented?
Keep playing 4 Warpgate?
I would like to have your advice!
Regards
ionize
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Read this awesome guide (= http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=208343
You should probably focus on macro (making probes, don't get supply blocked, always use warpgate cooldown, etc) before learning specific matchups and build orders.
9 pylon > 12/13 gate > 14/15 gas > 16 pylon > 17/18 cyber should be all you need to know for a beginner.
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I think you should learn the 6gate all-in.
It's a slight variation of the 4gate all-in but allows you practise macro-ing just a tad longer and is quite a viable build even in masters.
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i feel like you're doing everything right at the moment, the fact that you're having varying results is all part of the learning process. for one, you're doing the same build order over and over again, which is good, especially when you ladder. it allows you to understand it in every way (strengths and weaknesses). Eventually, you'll begin to learn more about it, like the best timings to hit, and what you should do in certain situations. Repetition in SC2 (and SC1) is very important.
My suggestion is to continue doing it until you, yourself realize you're good at it. ask yourself, have you actually mastered a 4gate? do you understand all the timings that goes with the build? people often say people who 4gate are noobs, but even as a terran player, it's part of the game and if it wins you games, then it wins you games. what i feel like most new players (and intense gamers) don't do enough on the ladder IS do the same build orders and stick with it or a long period of time, that's the best way to get better.
EDIT: if you watch idra, 99% of his games are macro games, and he's incredible in playing those games, and it comes with the amount of times he does it. whether it's ladder or live matches, he always does similar macro builds (it may not be the best during live games) and is successful at it whereas, when he cheeses, it doesn't turn out as well. it's because he doesn't cheese enough to be anywhere close to where his macro builds are. i'm not saying he's a terrible early game player, in fact he's sick early game. but imagine the amount of macro games he's done, it's made him what he is.
Good luck in SC2! wish you all the best.
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Your macro is the most important thing. Just focus on always making probes, making pylons and spending your money for now. Also, using a build order is fine, but don't focus on the numbers much.
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What level are you at? If you're below diamond DO NOT LEARN 4-GATE OMG
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tl;dr learn a macro build order, not an all-in build order
Learning a build order is definitely recommended! However, learning the 4gate is a bit iffy in my opinion. It won't be your super carrier for every game. When defended, the 4gate runs out of steam in the mid-late game which is also something you should practice. A lot of people will say they aren't good so they focus on the first 10 minutes of the game and try to win it in that time window but that is not how you practice macro. So I recommend the 3gate expand into whatever you want. I hear colossi are pretty good.
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yeah, all-in stuff will not really get you anywhere, so go with builds that actually go somewhere above gateway units.
But: every build order needs its pylons, if you still have problems with that all I can say is
"probes&pylons" just never forget that.
for example if you go for the pretty standard 12gate >> 14gas you need your second pylon at 15 and your 3rd at 20-23 (I usually go with pylon after zaelot so 22)
Everytime you'll notice that you have the perfect amount of minerals at 15 to never stop
probe-production and to add a pylon, everything is just going smoothly.
That is something that is important for the whole game.
So for now it's just:
-always build probes
-try to never get supply blocked in a game (maybe even just outright gg when it happens and
search for a new quick match, I know it's harsh but man it would teach a lesson  heard that from MrBitter and liked it alot)
-keep building units unless you definetly know what you're saving up resources for
edit: if you're not sure when to build a pylon, just build it, for now it's "better too much/too early than too few/too late"
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While a all-in build order will provide you a good chance of moving up on ladder, you'll hit a wall very fast and take time for surpass it.
I suggest you to learn 3 gate expansion or 2 gate robo for learning/improvement purposes, it will help you with macro, help you with your defense and teach you the timings.
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Thank you all for your input.
@4 Warpgate Rush Yeah, I see that it's a cheesy build and will go for something that has a mid and late game plan to it.
@Clamev Actually I watched a bit of the first Newbie Tuesday on BO Stealing and I liked it. I will watch both and apply his method. THAT made me think if I maybe even change race, if I get inspired by a nice Terran build for example (I don't like to play Zerg ).
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On April 27 2011 21:12 antilyon wrote:
While a all-in build order will provide you a good chance of moving up on ladder, you'll hit a wall very fast and take time for surpass it.
I suggest you to learn 3 gate expansion or 2 gate robo for learning/improvement purposes, it will help you with macro, help you with your defense and teach you the timings.
Pretty much. If you want you want to win, learn a rush. I wouldn't recommend the 4 gate because it's getting nerfed.
If you want to learn how to play an get good at Starcraft, go with a macro build
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Don't listen to the guy who said don't 4gate, it's great to start with and its a very viable build order! you learn how to perfect a build order and when to make pylons/cut probes etc and of course you improve your micro by a ton! i think its great! doesn't matter if its going to get nerfed you wanna learn how to follow build orders and 4gate is easy to follow and wins you games!.
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EPT
