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[H][L]I've dug myself into a "one trick pony"

Forum Index > StarCraft 2 Strategy
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imjorman
Profile Blog Joined December 2010
United States580 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-06-11 02:54:59
June 11 2011 02:53 GMT
#1
Hey all, I'm imjorman a platinum terran player, and I have a problem. I started off playing SC2 as my "main squeeze" in December (bought it on release, but only because of hype and I love midnight releases lol) and qualified at 100 - bronze (oh yeah, that good ). Ever since, I knew I was meant to play starcraft. This community is spectacular and this is THE game to play. Well I've developed my skills a bit to get to the level I am at now, but here's my main problem: I've only learned to do Trump's 2 rax/stime/expand. I used it in all three match ups simply relying on being able to out produce my opponent in the later stages of the game.

Here's my problem: this is all I know how to do. I can still regularly beat my upper platinum opponents, but I can't get much further than that. So my question is, "What can I do to further develop my game beyond being that guy who MMM's his way in all match-ups?" As you can imagine, MMM against zerg kinda sucks now with infestors being good and banelings being a solid unit (not complaining against balance, more complimenting them). MMM is hard countered by siege tanks, and is fine against protoss.

Honestly, I (think) I just need to learn tactics for two other races but I've dug myself into this place where I cannot seem to break away from my habits of 2 raxing all day everyday. Any tips? I feel like I could be a solid player with just breaking this nasty habit I've found myself developing.

I can throw up some replays if that would help anyone.

Thanks so much Liquid!

edit: typo
People who want power shouldn't have it.
Soluhwin
Profile Joined October 2010
United States1287 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-06-11 03:10:49
June 11 2011 03:05 GMT
#2
MLG released all the replayed from the tourny, just pick a player and start stealing builds. There isn't really a 'flash' build that requires 20,000 apm to do, so even builds that super fast Korean pros like MMA do can be executed at the lower levels. If you need a ZvT build, I'd recomend a reactor hellion expand as a solid opening that really works on any map (save for maybe shakuras).

edit: the wiki page was not helpful as it did not list the actual build:
10 depot
12 gas
12 rax
upon rax finishing: factory, orbital, and one marine.
marine finished: reactor, pull off gas
reactor/factory done: swap the add on, build 4-6 hellions.
command center as soon as minerals allow, keep pumping marines and pressure with hellions.
I put the sexy in dyslexia.
Trump
Profile Joined April 2010
United States350 Posts
June 11 2011 03:05 GMT
#3
Hey jorman!

I think the fastest way would be, in order:

1) Obtain replays of high level players, watch them execute the build you want to do. There's actually some strategy threads with builds and replays so that helps.

2) Practice the build against a 'dummy' opponent just to get the build timings down. (a very easy computer, for example).

3) Just go out and play ladder and do the strategy. It'll be painful as you'll undoubtedly start off at a "lower" power level than your well practiced 2 rax but given enough time you'll be able to execute this newfound strategy just as well. Or better!

(sounds like your 'next step' is getting siege tanks in against both zerg and terran)
Friendship is Magic! <3
bond1
Profile Joined January 2011
38 Posts
June 11 2011 03:07 GMT
#4
You answered you're own question. Seriously, what do you expect people to say? The only answer is that you do in fact need to diversify your builds. Thats it. How do you find them? Liquipedia. Replays. Day9 dailies. This post is kind of extraneous.
Engore
Profile Blog Joined February 2011
United States1916 Posts
June 11 2011 03:09 GMT
#5
If you ever follow Day[9] dailies he did a whole week about stealing pro builds to use. I can't remember the specific episodes but its been very recent. Check out his day[9] daily thread with all the episodes and you can probably find it easily. I recommend checking that out. Day[9] knows his shiet.
EG | Liquid | Dignitas | FXO | SlayerS | TSL | iS | Fan of pretty much all players ^_^ | SeleCT <3 forever! Axslav <3
Probe1
Profile Blog Joined August 2010
United States17920 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-06-11 03:14:06
June 11 2011 03:12 GMT
#6
Day9 will help you a lot. So will searching the strat forum for terran builds.

Liquipedia is pretty dated but it has a good rudimentary source of builds.
우정호 KT_VIOLET 1988 - 2012 While we are postponing, life speeds by
imjorman
Profile Blog Joined December 2010
United States580 Posts
June 11 2011 03:13 GMT
#7
Thanks for the responses guys! I know I just need to dig in and start practicing stuff, I'm just kinda scared : / LOL
People who want power shouldn't have it.
LtDeng
Profile Joined April 2011
Australia3 Posts
June 11 2011 03:24 GMT
#8
It's probably a fair idea to look at strong follow ups to the 2 Rax. Like Trump said, working in Siege Tanks is probably a natural step. Or is your issue that the 2 Rax is no longer able to get you where you want to be in a game? The way you phrased it, it sounds like you just need to look at other midgame options to MMM. If you've got a solid opening no need to throw it away, work with it. All the people pointing to Day9 just reminds me that he strongly advocates taking one build and getting really damn good at it. Sounds like you're well on the way to that so don't throw away the work ey?
This space intentionally left blank.
rebotfc
Profile Joined March 2011
United Kingdom144 Posts
June 11 2011 03:25 GMT
#9
Try some different builds, such as:

Vs Zerg:
11-12 double rax bunker push leading to marine-tank
or Synysters double expansion leading to mass 0:3 thors,

Vs Protoss:
Thors Banshee Marine Raven push at 11 minutes
or Synysters anti collosus build

Vs Terran : iEchoic 2 Factory 2 Starport, BFH + banshee

Sure you may lose quite a bit as you learn their strengths and weaknesses but thats part of the fun isn't it?
Animostas
Profile Blog Joined August 2009
United States568 Posts
June 11 2011 03:25 GMT
#10
It's also important to remember that the first time you do something, it'll be absolutely terrible. So don't just write down supply numbers and jump into a ladder game because you'll probably get demolished and your money will start to run high. Instead practice against very easy computers and in custom games with random people, or preferably, practice partners, until you feel totally comfortable.
fuzzy_panda
Profile Blog Joined November 2010
New Zealand1681 Posts
June 11 2011 03:26 GMT
#11
im around your level as well and i don't have any super-specific timings for my builds, but at the very least you need to incorporate more units in your build. e.g. siege tanks in TvZ is a must. I usually keep them on a separate hotkey from my MMM. Also in TvP definitely start incorporating ghosts. Their EMPs are ridiculously good against protoss.
imjorman
Profile Blog Joined December 2010
United States580 Posts
June 11 2011 03:35 GMT
#12
On June 11 2011 12:24 LtDeng wrote:
It's probably a fair idea to look at strong follow ups to the 2 Rax. Like Trump said, working in Siege Tanks is probably a natural step. Or is your issue that the 2 Rax is no longer able to get you where you want to be in a game? The way you phrased it, it sounds like you just need to look at other midgame options to MMM. If you've got a solid opening no need to throw it away, work with it. All the people pointing to Day9 just reminds me that he strongly advocates taking one build and getting really damn good at it. Sounds like you're well on the way to that so don't throw away the work ey?


True enough that my 2 rax opening is pretty solid, but I guess I'm either like afraid to learn a new transition or just don't want to and would rather start fresh. IDK I've had it in my head for a few weeks now that I need to learn a new thing but I guess something's holding me back : /
People who want power shouldn't have it.
Kornholi0
Profile Joined November 2010
Canada634 Posts
June 11 2011 03:39 GMT
#13
Generally instead of asking others to find the builds for you, you should be watching the pros play and see what gets you excited, most builds people post are builds they have a wonderful time doing and win a lot with, like when I played terran I won a lot of games where I 2raxed (never bunker rushed cause I was a real man), but my other terran friend was all about the fast expands into mass bio (against zerg it was unheard of lol). Basically what might be right for you may not be right for some, look for what gets you excited to play a match up and then ask how they did it. Or do your own research, that is how you will grow the most as a player.

Yes I can take my own advice (ZvZ coinflip thread <--) the difference is that I am not looking for a 1-hit wonder build order, I want to know how to avoid or at least use my builds for my good in the ZvZ match up...

This is completely different, terrans who find they are 1-trick ponies lose interest fast, if no other builds are working I would suggest changing races for awhile (so you can lose a bunch get lower on the ladder then go back to terran and learn a different build against less then optimal opponents compared to your standards)
Also just winging a build (with good timings etc etc) can help you win games if its solid but unorthodox enough.
Team Channel: VTeX Team Co-leader: AGGhost 223 Stream: http://www.twitch.tv/agghost
Probe1
Profile Blog Joined August 2010
United States17920 Posts
June 11 2011 03:42 GMT
#14
I'll tell you one thing. 9-10 minute 36 marine 2 tank timing pushes are a headache to deal with as zerg. I have to play my games assuming that will happen or I lose.
우정호 KT_VIOLET 1988 - 2012 While we are postponing, life speeds by
imjorman
Profile Blog Joined December 2010
United States580 Posts
June 11 2011 03:46 GMT
#15
On June 11 2011 12:39 Kornholi0 wrote:
Generally instead of asking others to find the builds for you, you should be watching the pros play and see what gets you excited, most builds people post are builds they have a wonderful time doing and win a lot with, like when I played terran I won a lot of games where I 2raxed (never bunker rushed cause I was a real man), but my other terran friend was all about the fast expands into mass bio (against zerg it was unheard of lol). Basically what might be right for you may not be right for some, look for what gets you excited to play a match up and then ask how they did it. Or do your own research, that is how you will grow the most as a player.

Yes I can take my own advice (ZvZ coinflip thread <--) the difference is that I am not looking for a 1-hit wonder build order, I want to know how to avoid or at least use my builds for my good in the ZvZ match up...

This is completely different, terrans who find they are 1-trick ponies lose interest fast, if no other builds are working I would suggest changing races for awhile (so you can lose a bunch get lower on the ladder then go back to terran and learn a different build against less then optimal opponents compared to your standards)
Also just winging a build (with good timings etc etc) can help you win games if its solid but unorthodox enough.


I feel like there was a misunderstanding here. I'm NOT looking for the one trick pony build. my thread is based around the fact that I want to get AWAY from that kind of thing. That's how I got to plat, and I want to branch out and actually become a good player.

In addition, I'm not looking for people to find builds for me, I'm petitioning to people how they break away from builds their comfortable with and get better. This is a "help me get better thread" (IMO the point of the strategy forums in a lot of cases) rather than a "LOL BE GOOGLE FOR ME" thread.
People who want power shouldn't have it.
fuzzy_panda
Profile Blog Joined November 2010
New Zealand1681 Posts
June 11 2011 04:05 GMT
#16
just a tip when practicing with siege tanks, if you don't want to wait around for them to get into position and siege them, you can always hold down SHIFT, Right Click where you want them to go and E. This makes them automatically go to that location and siege up. note that if you have a lot of siege tanks though this trick doesn't work as well, but when you're doing a tank push its a great help
Kelmqtlol
Profile Blog Joined November 2010
United States91 Posts
June 11 2011 04:19 GMT
#17
Hi imjorman,

I used to have the same issue where I only knew one way to play. The best way to get comfortable with a build is to practice is 20+ times against a computer until you know you can execute it properly and then grab somebody out of chat to try it against. When you do it a few times against real people you'll start to see what things it is susceptible to and how it can work around it. All good builds have weaknesses that can be handled in some way or another, so if there's a huge gaping hole in the plan then it's likely to not a be a good build. Don't feel bad about having a go-to build that you're the most comfortable with though

Places to find builds:
http://wiki.teamliquid.net/starcraft2/Strategy
http://www.youtube.com/user/ForceSC2strategy
Watching replays

Day9 also made a daily about how to steal and refine a build that you might find useful:
http://blip.tv/day9tv/day-9-daily-289-newbie-tuesday-refining-a-stolen-build-5062263

L'est en faisant n'importe quoi, qu'on devient n'importe qui.
OriginalBeast
Profile Joined September 2010
United States709 Posts
June 11 2011 04:26 GMT
#18
Maybe you should learn to mech if your getting tired of standard bio or your stim expo build. Mech can be really fun because you have hellions doing so much damage to light and thors or tanks doing a lot of damage to armored.
More gg, more skill.
mothergoose729
Profile Joined December 2010
United States666 Posts
June 11 2011 04:36 GMT
#19
Having one build in platinum is not a terrible place to be really. Just start practicing another build, and it will come quicker then you think. Since december you have really been developing mechanics and game sense, not so much perfecting any build, and that is why you have gotten to be as good as you have. If you apply yourself to any different build, you will be able to pick up the mechanics and the timings much more quickly then you think.
Kornholi0
Profile Joined November 2010
Canada634 Posts
June 11 2011 04:36 GMT
#20
On June 11 2011 12:46 imjorman wrote:
Show nested quote +
On June 11 2011 12:39 Kornholi0 wrote:
Generally instead of asking others to find the builds for you, you should be watching the pros play and see what gets you excited, most builds people post are builds they have a wonderful time doing and win a lot with, like when I played terran I won a lot of games where I 2raxed (never bunker rushed cause I was a real man), but my other terran friend was all about the fast expands into mass bio (against zerg it was unheard of lol). Basically what might be right for you may not be right for some, look for what gets you excited to play a match up and then ask how they did it. Or do your own research, that is how you will grow the most as a player.

Yes I can take my own advice (ZvZ coinflip thread <--) the difference is that I am not looking for a 1-hit wonder build order, I want to know how to avoid or at least use my builds for my good in the ZvZ match up...

This is completely different, terrans who find they are 1-trick ponies lose interest fast, if no other builds are working I would suggest changing races for awhile (so you can lose a bunch get lower on the ladder then go back to terran and learn a different build against less then optimal opponents compared to your standards)
Also just winging a build (with good timings etc etc) can help you win games if its solid but unorthodox enough.


I feel like there was a misunderstanding here. I'm NOT looking for the one trick pony build. my thread is based around the fact that I want to get AWAY from that kind of thing. That's how I got to plat, and I want to branch out and actually become a good player.

In addition, I'm not looking for people to find builds for me, I'm petitioning to people how they break away from builds their comfortable with and get better. This is a "help me get better thread" (IMO the point of the strategy forums in a lot of cases) rather than a "LOL BE GOOGLE FOR ME" thread.


I know you are not looking for a 1-trick pony build, what I am saying is that before you come here saying that you are stuck on a 1-trick pony build, you should at least discover what type of playstyle you enjoy and that makes you jizz your pants when you see it done professionally, and then once you find that playstyle, then you can ask how to shape and form the meta-game builds to fit your playstyle. We can't tell you what you like, you gotta figure that out for yourself. Asking for help you'll just get people's responses where they tell you their own 1-trick pony builds and then you'll have 3-4 1-trick pony builds.
Team Channel: VTeX Team Co-leader: AGGhost 223 Stream: http://www.twitch.tv/agghost
Joedaddy
Profile Blog Joined July 2010
United States1948 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-06-11 05:13:18
June 11 2011 04:50 GMT
#21
From my own experiences:

1. Download as many replays as you can get of the same "pro" level player in a specific matchup. + Show Spoiler +
(I downloaded all of Thorzain's recent MLG TvP replays.)


2. Find all of the replays where your Pro player does the same opening and organize them accordingly.+ Show Spoiler +
(All of thorzain's games on Typhon Peaks he did the marine/tank/banshee opening)
Try and find the expansion timing and identify deviations the pro makes and why. + Show Spoiler +
Last game he got 3 banshee's but this game he only got 1 banshee and then started getting vikings. Why the change? Oh ok, Toss opened phoenix so he got vikings instead of banshee. He responded within his build by doing "x" thing when he scouted "y".


3. Begin watching only the games where your Pro is doing the same opening.
a. identify a general outline of the build order. + Show Spoiler +
(depot > rax > gas > OC > reactor > depot > factory > etc. The exact number of supply when the action takes place is not as important as the general ordering of things)


4. Play several games in YABOT trying to emulate the build you studied. When your build feels akward, make a note of what exactly feels akward.+ Show Spoiler +
(when does he get siege mode? is it before or after the 2nd tank starts?)
Go back and compare your notes to the Pro's replay again. Then go back and practice it some more continuing the comparison exercise until you can execute the build to your satisfaction.

5. Play several games against an AI with your build. It's different executing a build knowing something else is on the map capable of killing you. Identify and correlate timings to future actions to help you stay on track with your build. + Show Spoiler +
(right after I drop my first mule I will have enough minerals/gas to start my factory. As soon as my 1st pair of marines pops out I need to start my 3rd depot)
When you can execute well vs the AI move on.

6. Begin playing some custom games with friends. Try to play the same build vs same build on the same map several games at a time. I try to focus on the timings of common Protoss 1 base pressure builds and how to respond them within my build. + Show Spoiler +
(If I haven't been able to rule out DT's, I need a turret up by 7:15. 3 gate pressure I need a couple of bunkers up around 7:30 etc)

7. When you feel comfortable responding and adapting within your build to common strategies against a live opponent you should be able to play comfortably on ladder and begin measuring your understanding and execution of the build in terms of wins and losses.

8. I repeat steps 1-7 for every mu-specific build I want to learn.

This is what I have done and what works best for me. Good luck.
I might be the minority on TL, but TL is the minority everywhere else.
imjorman
Profile Blog Joined December 2010
United States580 Posts
June 11 2011 04:54 GMT
#22
On June 11 2011 13:36 Kornholi0 wrote:
Show nested quote +
On June 11 2011 12:46 imjorman wrote:
On June 11 2011 12:39 Kornholi0 wrote:
Generally instead of asking others to find the builds for you, you should be watching the pros play and see what gets you excited, most builds people post are builds they have a wonderful time doing and win a lot with, like when I played terran I won a lot of games where I 2raxed (never bunker rushed cause I was a real man), but my other terran friend was all about the fast expands into mass bio (against zerg it was unheard of lol). Basically what might be right for you may not be right for some, look for what gets you excited to play a match up and then ask how they did it. Or do your own research, that is how you will grow the most as a player.

Yes I can take my own advice (ZvZ coinflip thread <--) the difference is that I am not looking for a 1-hit wonder build order, I want to know how to avoid or at least use my builds for my good in the ZvZ match up...

This is completely different, terrans who find they are 1-trick ponies lose interest fast, if no other builds are working I would suggest changing races for awhile (so you can lose a bunch get lower on the ladder then go back to terran and learn a different build against less then optimal opponents compared to your standards)
Also just winging a build (with good timings etc etc) can help you win games if its solid but unorthodox enough.


I feel like there was a misunderstanding here. I'm NOT looking for the one trick pony build. my thread is based around the fact that I want to get AWAY from that kind of thing. That's how I got to plat, and I want to branch out and actually become a good player.

In addition, I'm not looking for people to find builds for me, I'm petitioning to people how they break away from builds their comfortable with and get better. This is a "help me get better thread" (IMO the point of the strategy forums in a lot of cases) rather than a "LOL BE GOOGLE FOR ME" thread.


I know you are not looking for a 1-trick pony build, what I am saying is that before you come here saying that you are stuck on a 1-trick pony build, you should at least discover what type of playstyle you enjoy and that makes you jizz your pants when you see it done professionally, and then once you find that playstyle, then you can ask how to shape and form the meta-game builds to fit your playstyle. We can't tell you what you like, you gotta figure that out for yourself. Asking for help you'll just get people's responses where they tell you their own 1-trick pony builds and then you'll have 3-4 1-trick pony builds.


OK fair enough point. I think I understand what your saying :D:D I enjoy watching ghost play in TvP. I find it fascinating, impressive, and fun to watch. Against zerg, I really like watching people go with the standard tank, marine, thor play. And against terran, standard play works for me (tank/viking).

So to further continue this exercise. I guess I need for vT a 1/1/1 build. I can find that simply enough. I'm not sure how to begin implementing ghosts into my play vP. Like I guess I could open with the standard 2 rax I've been doing then just drop a ghost factory. idk I'll have to play with it. As far as vZ is concerned, I've been given the hellion expand opening that should get me going with some tank marine play.

And of course, I can always fall back on my 2 rax MMM play if I need a break from learning new stuff. Am I understanding you correctly?
People who want power shouldn't have it.
darkscream
Profile Blog Joined December 2010
Canada2310 Posts
June 11 2011 05:05 GMT
#23
Do cool stuff and take losses if it doesn't work. Learn like a man. Make a rule to yourself, "I'm not going to open this way anymore. I'm going to..." helion harass? turtle? fast expand? just try some different stuff... and dont be mad when you get demoted on the ladder. it will hurt, but you will eventually get it back.
imjorman
Profile Blog Joined December 2010
United States580 Posts
June 11 2011 05:12 GMT
#24
On June 11 2011 13:50 Joedaddy wrote:
From my own experiences:

1. Download as many replays as you can get of the same "pro" level player in a specific matchup. + Show Spoiler +
(I downloaded all of Thorzain's recent MLG TvP replays.)


2. Find all of the replays where your Pro player does the same opening and organize them accordingly.+ Show Spoiler +
(All of thorzain's games on Typhon Peaks he did the marine/tank/banshee opening)


3. Begin watching only the games where your Pro is doing the same opening.
a. identify a general outline of the build order. + Show Spoiler +
(depot > rax > gas > OC > reactor > depot > factory > etc. The exact number of supply when the action takes place is not as important as the general ordering of things)


4. Play several games in YABOT trying to emulate the build you studied. When your build feels akward, make a note of what exactly feels akward.+ Show Spoiler +
(when does he get siege mode? is it before or after the 2nd tank starts?)
Go back and compare your notes to the Pro's replay again. Then go back and practice it some more continuing the comparison exercise until you can execute the build to your satisfaction.

5. Play several games against an AI with your build. It's different executing a build knowing something else is on the map capable of killing you. Identify and correlate timings to future actions to help you stay on track with your build. + Show Spoiler +
(right after I drop my first mule I will have enough minerals/gas to start my factory. As soon as my 1st pair of marines pops out I need to start my 3rd depot)
When you can execute well vs the AI move on.

6. Begin playing some custom games with friends. Try to play the same build vs same build on the same map several games at a time. I try to focus on the timings of common Protoss 1 base pressure builds and how to respond them within my build. + Show Spoiler +
(If I haven't been able to rule out DT's, I need a turret up by 7:15. 3 gate pressure I need a couple of bunkers up around 7:30 etc)

7. When you feel comfortable responding and adapting within your build to common strategies against a live opponent you should be able to play comfortably on ladder and begin measuring your understanding and execution of the build in terms of wins and losses.

8. I repeat steps 1-7 for every mu-specific build you want to learn.

This is what I have done and what works best for me. Good luck.


Some great advice. Thanks man!
People who want power shouldn't have it.
Venomsflame
Profile Joined February 2011
United States613 Posts
June 11 2011 05:19 GMT
#25
I think it's important to know that even if you are so stuck into the 2 rax stim mindset and opener, you don't have to break away from that completely. It's obviously a bio opening but if you don't want to go straight up bio vs Zerg, just transition after your expand into more mech play or drops or banshees or whatever it is you want to experiment with.

As many others have said, watching pros is always great to do and will help you perfect transitions and openings. But there's no reason to ditch what you know and what is working for you right away. Just tweak it to your liking. Once your opening secures your expansion you can do whatever you want with your money.
Ponyo
Profile Blog Joined January 2011
United States1231 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-06-11 05:51:05
June 11 2011 05:49 GMT
#26
@OP You don't have to change!!


If you eliminate one of those M's from each matchup you can have some solid strategies. Like no marauders in TvZ but being really proactive and constant dropping. Take out the marine in TvP and you can kite/drop your way to victory. TvT you'll just have to keep mixing it up compared to your opponents tank/marine count. 1-trick pony builds just need to be painted a different color.

The only thing that changes is that you can't just A-move.
ponyo.848
Kornholi0
Profile Joined November 2010
Canada634 Posts
June 11 2011 07:27 GMT
#27
On June 11 2011 13:54 imjorman wrote:
Show nested quote +
On June 11 2011 13:36 Kornholi0 wrote:
On June 11 2011 12:46 imjorman wrote:
On June 11 2011 12:39 Kornholi0 wrote:
Generally instead of asking others to find the builds for you, you should be watching the pros play and see what gets you excited, most builds people post are builds they have a wonderful time doing and win a lot with, like when I played terran I won a lot of games where I 2raxed (never bunker rushed cause I was a real man), but my other terran friend was all about the fast expands into mass bio (against zerg it was unheard of lol). Basically what might be right for you may not be right for some, look for what gets you excited to play a match up and then ask how they did it. Or do your own research, that is how you will grow the most as a player.

Yes I can take my own advice (ZvZ coinflip thread <--) the difference is that I am not looking for a 1-hit wonder build order, I want to know how to avoid or at least use my builds for my good in the ZvZ match up...

This is completely different, terrans who find they are 1-trick ponies lose interest fast, if no other builds are working I would suggest changing races for awhile (so you can lose a bunch get lower on the ladder then go back to terran and learn a different build against less then optimal opponents compared to your standards)
Also just winging a build (with good timings etc etc) can help you win games if its solid but unorthodox enough.


I feel like there was a misunderstanding here. I'm NOT looking for the one trick pony build. my thread is based around the fact that I want to get AWAY from that kind of thing. That's how I got to plat, and I want to branch out and actually become a good player.

In addition, I'm not looking for people to find builds for me, I'm petitioning to people how they break away from builds their comfortable with and get better. This is a "help me get better thread" (IMO the point of the strategy forums in a lot of cases) rather than a "LOL BE GOOGLE FOR ME" thread.


I know you are not looking for a 1-trick pony build, what I am saying is that before you come here saying that you are stuck on a 1-trick pony build, you should at least discover what type of playstyle you enjoy and that makes you jizz your pants when you see it done professionally, and then once you find that playstyle, then you can ask how to shape and form the meta-game builds to fit your playstyle. We can't tell you what you like, you gotta figure that out for yourself. Asking for help you'll just get people's responses where they tell you their own 1-trick pony builds and then you'll have 3-4 1-trick pony builds.


OK fair enough point. I think I understand what your saying :D:D I enjoy watching ghost play in TvP. I find it fascinating, impressive, and fun to watch. Against zerg, I really like watching people go with the standard tank, marine, thor play. And against terran, standard play works for me (tank/viking).

So to further continue this exercise. I guess I need for vT a 1/1/1 build. I can find that simply enough. I'm not sure how to begin implementing ghosts into my play vP. Like I guess I could open with the standard 2 rax I've been doing then just drop a ghost factory. idk I'll have to play with it. As far as vZ is concerned, I've been given the hellion expand opening that should get me going with some tank marine play.

And of course, I can always fall back on my 2 rax MMM play if I need a break from learning new stuff. Am I understanding you correctly?




Pretty much yes. If you want a cool Ghost build, I believe there was some posts earlier if you just search it. Thorzain does amazing TvP Ghosts, you should check out his builds.
Team Channel: VTeX Team Co-leader: AGGhost 223 Stream: http://www.twitch.tv/agghost
rfoster
Profile Joined December 2010
United States1005 Posts
June 11 2011 07:40 GMT
#28
On June 11 2011 11:53 imjorman wrote:
Hey all, I'm imjorman a platinum terran player, and I have a problem. I started off playing SC2 as my "main squeeze" in December (bought it on release, but only because of hype and I love midnight releases lol) and qualified at 100 - bronze (oh yeah, that good ). Ever since, I knew I was meant to play starcraft. This community is spectacular and this is THE game to play. Well I've developed my skills a bit to get to the level I am at now, but here's my main problem: I've only learned to do Trump's 2 rax/stime/expand. I used it in all three match ups simply relying on being able to out produce my opponent in the later stages of the game.

Here's my problem: this is all I know how to do. I can still regularly beat my upper platinum opponents, but I can't get much further than that. So my question is, "What can I do to further develop my game beyond being that guy who MMM's his way in all match-ups?" As you can imagine, MMM against zerg kinda sucks now with infestors being good and banelings being a solid unit (not complaining against balance, more complimenting them). MMM is hard countered by siege tanks, and is fine against protoss.

Honestly, I (think) I just need to learn tactics for two other races but I've dug myself into this place where I cannot seem to break away from my habits of 2 raxing all day everyday. Any tips? I feel like I could be a solid player with just breaking this nasty habit I've found myself developing.

I can throw up some replays if that would help anyone.

Thanks so much Liquid!

edit: typo


Well for one you need to find a style/ opening that feels good to you. You can go gassless 1 rax fe or you can go blue flame/ banshee. It all depends on what you like the best. Most terran vs terran end up as seige tank marine right now so with whatever build you do decide to open with remember to try and converge back to that. Good luck
terran151
Profile Joined November 2010
Canada103 Posts
June 11 2011 07:47 GMT
#29
my advice is try different production building combonations.

u could get 1 rax with reactor making marines, 1 factory making tanks and 1 starport making medivacs, ravens or banshee. expand when safe

u could get 3-4 rax at the start, push out and expand behind it,

u could try 1 rax fast expanding

I feel it is good to try to figure out your own strategies to help you learn what works and what doesnt. Then you can go find a replay of a player that you think has a really cool build and work see the differances between your play and adjust what you know to match that player
RevSynC.177 Server: NA
zergrushkekeke
Profile Joined November 2010
Australia241 Posts
June 11 2011 08:23 GMT
#30
On June 11 2011 14:49 Ponyo wrote:
@OP You don't have to change!!


If you eliminate one of those M's from each matchup you can have some solid strategies. Like no marauders in TvZ but being really proactive and constant dropping. Take out the marine in TvP and you can kite/drop your way to victory. TvT you'll just have to keep mixing it up compared to your opponents tank/marine count. 1-trick pony builds just need to be painted a different color.

The only thing that changes is that you can't just A-move.


I agree with you in theory but not in your examples, you can play MMM vs all races but have to make some adjustments. This is also good because it focuses you on studying the depth of the one build not studying all the different builds that are out there.

I try to play marine marauder vs all matchups (platinum on SEA), starting with 4 rax on 1 base then aiming to get 3/3 upgrades and expanding and all that good stuff.

So when it comes to what to change:
TvT I feel i have to get a few tanks, but since the factory is there to get upgrades higher than 1/1 and starports its not out of the way, usually after both players are on 2 bases if 1 terran isn't going 100% tank viking the other plays has room to invest in other units.

TvZ
I've found MMM to work until broods are out, and then since you are already making medevacs just throw in the right amount of vikings. I had some trouble vs a friend who would use the spanishiwa build but then a 1 base MM push heavy in marauders seems to do well (as spines and queens dont do so well vs rauders, and without a good surround lings don't don't either)

TvP
I find at my level protoss have a hard time dealing with an aggressive MM ball off 1 base. Get a slight advantage (forcing him to cancel and expo or winning a big battle), keep colossus numbers <3 with constant aggression and it's an easy win.

KEKEKE
ChrysaliS_
Profile Joined January 2011
United States261 Posts
June 11 2011 08:29 GMT
#31
I don't know, maybe you should try some other builds? Seriously posts like this don't belong in strategy forum...
Chrysalis.145
Superpower
Profile Joined April 2011
Australia212 Posts
June 11 2011 08:30 GMT
#32
i would definitly suggest watching day(9) dailys, they are very good and helped me alot
Taeja <3
zergrushkekeke
Profile Joined November 2010
Australia241 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-06-11 08:55:19
June 11 2011 08:54 GMT
#33
Isn't trumps build 3 rax anyway...
KEKEKE
imjorman
Profile Blog Joined December 2010
United States580 Posts
June 11 2011 15:13 GMT
#34
On June 11 2011 17:29 ChrysaliS_ wrote:
I don't know, maybe you should try some other builds? Seriously posts like this don't belong in strategy forum...


I would disagree. This post is about finding strategies and implementing them despite being somewhat proficient at other strategies. So this has everything to do with strategy.


Anyway, I'll be looking up some Thorzain TvP for ghost play. I think the best thing is gonna be honestly just grinding out practice games by myself on ladder - as previously stated.
People who want power shouldn't have it.
Sockpuppet
Profile Blog Joined November 2010
119 Posts
June 11 2011 17:13 GMT
#35
Im a diamond zerg and my least favorite thing to play against is banshee openings they are so strong!!! Go watch happy he does these very well.
toxinZero
Profile Joined January 2011
Germany14 Posts
June 11 2011 18:13 GMT
#36
I think you should look for Happy´s replays and the episode with Day9.
Btw Happy has something like 80 % win chance.
Kornholi0
Profile Joined November 2010
Canada634 Posts
June 11 2011 19:07 GMT
#37
On June 12 2011 02:13 Sockpuppet wrote:
Im a diamond zerg and my least favorite thing to play against is banshee openings they are so strong!!! Go watch happy he does these very well.


Banshee openings are pitiful against a half intellegent zerg, not only do 99% of zergs get more than one queen, its not uncommon to get an evo chamber for upgrades about the same time cloak finishes. Plus if you scouted at all you would know that banshees were coming, I don't know how many times I've just failed to scout banshees and still been fine because of my build auto killing banshees.
Team Channel: VTeX Team Co-leader: AGGhost 223 Stream: http://www.twitch.tv/agghost
Kornholi0
Profile Joined November 2010
Canada634 Posts
June 11 2011 19:09 GMT
#38
On June 12 2011 00:13 imjorman wrote:
Show nested quote +
On June 11 2011 17:29 ChrysaliS_ wrote:
I don't know, maybe you should try some other builds? Seriously posts like this don't belong in strategy forum...


I would disagree. This post is about finding strategies and implementing them despite being somewhat proficient at other strategies. So this has everything to do with strategy.


Anyway, I'll be looking up some Thorzain TvP for ghost play. I think the best thing is gonna be honestly just grinding out practice games by myself on ladder - as previously stated.


TSL finals check those out, and check out the day9dialy about ghost usage and including them in your gameplay.

If you want a word of advice on how to use them, use them like zergs use infestors before the patch, send them to delay their push until more reinforcements arrive, (a good protoss won't get emped and attack right away when their shields are all down). If he attacks without your reinforcements you'll win because his shields are down, if he waits your reinforcements should arrive and you can emp and win that way.
Team Channel: VTeX Team Co-leader: AGGhost 223 Stream: http://www.twitch.tv/agghost
ixi.genocide
Profile Blog Joined June 2010
United States981 Posts
June 11 2011 20:04 GMT
#39
Now that you have gotten so comfortable with this 2 rax build into mmm you should start to deviate in the different MU's.

vZ- I would do 10 depod, 12 rax, 15 oc, 15 marine, 16 depot, 16 gas, 16 rax, 17 marine, 18 scv, 19 2nd gas, 24 fact (as soon as you have 100g you should have 150 minerals), 24 depot, push out at 27 supply (4:40) with 5 marines to clear watch towers and hunt for some ovies. after marine 6/7 pop out get reactor and tech on each rax, fact finishes, get tech on that, upgrade stim and siege immediately, start producing tank when you get your next 125 gas. start a cc w/ next 400 minerals (you might have to cut a prod cycle of marines, DON'T CUT SCVS... EVER). Constant tank production along with marine production should get you approx 19m- the ones you lose in your first little push and 3 tanks. use the 3 tanks and marines to force the opponent to stop drone production and if he was too greedy then you can kill him. Right when you push out, you should secure your expo (potentially with a bunker or 2) and don't rally your units to your pushing army. You will die to backstabs if you rally everything to the front line. After this I generally get a second fact and another reactor rax and a starport.

vP- 12 rax, 14g, 15oc, another rax. get a tech lab on the first rax and get conc shell + 1 reaper. Then start producing marauder/marine while getting your expo up. I generally then go into early ups with 2 tech lab rax and 1 reactor rax as my skeleton. From here you will generally get medivacs and potentially early vikings if you see your opponent doing colossi play (Some games you get the vikings before the medivacs). The important part of this build is to scout/harass a lil with the reaper and then push with like 2-3 marauders and 5 or so marines. Making the protoss stay passive while you expand.

vT- I don't play TvT that much. T is my offrace so I tend to play the mu's that I enjoy/help me. sry I can't be of more help w/ TvT.

To be honest. You can get to masters using mmm. You can get to diamond by fair macro. I would advise using drops a lot if you have the apm for it. and also to push out and shark around to prevent the opponent from being too greedy. Look up replays and see when terran players get aggressive and try to stabilize your play by that aggression. Gl
kNightLite
Profile Blog Joined December 2010
United States408 Posts
June 12 2011 01:03 GMT
#40
Honestly there's nothing wrong with wrong with your build. MMM is still very solid in all 3 matchups. But now that you're in platinum you can't simply a-move your way to victory. Are you applying early game pressure? How good are your upgrades? Are you using drops? All of these things are key to higher level play in general.

There's no need to go about reinventing the wheel. Try changing one or two small things in your build each game, and soon enough you'll be familiar with a wide variety of builds.

This is the progression I took:
1 Rax FE
2 Rax FE
2 Rax 3 Bunker rush
2 Rax Concussive shell expand
3 Rax Stim
5 Rax Reaper rush
6 Rax Mega Marine
1-1 Seige expand
2-1 Proxy Thor rush
1-2 Blueflame expand
1-1-1 Hellion drop
1-1-2 Cheesy Cloakshee
Deleted User 109835
Profile Blog Joined September 2010
629 Posts
June 12 2011 01:24 GMT
#41
--- Nuked ---
pig-dude
Profile Joined March 2011
United States170 Posts
June 12 2011 01:26 GMT
#42
I don't really understand your question. It goes without saying that different terran styles succeed at the highest level, so why not just try different stuff? The only person you have to blame for not trying new builds is yourself. Try fast expanding, try going mech, try going drop-heavy, or fast ghost, etc. You should have fun with this game! You might lose with the other styles at first, but they'll teach you new things about your race.
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