EPT
I play Terran and I had this idea about how Reaper fast expand in every matchup would get you into masters no problem... None of this adaptive complex 1-1-1 openers with tricky addon management and anti-banshee tactics.. just balls to wall macro, simple scouting and reacting to whatever you scout.
The game, as a casual is much more enjoyable when the only thought process you really need is reading your opponent, making adjustments, having map presence and just winning with better macro and mechanics. I believe that ANYONE coming back from a hiatus should just pick really basic, yet effective builds that look to win by having a tight SIMPLE build order across all matchups to get back in the swing of things.
I don't look to play professionally or anything, but with this approach and some regular play, soon you start executing more complex builds such as 1-1-1 map control opener against Zerg, or a marine hellion expand opener in TvT, or an aggressive micro-intensive widow mine build against Protoss. That's the idea, as you get a feel for the game again and start winning, you'll want an arsenal of builds at your command, and you'll want the ability to execute them flawlessly as you feel necessary.
My point here is ladies and gentleman, for new players and experienced players alike coming back to the game should start with 1 easy build order that you can navigate through any build thrown at you. This allows all your focus to be on a clean opener that reinforces scouting, map control, harassment, spotting aggression, identifying opponents builds and really getting in the head of your opponent. Denying scouting for example is really good. Having the element of surprise, and just outwitting your opponent. NO build order wins. Throw a cheese in here and there too keep it fresh, but if you're playing to improve, keep it simple stupid!
Don't know when I'll ladder again, I'm a bit infatuated with games such as Battlefield 4, CS:GO and yes, World of Warcraft (I play a death knight, always fun to play a relaxed game where you it's not competitive and you can chill out and have fun).
I've been hesitant to play again because SC2 requires a very positive attitude and level-headed thinking. So I'll take the plunge again soon.
I like to think of the Reaper FE as Terran's most simple strength, and that any units attached to a bio composition are "extra layers" that add tactical depth and ability to your army. I do play mech offhandedly but thats for another blog. It's the bread and butter of a Terran army and you can really get a good feeling of the power of each individual unit as you utilize them with your bio army, allowing you to perhaps develop a style of play that is somewhat free-style and adaptive, making it more fun and less predictable. For example. going heavy on marauders and medivacs against a Protoss who has templar, and dodging storms; or, hitting a 9min stimmed marine timing against a Terran who did a cloak banshee build and was not ready etc etc. Finding weaknesses and exploiting them with the most basic and fundamental Terran army, is really the way to go sub-masters.
Just a random rant, thought I'd share it with y'all :D
