• Log InLog In
  • Register
Liquid`
Team Liquid Liquipedia
EST 20:18
CET 02:18
KST 10:18
  • 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
Behind the Blue - Team Liquid History Book8Clem wins HomeStory Cup 289HomeStory Cup 28 - Info & Preview13Rongyi Cup S3 - Preview & Info5herO wins SC2 All-Star Invitational14
Community News
PIG STY FESTIVAL 7.0! (19 Feb - 1 Mar)9Weekly Cups (Jan 26-Feb 1): herO, Clem, ByuN, Classic win2RSL Season 4 announced for March-April7Weekly Cups (Jan 19-25): Bunny, Trigger, MaxPax win3Weekly Cups (Jan 12-18): herO, MaxPax, Solar win0
StarCraft 2
General
Rongyi Cup S3 - Preview & Info Behind the Blue - Team Liquid History Book Clem wins HomeStory Cup 28 How do you think the 5.0.15 balance patch (Oct 2025) for StarCraft II has affected the game? HomeStory Cup 28 - Info & Preview
Tourneys
PIG STY FESTIVAL 7.0! (19 Feb - 1 Mar) WardiTV Mondays $21,000 Rongyi Cup Season 3 announced (Jan 22-Feb 7) Sparkling Tuna Cup - Weekly Open Tournament $5,000 WardiTV Winter Championship 2026
Strategy
Custom Maps
Map Editor closed ? [A] Starcraft Sound Mod
External Content
Mutation # 512 Overclocked The PondCast: SC2 News & Results Mutation # 511 Temple of Rebirth Mutation # 510 Safety Violation
Brood War
General
BW General Discussion Liquipedia.net NEEDS editors for Brood War BGH Auto Balance -> http://bghmmr.eu/ Can someone share very abbreviated BW cliffnotes? StarCraft player reflex TE scores
Tourneys
[Megathread] Daily Proleagues Escore Tournament StarCraft Season 1 Small VOD Thread 2.0 KCM Race Survival 2026 Season 1
Strategy
Zealot bombing is no longer popular? Simple Questions, Simple Answers Current Meta Soma's 9 hatch build from ASL Game 2
Other Games
General Games
Diablo 2 thread Battle Aces/David Kim RTS Megathread EVE Corporation Nintendo Switch Thread Path of Exile
Dota 2
Official 'what is Dota anymore' discussion
League of Legends
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
Vanilla Mini Mafia Mafia Game Mode Feedback/Ideas
Community
General
US Politics Mega-thread Russo-Ukrainian War Thread YouTube Thread The Games Industry And ATVI Things Aren’t Peaceful in Palestine
Fan Clubs
The herO Fan Club! The IdrA Fan Club
Media & Entertainment
[Manga] One Piece Anime Discussion Thread
Sports
2024 - 2026 Football Thread
World Cup 2022
Tech Support
TL Community
The Automated Ban List
Blogs
Play, Watch, Drink: Esports …
TrAiDoS
My 2025 Magic: The Gathering…
DARKING
Life Update and thoughts.
FuDDx
How do archons sleep?
8882
James Bond movies ranking - pa…
Topin
Customize Sidebar...

Website Feedback

Closed Threads



Active: 1473 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
OSC
00:00
OSC Elite Rising Star #17.5
CranKy Ducklings138
Liquipedia
[ Submit Event ]
Live Streams
Refresh
StarCraft 2
RuFF_SC2 101
StarCraft: Brood War
Artosis 684
Hyun 195
Shuttle 33
League of Legends
JimRising 553
C9.Mang077
Counter-Strike
taco 412
Super Smash Bros
hungrybox1862
Heroes of the Storm
Khaldor235
Other Games
summit1g10464
FrodaN4866
Liquid`RaSZi1519
ToD170
Organizations
Other Games
gamesdonequick2024
StarCraft 2
Blizzard YouTube
StarCraft: Brood War
BSLTrovo
sctven
[ Show 18 non-featured ]
StarCraft 2
• Hupsaiya 98
• davetesta27
• Kozan
• IndyKCrew
• sooper7s
• AfreecaTV YouTube
• Migwel
• intothetv
• LaughNgamezSOOP
StarCraft: Brood War
• RayReign 35
• STPLYoutube
• ZZZeroYoutube
• BSLYoutube
Dota 2
• masondota21143
League of Legends
• Doublelift6826
• Scarra569
Other Games
• imaqtpie1888
• Shiphtur251
Upcoming Events
Replay Cast
7h 42m
Wardi Open
10h 42m
Monday Night Weeklies
15h 42m
Replay Cast
22h 42m
Sparkling Tuna Cup
1d 8h
LiuLi Cup
1d 9h
Reynor vs Creator
Maru vs Lambo
PiGosaur Monday
1d 23h
Replay Cast
2 days
LiuLi Cup
2 days
Clem vs Rogue
SHIN vs Cyan
The PondCast
3 days
[ Show More ]
KCM Race Survival
3 days
LiuLi Cup
3 days
Scarlett vs TriGGeR
ByuN vs herO
Replay Cast
3 days
Online Event
4 days
LiuLi Cup
4 days
Serral vs Zoun
Cure vs Classic
RSL Revival
5 days
RSL Revival
5 days
LiuLi Cup
5 days
uThermal 2v2 Circuit
5 days
RSL Revival
5 days
Replay Cast
5 days
Sparkling Tuna Cup
6 days
LiuLi Cup
6 days
Replay Cast
6 days
Liquipedia Results

Completed

CSL 2025 WINTER (S19)
Rongyi Cup S3
Underdog Cup #3

Ongoing

KCM Race Survival 2026 Season 1
Nations Cup 2026
IEM Kraków 2026
BLAST Bounty Winter 2026
BLAST Bounty Winter Qual
eXTREMESLAND 2025
SL Budapest Major 2025
ESL Impact League Season 8

Upcoming

Escore Tournament S1: W8
Acropolis #4
IPSL Spring 2026
HSC XXIX
uThermal 2v2 2026 Main Event
Bellum Gens Elite Stara Zagora 2026
RSL Revival: Season 4
WardiTV Winter 2026
LiuLi Cup: 2025 Grand Finals
CCT Season 3 Global Finals
FISSURE Playground #3
IEM Rio 2026
PGL Bucharest 2026
Stake Ranked Episode 1
BLAST Open Spring 2026
ESL Pro League Season 23
ESL Pro League Season 23
PGL Cluj-Napoca 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.