• Log InLog In
  • Register
Liquid`
Team Liquid Liquipedia
EDT 11:27
CET 16:27
KST 00:27
  • 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
ByuL: The Forgotten Master of ZvT29Behind the Blue - Team Liquid History Book19Clem wins HomeStory Cup 289HomeStory Cup 28 - Info & Preview13Rongyi Cup S3 - Preview & Info8
Community News
Weekly Cups (March 2-8): ByuN overcomes PvT block0GSL CK - New online series13BSL Season 224Vitality ends partnership with ONSYDE20Team Liquid Map Contest - Preparation Notice6
StarCraft 2
General
https://www.facebook.com/Wood.Ranger.Weed.Lawn.Tri GSL CK - New online series Weekly Cups (March 2-8): ByuN overcomes PvT block Weekly Cups (Feb 23-Mar 1): herO doubles, 2v2 bonanza Vitality ends partnership with ONSYDE
Tourneys
Master Swan Open (Global Bronze-Master 2) RSL Season 4 announced for March-April Sparkling Tuna Cup - Weekly Open Tournament PIG STY FESTIVAL 7.0! (19 Feb - 1 Mar) $5,000 WardiTV Winter Championship 2026
Strategy
Custom Maps
Publishing has been re-enabled! [Feb 24th 2026] Map Editor closed ?
External Content
The PondCast: SC2 News & Results Mutation # 516 Specter of Death Mutation # 515 Together Forever Mutation # 514 Ulnar New Year
Brood War
General
ASL21 General Discussion BGH Auto Balance -> http://bghmmr.eu/ BSL 22 Map Contest — Submissions OPEN to March 10 BSL Season 22 battle.net problems
Tourneys
ASL Season 21 Qualifiers March 7-8 [Megathread] Daily Proleagues BWCL Season 64 Announcement [BSL22] Open Qualifier #1 - Sunday 21:00 CET
Strategy
Soma's 9 hatch build from ASL Game 2 Fighting Spirit mining rates Simple Questions, Simple Answers Zealot bombing is no longer popular?
Other Games
General Games
Nintendo Switch Thread PC Games Sales Thread Path of Exile No Man's Sky (PS4 and PC) Stormgate/Frost Giant Megathread
Dota 2
Official 'what is Dota anymore' discussion 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
Mafia Game Mode Feedback/Ideas Vanilla Mini Mafia TL Mafia Community Thread
Community
General
US Politics Mega-thread Things Aren’t Peaceful in Palestine Mexico's Drug War Russo-Ukrainian War Thread YouTube Thread
Fan Clubs
The IdrA Fan Club
Media & Entertainment
[Req][Books] Good Fantasy/SciFi books [Manga] One Piece Anime Discussion Thread
Sports
Formula 1 Discussion General nutrition recommendations 2024 - 2026 Football Thread Cricket [SPORT] TL MMA Pick'em Pool 2013
World Cup 2022
Tech Support
Laptop capable of using Photoshop Lightroom?
TL Community
The Automated Ban List
Blogs
FS++
Kraekkling
Shocked by a laser…
Spydermine0240
Gaming-Related Deaths
TrAiDoS
ONE GREAT AMERICAN MARINE…
XenOsky
Unintentional protectionism…
Uldridge
ASL S21 English Commentary…
namkraft
Customize Sidebar...

Website Feedback

Closed Threads



Active: 1597 users

[D]Leenock's Hatch-cancel Roach Rush (ZvP) - Page 3

Forum Index > StarCraft 2 Strategy
Post a Reply
Prev 1 2 3 4 5 Next All
Nemireck
Profile Joined October 2010
Canada1875 Posts
November 21 2011 16:15 GMT
#41
On November 22 2011 01:10 coL.rsvp wrote:
Show nested quote +
On November 22 2011 00:50 Cyro wrote:
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...


Correct me if my observations are incorrect, but Stargate play followed up with a warp prism seems to be the current strongest follow up.

I see a lot of FFE - Gate - Stargate - Robo + 3 Gate while Vrays/Phoenix harrass and control the map. When the Warp Prism spawns, suddenly the Protoss ground army being made at home isn't being made at home, it's being made in the Zerg main, which is conveniently blocked by a Forcefield on the ramp.

While I think that particular tactic can be figured out, the theme of building that warp prism behind Stargate pressure to make the early Toss ground army more mobile seems to be really strong.
Teamwork is awesome... As long as your team is doing all the work!
Big J
Profile Joined March 2011
Austria16289 Posts
November 21 2011 16:16 GMT
#42
On November 22 2011 01:10 coL.rsvp wrote:
Show nested quote +
On November 22 2011 00:50 Cyro wrote:
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...

psssst... don't tell them, I'm not ready to give up on blindcountering those builds yet
zmansman17
Profile Joined March 2011
United States2567 Posts
November 21 2011 16:55 GMT
#43
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.


Yep this was the crucial mistake. against this all in, scouting really is key for both sides
♞ - His EKG is flattening get me a defib stat! Prepped and Ready! - ♞
InVerno
Profile Joined May 2011
258 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-11-21 17:04:52
November 21 2011 17:04 GMT
#44
Its better you guys see haypro's gameplay, was amazing, this allin is old as my granny...
Janders
Profile Joined June 2011
Mexico222 Posts
November 21 2011 17:18 GMT
#45
should be stoppable if u manage to scout and it dosent matter if u go nexus first or forge... all it matters is if u have defense ready by the time
:D
Skyro
Profile Joined May 2010
United States1823 Posts
November 21 2011 18:08 GMT
#46
On November 22 2011 00:16 Big J wrote:
Show nested quote +
On November 21 2011 23:58 Alzadar wrote:
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...


You can't really compare the number of expansions between races like that. You don't ever really need an early 3rd as protoss as you won't have enough probes to even gain a benefit from it before 10 mins or so depending on how you distributed your chronos.
kcdc
Profile Blog Joined April 2010
United States2311 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-11-21 18:14:16
November 21 2011 18:10 GMT
#47
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.


This might be obvious to everyone else, (I stuck to 1-gate expand for a long time and am now trying to work out the finer points of FFE) but what are the considerations for scouting? Is my best bet to send out my first zealot as soon as I get it unless Z went 14/14 or built 6 lings? If Z did go 14/14, should I send out a zealot+probe or wait for 2 zealots and send them together? Should I blindly get a 2nd cannon against 14/14 and then add additional cannons if my scouts are killed?

These are things I'm sure I'd work out with more experience, but I know you've been rocking FFE pretty much since beta, and any scouting tips you could offer would be much appreciated. I find that too often, by the time I know roaches are coming (first zealot dies, second zealot sees roaches, shiiiiiit), it's too late to defend.
Micket
Profile Joined April 2011
United Kingdom2163 Posts
November 21 2011 18:20 GMT
#48
This build has been around for months and months. I think I first saw it in TSL, or Morrow vs MC Dreamhack. FFE into stargate beats it. 2 cannons 1 sentry beats it.

Nexus first or forge first makes absolutely no difference, because the time your forge has been alive for doesn't affect how strong your cannons are. FFE is also not overly greedy at all. It simply relies on scouting information and safe followups. If you go straight to robo or TC without building more gates/stargate, then you should be punished. Only time FFE is lololol is on maps like Xelnaga.
rsvp
Profile Blog Joined January 2006
United States2266 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-11-21 18:24:26
November 21 2011 18:22 GMT
#49
On November 22 2011 03:10 kcdc 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.


This might be obvious to everyone else, (I stuck to 1-gate expand for a long time and am now trying to work out the finer points of FFE) but what are the considerations for scouting? Is my best bet to send out my first zealot as soon as I get it unless Z went 14/14 or built 6 lings? If Z did go 14/14, should I send out a zealot+probe or wait for 2 zealots and send them together? Should I blindly get a 2nd cannon against 14/14 and then add additional cannons if my scouts are killed?

These are things I'm sure I'd work out with more experience, but I know you've been rocking FFE pretty much since beta, and any scouting tips you could offer would be much appreciated. I find that too often, by the time I know roaches are coming, but it's too late to defend.


While your initial scouting probe is being chased back to your base by the zerg's initial lings, send a 2nd probe out. Some people say to just hide your initial scouting probe before lings pop out, but most decent zergs will scavenge the map for your hidden probe if they just see it disappear like that. If the zerg sees that he's chasing your scouting probe back to your base your 2nd scouting probe has a lot more potential to do more scouting. With this second scouting probe you will be able to scout 1 base play or a hatch cancel. If I confirm that he has a completed hatchery at his natural then I try to go into the main and check for things like gas, but usually this scout will be denied by queen(s). If the zerg opened with speedlings, I will suicide that probe into the main because it's going to die to speedlings soon anyway. If the zerg did not open speedlings, I will try to poke into the main but if queens are denying me from going too far I'll just run it away and save it. There's much less danger if the zerg didn't open speedlings and I can wait for the zealot scout to continue scouting.

As soon as your gateway finishes you should begin chronoing out a zealot. Against speedlings it is up to you whether you want to wait for 2 chrono'ed zealots or just go with zeal + probe. If the zerg sends lings to watchtowers and leaves only 1-2 lings right outside your base, I would go with just zeal + probe. You do not need blind extra cannons against speedlings. You only need extra cannons if your zeal scout is denied by speedlings, or the zerg makes more than 4 lings.
marvellosity
Profile Joined January 2011
United Kingdom36161 Posts
November 21 2011 18:27 GMT
#50
On November 22 2011 03:22 coL.rsvp wrote:
Show nested quote +
On November 22 2011 03:10 kcdc 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.


This might be obvious to everyone else, (I stuck to 1-gate expand for a long time and am now trying to work out the finer points of FFE) but what are the considerations for scouting? Is my best bet to send out my first zealot as soon as I get it unless Z went 14/14 or built 6 lings? If Z did go 14/14, should I send out a zealot+probe or wait for 2 zealots and send them together? Should I blindly get a 2nd cannon against 14/14 and then add additional cannons if my scouts are killed?

These are things I'm sure I'd work out with more experience, but I know you've been rocking FFE pretty much since beta, and any scouting tips you could offer would be much appreciated. I find that too often, by the time I know roaches are coming, but it's too late to defend.


While your initial scouting probe is being chased back to your base by the zerg's initial lings, send a 2nd probe out. Some people say to just hide your initial scouting probe before lings pop out, but most decent zergs will scavenge the map for your hidden probe if they just see it disappear like that. If the zerg sees that he's chasing your scouting probe back to your base your 2nd scouting probe has a lot more potential to do more scouting. With this second scouting probe you will be able to scout 1 base play or a hatch cancel. If I confirm that he has a completed hatchery at his natural then I try to go into the main and check for things like gas, but usually this scout will be denied by queen(s). If the zerg opened with speedlings, I will suicide that probe into the main because it's going to die to speedlings soon anyway. If the zerg did not open speedlings, I will try to poke into the main but if queens are denying me from going too far I'll just run it away and save it. There's much less danger if the zerg didn't open speedlings and I can wait for the zealot scout to continue scouting.

As soon as your gateway finishes you should begin chronoing out a zealot. Against speedlings it is up to you whether you want to wait for 2 chrono'ed zealots or just go with zeal + probe. If the zerg sends lings to watchtowers and leaves only 1-2 lings right outside your base, I would go with just zeal + probe. You do not need blind extra cannons against speedlings. You only need extra cannons if your zeal scout is denied by speedlings, or the zerg makes more than 4 lings.


It follows, then, that Zerg players can be sneaky and make 2-4 extra lings to force a couple more cannons
[15:15] <Palmar> and yes marv, you're a total hottie
ThomasHobbes
Profile Joined October 2010
United States197 Posts
November 21 2011 18:30 GMT
#51
On November 22 2011 03:20 Micket wrote:
This build has been around for months and months. I think I first saw it in TSL, or Morrow vs MC Dreamhack. FFE into stargate beats it. 2 cannons 1 sentry beats it.

Nexus first or forge first makes absolutely no difference, because the time your forge has been alive for doesn't affect how strong your cannons are. FFE is also not overly greedy at all. It simply relies on scouting information and safe followups. If you go straight to robo or TC without building more gates/stargate, then you should be punished. Only time FFE is lololol is on maps like Xelnaga.


There are a multitude of roach-ling attacks which fare perfectly well against 2 cannons and a sentry (and hit around a similar time), I don't think calling for that defense is advised.
"The life of man, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short."
rsvp
Profile Blog Joined January 2006
United States2266 Posts
November 21 2011 18:49 GMT
#52
On November 22 2011 03:27 marvellosity wrote:
Show nested quote +
On November 22 2011 03:22 coL.rsvp wrote:
On November 22 2011 03:10 kcdc 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.


This might be obvious to everyone else, (I stuck to 1-gate expand for a long time and am now trying to work out the finer points of FFE) but what are the considerations for scouting? Is my best bet to send out my first zealot as soon as I get it unless Z went 14/14 or built 6 lings? If Z did go 14/14, should I send out a zealot+probe or wait for 2 zealots and send them together? Should I blindly get a 2nd cannon against 14/14 and then add additional cannons if my scouts are killed?

These are things I'm sure I'd work out with more experience, but I know you've been rocking FFE pretty much since beta, and any scouting tips you could offer would be much appreciated. I find that too often, by the time I know roaches are coming, but it's too late to defend.


While your initial scouting probe is being chased back to your base by the zerg's initial lings, send a 2nd probe out. Some people say to just hide your initial scouting probe before lings pop out, but most decent zergs will scavenge the map for your hidden probe if they just see it disappear like that. If the zerg sees that he's chasing your scouting probe back to your base your 2nd scouting probe has a lot more potential to do more scouting. With this second scouting probe you will be able to scout 1 base play or a hatch cancel. If I confirm that he has a completed hatchery at his natural then I try to go into the main and check for things like gas, but usually this scout will be denied by queen(s). If the zerg opened with speedlings, I will suicide that probe into the main because it's going to die to speedlings soon anyway. If the zerg did not open speedlings, I will try to poke into the main but if queens are denying me from going too far I'll just run it away and save it. There's much less danger if the zerg didn't open speedlings and I can wait for the zealot scout to continue scouting.

As soon as your gateway finishes you should begin chronoing out a zealot. Against speedlings it is up to you whether you want to wait for 2 chrono'ed zealots or just go with zeal + probe. If the zerg sends lings to watchtowers and leaves only 1-2 lings right outside your base, I would go with just zeal + probe. You do not need blind extra cannons against speedlings. You only need extra cannons if your zeal scout is denied by speedlings, or the zerg makes more than 4 lings.


It follows, then, that Zerg players can be sneaky and make 2-4 extra lings to force a couple more cannons


True, but my scouting and reaction suggestions are not standard. Against other players making those extra lings might not cause a reaction from the protoss, and then it's a waste for the zerg.
Cyro
Profile Blog Joined June 2011
United Kingdom20326 Posts
November 21 2011 18:50 GMT
#53
On November 22 2011 03:20 Micket wrote:
This build has been around for months and months. I think I first saw it in TSL, or Morrow vs MC Dreamhack. FFE into stargate beats it. 2 cannons 1 sentry beats it.

Nexus first or forge first makes absolutely no difference, because the time your forge has been alive for doesn't affect how strong your cannons are. FFE is also not overly greedy at all. It simply relies on scouting information and safe followups. If you go straight to robo or TC without building more gates/stargate, then you should be punished. Only time FFE is lololol is on maps like Xelnaga.



MC insta-gg'd idra with it on Shakuras, he got a super early void ray (part of his standard play) and it was out before roaches did any real damage, i think it was like 17gate, instant cyber when finished and then instant stargate when that was done, but still, he didnt scout shit and idra flat out lost the game, didnt even get past the wall i think
"oh my god my overclock... I got a single WHEA error on the 23rd hour, 9 minutes" -Belial88
ThomasHobbes
Profile Joined October 2010
United States197 Posts
November 21 2011 19:00 GMT
#54
On November 22 2011 03:49 coL.rsvp wrote:
Show nested quote +
On November 22 2011 03:27 marvellosity wrote:
On November 22 2011 03:22 coL.rsvp wrote:
On November 22 2011 03:10 kcdc 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.


This might be obvious to everyone else, (I stuck to 1-gate expand for a long time and am now trying to work out the finer points of FFE) but what are the considerations for scouting? Is my best bet to send out my first zealot as soon as I get it unless Z went 14/14 or built 6 lings? If Z did go 14/14, should I send out a zealot+probe or wait for 2 zealots and send them together? Should I blindly get a 2nd cannon against 14/14 and then add additional cannons if my scouts are killed?

These are things I'm sure I'd work out with more experience, but I know you've been rocking FFE pretty much since beta, and any scouting tips you could offer would be much appreciated. I find that too often, by the time I know roaches are coming, but it's too late to defend.


While your initial scouting probe is being chased back to your base by the zerg's initial lings, send a 2nd probe out. Some people say to just hide your initial scouting probe before lings pop out, but most decent zergs will scavenge the map for your hidden probe if they just see it disappear like that. If the zerg sees that he's chasing your scouting probe back to your base your 2nd scouting probe has a lot more potential to do more scouting. With this second scouting probe you will be able to scout 1 base play or a hatch cancel. If I confirm that he has a completed hatchery at his natural then I try to go into the main and check for things like gas, but usually this scout will be denied by queen(s). If the zerg opened with speedlings, I will suicide that probe into the main because it's going to die to speedlings soon anyway. If the zerg did not open speedlings, I will try to poke into the main but if queens are denying me from going too far I'll just run it away and save it. There's much less danger if the zerg didn't open speedlings and I can wait for the zealot scout to continue scouting.

As soon as your gateway finishes you should begin chronoing out a zealot. Against speedlings it is up to you whether you want to wait for 2 chrono'ed zealots or just go with zeal + probe. If the zerg sends lings to watchtowers and leaves only 1-2 lings right outside your base, I would go with just zeal + probe. You do not need blind extra cannons against speedlings. You only need extra cannons if your zeal scout is denied by speedlings, or the zerg makes more than 4 lings.


It follows, then, that Zerg players can be sneaky and make 2-4 extra lings to force a couple more cannons


True, but my scouting and reaction suggestions are not standard. Against other players making those extra lings might not cause a reaction from the protoss, and then it's a waste for the zerg.


In my experience you're correct, even when scouting speedlings the average protoss does not make more cannons. That being said, how many cannons do you add / determine you need? I generally find that I can break FFE's with up to 3-4 cannons.
"The life of man, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short."
kcdc
Profile Blog Joined April 2010
United States2311 Posts
November 21 2011 19:03 GMT
#55
On November 22 2011 03:22 coL.rsvp wrote:
Show nested quote +
On November 22 2011 03:10 kcdc 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.


This might be obvious to everyone else, (I stuck to 1-gate expand for a long time and am now trying to work out the finer points of FFE) but what are the considerations for scouting? Is my best bet to send out my first zealot as soon as I get it unless Z went 14/14 or built 6 lings? If Z did go 14/14, should I send out a zealot+probe or wait for 2 zealots and send them together? Should I blindly get a 2nd cannon against 14/14 and then add additional cannons if my scouts are killed?

These are things I'm sure I'd work out with more experience, but I know you've been rocking FFE pretty much since beta, and any scouting tips you could offer would be much appreciated. I find that too often, by the time I know roaches are coming, but it's too late to defend.


While your initial scouting probe is being chased back to your base by the zerg's initial lings, send a 2nd probe out. Some people say to just hide your initial scouting probe before lings pop out, but most decent zergs will scavenge the map for your hidden probe if they just see it disappear like that. If the zerg sees that he's chasing your scouting probe back to your base your 2nd scouting probe has a lot more potential to do more scouting. With this second scouting probe you will be able to scout 1 base play or a hatch cancel. If I confirm that he has a completed hatchery at his natural then I try to go into the main and check for things like gas, but usually this scout will be denied by queen(s). If the zerg opened with speedlings, I will suicide that probe into the main because it's going to die to speedlings soon anyway. If the zerg did not open speedlings, I will try to poke into the main but if queens are denying me from going too far I'll just run it away and save it. There's much less danger if the zerg didn't open speedlings and I can wait for the zealot scout to continue scouting.

As soon as your gateway finishes you should begin chronoing out a zealot. Against speedlings it is up to you whether you want to wait for 2 chrono'ed zealots or just go with zeal + probe. If the zerg sends lings to watchtowers and leaves only 1-2 lings right outside your base, I would go with just zeal + probe. You do not need blind extra cannons against speedlings. You only need extra cannons if your zeal scout is denied by speedlings, or the zerg makes more than 4 lings.


Thanks. I definitely use those same techniques for probe scouting, and I'm better about confirming that the hatch wasn't canceled than, for example, Naniwa was in these games, but there's still a window after speed finishes where probes can't tell you whether Z droned or got roaches. I suppose I'll check the timing on the 2nd zealot and see if I can get it early enough to reactively cannon.
Broesl
Profile Joined February 2011
Austria75 Posts
November 21 2011 19:03 GMT
#56
Didnt read the whole thread, but SERIOUSLY ?! leenock played the most amazing tournament this weekend, absolutely dominating with solid play and the ONE thing u pick out to discuss, point out is an allin thats been there since release actually, NOTHING special AT ALL, morrow did this the whole time zvp on shakuras after he switched. how dumb is it to watch that amazing player at mlg and the one thing that impresses u is the one that any plat zerg could pull off. GOD, get some brain in here ....

User was warned for this post
Big J
Profile Joined March 2011
Austria16289 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-11-21 19:57:27
November 21 2011 19:32 GMT
#57
On November 22 2011 03:08 Skyro wrote:
Show nested quote +
On November 22 2011 00:16 Big J wrote:
On November 21 2011 23:58 Alzadar wrote:
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...


You can't really compare the number of expansions between races like that. You don't ever really need an early 3rd as protoss as you won't have enough probes to even gain a benefit from it before 10 mins or so depending on how you distributed your chronos.


with constant probe production you need the third even earlier than that. 2bases are optimally harvested from with 44probes (12gas, 32minerals) after that you want a third (and you reach that 44probe count way before 10mins).
But I guess as long as Protoss players feel fine with taking that late expansions and rather relying on doing damage, I guess I have nothing to fear as a rather defensive zerg player.

Edit: Also I want to note, that I didn't even compare the expansions "just like that". I really didn't write that Protoss should throw down an expo at 5mins if zerg throws down one at 5mins (which is the standard 3rd timing in PvZ for 3hatch vs FFE openings)
MoreFaSho
Profile Blog Joined May 2010
United States1427 Posts
November 21 2011 19:42 GMT
#58
On November 22 2011 03:10 kcdc 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.


This might be obvious to everyone else, (I stuck to 1-gate expand for a long time and am now trying to work out the finer points of FFE) but what are the considerations for scouting? Is my best bet to send out my first zealot as soon as I get it unless Z went 14/14 or built 6 lings? If Z did go 14/14, should I send out a zealot+probe or wait for 2 zealots and send them together? Should I blindly get a 2nd cannon against 14/14 and then add additional cannons if my scouts are killed?

These are things I'm sure I'd work out with more experience, but I know you've been rocking FFE pretty much since beta, and any scouting tips you could offer would be much appreciated. I find that too often, by the time I know roaches are coming (first zealot dies, second zealot sees roaches, shiiiiiit), it's too late to defend.


I actually think there might be a case for a blind second cannon against 14/14. The other possibility (which is a little more expensive) is to pylon the natural against 14/14 and then use that time to sneak a second probe and try to use that time to sneak in a second probe. I think going 2 gateways a-la kiwi after a 14/14 might be strong as well. Even fi the roaches kite the zealots (very hard to do off creep), it should buy enough time. Actually, this reminds me of the old fruit-dealer build from season 2 2010 with roaches vs hellions when hellions could kite them forever. It still bought enough time to get up a real defense.
I always try to shield slam face, just to make sure it doesnt work
doner0
Profile Blog Joined July 2010
United States233 Posts
November 21 2011 19:46 GMT
#59
this build is only viable to face against a protoss who isn't scouting well doing a forge ffe. in my opinion if Naniwa was playing well he would have realized that a forge ffe wasn't in the cards, so i think this build is very situational and rarely viable
AA.spoon
Profile Joined January 2011
Belgium331 Posts
November 21 2011 19:52 GMT
#60
Naniwa relied too much on zealot scouting. You need to zealot scout + probe scout, especially if zerg has gas taken. You need to micro your zealots too, something Naniwa consistenly failed to do.
Its "not a nice bo" invented by Leenock. Its just a cheesy build which can work, which ahs been used for a while. Starswar idra vs idk on taldarim e.g. More then 6 months old.
Prev 1 2 3 4 5 Next All
Please log in or register to reply.
Live Events Refresh
Wardi Open
12:00
#77
WardiTV1029
OGKoka 349
Rex127
Liquipedia
[ Submit Event ]
Live Streams
Refresh
StarCraft 2
OGKoka 349
elazer 169
ProTech128
Rex 127
LamboSC2 79
StarCraft: Brood War
Britney 38591
Calm 10998
firebathero 5051
actioN 1151
Shuttle 1043
Larva 695
Hyuk 550
Light 474
Stork 348
Snow 276
[ Show more ]
Soma 234
hero 182
Pusan 166
Soulkey 157
Leta 147
Dewaltoss 98
JYJ 94
ggaemo 80
ToSsGirL 66
Aegong 56
Sharp 45
[sc1f]eonzerg 44
sorry 42
Hm[arnc] 36
JulyZerg 32
Free 30
yabsab 28
Backho 28
IntoTheRainbow 23
sSak 20
Shine 19
scan(afreeca) 18
Nal_rA 18
GoRush 17
Yoon 15
Rock 15
SilentControl 10
Noble 9
910 9
NotJumperer 8
Terrorterran 7
Dota 2
Gorgc6912
qojqva1643
monkeys_forever128
Counter-Strike
fl0m2655
oskar63
Other Games
singsing1998
B2W.Neo1162
hiko635
Lowko333
crisheroes279
Hui .205
DeMusliM181
Fuzer 152
ArmadaUGS100
XaKoH 85
QueenE79
Trikslyr27
FrodaN5
Organizations
Dota 2
PGL Dota 2 - Secondary Stream10256
PGL Dota 2 - Main Stream6589
Other Games
gamesdonequick922
BasetradeTV416
StarCraft: Brood War
Kim Chul Min (afreeca) 15
StarCraft 2
Blizzard YouTube
StarCraft: Brood War
BSLTrovo
sctven
[ Show 15 non-featured ]
StarCraft 2
• poizon28 5
• AfreecaTV YouTube
• intothetv
• Kozan
• IndyKCrew
• LaughNgamezSOOP
• Migwel
• sooper7s
StarCraft: Brood War
• Michael_bg 2
• BSLYoutube
• STPLYoutube
• ZZZeroYoutube
League of Legends
• Nemesis5189
• Jankos1999
• TFBlade1107
Upcoming Events
PiGosaur Monday
8h 33m
GSL
18h 33m
WardiTV Team League
20h 33m
The PondCast
1d 18h
WardiTV Team League
1d 20h
Replay Cast
2 days
Replay Cast
3 days
CranKy Ducklings
3 days
WardiTV Team League
3 days
uThermal 2v2 Circuit
4 days
[ Show More ]
BSL
4 days
Sparkling Tuna Cup
4 days
WardiTV Team League
4 days
BSL
5 days
Replay Cast
5 days
Replay Cast
5 days
Wardi Open
5 days
Monday Night Weeklies
6 days
WardiTV Team League
6 days
Liquipedia Results

Completed

ASL Season 21: Qualifier #2
WardiTV Winter 2026
Underdog Cup #3

Ongoing

KCM Race Survival 2026 Season 1
Jeongseon Sooper Cup
Spring Cup 2026
BSL Season 22
RSL Revival: Season 4
Nations Cup 2026
ESL Pro League S23 Stage 1&2
PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026
IEM Kraków 2026
BLAST Bounty Winter 2026
BLAST Bounty Winter Qual

Upcoming

CSL Elite League 2026
ASL Season 21
Acropolis #4 - TS6
Acropolis #4
IPSL Spring 2026
CSLAN 4
HSC XXIX
uThermal 2v2 2026 Main Event
Bellum Gens Elite Stara Zagora 2026
NationLESS Cup
CS Asia Championships 2026
Asian Champions League 2026
IEM Atlanta 2026
PGL Astana 2026
BLAST Rivals Spring 2026
CCT Season 3 Global Finals
IEM Rio 2026
PGL Bucharest 2026
Stake Ranked Episode 1
BLAST Open Spring 2026
ESL Pro League S23 Finals
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.