• Log InLog In
  • Register
Liquid`
Team Liquid Liquipedia
EDT 13:12
CEST 19:12
KST 02:12
  • 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
[ASL21] Finals Preview: Two Legacies18Code S Season 2 (2026) - RO12 Preview2herO wins GSL Code S Season 1 (2026)5Code S Season 1 (2026) - RO4 & Finals Preview5[ASL21] Ro4 Preview: On Course12
Community News
Crank Gathers Season 4: BW vs SC2 Team League1Weekly Cups (May 11-17): Classic wins double0Code S Season 1 (2026) - RO8 Results2Weekly Cups (May 4-10): Clem, MaxPax, herO win1Maestros of The Game 2 announcement and schedule !18
StarCraft 2
General
Al Fatah Grocers herO wins GSL Code S Season 1 (2026) Code S Season 2 (2026) - RO12 Preview Weekly Cups (May 11-17): Classic wins double Code S Season 1 (2026) - RO4 & Finals Preview
Tourneys
Crank Gathers Season 4: BW vs SC2 Team League GSL Code S Season 2 (2026) GSL Code S Season 1 (2026) Sparkling Tuna Cup - Weekly Open Tournament Maestros of The Game 2 announcement and schedule !
Strategy
Custom Maps
[D]RTS in all its shapes and glory <3 [A] Nemrods 1/4 players
External Content
Mutation # 527 Hell Train The PondCast: SC2 News & Results Mutation # 526 Rubber and Glue Mutation # 525 Wheel of Misfortune
Brood War
General
25 Years Since Brood War Patch 1.08 VPN experiences vespene.gg — BW replays in browser (Spoiler) ASL21 Winner's Interview [ASL21] Finals Preview: Two Legacies
Tourneys
[ASL21] Grand Finals [Megathread] Daily Proleagues Escore Tournament StarCraft Season 2 Small VOD Thread 2.0
Strategy
Any training maps people recommend? Muta micro map competition [G] Hydra ZvZ: An Introduction Fighting Spirit mining rates
Other Games
General Games
Nintendo Switch Thread Stormgate/Frost Giant Megathread Dawn of War IV ZeroSpace Megathread Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne
Dota 2
The Story of Wings Gaming
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 TL Mafia Community Thread Five o'clock TL Mafia
Community
General
US Politics Mega-thread Trading/Investing Thread Dating: How's your luck? Russo-Ukrainian War Thread European Politico-economics QA Mega-thread
Fan Clubs
The herO Fan Club!
Media & Entertainment
[Manga] One Piece Anime Discussion Thread [Req][Books] Good Fantasy/SciFi books
Sports
2024 - 2026 Football Thread McBoner: A hockey love story TeamLiquid Health and Fitness Initiative For 2023 Formula 1 Discussion
World Cup 2022
Tech Support
streaming software Strange computer issues (software)
TL Community
The Automated Ban List
Blogs
Esports Organizations: Raisi…
TrAiDoS
Why RTS gamers make better f…
gosubay
ramps on octagon
StaticNine
ASL S21 English Commentary…
namkraft
Customize Sidebar...

Website Feedback

Closed Threads



Active: 1411 users

[D]Leenock's Hatch-cancel Roach Rush (ZvP) - Page 2

Forum Index > StarCraft 2 Strategy
Post a Reply
Prev 1 2 3 4 5 Next All
tooDARKpark
Profile Joined June 2011
United States149 Posts
November 21 2011 12:26 GMT
#21
Critical point: Leenock micro'd his Zerglings PERFECTLY to not lose them to the Zealot scouts. It was insane, all slings had almost no HP after killing the Zealots, but they somehow survived.
StrinterN
Profile Joined April 2010
Denmark531 Posts
November 21 2011 12:30 GMT
#22
I know it isnt quite on the topic, but it would not call it Leenocks build since Morrow already used it back in April at Copenhagen games, just saying. but yeah it is a good build if Protoss is playing really greedy :p
Twitter: @Strintern Stream: http://www.twitch.tv/strintern
KeksX
Profile Blog Joined November 2010
Germany3634 Posts
November 21 2011 12:34 GMT
#23
On November 21 2011 21:30 StrinterN wrote:
I know it isnt quite on the topic, but it would not call it Leenocks build since Morrow already used it back in April at Copenhagen games, just saying. but yeah it is a good build if Protoss is playing really greedy :p

I think that there is again no one to take credit since it's been done so many times before ^^
straycat
Profile Blog Joined May 2011
230 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-11-21 12:52:39
November 21 2011 12:50 GMT
#24
Anyone interested in this strat might also find this one interesting: http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=268413

(Which is a roach/ling allin targeting FFW as well, but with a more traditional initial build order and no hatch cancel. The thread contains some reasoingn behind the steps taken that will illuminate things slightly more than in the original post in this thread (no flame to the OP tho, thx a bunch for posting!)))
Big J
Profile Joined March 2011
Austria16289 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-11-21 13:11:15
November 21 2011 13:07 GMT
#25
On November 21 2011 21:34 KeksX wrote:
Show nested quote +
On November 21 2011 21:30 StrinterN wrote:
I know it isnt quite on the topic, but it would not call it Leenocks build since Morrow already used it back in April at Copenhagen games, just saying. but yeah it is a good build if Protoss is playing really greedy :p

I think that there is again no one to take credit since it's been done so many times before ^^

yeah... there were already various guides on this opening (I did one myself) and guides on how to open FFE and always beat this kind of allin without relying on scouting ("MC's FFE-->Stargate")
I guess one of the first to perform this build in a major tournament was JulyZerg, but that once again doesn't mean that he invented it and it hasn't seen use before.

Not sure why Leenock did this rather risky strategy instead of a solid 3base opening, but I guess his decision was the right one.
Xenorawks
Profile Joined October 2011
158 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-11-21 13:21:24
November 21 2011 13:20 GMT
#26
Not sure why Leenock did this rather risky strategy instead of a solid 3base opening, but I guess his decision was the right one.

I think he noticed Naniwa not only FFE every single game, but also doesn't change his scouting style(only 1 probe, then zealots). Naniwa was also trying to get ahead economically as much as humanly possible in every game by trying to Nexus first, throwing down gateway after forge and squeezing out a cannon at the last possible second. Of course there's nothing wrong with him being so perfect with his cannon timings and all, but Leenock can clearly see what mindset Naniwa has(a little greedy) and tries to take advantage of it.
By doing Nexus first and never trying to be sneaky with his scouting probe (doesn't really try to hide it for proxy pylons or send out a second one), I guess Leenock could totally map out Naniwa's scouting timings to be able to execute this so perfectly.
Nemireck
Profile Joined October 2010
Canada1875 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-11-21 13:38:33
November 21 2011 13:37 GMT
#27
On November 21 2011 19:05 KeksX wrote:
There is really no point in making a build order for this because basically the hatch cancel is just a mindgame thing, to hope that your opponnt does not go for like 3 cannons but stays on 1 or doesn't even complete the wallof.


Show nested quote +
They cant deny the first probe scout so you expand. Then you use your 4 lings to deny info after youve expanded and to make sure you dont get spotted when you move out so the P player cant warp in cannons. Thats the idea of it.

You have to make sure he sees the hatchery though.


In game 5 Naniwa's probe was killed before the normal expansion timing. In that game, Leenock didn't even bother to plant his second hatchery.

In all cases, you want to deny secondary scouting. Nani's FFE often includes 1-2 early zealots sent towards his opponents base. Not only do they do potential damage, but they make great scouts. If he had hidden a second probe, or kept his first one alive and not attempted to delay the early expansion timing, he also could have scouted what was happening with plenty of time to prepare.

Like any cheese, the attack Leenock used relies on his Protoss opponent not preparing for the build, and Nani dropped the ball in his scouting.
Teamwork is awesome... As long as your team is doing all the work!
sanctuz
Profile Joined August 2010
Norway184 Posts
November 21 2011 14:53 GMT
#28
I hope this shifts the metagame away from protoss FFE'ing/nexus first blindly vs zerg.
Alzadar
Profile Blog Joined April 2010
Canada5009 Posts
November 21 2011 14:58 GMT
#29
On November 21 2011 23:53 sanctuz wrote:
I hope this shifts the metagame away from protoss FFE'ing/nexus first blindly vs zerg.


I'm not sure that Protoss has any other way to enter the midgame without a significant disadvantage. I'm sure many pros will be looking for a way after the MLG finals, but we'll see.

What might have to happen is a change to mapmaking practices so that you can always wall off your natural with three 3x3 buildings (like Shakuras or Tal'Darim Altar). That's how it is in Brood War, because PvZ is virtually unplayable otherwise.
I am the Town Medic.
Vandroy
Profile Blog Joined March 2010
Sweden155 Posts
November 21 2011 15:04 GMT
#30
This is a pretty old build that has been used a lot and it is like other people have said that scouting is the key to defending it. I don't really think it will shift anything in the match-up because as said, this build has been around for a while and it's just a cheese and not a sure way to punish a ffe/nexus first.
ddrddrddrddr
Profile Joined August 2010
1344 Posts
November 21 2011 15:04 GMT
#31
I do this all the time against ffe. Biggest problem is not being able to deny scouting. If you get scouted, he puts up 2 more cannons and the game is pretty much over. It's risky to the point of being all-in.
Big J
Profile Joined March 2011
Austria16289 Posts
November 21 2011 15:16 GMT
#32
On November 21 2011 23:58 Alzadar wrote:
Show nested quote +
On November 21 2011 23:53 sanctuz wrote:
I hope this shifts the metagame away from protoss FFE'ing/nexus first blindly vs zerg.


I'm not sure that Protoss has any other way to enter the midgame without a significant disadvantage. I'm sure many pros will be looking for a way after the MLG finals, but we'll see.

What might have to happen is a change to mapmaking practices so that you can always wall off your natural with three 3x3 buildings (like Shakuras or Tal'Darim Altar). That's how it is in Brood War, because PvZ is virtually unplayable otherwise.

Protoss progamers are looking for this kind of stuff since quite some time now... The problem being not the allins, though it is part of the problem - trying to survive with 1canon, while still fighting an uphill eco battle against 3hatch openings.
Naniwa and Huk both tried some 1gate expands in the GSL lately, but with rather mediocre success (1missed FF and you're done). I think Tyler doesn't FFE either and everywhere in this forum you will find Protoss players who say that they don't think that FFE is a good build to begin with, because you are to reliant on doing damage with your follow up.
I'd say taking a third is too hard currently for protoss players. 10min 3rds being considered "rather fast" against 5min 3rds of zerg...
StarBrift
Profile Joined January 2008
Sweden1761 Posts
November 21 2011 15:21 GMT
#33
On November 21 2011 21:12 FortuneSyn wrote:
Show nested quote +
On November 21 2011 20:03 Sbrubbles wrote:
Can I bring up another point?

How smart/dumb was it of Naniwa to send those zealots out knowing that the Zerg had speed? I mean, in the first game he sacced them but scouted the roaches. Still, Leenock could have avoided that (a bit of sloppiness from Leenock's part). In the third game he lost 2 zealots for free, which would have been crucial if he had 3 cannons.

My opinion is that it is just too much risk to too little reward sending those zealots to die. If the Zerg spots them coming out of the P's base, all he has to do is send 4 slings after them, which he might already have out (and probably does). It felt like Naniwa was not taking into consideration Leenock went speed first at all.


Naniwa sends 2 zealots out. Leenock does not have enough larvae to deny those zealots from scouting AND perform the roach rush.

Naniwa's mistake was not sending those 2 zealots together. He instead sent them one at a time, allowing ling micro to deny the zealots from scouting the roaches.


It doesn't actually matter if he sends them together. All he achieves by that is delaying the rush by maybe 5 seconds. He will still die too it if he doesnt respond properly. The whole point of the build is that while the roaches are running to the protoss base the lings will catch up and come to protoss before the roaches. So if you see zealots with the lings you simply kill them with you 12+ lings while keeping the roaches out of vision. Then you hit with the roaches.

The lings could be an indicator that the all in is coming or they could just mean that the zerg is responding to your 2 zealots moving out by having the correct amount of lings on the map. You can't really start spamming cannon based on just seeing 10ish lings early game. What you can do is add a third cannon and start chrono boosting the gateway and that will help of course. But it wont guarrantee you a win.

This build is clearly made for maps with open naturals such as xelnaga. It's very bad to use on shakuras obviously.
Arachne
Profile Blog Joined December 2010
South Africa426 Posts
November 21 2011 15:24 GMT
#34
What irked me the most was that regardless of whether or not he hatch cancelled or not, he STILL built 8 roaches. Surely he'll have the resources for the follow up lings with/without a hatch if he can build 8 roaches anyways?

Tl;dr: What is the point of the hatch cancel?
If I were a rich man, I wouldn't be here
StarBrift
Profile Joined January 2008
Sweden1761 Posts
November 21 2011 15:27 GMT
#35
On November 22 2011 00:24 TheEconomist wrote:
What irked me the most was that regardless of whether or not he hatch cancelled or not, he STILL built 8 roaches. Surely he'll have the resources for the follow up lings with/without a hatch if he can build 8 roaches anyways?

Tl;dr: What is the point of the hatch cancel?


They are two different builds. The hatch cancel one is an all in with lings that aims to kill the protoss expansion. The non hatch cancel gets slower roaches and no or few lings with dronies behind it. It's made to kill off forge or gate or core so that the protoss tech is delayed and he is forced into making cannons and chrono boost units. The hatch cancel could theoretically work on almost any map. The non hatch cancel only works on maps where the cannons doesn't cover all your buildings or your nexus.
voy
Profile Blog Joined February 2011
Poland348 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-11-21 15:42:12
November 21 2011 15:41 GMT
#36
On November 21 2011 20:28 coL.rsvp wrote:


Zealot scouting
Zealot scouting is absolutely crucial. With correct micro on both sides, a zealot generally beats 4 slowlings, but 4 speedlings generally beats a zealot. So if the zerg has 4 speedlings, you have to either wait for 2 zealots, or use 1 zealot + 1 probe at the same time. Naniwa's mistake was not microing his zealot. If the zerg denies your zealot scout or makes more than 4 lings early on, you must make additional cannons.



yeah thats true, You can kill 4 slow lings just kiting and dealing just one (from 2 attacks) attack and kiting. Anyways, regarding to the OP, MorroW was playing this fake expand a lot on ladder and some online tournaments as well, I belive reaplays can be found easly.
I'm a man with a dream. And I look good in jeans. graphic designer looking for freelance work.
Plexa
Profile Blog Joined October 2005
Aotearoa39261 Posts
November 21 2011 15:48 GMT
#37
On November 21 2011 20:28 coL.rsvp wrote:
Zealot scouting
Zealot scouting is absolutely crucial. With correct micro on both sides, a zealot generally beats 4 slowlings, but 4 speedlings generally beats a zealot. So if the zerg has 4 speedlings, you have to either wait for 2 zealots, or use 1 zealot + 1 probe at the same time. Naniwa's mistake was not microing his zealot. If the zerg denies your zealot scout or makes more than 4 lings early on, you must make additional cannons.
Yup! If you don't know, be safe. Getting 4 cannons if he's denying your scout is always a good idea to be safe - and avoid losing outright to roach allins or baneling allins. It might slow things down a bit but I don't think the extra minerals will spent will delay things too much in the grand scheme of things (I haven't actually tested how long it delays it exactly) and plus, Protoss always want gas anyway
Administrator~ Spirit will set you free ~
Cyro
Profile Blog Joined June 2011
United Kingdom20328 Posts
November 21 2011 15:49 GMT
#38
Idra did this vs MC at an event like 6-8 months ago, and its pretty common @ masters PvZ as none knows how to handle FFE and a timing push and come out far ahead yet
"oh my god my overclock... I got a single WHEA error on the 23rd hour, 9 minutes" -Belial88
Cyro
Profile Blog Joined June 2011
United Kingdom20328 Posts
November 21 2011 15:50 GMT
#39
On November 22 2011 00:48 Plexa wrote:
Show nested quote +
On November 21 2011 20:28 coL.rsvp wrote:
Zealot scouting
Zealot scouting is absolutely crucial. With correct micro on both sides, a zealot generally beats 4 slowlings, but 4 speedlings generally beats a zealot. So if the zerg has 4 speedlings, you have to either wait for 2 zealots, or use 1 zealot + 1 probe at the same time. Naniwa's mistake was not microing his zealot. If the zerg denies your zealot scout or makes more than 4 lings early on, you must make additional cannons.
Yup! If you don't know, be safe. Getting 4 cannons if he's denying your scout is always a good idea to be safe - and avoid losing outright to roach allins or baneling allins. It might slow things down a bit but I don't think the extra minerals will spent will delay things too much in the grand scheme of things (I haven't actually tested how long it delays it exactly) and plus, Protoss always want gas anyway



Every 150 minerals delays a 5/6/7gate by like ~7 seconds, an extra 20 seconds to prep is gg for protoss using those when zerg has a drone advantage and 3hatch larvae injects
"oh my god my overclock... I got a single WHEA error on the 23rd hour, 9 minutes" -Belial88
rsvp
Profile Blog Joined January 2006
United States2266 Posts
November 21 2011 16:10 GMT
#40
On November 22 2011 00:50 Cyro wrote:
Show nested quote +
On November 22 2011 00:48 Plexa wrote:
On November 21 2011 20:28 coL.rsvp wrote:
Zealot scouting
Zealot scouting is absolutely crucial. With correct micro on both sides, a zealot generally beats 4 slowlings, but 4 speedlings generally beats a zealot. So if the zerg has 4 speedlings, you have to either wait for 2 zealots, or use 1 zealot + 1 probe at the same time. Naniwa's mistake was not microing his zealot. If the zerg denies your zealot scout or makes more than 4 lings early on, you must make additional cannons.
Yup! If you don't know, be safe. Getting 4 cannons if he's denying your scout is always a good idea to be safe - and avoid losing outright to roach allins or baneling allins. It might slow things down a bit but I don't think the extra minerals will spent will delay things too much in the grand scheme of things (I haven't actually tested how long it delays it exactly) and plus, Protoss always want gas anyway



Every 150 minerals delays a 5/6/7gate by like ~7 seconds, an extra 20 seconds to prep is gg for protoss using those when zerg has a drone advantage and 3hatch larvae injects


A gateway timing attack is not the only build a protoss has after a FFE...
Prev 1 2 3 4 5 Next All
Please log in or register to reply.
Live Events Refresh
Monday Night Weeklies
16:00
#53
RotterdaM712
TKL 326
IndyStarCraft 116
BRAT_OK 93
SteadfastSC90
LiquipediaDiscussion
[ Submit Event ]
Live Streams
Refresh
StarCraft 2
RotterdaM 712
TKL 326
mouzHeroMarine 238
IndyStarCraft 116
ProTech101
BRAT_OK 93
Railgan 91
SteadfastSC 90
UpATreeSC 70
StarCraft: Brood War
Britney 64482
Calm 2796
ggaemo 296
firebathero 216
Hyuk 196
Nal_rA 141
Sharp 81
Mind 56
Sea.KH 56
scan(afreeca) 45
[ Show more ]
Barracks 34
Soulkey 26
Sexy 23
soO 20
Movie 19
IntoTheRainbow 12
HiyA 10
ajuk12(nOOB) 8
Dota 2
LuMiX1
Counter-Strike
fl0m1377
byalli556
allub367
Heroes of the Storm
Khaldor146
Other Games
Grubby4748
FrodaN1499
B2W.Neo583
ceh9338
Hui .248
KnowMe173
ArmadaUGS151
XaKoH 136
Liquid`VortiX104
Trikslyr59
C9.Mang00
Organizations
Counter-Strike
PGL706
StarCraft 2
Blizzard YouTube
StarCraft: Brood War
BSLTrovo
[ Show 18 non-featured ]
StarCraft 2
• LUISG 14
• Hinosc 4
• Kozan
• sooper7s
• Migwel
• AfreecaTV YouTube
• LaughNgamezSOOP
• intothetv
• IndyKCrew
StarCraft: Brood War
• STPLYoutube
• ZZZeroYoutube
• BSLYoutube
League of Legends
• Jankos2939
• Nemesis2151
• Stunt349
Other Games
• WagamamaTV402
• imaqtpie272
• Shiphtur192
Upcoming Events
Replay Cast
6h 48m
Kung Fu Cup
17h 48m
GSL
1d 16h
herO vs Classic
Cure vs Clem
uThermal 2v2 Circuit
1d 21h
Replay Cast
2 days
GSL
2 days
Maru vs SHIN
Zoun vs Rogue
WardiTV Spring Champion…
2 days
SKillous vs Strange
Lambo vs Strange
Ryung vs Strange
Lambo vs Ryung
Ryung vs SKillous
Lambo vs SKillous
OSC
3 days
Replay Cast
3 days
Maestros of the Game
3 days
[ Show More ]
Replay Cast
4 days
RSL Revival
4 days
Lambo vs SHIN
Solar vs Rogue
herO vs Clem
Maestros of the Game
4 days
IPSL
4 days
ZZZero vs WorsT
Julia vs eOnzErG
Replay Cast
5 days
RSL Revival
5 days
Maestros of the Game
5 days
IPSL
5 days
Dragon vs Artosis
dxtr13 vs Hawk
BSL
6 days
Wardi Open
6 days
Monday Night Weeklies
6 days
Liquipedia Results

Completed

ASL Season 21
2026 GSL S1
Heroes Pulsing #1

Ongoing

2026 KK StarCraft Pro League
BSL Season 22
IPSL Spring 2026
KCM Race Survival 2026 Season 2
KK 2v2 League Season 1
YSL S3
Acropolis #4
CSCL: Masked Kings S4
SCTL 2026 Spring
WardiTV Spring 2026
2026 GSL S2
RSL Revival: Season 5
CS Asia Championships 2026
Asian Champions League 2026
IEM Atlanta 2026
PGL Astana 2026
BLAST Rivals Spring 2026
IEM Rio 2026
PGL Bucharest 2026
Stake Ranked Episode 1
BLAST Open Spring 2026
ESL Pro League S23 Finals

Upcoming

Escore Tournament S2: King of Kings
BSL 22 Non-Korean Championship
CSLAN 4
Blizzard Classic Cup 2026
Kung Fu Cup 2026 Grand Finals
HSC XXIX
uThermal 2v2 2026 Main Event
Maestros of the Game 2
Bounty Cup 2026
BLAST Bounty Summer 2026
BLAST Bounty Summer Qual
Stake Ranked Episode 3
XSE Pro League 2026
IEM Cologne Major 2026
Stake Ranked Episode 2
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.