• Log InLog In
  • Register
Liquid`
Team Liquid Liquipedia
EDT 21:35
CEST 03:35
KST 10:35
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Calendar
  • Streams
  • Liquipedia
  • Features
  • Store
  • EPT
  • TL+
  • StarCraft 2
  • Brood War
  • Smash
  • Heroes
  • Counter-Strike
  • Overwatch
  • Liquibet
  • Fantasy StarCraft
  • TLPD
  • StarCraft 2
  • Brood War
  • Blogs
Forum Sidebar
Events/Features
News
Featured News
[ASL21] Ro24 Preview Pt2: News Flash2[ASL21] Ro24 Preview Pt1: New Chaos0Team Liquid Map Contest #22 - Presented by Monster Energy9ByuL: The Forgotten Master of ZvT30Behind the Blue - Team Liquid History Book20
Community News
Weekly Cups (March 16-22): herO doubles, Cure surprises3Blizzard Classic Cup @ BlizzCon 2026 - $100k prize pool48Weekly Cups (March 9-15): herO, Clem, ByuN win42026 KungFu Cup Announcement6BGE Stara Zagora 2026 cancelled12
StarCraft 2
General
What mix of new & old maps do you want in the next ladder pool? (SC2) Team Liquid Map Contest #22 - Presented by Monster Energy Potential Updates Coming to the SC2 CN Server Behind the Blue - Team Liquid History Book herO wins SC2 All-Star Invitational
Tourneys
RSL Season 4 announced for March-April Sparkling Tuna Cup - Weekly Open Tournament StarCraft Evolution League (SC Evo Biweekly) WardiTV Mondays World University TeamLeague (500$+) | Signups Open
Strategy
Custom Maps
[M] (2) Frigid Storage Publishing has been re-enabled! [Feb 24th 2026]
External Content
Mutation # 519 Inner Power The PondCast: SC2 News & Results Mutation # 518 Radiation Zone Mutation # 517 Distant Threat
Brood War
General
Pros React To: SoulKey vs Ample ASL21 General Discussion [ASL21] Ro24 Preview Pt2: News Flash RepMastered™: replay sharing and analyzer site KK Platform will provide 1 million CNY
Tourneys
[ASL21] Ro24 Group D [ASL21] Ro24 Group C [Megathread] Daily Proleagues [ASL21] Ro24 Group B
Strategy
What's the deal with APM & what's its true value Fighting Spirit mining rates Simple Questions, Simple Answers
Other Games
General Games
General RTS Discussion Thread Nintendo Switch Thread Stormgate/Frost Giant Megathread Darkest Dungeon Path of Exile
Dota 2
The Story of Wings Gaming Official 'what is Dota anymore' discussion
League of Legends
G2 just beat GenG in First stand
Heroes of the Storm
Simple Questions, Simple Answers Heroes of the Storm 2.0
Hearthstone
Deck construction bug Heroes of StarCraft mini-set
TL Mafia
TL Mafia Community Thread Five o'clock TL Mafia Mafia Game Mode Feedback/Ideas Vanilla Mini Mafia
Community
General
US Politics Mega-thread The Games Industry And ATVI European Politico-economics QA Mega-thread Canadian Politics Mega-thread Russo-Ukrainian War Thread
Fan Clubs
The IdrA Fan Club
Media & Entertainment
[Manga] One Piece [Req][Books] Good Fantasy/SciFi books Movie Discussion!
Sports
Formula 1 Discussion 2024 - 2026 Football Thread Cricket [SPORT] Tokyo Olympics 2021 Thread General nutrition recommendations
World Cup 2022
Tech Support
[G] How to Block Livestream Ads
TL Community
The Automated Ban List
Blogs
Funny Nicknames
LUCKY_NOOB
Money Laundering In Video Ga…
TrAiDoS
Iranian anarchists: organize…
XenOsky
FS++
Kraekkling
Shocked by a laser…
Spydermine0240
ASL S21 English Commentary…
namkraft
Customize Sidebar...

Website Feedback

Closed Threads



Active: 3957 users

[SC2] The Best TvP Opener

Blogs > GG.Win
Post a Reply
1 2 Next All
Masq
Profile Blog Joined March 2009
Canada1792 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-05-11 10:19:59
May 11 2010 09:46 GMT
#1
Hey everyone,

I thought I would take some time to showcase a new build I've been using in TvP for about 2 weeks now. Its a close copy to a TvZ build in SC1. I've read a lot on the strategy forum that people think TvP is imbalanced, on both sides. Hopefully this guide will allow for some more macro based play, and less 1base facesmashing. I'll outline the build, its strengths and weaknesses, and then provide some replays against quality opponents.


Standard Opener
The general build order is as follows:
10 Depot
12 Rax
15 Orbital
15-16 Command Center (Skip marine if possible)
*various transitions, which I'll outline later in the blog

First off I'll go over its strengths. Obviously, due to the fast expand nature of the build its nearly certain to give you an early economic advantage which should allow you to continue outexpanding your opponent. It's also very strong at holding off early aggression and allows you to upgrade and tech up OR be aggressive after your SCV production kicks in. Another big advantage this build gives you, is a sense of urgency for your opponent. Will he expand himself? will he attempt to 1base bust you? With minimal scouting, you can prepare accordingly.

It's weakness is simple. You have to be overly defensive in the early game, and due to the placement of expansions on many of the maps, this build is not viable on nearly half of the current Blizzard maps. More or less, any map with a backdoor or wide natural expansions(think Blistering Sands, Desert Oasis, etc). You also need to prepare for a wide variety of Protoss openings. Stalker Blink busts, fast void ray, dark templar, etc.

Replays
The matches listed in the .rar are as follows:
1. Masq(T) v. Bee(P) Lost Temple - 1Base Bust v Double CC
2. Masq(T) v. Fallen(P) Lost Temple - Fast VoidRay v Double CC
3. Masq(T) v. HuK(P) Scrap Station - 1rax FE v Stalker Blink
4. Masq(T) v. rBoOCrAfT(P) Kulas Ravine - 1rax FE v fast highyield
5. Masq(T) v. LzGaMeR(P) Kulas Ravine - 1rax FE v Immortal/HT
6. Masq(T) v. TTOne(P) Lost Temple - Double CC v Collossus
7. Masq(T) v. TTOne(P) Metalopolis - 1rax FE vs Mass Stalker

Download Link: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/4415663/Masq TvP FE Replay Pack.rar

Transitions
After your first command center, you can transition in the following ways: second command center, mass rax into MM, fast 4th with double ebay upgrades and turtling.

Within the replays, you can see the variations I use depending on what the opponent is doing. Typically if you scout a low early game army count, you can expect void rays. If you scout a robo, or a large army, you should prepare for a expansion bust.

Anyway, thats all for now from me. I'll have another blog coming showcasing another build I've been using once I gather enough quality replays.

Feel free to message me with any questions you have, and as before I'm still looking for some practice partners to test these sort of builds out with.

Cheers






***
Ftrunkz
Profile Blog Joined April 2007
Australia2474 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-05-11 09:57:11
May 11 2010 09:56 GMT
#2
Wont standard warpgate pressure builds crush this on every map except maybe LT? (not to sound pesimistic ;o)
@NvPinder on twitter | Member of Gamecom Nv | http://www.clan-ta.com | http://www.youtube.com/user/ftrunkz | http://www.twitchtv.com/xghpinder
Masq
Profile Blog Joined March 2009
Canada1792 Posts
May 11 2010 09:58 GMT
#3
On May 11 2010 18:56 Ftrunkz wrote:
Wont standard warpgate pressure builds crush this on every map except maybe LT? (not to sound pesimistic ;o)


No, it works quite well on Metalopolis, Lost Temple, Kulas, and Scrap Station. I've been working on a variation for Steppes of War, but its not ideal. It definitely does not work on Blistering Sands or Desert Oasis, though.

LuDwig-
Profile Blog Joined February 2007
Italy1143 Posts
May 11 2010 10:13 GMT
#4
What do you mean with prepare for 1 base push?
How do you manage the intial push? (ling/zea/roach etc etc)?
http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=120015&currentpage=98<--Search the HotBid's Post
Masq
Profile Blog Joined March 2009
Canada1792 Posts
May 11 2010 10:16 GMT
#5
On May 11 2010 19:13 LuDwig- wrote:
What do you mean with prepare for 1 base push?
How do you manage the intial push? (ling/zea/roach etc etc)?


Well, its specific for the TvP matchup, so ling/roach aren't considered. It easily holds off any zealot rush due to the wall-in placement of the initial rax and depot.
LuDwig-
Profile Blog Joined February 2007
Italy1143 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-05-11 10:24:51
May 11 2010 10:19 GMT
#6
ok how do you place them?
I know you have uploaded your replay but i suppose that woul be great to know with your words why you think that this build can holds any rush Do you use buker?

(however i am at work now so i can't give a look to the replay so i am really curious to figure out your build in some way XD)

EDIT: How can you "skip" marine?

The usual PVT opener is zealot sentry for prevent both marauder and reaper turbo rush. So if you exp without marines you will have an entire base without protection? I assume you get a real fast bunker immediatly after the cc?
I assume also that you put your first depot near your choke to start building your wall?


EDIT#2: I hate you! i have a tourney this evening and now i want to try this strategy! I know i will lose because i have never practiced it! But this seem so cute!
http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=120015&currentpage=98<--Search the HotBid's Post
Masq
Profile Blog Joined March 2009
Canada1792 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-05-11 10:26:01
May 11 2010 10:24 GMT
#7
On May 11 2010 19:19 LuDwig- wrote:
ok how do you place them?
I know you have uploaded your replay but i suppose that woul be great to know with your words why you think that this build can holds any rush Do you use buker?

(however i am at work now so i can't give a look to the replay so i am really curious to figure out your build in some way XD)


The initial wall-off looks something like this
xCx

with the X being a depot, and the C being the Rax.

Bunkers are great tools to hold off any initial rush. If you EVER feel in danger of a bust (due to scouting, or lack of) its always best to throw down 2-3 bunkers. Keep in mind you can salvage these bunkers for their full value.

However, I'm a fairly greedy player (who else does 1rax double CC?) so I try my best to get away without using any bunkers. After you add the initial command center, you can throw down 2-4 more rax and continuously pump marines without add-ons. This marine mass will allow you to combat any stalker opening with minimal micro until you get your planetary fortress up.

Additionally, this mass marine opening will allow you to fend off a voidray opening as well.

You can transition however you like (I would not suggest tech/starport switches). Marauder/Marine/Dropship are fine choices as well. Or you can turtle and just mass upgrade (Stim/Health/Conc, Double Engineering).



edit: sorry I wasn't more specific, you don't ENTIRELY skip marine production. You only skip your first marine to get the first command center up that much faster.
Masq
Profile Blog Joined March 2009
Canada1792 Posts
May 11 2010 10:37 GMT
#8
On May 11 2010 19:19 LuDwig- wrote:

EDIT#2: I hate you! i have a tourney this evening and now i want to try this strategy! I know i will lose because i have never practiced it! But this seem so cute!


If you like, I have another 10-20 replays of this build against various players I could send you.
LuDwig-
Profile Blog Joined February 2007
Italy1143 Posts
May 11 2010 10:39 GMT
#9
Ok! that would be real great ! I have to learn this build in 2-3 hours maximum XD
http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=120015&currentpage=98<--Search the HotBid's Post
deth
Profile Blog Joined August 2009
Australia1757 Posts
May 11 2010 10:40 GMT
#10
Eh this isn't new, and its less powerful than avilo's opening into ghost mech. Doubt it will work vs high level players.
Masq
Profile Blog Joined March 2009
Canada1792 Posts
May 11 2010 10:59 GMT
#11
On May 11 2010 19:40 dethrawr wrote:
Eh this isn't new, and its less powerful than avilo's opening into ghost mech. Doubt it will work vs high level players.


As you'll see in one of my replays, I mention I'm not a fan of ghost openers. Anyway, I'd consider those replays I uploaded to be against quality players. I also have replays against the opponents that avilo showed in his ghostmech builds, but the games weren't as good.
tyCe
Profile Joined March 2010
Australia2542 Posts
May 11 2010 11:23 GMT
#12
I like greedy builds myself but this looks quite susceptible to cheese like 4 gate, voidrays, dts or any type of build designed to exploit terran's lack of mobility.
Betrayed by EG.BuK
Catch]22
Profile Blog Joined July 2009
Sweden2683 Posts
May 11 2010 11:38 GMT
#13
I'hve been doing a similar one but with a 19CC instead, what do you reckon ar the pros and cons of each of them, and how do you respond to void rays?
Masq
Profile Blog Joined March 2009
Canada1792 Posts
May 11 2010 11:47 GMT
#14
On May 11 2010 20:38 Catch]22 wrote:
I'hve been doing a similar one but with a 19CC instead, what do you reckon ar the pros and cons of each of them, and how do you respond to void rays?


15CC lets you get up the command much earlier, and on maps like scrap station or lost temple it will pay off in the long run.

In the replay pack, you can view this game:
2. Masq(T) v. Fallen(P) Lost Temple - Fast VoidRay v Double CC

where it shows my reaction vs fast void ray.
I typically do my standard fast +1attack upgrade, and if void rays come, throw down some turrets and get +1 missle range. If you hold it off without taking too much damage, you'll be so far ahead.

Zurles
Profile Joined February 2009
United Kingdom1659 Posts
May 11 2010 12:09 GMT
#15
I like it, good work.
avilo
Profile Blog Joined November 2007
United States4100 Posts
May 11 2010 12:51 GMT
#16
so, basically this build is autoloss to any proxy. @_@
Sup
Catch]22
Profile Blog Joined July 2009
Sweden2683 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-05-11 13:56:20
May 11 2010 13:55 GMT
#17
On May 11 2010 21:51 avilo wrote:
so, basically this build is autoloss to any proxy. @_@


Are you saying that that discourages you from doing it?

A proxy is an auto loss vs any regular 1base tech or timing build, so with that logic noone would proxy anyway.

Fighting Voidrays are probably the hardest part of this.

Also, yes, I realize that it gets you a faster Commandcenter, but there is also a downside to doing it, which is...?
AraqirG
Profile Blog Joined December 2008
United States266 Posts
May 11 2010 15:17 GMT
#18
On May 11 2010 21:51 avilo wrote:
so, basically this build is autoloss to any proxy. @_@


but it isn't.

Assuming you scout relatively early, unless they proxy in your main you should be able to wall off in time and repair until your marine is out. If you suspect a proxy, just get a marine before your CC.

I think your biggest problem would be a fast stargate build (or 5 warpgate all in)

3 stalkers and 1 void ray are gonna give this build a pretty tough time imo.
deth
Profile Blog Joined August 2009
Australia1757 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-05-12 07:47:21
May 12 2010 07:45 GMT
#19
On May 11 2010 19:59 GG.Win wrote:
Show nested quote +
On May 11 2010 19:40 dethrawr wrote:
Eh this isn't new, and its less powerful than avilo's opening into ghost mech. Doubt it will work vs high level players.


As you'll see in one of my replays, I mention I'm not a fan of ghost openers. Anyway, I'd consider those replays I uploaded to be against quality players. I also have replays against the opponents that avilo showed in his ghostmech builds, but the games weren't as good.


avilos opening is not a ghost opening.
im talking about http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=123717 , and the opening is currently standard TvP on korea (although his ghost mech transition is not the norm)

as has already been said, this opening is completely vulnerable to all-in's, or semi-allinishness. It works great if they play standard, sure, but definately not when they know they can crush you easy.
Masq
Profile Blog Joined March 2009
Canada1792 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-05-12 12:55:37
May 12 2010 12:41 GMT
#20
On May 12 2010 16:45 dethrawr wrote:
Show nested quote +
On May 11 2010 19:59 GG.Win wrote:
On May 11 2010 19:40 dethrawr wrote:
Eh this isn't new, and its less powerful than avilo's opening into ghost mech. Doubt it will work vs high level players.


As you'll see in one of my replays, I mention I'm not a fan of ghost openers. Anyway, I'd consider those replays I uploaded to be against quality players. I also have replays against the opponents that avilo showed in his ghostmech builds, but the games weren't as good.


avilos opening is not a ghost opening.
im talking about http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=123717 , and the opening is currently standard TvP on korea (although his ghost mech transition is not the norm)

as has already been said, this opening is completely vulnerable to all-in's, or semi-allinishness. It works great if they play standard, sure, but definately not when they know they can crush you easy.


if you tried the build, you would know it can hold off all-ins without much trouble once your planetary is up. Your marine count will be fairly high by the time your command center is finished (if you do a single CC expand). You can simply pull SCVs and move out to secure your planetary.

In the ghost mech build, he sits on 5 marines until 8:18 when the first tank/raven pop out. How does this hold off an all-in? This FE build has superior marine numbers in the early game (roughly 3-4x) and has the planetary fortress natural complete at 7:04.

I'm not downplaying his build, im just saying I personally like the fast expansion better.
1 2 Next All
Please log in or register to reply.
Live Events Refresh
Next event in 7h 25m
[ Submit Event ]
Live Streams
Refresh
StarCraft 2
RuFF_SC2 100
StarCraft: Brood War
GuemChi 5191
Artosis 757
Bale 10
Dota 2
monkeys_forever321
Other Games
summit1g12362
Grubby884
C9.Mang0403
JimRising 345
WinterStarcraft268
Maynarde110
Mew2King63
ViBE35
Organizations
StarCraft 2
Blizzard YouTube
StarCraft: Brood War
BSLTrovo
sctven
[ Show 13 non-featured ]
StarCraft 2
• Berry_CruncH280
• davetesta6
• AfreecaTV YouTube
• intothetv
• Kozan
• IndyKCrew
• LaughNgamezSOOP
• Migwel
• sooper7s
StarCraft: Brood War
• BSLYoutube
• STPLYoutube
• ZZZeroYoutube
Other Games
• Scarra1047
Upcoming Events
Replay Cast
7h 25m
Afreeca Starleague
8h 25m
Light vs Calm
Royal vs Mind
Wardi Open
9h 25m
Monday Night Weeklies
14h 25m
Replay Cast
22h 25m
Sparkling Tuna Cup
1d 8h
Afreeca Starleague
1d 8h
Rush vs PianO
Flash vs Speed
PiGosaur Cup
1d 22h
Replay Cast
2 days
Afreeca Starleague
2 days
BeSt vs Leta
Queen vs Jaedong
[ Show More ]
Replay Cast
2 days
The PondCast
3 days
OSC
3 days
RSL Revival
4 days
TriGGeR vs Cure
ByuN vs Rogue
Replay Cast
4 days
RSL Revival
5 days
Maru vs MaxPax
BSL
5 days
RSL Revival
6 days
uThermal 2v2 Circuit
6 days
BSL
6 days
Liquipedia Results

Completed

2026 Changsha Offline CUP
WardiTV Winter 2026
NationLESS Cup

Ongoing

BSL Season 22
CSL Elite League 2026
CSL Season 20: Qualifier 1
ASL Season 21
Acropolis #4 - TS6
StarCraft2 Community Team League 2026 Spring
RSL Revival: Season 4
Nations Cup 2026
BLAST Open Spring 2026
ESL Pro League S23 Finals
ESL Pro League S23 Stage 1&2
PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026
IEM Kraków 2026
BLAST Bounty Winter 2026
BLAST Bounty Winter Qual

Upcoming

CSL Season 20: Qualifier 2
Escore Tournament S2: W1
CSL 2026 SPRING (S20)
Acropolis #4
IPSL Spring 2026
BSL 22 Non-Korean Championship
CSLAN 4
Kung Fu Cup 2026 Grand Finals
HSC XXIX
uThermal 2v2 2026 Main Event
IEM Cologne Major 2026
Stake Ranked Episode 2
CS Asia Championships 2026
IEM Atlanta 2026
Asian Champions League 2026
PGL Astana 2026
BLAST Rivals Spring 2026
CCT Season 3 Global Finals
IEM Rio 2026
PGL Bucharest 2026
Stake Ranked Episode 1
TLPD

1. ByuN
2. TY
3. Dark
4. Solar
5. Stats
6. Nerchio
7. sOs
8. soO
9. INnoVation
10. Elazer
1. Rain
2. Flash
3. EffOrt
4. Last
5. Bisu
6. Soulkey
7. Mini
8. Sharp
Sidebar Settings...

Advertising | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use | Contact Us

Original banner artwork: Jim Warren
The contents of this webpage are copyright © 2026 TLnet. All Rights Reserved.