• Log InLog In
  • Register
Liquid`
Team Liquid Liquipedia
EDT 16:28
CET 21:28
KST 05:28
  • 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
[ASL22] Finals Preview: Sweet Victory!12[ASL22] Ro4 Preview: Mirror Mirror6[ASL22] Ro8 Preview: Within Reach5[ASL22] Ro8 Preview: In A Tizzy11[ASL22] Ro16 Preview: Holy Diver5
Community News
Weekly Cups (October 19-25): Clem triples first in 5.0.174Evil Geniuses - shutting down20ISSL (IntoTheTV x SOOP SC2 League): Premier5Weekly Cups (October 12-18): 5.0.17 era begins1[$1250] International ShieldBattery League92
StarCraft 2
General
How do you feel about the mass reverts in the 5.0.17 PTR? Weekly Cups (October 19-25): Clem triples first in 5.0.17 Evil Geniuses - shutting down REPORT: StarCraft 2: Remastered In Development No more SC2 streamers on team liquid?
Tourneys
Stellar Fest TWO the Moon (Dec 16-20) RSL 2026 Offline Finals LCQ Sign-Ups Sparkling Tuna Cup - Weekly Open Tournament 2026 KungFu Cup Announcement RSL goes to London! 2026 Offline Finals Nov 21-22
Strategy
[H] ZvP Mid-Late Game: Stalkers Collossi HT
Custom Maps
Simple Questions/Answers [G] How to playtest arcade maps [A] Nemrods 1/4 players
External Content
Mutation # 549 Endless Sparkles The PondCast: SC2 News & Results Mutation # 548 Shining Bright Mutation # 547 Temple Of Terror
Brood War
General
Sagi.gg Launcher Released SC4ALL II Brood War Complete Invited Player Lineup BW General Discussion Starcraft player cRuZa Passed away. BGH Auto Balance -> http://bghmmr.eu/
Tourneys
[IPSL] IPSL Winter 26-27 Ro24 is HERE! [Megathread] Daily Proleagues KCM Race Survival 2026 Season 4 [BSL23] RO24 Group D - Sunday 21:00 CET
Strategy
50,000-Word Terran Builds Memo 2026-10-22 Cliff Jump Revisited (1 in a 1000 strategy) Simple Questions, Simple Answers
Other Games
General Games
Nintendo Switch Thread Stormgate/Frost Giant Megathread Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Armies of Exigo - YesYes? General RTS Discussion Thread
Dota 2
Dota 2 Champions League Season 3 Begins April 25!
League of Legends
[TL LoL EUW IHs] Teemo shall perish
Heroes of the Storm
Heroes of the Storm 2.0
Hearthstone
Deck construction bug
TL Mafia
TL Mafia Community Thread
Community
General
R I P Patrick Steward US Politics Mega-thread European Politico-economics QA Mega-thread Things Aren’t Peaceful in Palestine Russo-Ukrainian War Thread
Fan Clubs
Reynor Fan Club The Flash Fan Club Serral Fan Club
Media & Entertainment
Anime Discussion Thread Movie Discussion! [Manga] One Piece
Sports
Football (Soccer) Thread TeamLiquid Health and Fitness Initiative For 2023 MLB/Baseball 2023
World Cup 2022
Tech Support
Computer Build, Upgrade & Buying Resource Thread
TL Community
Recent Gifted Posts
Blogs
Innovate or Game Over?
TrAiDoS
ShieldBattery on Mac
Kraekkling
[ASL22] Ro4 Day1 Ticket Giv…
bITt.mAN
Can Bots Beat Pros?? Starcr…
namkraft
Customize Sidebar...

Website Feedback

Closed Threads



Active: 10496 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 15h 32m
[ Submit Event ]
Live Streams
Refresh
StarCraft 2
Nina 28
StarCraft: Brood War
Shuttle 487
ProTech153
White-Ra 150
sSak 45
910 29
Sexy 26
Dota 2
Gorgc16409
syndereN36
League of Legends
JimRising 282
Counter-Strike
edward42
kRYSTAL_15
Heroes of the Storm
Liquid`Hasu591
XaKoH 270
Trikslyr66
Other Games
Beastyqt897
FrodaN837
B2W.Neo823
ceh9662
mouzStarbuck346
ToD174
KnowMe80
Dewaltoss57
QueenE44
fpsfer 2
[ Show 18 non-featured ]
StarCraft 2
• Hupsaiya 33
• Adnapsc2 18
• Reevou 6
• AfreecaTV YouTube
• intothetv
• Kozan
• IndyKCrew
• Migwel
StarCraft: Brood War
• 80smullet 22
• FirePhoenix15
• ChaeLyn 7
• BSLYoutube
• STPLYoutube
• ZZZeroYoutube
League of Legends
• Nemesis3189
• Jankos3169
Other Games
• imaqtpie646
• Shiphtur227
Upcoming Events
GSL
15h 32m
Epic.LAN
16h 32m
Big Brain Bouts
20h 32m
OSC
1d 1h
Replay Cast
1d 2h
Sparkling Tuna Cup
1d 13h
WardiTV Invitational
1d 15h
Epic.LAN
1d 16h
IPSL
1d 19h
eOnzErG vs McRibbed
LancerX vs StRyKeR
AI Arena Tournament
1d 21h
[ Show More ]
OSC
2 days
Yamato Cup
2 days
IPSL
2 days
Artosis vs RiceHat
Kyrie vs Sony
Map Test Tournament
3 days
WardiTV Weekly
3 days
Ultimate Battle
3 days
Rush vs BeSt
Replay Cast
4 days
Rogue vs Classic
Patches Events
4 days
PiGosaur Cup
5 days
Kung Fu Cup
5 days
The PondCast
6 days
KCM Race Survival
6 days
Liquipedia Results

Completed

Proleague 2026-10-28
Blizzard Classic Cup 2026
HCC Season 3

Ongoing

Acropolis #5
KCM Race Survival 2026 Season 4
International ShieldBattery League
BSL Season 23
PGL Masters Bucharest 2026
Stake Ranked Episode 5
1win Private Club #2
Thunderpick World Champ. '26
ESL Pro League Season 24
Stake Ranked Episode 4
1win Private Club #1
Logitech G Play Connect 2026
SL StarSeries Fall 2026
FISSURE Playground #3
BLAST Open Fall 2026
Esports World Cup 2026

Upcoming

IPSL Winter 2026-27
SC4ALL II: Brood War
BSL 23: Non-Korean Championship
HSC XXX
Stellar Fest 2: Lunar Cup
SC4ALL II: StarCraft II
Kung Fu Cup 2026 Grand Finals
RSL Offline Finals
eXTREMESLAND 2026
PGL Major Singapore 2026
Stake Ranked Episode 6
BLAST Rivals Fall 2026
IEM Beijing 2026
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.