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I have had a tough time personally getting into the ladder and random 1v1's ever since I tried playing competitively. For some reason I always felt apprehensive and that I would not enjoy it as much as playing with friends I do know.
However, I played several Iccup games this morning and won my first one! Once I got started with it and plunged into that initial cold waters of D level 1v1, I found it wasn't so bad after all. I want to encourage all newer players and those that have been putting off laddering to try this next Iccup season out for a chance. It really is an incredible way to grow in skill and also perhaps meet some friendly people.
To celebrate this moment, I want to post my winning PvT replay up HERE I've also noticed my average APM rise steadily from mid 120's to a constant mid 130. I have some trouble keeping up with macro once I get my third base but still able to pull a win through good harass and some very fortunate plays.
I have tomorrow off, and can't wait to get started! 
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This season was the first time I ever played enough to get past D. Though I got screwed over in both ZvZ and ZvP, I can say I'm glad because I went 8-0 in ZvT. Finished D+, lmao.
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I started playing competitively less than a month ago(I started iCCuP on May 3rd). I was a casual Protoss player for the past 10 years, but after my most recent 3 year break, I decided to learn Zerg(I've always liked Zerg more, but never took the time to learn). I took 3 accounts to C-(One to see where I was at and the other two to practice). I'm going to stick with one account this season and just gut it out!
I still need to improve my mechanics/macro/micro and adaption, but I enjoy playing regardless if I win or not. Also, I wish I would've found the joy of playing competitive Starcraft much sooner(With SC2 Beta around the corner, and all)!
But my friend, I share the same enthusiasm as you do! GL with season 9!
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Early season can be daunting for D ranks since you have everybody starting there, but don't be put off, expect huge losing streaks!
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gl, i guess i dont have an excuse now lol.
Z ftw
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On June 01 2009 08:04 Nytefish wrote:
Early season can be daunting for D ranks since you have everybody starting there, but don't be put off, expect huge losing streaks!
Oh I'm looking forward to being able to play with much higher skilled players than me. Losing doesn't bother me as much as it used to as I've accepted the fact that it is the ONLY way I am going to learn and WIN. I'm about 0-30 with my friend and I still keep ticking away! It truly forces you to get better, react quicker and figure out shorter and more efficient methods of doing things.
Thanks for the advice!
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Oh yes, a tip I put into use today and helped improve my game DRAMATICALLY was the use of 'hotkeying' a part of the map to the Function keys *(F2-F4 I believe)*. Use one key for your Gates/Fac another for your ramp rallies, another for your expos and some for your opponents ramp. It is especially helpful in scattering workers out of the way when reaver drops come by. Just thought I'd try and help share a thoughtful tip. 
P.S. Shift+tab in the beginning of the game to turn your units and buildings green and the opponents red has also worked out very well to spot dropships, or enemy harass across the map.
Updated from F2-F9 to F2-F4
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It only works for F2-4 but yeah they're extremely helpful. Having one over your gateways is a must, I like to have the other two on main/natural or main/rally point.
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um.. I think the function keys are only f2-f4, unless I've been using my keyboard wrong  . Anyways, I remember when I started playing on iccup, I had a lot of apprehension. After about a year and a half of it, it's become an integral part of my sc experience. There's nothing more satisfying than reaching a season goal and getting to a higher rank.
Be warned though, the beginning of the season is definitely tough. Don't be discouraged if you lose some and just have fun with the beginning of the season. It's quite amazing to see how well good players execute their build and dismantle mine piece by piece. I think I had about a 20% win rate beginning of last season. Good luck with your playing.
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I'm really excited for the new season. I feel this is finally the season I will reach B-
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Ya I must have been wrong with my assumption. Thank you for clarifying that up!
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I'm not excited about the new season. I usually play at the start of the season and get owned by higher level guys. In comparison, I played a few games at the end of this season and my opponents were so easy. I've decided I should just play a lot more near the end of the season to boost my rank.
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EPT
