EPT![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/OujEx.jpg)
Meta-Game Magic is an educational Zerg show that focuses on teaching players of all levels. Topics range from basic things like build orders, all the way to high-level discussions with some of the best players in the world on the proper way to execute an Infestor drop. It's not just a show for Zergs, though, because in each episode I do my best to provide valuable insight for other, less fortunate races. If ZvP is the discussion of the night, then a Protoss player will learn a lot from watching this show, too.
Mostly, we'll be discussing the current meta-game, how it works, and why it's the standard. Then counter-point is made, and new ideas are discussed. This show focuses on the sole principle: when things look darkest and OP, there are still options.
Show airs on Monday nights at 10 PM, whenever a topic is being discussed. Twitter is usually the best way to find out if a show is airing, but even if Meta-Game Magic isn't going to be on, it will be replaced by Zergling Round-Up, an event being cast, or at least some really epic replays.
Live stream: http://twitch.tv/theonlyshaft
VODs: http://blip.tv/theonlyshaft
Twitter: http://twitter.com/lgshaft
FB: http://www.facebook.com/theonlyshaft
TL: http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=344840#1
+ Show Spoiler +
(// Past Shows //)
Episode 20 Mid-Game ZvP Pressure
Last week we discussed Protoss fast third in PvZ with vVvEzalB, and how strong it is in today's meta-game. VPKenzy, now known as FeyverN, comes on tonight to teach a mid-game aggressive style versus this new Protoss threat.
This series begins with a Best of 3 between FeyverN and ||||||||||||||| ("Barcode"), who favors a very eclectic style--FFE into two-gate before Cybercore. Kenzy shows us how to respond to the unknown, and how to get back into the game when behind, as well as providing specifics on versing non-3 base styles with this gambit.
The second best of 3 is a lot more consistent with today's meta-game, and FeyverN is allowed a much better chance to illustrate his style: beginning with the 200/200 roach max, mutli-pronged attacks, roach drops, and finally transitions into Brood Lords with Infestor Corruptor support.
Episode 19 PvZ Fast 3 Base
Former vVv powerhouse EzalB comes on the show to present a deviation from the present PvZ two base timing attack meta-game, showing how to set up a fast third base through harassment, then proceed to defend it into the later game.
Episode 18 When Pigs Fly, Infestors Fall
Jared "PiG" Krensel, an Australian Grand Masters player, comes on Meta-Game Magic to talk about Roach-Infestor play in ZvZ, and specifically, various techniques for his signature Infestor-dropping. We began the first hour by looking at PiG's play, with him explaining his style, why it works, and how to be the most effective with it. Then I step up to the plate to try to emulate him, serving the role of the "average Joe" learning this style--to make mistakes, so you don't have to! PiG is a fairly renowned player, specifically for his technical ZvP rushes and his recent improvement in all matchups and playstyles--a testament in many ways to his joining Tt eSports, where he is now teammates with White-Ra.
PiG's Liquipedia- http://wiki.teamliquid.net/starcraft2/PiG
Link: http://blip.tv/theonlyshaft/mgm17pigp3-6185994
Episode 17 Roll of the Dice
This is a look at all sorts of vs Zerg match ups with random Grandmaster LGimbaASfuts. As a Random player, he's able to give us any match up needed, at will, so we cover quite a few subjects--afterall, you need a little variety on the spice rack!
Link: http://blip.tv/theonlyshaft/meta-game-magic-roll-of-the-dice-ft-lgimbaasfuts-6171769
Episode 16 Pressuring Terran Openers with vGAlkresh
In today's ZvT meta-game, most Zerg are content with their fast hatchery opening. Generally speaking, after this, there are two approaches: 2 base with a macro-hatch, made famous by personalities like Stephano, or more eclectic styles like Nerchio's roach ling infestor composition, which employs roaches to get a third up earlier, instead of a macro hatchery.
Essentially, the Zerg meta-game in this match-up is defensive, and revolves around Hellions, working under the assumption that due to supply depot walls, bunkers, and OP marines, Zerg is not in a position to apply pressure early on. Not only that, but the assumption is, it's not beneficial to apply pressure early on -- afterall, those units are drones not made.
On this episode of Meta-Game Magic, vGAlkresh will be joining your host to discuss why this assumption is flawed, and explain how Zerg can apply pressure to the Terran based solely on his opener (rather than, say, a counter-attack that is dependant upon the Terran moving out), and why it is beneficial.
vGAlkresh is a top 25 Masters player and representative of team vG known for his stylistic aggression and odd interpretations of the game.
Link: http://blip.tv/theonlyshaft/episode-6151721
Episode 15 vs Immortal Timings
In this episode of Meta-Game Magic, we take a look at how to combat Immortal timing attacks using a very common composition in a new way. We also take a deep look into Stephano's 3 base gasless ZvP build order.
Link: http://blip.tv/theonlyshaft/episode-6087986
Episode 14 DRG's Roach-Ling Infestor ZvT
On this night's episode of Meta-Game Magic, I will be looking at DongRaeGu's new style of ZvT incorporating roach ling infestor with either ultralisk or brood lord tech late game. We will be looking at why he favors roaches, how many roaches he uses, and how he keeps them useful all game without using ranged attack upgrades. We will see how he handles drops with low tier units, and how he manages his economy penny-by-penny. This is a different style than what he is previously known for, mostly heavy mutalisk with speedling support. This style is a more direct response to hellion openers, a common issue for some Zergs. There seems to be a split in the ZvT meta-game on third bases: players like Stephano favor quick tech, lots of drones, and a macro hatch on two bases; DongRaeGu favors a quick third base, which is arrived at by roaches. Afterall, once hellions are on the map, it's pretty damn hard to take a third, and getting it before hellions can be a gamble.
Link: http://blip.tv/theonlyshaft/episode-6007701
Episode 13 Dealing with FFE Gateway Pressure
How often do you as a Zerg player feel like Protoss is op? I've heard it time and time again, and indeed, until I got some key pieces of advice from a friend of mine, I agreed. Protoss OP. Specifically, I could deal with pretty much anything that was thrown at me, just to varying degrees of efficiency.
Part of my issue was scouting. I had no idea whether those tricksome Protoss who are so hard to scout were going for a all-in gateway push, a blink push, voids, colossi, whatever else I could come up with at the time to be afraid of. I also didn't always have the most efficient responses to things. I personally favor mutalisks a lot in ZvP, so there are times where I'm just way too damn greedy. Maybe I skipped on spines and get nailed by a 7 gate, or skimp on spores and massacred by void rays.
Well, after some work with a friend of mine who is high Diamond on Korea, he's helped me patch a lot of these holes in my game and here I am now to share it with you guys. Some of the replays we'll be looking at tonight will be myself, before he gave me pointers. Then we will watch two games of him playing a top Masters player on the KR server. And then we will watch a game of me playing after his coaching session. ZvP against FFE 14p -> 4 lings 14p -> 15 OL Queen when pool finishes, then 4 lings (2 pair) 19 onwards make drones 4 lings - clear the pylon. 2 to watch towers, one to front of protoss base, one to your 3rd to check for pylon/cannons ~19 hatch 21 OL if blocked = queen from your main if no block = queen from your natural first inject -> use larva to make drones and then 3rd hatch at 29 5:45, take 2 gases in your main first 100 gas zerg speed roach warren and evo chamber at 7 minutes sac an overlord and scout the front at 7 minutes gateway timing -> cut drones at 50. mass roach/ling off of 3 gases I've wrote down a specific set of criteria for dealing with Protoss gateway pressure, derived from the quote above.
We will essentially be evaluating each game based on these factors. - How effectively did I deal with probe harassment / pylon block? - How effectively am I using my zerglings to scout key zones? - 7 Minute overlord sac - ~7-9 minute Zealot push to lay down forward pylon; zergling speed necessary - If gateway timing is scouted, cut drones at 50, roach ling - 2 base gateway timing is always held by this. Only transition when he tries to take a third, which you should be able to deny effectively - Mid-game and thereon revolves around third. Did he deny it or kill it or have I finished it at all?
Link: http://blip.tv/theonlyshaft/episode-5967072
Episode 12 Tidying Up Loose Ends
Have you ever found a build that was so solid, in most scenarios, but weak or even infeasible in others? Well, the key to openers, build orders, and transitions, in my opinion, is learning to adapt. Openers allow you to safely reach a certain econ or tech level, to deal with or force a specific situation. Not every game is played the same however, even on the same map by the same players. For this reason, players scout and adapt and develop contingencies (fall back plans) for these different possible scenarios. For example, imagine on Antiga Shipyard in ZvP: game 1, the P opens FFE; game 2, 3 gate expo. The Zerg should have different contingencies for each.
Well, in tonight's Meta-Game Magic, vVvStratisfy will be reviewing some of my games and helping me develop contingencies for the different situations I find myself. I have basically told him to tear me a new one, but I know the kind of things he looks for, and that's why I chose vVvStratisfy in the first place. Out of this lesson, I expect players to: learn the current meta-game for each Zerg match-up; learn common tactics for both sides, and responses to each; learn safe, effective build orders to apply aggression; learn how to transition effectively into a macro game; build order decision-making based on map and positions.
* Sorry about the disconnects guys. Centurylink decided it was time for DHCP maintenance during my cast. There is now three parts to this episode, quite unintentionally.
Link: http://blip.tv/theonlyshaft/episode-5930838
Episode 11 Aggression in All Match-Ups ft. TangSC
Tang comes on the show to discuss aggression and how it benefits the Zerg student. He discusses the 3Ms that are required to be aggressive, and how they translate into getting better: micro, macro, and multi-tasking. It's as necessary to have these, according to him, in cheesy, "abusive" play as it is in macro-play. Falter for a second, and fail.
Link: http://blip.tv/theonlyshaft/meta-game-magic-episode-10-aggression-in-all-match-ups-ft-tangsc-5845860
Episode 10 Early pool builds in ZvX
Covering both ZvZ and ZvP, we being to look into economic and pressure builds based on "10 pools."
Link: http://blip.tv/theonlyshaft/episode-5888878
Episode 9 When to Take Your Third
This episode is going to be focusing on Stephano games. This isn't so much an educational episode as a late night impromptu cast, however, we will be focusing precisely on when bases and gases are taken, and the styles employed based on that data.
Link: http://blip.tv/theonlyshaft/episode-9-when-to-take-your-third-an-analysis-of-stephano-5776206
Episode 8 The Magic of Mutalisks
James "Jerusalem" Groves comes on to discuss the benefits of using Mutalisks in your match-ups.
Link: http://blip.tv/theonlyshaft/meta-game-magic-episode-8-the-magic-of-mutalisks-5717449
Episode 7 What is Meta?
Discusses what the meta-game is at present, and exactly "meta" means to begin with.
http://blip.tv/theonlyshaft/what-is-meta-part-1-5703097
Episode 6 Everything He Knows About ZvZ
Chaosvuijste comes on to talk about ZvZ. Author of a really awesome ZvZ guide: http://raa-media.nl/blog/starcraft2/zvz-alpha-omega#1414vsfe
Link: http://blip.tv/theonlyshaft/meta-game-magic-episode-6-everything-he-knows-about-zvz-5620903
Episode 5 Static Defense
This week's episode looks at the utility of spine crawlers, spore crawlers, and all things like it.
Link: http://blip.tv/theonlyshaft/meta-game-magic-episode-5-static-defense-5552824
Episode 4 >3 Base Play
Late game tactics like base delaying, expo denying, and expo sniping.
Episode 3 Sheth's ZvT: 2 Base Roach Aggression
Takes a look at how to deal with 1 rax hellion openers, among other build orders
Episode 2 Season 3 Maps
New maps have been released, so let's see what's coming up in our immediate future!
Link: http://blip.tv/theonlyshaft/season-3-maps-5427945
Episode 1 ZvP Ling Pressure
Clan EAT presents vVvShaft's "Meta-game Magic" Episode 1, discussing ling pressure and other forms of harassment against Protoss.
Link: http://blip.tv/theonlyshaft/s01e01-zvp-ling-pressure-5397560
Episode 20 Mid-Game ZvP Pressure
Last week we discussed Protoss fast third in PvZ with vVvEzalB, and how strong it is in today's meta-game. VPKenzy, now known as FeyverN, comes on tonight to teach a mid-game aggressive style versus this new Protoss threat.
This series begins with a Best of 3 between FeyverN and ||||||||||||||| ("Barcode"), who favors a very eclectic style--FFE into two-gate before Cybercore. Kenzy shows us how to respond to the unknown, and how to get back into the game when behind, as well as providing specifics on versing non-3 base styles with this gambit.
The second best of 3 is a lot more consistent with today's meta-game, and FeyverN is allowed a much better chance to illustrate his style: beginning with the 200/200 roach max, mutli-pronged attacks, roach drops, and finally transitions into Brood Lords with Infestor Corruptor support.
Episode 19 PvZ Fast 3 Base
Former vVv powerhouse EzalB comes on the show to present a deviation from the present PvZ two base timing attack meta-game, showing how to set up a fast third base through harassment, then proceed to defend it into the later game.
Episode 18 When Pigs Fly, Infestors Fall
Jared "PiG" Krensel, an Australian Grand Masters player, comes on Meta-Game Magic to talk about Roach-Infestor play in ZvZ, and specifically, various techniques for his signature Infestor-dropping. We began the first hour by looking at PiG's play, with him explaining his style, why it works, and how to be the most effective with it. Then I step up to the plate to try to emulate him, serving the role of the "average Joe" learning this style--to make mistakes, so you don't have to! PiG is a fairly renowned player, specifically for his technical ZvP rushes and his recent improvement in all matchups and playstyles--a testament in many ways to his joining Tt eSports, where he is now teammates with White-Ra.
PiG's Liquipedia- http://wiki.teamliquid.net/starcraft2/PiG
Link: http://blip.tv/theonlyshaft/mgm17pigp3-6185994
Episode 17 Roll of the Dice
This is a look at all sorts of vs Zerg match ups with random Grandmaster LGimbaASfuts. As a Random player, he's able to give us any match up needed, at will, so we cover quite a few subjects--afterall, you need a little variety on the spice rack!
Link: http://blip.tv/theonlyshaft/meta-game-magic-roll-of-the-dice-ft-lgimbaasfuts-6171769
Episode 16 Pressuring Terran Openers with vGAlkresh
In today's ZvT meta-game, most Zerg are content with their fast hatchery opening. Generally speaking, after this, there are two approaches: 2 base with a macro-hatch, made famous by personalities like Stephano, or more eclectic styles like Nerchio's roach ling infestor composition, which employs roaches to get a third up earlier, instead of a macro hatchery.
Essentially, the Zerg meta-game in this match-up is defensive, and revolves around Hellions, working under the assumption that due to supply depot walls, bunkers, and OP marines, Zerg is not in a position to apply pressure early on. Not only that, but the assumption is, it's not beneficial to apply pressure early on -- afterall, those units are drones not made.
On this episode of Meta-Game Magic, vGAlkresh will be joining your host to discuss why this assumption is flawed, and explain how Zerg can apply pressure to the Terran based solely on his opener (rather than, say, a counter-attack that is dependant upon the Terran moving out), and why it is beneficial.
vGAlkresh is a top 25 Masters player and representative of team vG known for his stylistic aggression and odd interpretations of the game.
Link: http://blip.tv/theonlyshaft/episode-6151721
Episode 15 vs Immortal Timings
In this episode of Meta-Game Magic, we take a look at how to combat Immortal timing attacks using a very common composition in a new way. We also take a deep look into Stephano's 3 base gasless ZvP build order.
Link: http://blip.tv/theonlyshaft/episode-6087986
Episode 14 DRG's Roach-Ling Infestor ZvT
On this night's episode of Meta-Game Magic, I will be looking at DongRaeGu's new style of ZvT incorporating roach ling infestor with either ultralisk or brood lord tech late game. We will be looking at why he favors roaches, how many roaches he uses, and how he keeps them useful all game without using ranged attack upgrades. We will see how he handles drops with low tier units, and how he manages his economy penny-by-penny. This is a different style than what he is previously known for, mostly heavy mutalisk with speedling support. This style is a more direct response to hellion openers, a common issue for some Zergs. There seems to be a split in the ZvT meta-game on third bases: players like Stephano favor quick tech, lots of drones, and a macro hatch on two bases; DongRaeGu favors a quick third base, which is arrived at by roaches. Afterall, once hellions are on the map, it's pretty damn hard to take a third, and getting it before hellions can be a gamble.
Link: http://blip.tv/theonlyshaft/episode-6007701
Episode 13 Dealing with FFE Gateway Pressure
How often do you as a Zerg player feel like Protoss is op? I've heard it time and time again, and indeed, until I got some key pieces of advice from a friend of mine, I agreed. Protoss OP. Specifically, I could deal with pretty much anything that was thrown at me, just to varying degrees of efficiency.
Part of my issue was scouting. I had no idea whether those tricksome Protoss who are so hard to scout were going for a all-in gateway push, a blink push, voids, colossi, whatever else I could come up with at the time to be afraid of. I also didn't always have the most efficient responses to things. I personally favor mutalisks a lot in ZvP, so there are times where I'm just way too damn greedy. Maybe I skipped on spines and get nailed by a 7 gate, or skimp on spores and massacred by void rays.
Well, after some work with a friend of mine who is high Diamond on Korea, he's helped me patch a lot of these holes in my game and here I am now to share it with you guys. Some of the replays we'll be looking at tonight will be myself, before he gave me pointers. Then we will watch two games of him playing a top Masters player on the KR server. And then we will watch a game of me playing after his coaching session. ZvP against FFE 14p -> 4 lings 14p -> 15 OL Queen when pool finishes, then 4 lings (2 pair) 19 onwards make drones 4 lings - clear the pylon. 2 to watch towers, one to front of protoss base, one to your 3rd to check for pylon/cannons ~19 hatch 21 OL if blocked = queen from your main if no block = queen from your natural first inject -> use larva to make drones and then 3rd hatch at 29 5:45, take 2 gases in your main first 100 gas zerg speed roach warren and evo chamber at 7 minutes sac an overlord and scout the front at 7 minutes gateway timing -> cut drones at 50. mass roach/ling off of 3 gases I've wrote down a specific set of criteria for dealing with Protoss gateway pressure, derived from the quote above.
We will essentially be evaluating each game based on these factors. - How effectively did I deal with probe harassment / pylon block? - How effectively am I using my zerglings to scout key zones? - 7 Minute overlord sac - ~7-9 minute Zealot push to lay down forward pylon; zergling speed necessary - If gateway timing is scouted, cut drones at 50, roach ling - 2 base gateway timing is always held by this. Only transition when he tries to take a third, which you should be able to deny effectively - Mid-game and thereon revolves around third. Did he deny it or kill it or have I finished it at all?
Link: http://blip.tv/theonlyshaft/episode-5967072
Episode 12 Tidying Up Loose Ends
Have you ever found a build that was so solid, in most scenarios, but weak or even infeasible in others? Well, the key to openers, build orders, and transitions, in my opinion, is learning to adapt. Openers allow you to safely reach a certain econ or tech level, to deal with or force a specific situation. Not every game is played the same however, even on the same map by the same players. For this reason, players scout and adapt and develop contingencies (fall back plans) for these different possible scenarios. For example, imagine on Antiga Shipyard in ZvP: game 1, the P opens FFE; game 2, 3 gate expo. The Zerg should have different contingencies for each.
Well, in tonight's Meta-Game Magic, vVvStratisfy will be reviewing some of my games and helping me develop contingencies for the different situations I find myself. I have basically told him to tear me a new one, but I know the kind of things he looks for, and that's why I chose vVvStratisfy in the first place. Out of this lesson, I expect players to: learn the current meta-game for each Zerg match-up; learn common tactics for both sides, and responses to each; learn safe, effective build orders to apply aggression; learn how to transition effectively into a macro game; build order decision-making based on map and positions.
* Sorry about the disconnects guys. Centurylink decided it was time for DHCP maintenance during my cast. There is now three parts to this episode, quite unintentionally.
Link: http://blip.tv/theonlyshaft/episode-5930838
Episode 11 Aggression in All Match-Ups ft. TangSC
Tang comes on the show to discuss aggression and how it benefits the Zerg student. He discusses the 3Ms that are required to be aggressive, and how they translate into getting better: micro, macro, and multi-tasking. It's as necessary to have these, according to him, in cheesy, "abusive" play as it is in macro-play. Falter for a second, and fail.
Link: http://blip.tv/theonlyshaft/meta-game-magic-episode-10-aggression-in-all-match-ups-ft-tangsc-5845860
Episode 10 Early pool builds in ZvX
Covering both ZvZ and ZvP, we being to look into economic and pressure builds based on "10 pools."
Link: http://blip.tv/theonlyshaft/episode-5888878
Episode 9 When to Take Your Third
This episode is going to be focusing on Stephano games. This isn't so much an educational episode as a late night impromptu cast, however, we will be focusing precisely on when bases and gases are taken, and the styles employed based on that data.
Link: http://blip.tv/theonlyshaft/episode-9-when-to-take-your-third-an-analysis-of-stephano-5776206
Episode 8 The Magic of Mutalisks
James "Jerusalem" Groves comes on to discuss the benefits of using Mutalisks in your match-ups.
Link: http://blip.tv/theonlyshaft/meta-game-magic-episode-8-the-magic-of-mutalisks-5717449
Episode 7 What is Meta?
Discusses what the meta-game is at present, and exactly "meta" means to begin with.
http://blip.tv/theonlyshaft/what-is-meta-part-1-5703097
Episode 6 Everything He Knows About ZvZ
Chaosvuijste comes on to talk about ZvZ. Author of a really awesome ZvZ guide: http://raa-media.nl/blog/starcraft2/zvz-alpha-omega#1414vsfe
Link: http://blip.tv/theonlyshaft/meta-game-magic-episode-6-everything-he-knows-about-zvz-5620903
Episode 5 Static Defense
This week's episode looks at the utility of spine crawlers, spore crawlers, and all things like it.
Link: http://blip.tv/theonlyshaft/meta-game-magic-episode-5-static-defense-5552824
Episode 4 >3 Base Play
Late game tactics like base delaying, expo denying, and expo sniping.
Episode 3 Sheth's ZvT: 2 Base Roach Aggression
Takes a look at how to deal with 1 rax hellion openers, among other build orders
Episode 2 Season 3 Maps
New maps have been released, so let's see what's coming up in our immediate future!
Link: http://blip.tv/theonlyshaft/season-3-maps-5427945
Episode 1 ZvP Ling Pressure
Clan EAT presents vVvShaft's "Meta-game Magic" Episode 1, discussing ling pressure and other forms of harassment against Protoss.
Link: http://blip.tv/theonlyshaft/s01e01-zvp-ling-pressure-5397560
VoD: 
