[PvP] How to defend vs. 2 gate zealot into nexus

Jubinell

264 Posts

August 05 2022 19:04 GMT

Hi guys,

I am about 1600-1700 on ladder. I am having trouble defending against 2-gate rush in PvP.

I'd like to go directly into dragoons with core, skipping zealots. Which kinda makes it very susceptible to this build I know, but could you tell me step by step what should my reaction be depending on when I scout it, if I DO go for dragoons + range?

1. If I scout it before my first dragoon is started, I will make a zealot instead. And immediately start the core.
- Here should I remove 1 probe from gas? Should I build a second gateway? How many probes should I cut? When to put the 3rd probe back on gas?

2. I usually try to manner a pylon at his expansion to slow down the nexus and zealot stream. Is this advisable?

3. It usually gets very difficult to block the ramp on time. Usually the first zealot gets in, what is the best strategy to defend here with no zealot, later with 1 zealot or 1 dragoon? In terms of probe micro, should I try to pull each probe after it gets 2 hits? Or should I try to drone drill to kill the zealot? I have noticed drone drilling really hurts the economy when done incorrectly.

4. If the guy goes for a manner pylon with battery, what should the response be?

Any nice VODS or replays I can learn from? Any other considerations? Thanks for your advice.

TMNT

389 Posts

August 05 2022 22:57 GMT

Well first of all, the timing of your 1st dragoon is the same whether you skip zealot or not. The difference is you have 1 more probe if you skip zealot. Consider what you gain and what you could potentially lose for skipping that zealot.

Then, defending 2 gate zealot rush is more about skill than build order. If you're good enough, you can hold the first 3 zealots with only dragoons and lose nothing, but it's really hard. Send the 1st dragoon out and get as many shots as you can on his incoming zealots. You can't block the ramp. Let them in. By the time they're aproaching your mineral line, your 2nd dragoon should be out. By good control of the dragoons and probe drill, you can kill all 3 zealots and take minimal loss.

If he goes manner pylon and battery, chances are it's proxy and all-in. In that case you should build your own battery, another gateway, produce zealots nonstop and prepare for a micro battle.

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[PvP] How to defend vs. 2 gate zealot into nexus

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