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TLADT24920 Posts
Whenever someone new starts playing BW, first thing that's mentioned to them is that they should be prepared to lose a decent amount of games on ICCup, usually in the vicinity of 50 games or so until they can at least hold their own and maybe win a game. My own record when I first started playing on ICCup was a dismal 20-84 or about 19% win rate stretched over several seasons. Think about it. 19%! ya, I got stomped hard lol. Also, some of those wins were opponents disconnecting or in a game or two, they just decided to leave after I gg'd (pity points? lol).
In SCII, cheese has a bad ring to it since it's not as accepted due to being hard to defend even when scouted (1/1/1 etc...) and where you'll be cursed if you cheese lol. On ICCup, anything goes. People aren't caught up with how to play 'right' if you can call it that. Their main goal is to win the game and that's all they care about. Things like proxy 10/15 gate into dt followup or 9 pool speedling all in are things that I've seen on a decent enough basis(being casual and all), more so if you're peruvian or from SA it seems. This makes ICCup really competitive because there is no limit or boundaries to stick to and makes for some crazy, bizzare yet fun games.
This also reminds of an SCII game that I played on the KR server back when Blizzard first patched in cross-servers and such. TvP on some map, my opponent went for speed zealots(chargelots in SCII terms) and managed to contain me to 1 base. Eventually I break out, re-establish my expansion and hurt his eco with a drop or something. His response? a 2 base 2 colossi(or was it 1?)+workers all in. It was such a quick decision. You can tell it wasn't planned but the goal wasn't to play 'right' but to win. I remember being taken back because despite playing enough vP games(P seemed highly represented on NA plat servers at the time), I've never seen such a desperate move and it almost worked. ICCup experiences have been pretty similar and wacky which I like lol. As an example, an opponent went mass hydras against my MnM, almost broke through and then made 6-7 lurkers and tried to bust me.
I mostly spend my time playing TvZ on ICCup whenever I get the chance. There is the occasional PvZ since I like the bisu build but haven't played any recently. When I first started playing as terran, I had issues walling which meant that if my opponent went 9 pool and kept pumping zerglings or even 2 gate, chances are I'll lose. I actually wrote a battlereport blog on here where I went for one of my signature walls lol. After losing 3-4 games in a row to pure zerglings, eventually I started parking an SCV or two on the ramp for blocking and sacrificed a bit of eco for a longer game. I was able to move away from that as my game sense increased and when I started to scout more carefully and read the signs. I guess better micro (a-moving workers was hard to break lol) also helped.
1 rax FE (cc inbase) started to become my go to build. Depending on the size map (think La Mancha and Circuit Breaker) and position of my opponent, I've even went 1 rax, delayed the first marine and built a cc on the low ground. I felt that I can hold any attacks especially if I scouted my opponent's 12 hatchery 11 pool cross position. It's been interesting to see the progression of my games and that of my opponents.
Even though I've become better at holding off early game shenanigans and my micro has improved(MMF vs. zerglings+lurker) or holding off zergling+lurker all-ins, my mid to late game needs some work. I feel that on maps such as FS, it's pretty difficult to take a third and defend it. I've had no issues taking third on La Mancha and Circuit Breaker which are two big maps and even hold them whenever I'm attacked but on smaller map, it's much harder. I also wonder if it has to do with the map architecture but you can block your ramp with a rax+depot for a third on FS. I guess I just gotta take more risks then even if it means lifting my cc in moments of trouble.
Most zergs I've encountered seem to prefer 12 hatch 11 pool and mutalisks. I guess it makes sense to try and keep the terran in his base while taking a third but enough turrets and good MnM micro seems to be a good enough counter. I have found that some D and higher opponents have decent muta micro which was surprising to me. I guess it's to be expected. Firebats are pretty helpful as well due to their insane dps against zerglings especially if the opponent goes for a zergling attack prior to mutalisks and I've started to add 1-2 early game.
Once games tend to go to the late game, I find that my macro becomes ridiculously bad. I think my multitasking gets stretched thin and the thought of losing my army outweighs the thought of looking away to make more. In a way, it's always amazing to see pros look away from their army even during a battle and make another round of units. Either they are that confident in their ability to micro out of bad situations(think SK Terran against lurker contain) or they realize the value of more units at the expense of losing some if they are attacked. I think their speed is also a major factor. Seems like most pros(think Bisu for 10-12 structures) can make units from 8+ structure within a second or two at best compared to lower levels where'll it'll take several seconds for similar or less structures. Same with changing rally points and re-fixing control groups which is a welcome pain.
APM wise, back when I first started SCII, I was averaging 80 with zerg which is pretty low but seemed good at the time. Transitioning to terran in both SCII(back then) and BW, I've managed to improve my APM to about 100. Nowadays or at least recent games, my APM is averaging about 130 with peaks of 310 which sounds insane. Wonder what I was doing at that time, probably just making workers and units or something lol.
One thing that's disappointing is that I have yet to make valkyries work. I like the unit itself but one of the several times I've tried it, I got called a noob after I was stomped lol. 2 base valkyrie with MnM support sounds like a viable build (don't really read up on builds to know) and I guess something that I wish to strive for to add more diversity to my game. I also do recall watching TvZ with valkyries (Canata vs Jaedong or something?). Overall, it's been a great experience and rage-inducing when you're losing 6 games in a row lol. Playing on Iccup, it's rare to go on a big streak regardless of opponents which is why I wrote this blog:
8-0 against Zerg players! I was told I was a turret whore in one game on FS lol and in another, I was asked if I reset my stats and why I'm D- (he misread, I was D). I guess it's a good compliment. I think this is my highest rank I've had(about 1500) and though I don't think I'm D+ yet (my vT is absymal since I've played 5 games at best and vP needs a lot of work), it's nice to see some improvements. Gone are the days where I lost to zerglings/lurkers and I now welcome the days where I lose to defilers/ultralisks more often XD
On a side note, after watching my replays from recent games, I felt pretty bad for my zerg opponents. Even though I've had other zerg opponents(think D+ or in some cases, C-) outplay me before and it felt like I had no chance and that something felt off, I felt the same way when watching things from the zerg's perspective. I guess that's what makes BW great. When you have players like Flash and Jaedong playing against each other, race-specific imbalanced units like defilers, vessels(looking at mass vessels here with irridate/defense matrix) etc... can be dealt with and amounts to nothing more than a nuisance. Thanks for reading! All comments are welcome. If anyone wants to hear about specific experiences, please mention it in the comments 
ps I still can't wall to save my life lol.
pps to clarify, I don't think vessels are imbalanced by themselves but mass vessels(thinking 7+) are ridiculous in terms of irridate potential.
 
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Awesome
Improving rocks, doesn't it?
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Croatia9559 Posts
Great blog. Congrats on the 8-0 winning streak, I have no doubt in my mind that soon you will be a solid D+ player.
Also, kudos on playing Terran!
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Nice man! Glad you're improving
8-0 winning streak on Iccup is a tremendous accomplishment imo.
TvZ in BW is truly a joy.
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On March 26 2014 21:18 don_kyuhote wrote:
TvZ in BW is truly a joy.
Or your worst nightmare.
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Awesome homie keep it up. :D
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Canada11607 Posts
Well done man! The last couple seasons I've averaged 1500 D, but this season I've tanked to the 600's for some reason (that's with one favourable disconnect) and some B- player popping in my game wondering if my IQ is 90 or 70, lol.
One of these games this season I'll get a legit win... maybe.
8-0 is super awesome.
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Great that you're taking losing in a positive light and actively looking to improve!
We need more of that in Brood War :D
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Congratulations! You have a long path to do, but you are in a good way
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TLADT24920 Posts
On March 26 2014 19:10 ninazerg wrote:Awesome Improving rocks, doesn't it?
thanks. Of course it does! :D
On March 26 2014 19:52 2Pacalypse- wrote:
Great blog. Congrats on the 8-0 winning streak, I have no doubt in my mind that soon you will be a solid D+ player.
Also, kudos on playing Terran!
thanks! ya, eventually I'll be solid D+ player but I hope my vT and vP weaknesses are rectified by then. Would like to be a more rounded player instead of a one matchup specialist, not that there's anything wrong with that
On March 26 2014 21:18 don_kyuhote wrote:
Nice man! Glad you're improving
8-0 winning streak on Iccup is a tremendous accomplishment imo.
TvZ in BW is truly a joy.
ya it is but still feels a bit odd. Part of me prefers that my opponents were higher ranked but considering I was probably around the skill level, 8-0 is pretty decent lol.
On March 26 2014 22:48 Biolunar wrote:Or your worst nightmare.
well, late game zerg, when they are up 2 bases at least is a nightmare to play against since my chances of winning are essentially 0. Given, I think I just need to put more of an effort to macro and multitask better and accept that even if I lose by being aggressive against ultras etc..., it'll help down the road
On March 26 2014 23:42 HerbMon wrote:
Awesome homie keep it up. :D
thanks!
On March 27 2014 01:59 Falling wrote:
Well done man! The last couple seasons I've averaged 1500 D, but this season I've tanked to the 600's for some reason (that's with one favourable disconnect) and some B- player popping in my game wondering if my IQ is 90 or 70, lol.
One of these games this season I'll get a legit win... maybe.
8-0 is super awesome.
thanks Falling! ouch, that's quite the drop. I actually went on a 8+ losing streak before this win streak and was something like 700(or 800?) D- player so I know the feeling. You make bad mistakes, lose to dts as your ebay is building, etc... BW is a very unforgiving game in that context but winning also feels great.
haha at the B- comment. Worst I got called was a noob way back after I just turtled in a TvZ and turret whore XD Don't worry, I'm sure you'll get a legit win any day now Feel free to join my 1v1 adventures whenever you like. Maybe a bo5 series on maps like FS, circuit breaker, La Machua, Luna and whatever fifth map is. Ya, it definitely feels good but I'm sure I'm bound to lose a game soon lol.
On March 27 2014 03:02 SynC[gm] wrote:
Great that you're taking losing in a positive light and actively looking to improve!
We need more of that in Brood War :D
I dream of one day becoming the next flash!  lol. Seriously though, I agree. Positivity is important but it's quite difficult if you end up on the end of a losing streak as well ><; thanks!
On March 27 2014 06:26 SpaNiarD wrote:Congratulations! You have a long path to do, but you are in a good way
a long and tough but fun one so it's exciting ^^ thanks!
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I bet all your losses were against protoss!
Good luck mang! Grats on the streak!
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Congrats man, Super proud of you
I know you don't want my advice, so I spoiler'd it. I just couldn't resist writing it. Mad props for getting into iCCup. I know that it's tough to start winning games, and it takes a real competitive drive to get in there and take 8 in a row!
![[image loading]](http://media.heavy.com/media/2013/03/26.jpg)
+ Show Spoiler +
Two/three base muta has been standard ZvT for a while. This harasses the Terran and lets you get up your third basee.
The immediate followup is lurkers. They help keep MnM from killing your new third gas, but generally get pushed back by tanks and vessels.
Which brings us to the defiler.
So in short, you have 3 big timings. Before mutas, Before lurkers are in force, and (biggest one) before defilers.
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Canada11607 Posts
On March 27 2014 11:21 BigFan wrote:Show nested quote +On March 27 2014 01:59 Falling wrote:
Well done man! The last couple seasons I've averaged 1500 D, but this season I've tanked to the 600's for some reason (that's with one favourable disconnect) and some B- player popping in my game wondering if my IQ is 90 or 70, lol.
One of these games this season I'll get a legit win... maybe.
8-0 is super awesome. thanks Falling! ouch, that's quite the drop. I actually went on a 8+ losing streak before this win streak and was something like 700(or 800?) D- player so I know the feeling. You make bad mistakes, lose to dts as your ebay is building, etc... BW is a very unforgiving game in that context but winning also feels great. haha at the B- comment. Worst I got called was a noob way back after I just turtled in a TvZ and turret whore XD Don't worry, I'm sure you'll get a legit win any day now Feel free to join my 1v1 adventures whenever you like. Maybe a bo5 series on maps like FS, circuit breaker, La Machua, Luna and whatever fifth map is. Ya, it definitely feels good but I'm sure I'm bound to lose a game soon lol.
FINALLY broke my loss streak. If you count non-ladder games, it was 19 losses in a row before I finally beat someone. D+ of all things. Maybe I can get some sort of win streak, but I doubt it.
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Yeeeeeee man congrats, now come play some games with me so I can teach you the true might of the swarm improve my poor ZvT ;D
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always great to read a good bw blog : )
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TLADT24920 Posts
On March 27 2014 13:26 icystorage wrote:I bet all your losses were against protoss! Good luck mang! Grats on the streak!
dang that scumbag race Actually, most were from Zerg lol. thanks!
On March 27 2014 14:59 gumbum8 wrote:Congrats man, Super proud of you I know you don't want my advice, so I spoiler'd it. I just couldn't resist writing it. Mad props for getting into iCCup. I know that it's tough to start winning games, and it takes a real competitive drive to get in there and take 8 in a row! + Show Spoiler +
Two/three base muta has been standard ZvT for a while. This harasses the Terran and lets you get up your third basee.
The immediate followup is lurkers. They help keep MnM from killing your new third gas, but generally get pushed back by tanks and vessels.
Which brings us to the defiler.
So in short, you have 3 big timings. Before mutas, Before lurkers are in force, and (biggest one) before defilers.
your advice is pretty much what I see with most Zergs, mutas into third into more bases/late game with defilers. If I'm able to do some damage early on and limit them to a third then I may have a chance at winning. ya, I mostly thought that lurkers while won't keep the opponent in his base at high level, might be more useful at lower levels due to lower micro and mechanics and wondered why they don't get used much considering they can be a free win at times lol. thanks!
On March 27 2014 15:15 Falling wrote:Show nested quote +On March 27 2014 11:21 BigFan wrote:On March 27 2014 01:59 Falling wrote:
Well done man! The last couple seasons I've averaged 1500 D, but this season I've tanked to the 600's for some reason (that's with one favourable disconnect) and some B- player popping in my game wondering if my IQ is 90 or 70, lol.
One of these games this season I'll get a legit win... maybe.
8-0 is super awesome. thanks Falling! ouch, that's quite the drop. I actually went on a 8+ losing streak before this win streak and was something like 700(or 800?) D- player so I know the feeling. You make bad mistakes, lose to dts as your ebay is building, etc... BW is a very unforgiving game in that context but winning also feels great. haha at the B- comment. Worst I got called was a noob way back after I just turtled in a TvZ and turret whore XD Don't worry, I'm sure you'll get a legit win any day now Feel free to join my 1v1 adventures whenever you like. Maybe a bo5 series on maps like FS, circuit breaker, La Machua, Luna and whatever fifth map is. Ya, it definitely feels good but I'm sure I'm bound to lose a game soon lol. FINALLY broke my loss streak. If you count non-ladder games, it was 19 losses in a row before I finally beat someone. D+ of all things. Maybe I can get some sort of win streak, but I doubt it.
no non-ladder, gotta be ladder! lol. 19 though? ouch. ya, that must've been destructive to your confidence XD race/map? Congrats on that win! Means you will eventually get to D+ as well
On March 27 2014 18:52 Birdie wrote:
Yeeeeeee man congrats, now come play some games with me so I can teach you the true might of the swarm improve my poor ZvT ;D
I would be worried that I would actually win against you hehe.
On March 27 2014 21:56 drooL wrote:
always great to read a good bw blog : )
thanks
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EPT![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/gyie5Tg.jpg)
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