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Heyo. So, I'm coming back to TL to ask for help yet again.
So I've consistently had a problem in SC2. I can not play consistently at the same level. I've made a few blogs so far, and haven't really had any success yet fixing my problem. To sum up my problem, I can either play well, or bad. When I'm playing well (for myself, at least), I play at a diamond/low masters range. For some reason I'll start to play bad, though. I'll make a ton of mistakes, not be able to things at all I normally do pretty well, etc. When I'm playing in this way, I feel like I can lose to anyone (I've lost to silver and bronze level players when I'm in this state of mind). I'm not going to go into extensive detail on the subject of my play atm, if you'd like to know more, you can read my past blog posts.
Regardless of why this is happening to me, it's been happening a very, very long time. I have been playing since season 1 and have remained the same league (started gold when Diamond was the high end of the ladder, when masters got put in, went up to platinum and have been there ever since; my MMR swings up to diamond/low masters when I'm playing well, down to gold/silver when I'm not.) It's gotten to the play where things become very stagnant. I spend a stretch of time (yes, I've tried taking breaks, doesn't seem to work) tanking my MMR, then the next strech getting back up to higher MMR where the players are actaully forcing me to get better, then right as I get there or a little before, I'll tank again.
I started just getting mad. I'm not a bm player, I used to GG every game, but I started getting mad at the end of my games; I'd quit without a GG (I don't chew out people when I lose or anything, I keep things to myself). I'd just be angry while I was playing, to the point where I'd quit a game if someone did something annoying (sent an early SCV to ebay block, added a cy core to their pylon block, got cute with their probe harass or something) or did something stupid, even if I was at an advantage. This continued on for awhile. I'd still get in the swings, down and up.
Recently (last few weeks), though, it's just been going on so long, I get depressed when I play. I've been quitting 90% of my games before anything happens. I'll make a small mistake in early game (make an extra drone or bank up 100 minerals or something) and I just lose all motivation to play the game out, or I feel like I've already lost. You might think, that's just really silly, play the game out. I agree, but I just can't. I feel like it's a huge effort to do anything when I playIt's getting to the point where I feel like playing elliot smith every time I ladder :/
I don't know what to do. This game is what I do, it's how I relieve my stress, it's my retreat after a long day at work/school, it's just...what I do, and now playing at all just makes me feel like shit. Everyone always says take a break, and I agree, and I've tried that, and it doesn't help. Not playing just isn't an option for me, I love this game. I just want to enjoy playing again :/
 
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Try playing in small "bursts" like 2 games, then take a break. then play another 2 games. This should help you keep your mind fresh. If this is not something you want then maybe try experimenting with another race. At the very least it can take a lot of the pressure off, and give you a new perspective.
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The way I dealt with swinging was I would listen to music at like 2% volume just so its in the background, but I would also be able to listen to the SC2 noises. I would plug in earbuds or a headset close the door and just start lattering. Make a playlist and only change the music if something malfunctions and it stop playing. This is just so that you can get in the mindset of just playing SC2. When you lose or win don't bother looking at their rank. Same thing if you lose, just think to yourself what mistake did you make that costed you the game. Also force yourself to say GG after everygame. If you get cheesed 109348710239847 in a row just say GG.
Even if you think cheesing doesn't require skill, sorry to brake it to you, it does. I once got 7 pooled on tal-darim altar. I was actually impressed with this guy's control. Even if my response was bad he still played really good. Even though i was swinging like crazy you just have to keep on pushing through. (Mid masters game btw rank 30 or so).
Just get in the zone and GG.
BTW thanks for your advice.
EDIT: if you win congratulate yourself. What did you do in that game that you thought you did exceptionally well. For me the reason I was tilting was because against terran and protoss I wasn't taking the xel-naga towers so I was playing blind.
For zerg I think its a bit harder but keeping a ling outside their base and basic stuff like that costs you the game. Sometimes swings are just caused by fundamental mistakes that some people are just taking advantage of.
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Why are you playing sc2, then?
For a long while, I became upset when I lost, too; not only on ladder, but in customs, too. Then, while I was on a team, a teammate said something very insightful: "you're not playing to beat me. You're playing to improve on what you're doing." This whole idea of you have to beat some other guy in order to win is true, I guess, but, really, it just causes you a bunch of unnecessary stress. When you begin to think of the ladder as a way to improve your play, improve your mechanics, simply improve you with respect to the game, losing becomes an integral part of simply playing the game and improving.
Also, have fun. You're not doing it for a job. Whenever I start going on losing streaks, I say I don't care...and start doing random stuff (7 pool in zvz, 6 pool terrans, 9 pool tosses, take a ridiculously quick third vs Terran just to see if I can, trying to quick tech to broods behind a tiny group of speedlings, bling bust, roach/b/ling drops in zvp 'cause it's so much fun!, etc). Usually results in shameful losses but, somehow, I usually learn a lot from doing it...all while just having some harmless fun. Plus, it's kinda funny to be told I'm bad when I bling bust a toss player and wreck his face...
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On May 10 2012 13:45 GreYMisT wrote:
Try playing in small "bursts" like 2 games, then take a break. then play another 2 games. This should help you keep your mind fresh. If this is not something you want then maybe try experimenting with another race. At the very least it can take a lot of the pressure off, and give you a new perspective.
Like I said, I've tried taking breaks; long and small. If I play well, I just do, if I play poor, I just do. Playing with another race has helped me play a bit more, but then I keep thinking of wanting to actually play my main race again, then it keeps happening :/
As to the post from rinny, I'm not really at a disadvantage (well, not a noticable one at least, I make like 1 more drone than I probably should have or delayed a drone by 8 seconds or something). I just can't force myself to care about the game after a mistake sometimes.
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What Amaterasu said is true to. Sometimes you just need to let off get a partner and 12 drone rush all your placement matches (zz). If you win just think to yourself at least im not him.
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you're never going to improve if you quit after every mistake, sorry theres no advice thats going to trump that.
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On May 10 2012 13:53 Rinny wrote:
you're never going to improve if you quit after every mistake, sorry theres no advice thats going to trump that.
Which is why this isn't about playing starcraft better, it's how to deal with a mental block/problem in a competitive game/sport.
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i've had the same problem as you before(though other factors contributed to my frustration). don't leave and try rationally analyzing why you lost and don't think about your loss in the next game, think about your wins instead. also i like to stop after 2 losses in a row, but that's just me
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When you feel so bad like that, you should remember what White Ra said:
"More GG, more skill."
I've played so many games against other people over my lifetime; I've felt the dizzying highs of winning streaks and the miserable lows of losing streaks. At the start, I was like IdrA; I'd BM the shit out of my opponents, regardless of their level of play (and mind you, I know when someone's real good, and I'd still BM them). Later on, I kind of like began to accept things. Instead of viewing my mistakes negatively, I'd view them positively after the game. I was like:
"Oh wow, so that's one of my usual mistakes. Better work on that."
"So my idea was wrong? Okay, I'll stop experimenting with that."
And if I did something right, I'd think:
"Is there any way I can improve it?"
"Nice, I got it to work; I'll keep that in mind and experiment more."
Like, try taking everything positively. I got better when I was thinking along that frame of mind. Everything's a learning experience, be it doing something wrong (which you have to fix) or doing something right (which means you should improve it further or experiment with something else).
Listening to music, playing with someone you know, etc., is also helpful; mix it up to make it even more fun. That's how I play; I play with my cousins, so we laugh at each other's mistakes, guide and support each other in the game, and ultimately it becomes more fun in the process.
And remember, it's just a game! When you lose, you don't lose money or get knocked out of a tournament or whatever. RELAX. Not having pressure on your back can be very helpful, not just in enjoying but also keeping your mind clear and focused at the task on hand.
You kind of remind me of how I played before: too seriously. Gaming, when it isn't your job or you aren't in a tournament, is supposed to be fun. There are no real consequences if you lose; ladder rankings shouldn't matter! It's supposed to be fun, not work, especially if it's your stress relief.
In short: learn, have fun, relax, and mix it up. 
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What MysteryMeat1 said about having music - helps a lot in all kinds of ways.
I have my in-game music and environment sounds turned off (environment is important to be off so you can hear clearer your custom music of choice). Then I seriously recommend K-pop, even if you aren't into it. The thing is, it's just very light and positive and whatever happens - losing streak, toxic BM, lag etc; the music helps you have brighter look on it. "Whatever, I'll just keep laddering :D :D !"
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Hhhmm... Am I the only one who types GG raging irl?
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@Celestia,
No, you're not alone. Count me in that (although that's like just 20% of my losses). :D
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On May 10 2012 14:49 DN.rSquar3d wrote:When you feel so bad like that, you should remember what White Ra said: "More GG, more skill." I've played so many games against other people over my lifetime; I've felt the dizzying highs of winning streaks and the miserable lows of losing streaks. At the start, I was like IdrA; I'd BM the shit out of my opponents, regardless of their level of play (and mind you, I know when someone's real good, and I'd still BM them). Later on, I kind of like began to accept things. Instead of viewing my mistakes negatively, I'd view them positively after the game. I was like: "Oh wow, so that's one of my usual mistakes. Better work on that." "So my idea was wrong? Okay, I'll stop experimenting with that." And if I did something right, I'd think: "Is there any way I can improve it?" "Nice, I got it to work; I'll keep that in mind and experiment more." Like, try taking everything positively. I got better when I was thinking along that frame of mind. Everything's a learning experience, be it doing something wrong (which you have to fix) or doing something right (which means you should improve it further or experiment with something else). Listening to music, playing with someone you know, etc., is also helpful; mix it up to make it even more fun. That's how I play; I play with my cousins, so we laugh at each other's mistakes, guide and support each other in the game, and ultimately it becomes more fun in the process. And remember, it's just a game! When you lose, you don't lose money or get knocked out of a tournament or whatever. RELAX. Not having pressure on your back can be very helpful, not just in enjoying but also keeping your mind clear and focused at the task on hand. You kind of remind me of how I played before: too seriously. Gaming, when it isn't your job or you aren't in a tournament, is supposed to be fun. There are no real consequences if you lose; ladder rankings shouldn't matter! It's supposed to be fun, not work, especially if it's your stress relief. In short: learn, have fun, relax, and mix it up.
I still can't find motivation to play my games, but after my last game when I quit a minute and a half into the game, I said gg. That just made me mad, however, and I slammed my keyboard, and the little legs that hold it up were shattered, so now I have to buy a new keyboard. I think whitra can keep his advice, I'm bottling my feelings up like a real man from now on instead of putting on a fake smile.
Still depressed though.
Edit** Wins and losses do matter, the fun of starcraft isn't much about the game, because in my opinion at least, the game isn't particularly amazing, the fun is learning and in competition. I'm not learning a thing when I lose to a silver league player, I already know how I should and could have played better, my hands and brain don't work together correctly while I'm playing in a losing streak/playing bad/wahtever you want to call it. It's not even fun to win the games versus the silver-diamond games when I start playing well again because I'm not learning there either, I'm just making more stuff then them faster and winning on my way to players who will do stuff that will make me learn.
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I did the same, use to play fuckloads went high and started losing and just started playing in autopilot. Whenever I play I lose and give up lol.
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Don't bottle it up; sooner or later it'll burst. I had that kind of temper before (been destroying mice and tennis racquets since 2007), and here's how I stopped it from becoming destructive:
Screaming or shouting.
Slamming on the table (fists, not keyboards).
Playing against the AI for a short time and just utterly defeating it, but doing it sloooowly so I can revel in the emotions.
That sort of stuff. Find reliefs that are not that destructive, but please don't scream into other people's ears. :D
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On May 10 2012 16:02 DN.rSquar3d wrote:
Don't bottle it up; sooner or later it'll burst. I had that kind of temper before (been destroying mice and tennis racquets since 2007), and here's how I stopped it from becoming destructive:
Screaming or shouting.
Slamming on the table (fists, not keyboards).
Playing against the AI for a short time and just utterly defeating it, but doing it sloooowly so I can revel in the emotions.
That sort of stuff. Find reliefs that are not that destructive, but please don't scream into other people's ears. :D
I also like to slam the table with my hands, but people tells me it doesn't look good on me, it's not that I care but I think I need to have more control over my emotions, any other tips?
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For starters if you're truly getting angry at the game this often what is the purpose of playing? It's not fun to be angry, is it? If you really want to keep playing and get better though I highly suggest learning to deal with your anger after games, you really need to be calm and collected after every game and be able to think about it with out the clouding of frustration.
Think to your self, why did I lose? Did I scout something that should have tipped me off of his cheese and I under-reacted or completely ignored it? Did I scout something that tipped me off to his clear intentions for macro play and then not deviate and be more macro-oriented or dedicate to an all-in? Did I not scout anything at all and play a build which can die to lots of stuff? You need to be calm and collected when thinking about these things and be able to correctly adjust in your next games.
Did I die to a double fact blue-flame hellion all-in? What can I scout for that lets me know this might be possible? Abnormal amounts of hellions on the map, low marine count, sac OL and see double fact? What if I don't see anything at all, did I play safe for every thing [spine crawlers or roaches]. If you think about games you lose like this and play lots of games, you'll build up a pretty good knowledge of how to play vs each sort of style and go from there.
On a side note, getting frustrated to the degree you do and inconsistency for extended periods of time is a pretty big sign of ADD/ADHD. If you're one to start and quit a lot of hobbys, get angry easily, inconsistent, have a hard time improving at things due to those issues, you might really want to see if that is a possibility.
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On May 10 2012 17:59 HansK wrote:
For starters if you're truly getting angry at the game this often what is the purpose of playing? It's not fun to be angry, is it? If you really want to keep playing and get better though I highly suggest learning to deal with your anger after games, you really need to be calm and collected after every game and be able to think about it with out the clouding of frustration.
Think to your self, why did I lose? Did I scout something that should have tipped me off of his cheese and I under-reacted or completely ignored it? Did I scout something that tipped me off to his clear intentions for macro play and then not deviate and be more macro-oriented or dedicate to an all-in? Did I not scout anything at all and play a build which can die to lots of stuff? You need to be calm and collected when thinking about these things and be able to correctly adjust in your next games.
Did I die to a double fact blue-flame hellion all-in? What can I scout for that lets me know this might be possible? Abnormal amounts of hellions on the map, low marine count, sac OL and see double fact? What if I don't see anything at all, did I play safe for every thing [spine crawlers or roaches]. If you think about games you lose like this and play lots of games, you'll build up a pretty good knowledge of how to play vs each sort of style and go from there.
On a side note, getting frustrated to the degree you do and inconsistency for extended periods of time is a pretty big sign of ADD/ADHD. If you're one to start and quit a lot of hobbys, get angry easily, inconsistent, have a hard time improving at things due to those issues, you might really want to see if that is a possibility.
I don't have add or adhd, I've been tested.
Once again, I'd like to point out asking myself why I lost isn't going to help this situation (and hasn't). It's not like the players are doing things that are catching me off guard or I don't have an answer to. I know why I lost, I know what I should have done instead, and have done that same thing many times, but when I play poorly, I just don't. It's very frustrating trying to find help because I get this kind of advice so often; if i was losing because I didn't know how to play a situation out or couldn't mechanically, I would make a strategy forum post.
I don't lack the mechanical ability to beat the players I'm playing, or the in game knowledge to beat the players I'm playing, For some reason I lack something mental to allow me to use the knowledge/mechanical ability I have every game at or near 100% (and sometimes, it feels like, at even 25%)
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Hm. Really sounds like me. Maybe it's a focus or confidence issue?
In that case, try practicing with the AI first. Kind of like getting the feel of the game. And like I said, try playing with someone you know. The tendency is when you play with someone you know, you'll be more comfortable, confident and therefore focused.
And remember, just remember not to bottle up emotions. Release it. And feel the groove of the game; the more you feel it, the more confident and focused you can be. Kind of like an IdrA situation (pissed = worse, confident = better).
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Play teamgames with friends :D they're lots of fun and you can make as many mistakes as you want and you can still win the game np.
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EPT
