EPTCheers to everyone who sent in the edited image. I appreciate it, looks much better now
INTRODUCTION
Well Starcraft has been out for a while now, and as such people have had time to think out various strategies; the strategy forum being tantamount to this.
However the strategy forum has one major problem. Far too many people theorycrafting and posting worthless tactics/strategies because "hey, it works for my mate jimmy, so it must be the greatest strategy ever". That is not to say that there aren't absolutely awe inspiring tactics posted, indeed there are. The problem is that these posts/threads get lost within the deluge of new threads that get posted every day.
The aim of this thread is to try to address this issue. Basically the idea is that links will be posted below, to any thread deemed by the community to be outstanding enough to be considered required reading.
Obviously this is a very big undertaking, and I doubt I will be able to to do this on my own, so I hope the TL community will help by coming up with suggestions of threads which need to be included. So please, please, please, help me dig out the gems.
Also, I only play Terran and Zerg, so I will need help with Protoss in particular.
Newly Added
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20/4/11
PvT 2 Gate Fast Obs FE
One of the safest pvt openings. Aim to get fast observer to enable you to react to your opponents initial build.
PvT Overview
General overview of this matchup
How to Get Better at SC2
Excellent guide to improving your play
ZvP Guide
Great thread going into lots of detail about how to deal with every aspect of this matchup
Worker Split Guide
Neat trick to maximise mining efficiency in the early game
10/4/11
12 Weeks With the Pro's
Series of videos. Excellent resource for all zergs
Basic timings
Common and important timings
Liquid'Tyler's Double Forge
Aim to get early +2 weapons and armour which, when coupled with guardian shield make gateway units extremely durable against bio units.
How To Improve
A must read for all SC players. Show you how to improve 1v1
20/4/11
PvT 2 Gate Fast Obs FE
One of the safest pvt openings. Aim to get fast observer to enable you to react to your opponents initial build.
PvT Overview
General overview of this matchup
How to Get Better at SC2
Excellent guide to improving your play
ZvP Guide
Great thread going into lots of detail about how to deal with every aspect of this matchup
Worker Split Guide
Neat trick to maximise mining efficiency in the early game
10/4/11
12 Weeks With the Pro's
Series of videos. Excellent resource for all zergs
Basic timings
Common and important timings
Liquid'Tyler's Double Forge
Aim to get early +2 weapons and armour which, when coupled with guardian shield make gateway units extremely durable against bio units.
How To Improve
A must read for all SC players. Show you how to improve 1v1
GENERAL GUIDES
BEGINNER
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Unit Production Calculator
Figure out exactly the number of production buildings you can support on a particular number of bases
How to Play When You're Ahead or Behind
Guide showing how to judge whether you're ahead or behind, and how your decision making/actions should be determined by your situation.
How to Improve
This is a Broodwar PDF, but many of the sections, particularly removing false beliefs and skills, are applicable to SC2.
Analysing Replays
Explains how to go about analysing your own play. Great place if you have no idea where to start.
Macro Macro Macro
There's a reason the more experienced players have this mantra. Here's someone simply massing stalkers and a-moving to diamond.
Playing With Low APM
Guide to playing with low apm.
General Basic Guide
A guide to the most basic things. Great help understanding common SC terms; everything from APM to macro, along with certain settings newer players may not realise they should use eg. health bars.
Starcraft Definitions
List of all common SC phrases and words
Improving your SC2
Great thread filled with tonnes of information which could be useful to veterans and new players alike
Day 9 Daily Newbie Tuesday
Examine common mistakes between Bronze and Plat
Day 9 Newbie Tuesday
How to deal with midgame banelings
Day9 Newbie Tuesday
How to deal with collossi
Day9 Newbie Tuesday
Dealing with early pressure
Day9 Newbie Tuesday
Dealing with banshee harass
Day9 Newbie Tuesday
Drone Timing
Day9 Newbie Tuesday
How to deal with expanding players
Day9 Newbie Tuesday
How to gain an advantage by using drops
Day9 Newbie Tuesday
Refining mechanics with day9
Unit Production Calculator
Figure out exactly the number of production buildings you can support on a particular number of bases
How to Play When You're Ahead or Behind
Guide showing how to judge whether you're ahead or behind, and how your decision making/actions should be determined by your situation.
How to Improve
This is a Broodwar PDF, but many of the sections, particularly removing false beliefs and skills, are applicable to SC2.
Analysing Replays
Explains how to go about analysing your own play. Great place if you have no idea where to start.
Macro Macro Macro
There's a reason the more experienced players have this mantra. Here's someone simply massing stalkers and a-moving to diamond.
Playing With Low APM
Guide to playing with low apm.
General Basic Guide
A guide to the most basic things. Great help understanding common SC terms; everything from APM to macro, along with certain settings newer players may not realise they should use eg. health bars.
Starcraft DefinitionsList of all common SC phrases and words
Improving your SC2
Great thread filled with tonnes of information which could be useful to veterans and new players alike
Day 9 Daily Newbie Tuesday
Examine common mistakes between Bronze and Plat
Day 9 Newbie Tuesday
How to deal with midgame banelings
Day9 Newbie Tuesday
How to deal with collossi
Day9 Newbie Tuesday
Dealing with early pressure
Day9 Newbie Tuesday
Dealing with banshee harass
Day9 Newbie Tuesday
Drone Timing
Day9 Newbie Tuesday
How to deal with expanding players
Day9 Newbie Tuesday
How to gain an advantage by using drops
Day9 Newbie Tuesday
Refining mechanics with day9
ADVANCED
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Designing Build Orders
Walks you through the creation of a build order; how to refine; how to test etc.
In Depth Mining Analysis
Mining analysis to help you maximise your mineral returns
Formation Analysis
Analysis of formations, tactical maneuvers etc. Advantages and vulnerabilities of each
Griffith's Magic Box
Who said muta's were the only ones. Shows how to magic box your units.
Introduction to BOX style of play
Interesting tactic if you face the same opponents repeatedly
Build Order Timing Calculator
Plug details in, then gives you the optimal timing for a particular build. Generally speaking the the calculator will be faster than what you can achieve in game, but at least it gives you something to aim for.
Analysis of Macro
Mathcrafting at its finest. You want to see the effect of mules vs chronoboost on min income (amongst other things), then this is the thread for you.
Critical upgrade analysis
Shows which upgrades you should be getting depending on match up. An invaluable resource.
Common and Important timings
Want to know when stim push can hit your ramp? What about the earliest 4 gate can arrive? This thread goes through all the most common and important timing pushes, so you can know what to expect at a particular time
The Metagame
Zerg Legend's take on the metagame. An interesting read.
Comprehensive Ladder Analysis
The most up to date explanation of the BNET ladder system
Excalibur's Ladder Analysis
Explains the BNET ladder system in full detail
Excalibur's Ladder Analysis Part II
Delving even deeper into the maths behind the ladder
Excalibur's Division Analysis
Explanation of the division tiers
Strategy from the pros
A collection of posts made by pros on TL
Designing Build Orders
Walks you through the creation of a build order; how to refine; how to test etc.
In Depth Mining Analysis
Mining analysis to help you maximise your mineral returns
Formation Analysis
Analysis of formations, tactical maneuvers etc. Advantages and vulnerabilities of each
Griffith's Magic Box
Who said muta's were the only ones. Shows how to magic box your units.
Introduction to BOX style of play
Interesting tactic if you face the same opponents repeatedly
Build Order Timing Calculator
Plug details in, then gives you the optimal timing for a particular build. Generally speaking the the calculator will be faster than what you can achieve in game, but at least it gives you something to aim for.
Analysis of Macro
Mathcrafting at its finest. You want to see the effect of mules vs chronoboost on min income (amongst other things), then this is the thread for you.
Critical upgrade analysis
Shows which upgrades you should be getting depending on match up. An invaluable resource.
Common and Important timings
Want to know when stim push can hit your ramp? What about the earliest 4 gate can arrive? This thread goes through all the most common and important timing pushes, so you can know what to expect at a particular time
The Metagame
Zerg Legend's take on the metagame. An interesting read.
Comprehensive Ladder Analysis
The most up to date explanation of the BNET ladder system
Excalibur's Ladder Analysis
Explains the BNET ladder system in full detail
Excalibur's Ladder Analysis Part II
Delving even deeper into the maths behind the ladder
Excalibur's Division Analysis
Explanation of the division tiers
Strategy from the pros
A collection of posts made by pros on TL
RACE SPECIFIC GUIDES
![[image loading]](http://imgur.com/5czRO.png)
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![[image loading]](http://imgur.com/KEvg7.png)
GeneralThe Real Cost of Units
Useful database showing per minute costs of all Terran units.
Terran StrategyTvX6 Rax All In
Effective chedder against all races
2 Rax 3 Bunker FE
Fast expanding opener with intention of longer macro game
TvTiEchoic's 2fact2Port
Brilliant strat which eschews the traditional Tank/Viking which dominates TVT, for a mix of air and hellions.
TvP![[image loading]](http://imgur.com/c5D4G.png)
Bio into Mech
Non specific build order to allow 3 base mech transition
The Art of Mech
Excellent guide to mech play, along with solutions to common pure mech problems. ie. immobility
Synystyr's Anti Colossus
Another unconventional strat, which favors banshees, to rip through a colossi heavy protoss
StimmedProbe's Million Man Marine
MMM= Marine, Marine, Marine. FE allows for mass marine production. Be Constantly attacking your enemy
iEchoic's 1/1/2 Hellion Drop
Efficient build, focusing on gaining economic advantage through hellion drop harass
2 Thor Push
Effective against a whole range of protoss builds, however was weakened in most recent patch.
PF Rush
Plexa goes through the viability of this rush
TvZ![[image loading]](http://imgur.com/OWDFA.png)
Griffith 4 OC
This build is incredible. Weak (ish) early game sets you up for an absolutely explosive mid game. The rate you gather mins has to be seen to be believed. Ive been using this in team games as well, and I seem to mine out both my main and nat before anybody has even mined their main.
Marine/Raven
Re-imagining of a brood war classic creates a potent SC2 strategy
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/5MUSt.png)
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GeneralChronoBoost Math
The math behind chronoboost
Protoss StrategyPvP1 Gas 2 Gate Robo
Alternative to eco 4 gate; strong against many protoss openings
Motherships
Plexa goes through the viability of using motherships in this matchup
IMYongHwa's 3gate Robo
Twist on the robo opening, which aims to delay proxy pylons, in order to properly defend 4 gate
Adel's No Gas PvP
Delayed gas allows to expand safely against 4gate rush
PvT3 Gate Aggressive Expo
Build which lets you apply heavy pressure while expanding at the same time
Standard Play Part 2: 2 Gate Robo
Open with a 2 gate robo, secure expansion, with intention to fast tech to colossus
Fake 3 gate robo
Interesting strat which uses early hallucinated immortals to "pressure" opponent and try to force mistakes
Gnial's Stalker/Void ray
Early game strategy to gain advantage using stalkers and void rays
Immortal/sentry/Zealot
Plexa goes through the viability of this build against terran
KCDC's Fast Expand
For those of you struggling with this matchup. Stay one base ahead, and abuse mobility to subdue the enemy
PvZHow to stop a 6 pool
Defending against 6 pool as protoss
Standard Play PT 1: 3 Gate Sentry Expand
Open with sentries to secure an expansion, then go into "shark mode", forcing zerg to build units, not drones.
Plexa's PvZ Overview
Weaker players may find more to learn than diamonds/masters, but an excellent analysis of PvZ nonetheless.
15 Nexus
Mainstream opening which allows you to transition into a variety of builds
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/WaR09.png)
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GeneralZerg StrategyPlaying Zerg in SC2
Great guide to Zerg mechanics and tactics
A Second Look at Zerg Openings
In-depth analysis of zerg openings. Differences in larva count, drone production etc examined
Improving As A Low Level Zerg
For zerg players wanting to improve in a macro centric way.
Macro Efficiency
Comprehensive guide to zerg macro efficiency
The Zerg Help Me Thread
This thread is long but is filled with gems.
ZvXSheths Guide
Tips, advice and tricks for ZvP and ZvT
ZvZSpeedling expand
Take early map control, and expand relatively safely with this build
12 weeks with the pros
ZvZ with StrifeCro
12 weeks with the pros
ZvZ with Sheth
12 weeks with the pros
ZvZ with Machine
ZvPUpgrade Centric style
Comprehensive guide leading to a "baneling bomb" transition
The Art of ZvP
Excellent overview of this matchup. From dealing with DT rush, to reacting to cannon cheddar, this thread has it all.
Muta/Ling
Plexa analyzes this unit composition
Mass Baneling Carpet Bombing
Using a combination of overlords and banelings, rain acid death on your enemy
ZvTMr Bitter's ZvT Infestor Play
Skip muta's for quick infestors
No Queen Roach FE
By skipping the queen for an early warren, this build allows for early aggression whilst tricking your opponent into thinking you're going for an economic build.
Muta's vs Thors
Introduction to the magic box
The Art of ZvT
Similar to his other thread, this provides an overview of this matchup. How to deal with stim pushes, Planetary fortress's etc. Excellent resource
Cutesmallhydra's Ultalisk/bling
Effective Zerg strategy using the synergy between ultralisks and banelings to create a devastating late game combination
TEAM TACTICS
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An introduction to 2v2
A great overview of 2v2 team games
5 Warp gate 24 speedling rush
While I wouldn't call it unbeatable, but a very effective strategy nonetheless
Day9 Newbie Tuesday
Day9 takes us through 2v2 strategy
An introduction to 2v2
A great overview of 2v2 team games
5 Warp gate 24 speedling rush
While I wouldn't call it unbeatable, but a very effective strategy nonetheless
Day9 Newbie Tuesday
Day9 takes us through 2v2 strategy
Highlighted Users
Dont argue with them, don't abuse them, don't flame them: they know what they're talking about
Dont argue with them, don't abuse them, don't flame them: they know what they're talking about
NEED FEEDBACK FOR POSSIBLE INCLUSIONS
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http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=191771 - Stimpush expand
http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=191430 - 2 gate robo
http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=172488 -zvz
http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=150082 - Cattlebruiser rush
http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=194585- improving as a low level zerg
http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=188539 -protoss shield upgrades
http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=191771 - Stimpush expand
http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=191430 - 2 gate robo
http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=172488 -zvz
http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=150082 - Cattlebruiser rush
http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=194585- improving as a low level zerg
http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=188539 -protoss shield upgrades
EXAMPLE OF THREAD I WONT BE RECOMMENDING
This thread is a work in progress.
Oh and before I forget, I want to give a shout out to Chill, Grot and Taiche, who gave me the idea for the thread and its format, and hellsan361 for providing the banners.
Edit: Banners fixed. Cheers hellsan
Edit: Thanks to whichever mod changed the title. Bit embarrassing, but there you go.
