It ain't fair

On January 16 2014 14:05 BigFan wrote:
I think you should take a break from SCII. You've obviously putting in the effort and that's commendable in itself but from what you wrote, I think it'll do you some good to step away from the game for a couple of days and just focus on other stuff. You can still watch if you want but I think if you step away, you'll feel better in the end and it'll help your mindset so that when you get back to playing, you don't feel as frustrated.

As for protoss being easier, I can't really tell you. I used to play terran and colossi were always the unit I hated to go up against. I would rather get stormed to death then get lasered to death lol. Having said that, I don't think there's an easy race. I thought protoss was easier than terran and with MSc, early game pressure is easier to defend against but late game is still hard for either race. Same goes for Zerg as well.

As a side note, I think you should give BW a try. You're probably asking why I would recommend it after telling you to take a break. Simple really. In SCII, you've been playing it for a while so at this point, you have high expectations for yourself and after 4000+ games, the matchups in general are probably played the same way (similar builds vs P/T/Z or so). In BW, you would be considered a newbie regardless of your SCII level so you have no expectations except to just learn to play the game and have fun while you take a break from SCII. Once the couple of days are up, you can stop BW and go back to SCII. This of course assumes you haven't tried BW otherwise forget it lol.
This may help you consider it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEOVM9wFRTA&list=PLjAbWeY6T905-6Zb81BcJyy01Iw-p3yVb

Best of luck in whatever you decide to do

On January 17 2014 04:20 Komentaja wrote:
IMO the biggest things that helped me get from Platinum (when Diamond was the best) to Diamond and then Masters' League:
1. Replay Watching. I learned to quickly identify my macro mistakes, micro mistakes, and opportunities to tweak my opening/game plan.
2. Getting Good at One Build. I was Terran so it was 3 Rax for me. But for you, as a Zerg, I'd suggest 1-basing for awhile (really) to develop your macro and micro more critically. Frankly, I think if you aren't in Masters' League right now you're most likely running very high in queen energy, low in creep spread, and generally not microing too well. It was the case for me until I improved those aspects!
3. Taking Professional "Advice". I don't think watching pro SC2 gives you much in terms of skill unless you really apply what you've learned immediately. So watch Jaedong for a bit and take his build for the first 10 minutes and try to replicate it. You really learn huge efficiencies here. ^.^

As far as the attitude, I guess I never beat myself up about losses or excused myself from any blame for them. If I got too adrenaline-filled I just would load up a 2v2 every once in awhile to wind down a little. And don't be too concerned about your ladder, just look at it as a fun way to track your progress and tweak your strategies! It's really satisfying to say to yourself, "This game, I'm going to concentrate on avoiding supply blocks." and then do it. GL.

On January 17 2014 21:39 Dan26 wrote:


I agree with this wholeheartedly. When the going gets though, get back to your fundamentals. Best way is to play on another realm or new account in the lower leagues, and execute your build orders against worse players in order for you to regain the feel of the build without getting harassed to death by masters level players.

I really love posts like this because I had similar issues not long ago, so to help you, I will tell you what it is I currently do to avoid these pitfalls.

(a) Currently I play in very small sessions infrequently. Most times I'll be like: "Ok just one game thats all you have to do and that's it." Kind of like dipping your foot in the pool before swimming to test the temperature. Sometimes I'm in the zone and I'll pound out 20 games no problem without getting tilted, irritated, or in any negative mood. Other times I'll play that one game and realize "My focus and energy is just not here, I'll come back later." Don't force it.

(b) This is a game of mathematical precision. I'm rehashing what the other guy said, but watch those replays, watch the pros, optimize your build, and play that one build for that one matchup every time. If you keep switching your build even between just two builds, you become as the saying goes "Jack of all trades, but master of none." Ensure your build meets the diamond league "Have more shit then your opponent" ethos.

(c) Keep drinking water. This has an impact on your play like you would not believe. Under mental pressure, your body burns a lot of fuel, not dis-similar to physical exercise.I found this out recently where I didn't "feel" thirsty, but I could definitely feel something was off. So I drank as much water as I needed and the difference was astounding. Everything was clearer, focused and I had my emotions under complete control. It's much easier to lose your cool, when your not properly hydrated.

(d) Play without music, or SC2 music, with just game sounds. Makes it much more easy to focus on what you're doing.
Always good to start out dead silent with just game sounds to focus in and warm up. That way you can think clearly without getting all hyped up for a win from music. After a bit when you're feeling positive music helps heaps. Music will enhance your play but don't rely on it, is all I'm trying to say. It can get in the way sometimes.

Hope this helps.

EDIT: lol also one more thing that really gets me in the right mindset is the inspirational speech from Rocky Balboa.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_Vg4uyYwEk

So when I lose a ladder game, I'm strongly reminded that it's entirely my fault, and no-one elses. And because of this, I literally have no reason to get mad. Get inspired!