Bones - GM-level Protoss Replay Pack #8! (30 reps)

-------------------------------------------------------------------- UPDATE (09/17/2013) --------------------------------------------------------------------

Replay Pack #9!

Mostly similar strategies, some good games!


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Introduction

Hi, I'm Myles "Bones" Donald, a not-quite-Grandmaster NA Protoss and team captain of Clarity Gaming Academy. Finally back at StarCraft in full force after some downtime. Quite high up in Masters right now and hopefully back in GM soon!

The Pack

Replay Pack #8

+ Show Spoiler [Replay Pack #8] +

Rough Overview



First off, I'm a FFE (Forge Fast Expand) person. Although, recent professional PvZ has tempted me to switch it up. Namely, Naniwa in WCS EU. One of my favorite and long-standing builds is a ~7:00 third base off 1 Gate and a Robo.



It's a strong opener with many possible followups depending on Hallucination scouting. However, it is quite map dependent in order to remain a safe opener. Therefore, due to recent map pools, I've been unable to use it as frequently lately. For more of this build I'd actually suggest referring to past replay packs, probably #6 or #7. + Show Spoiler [Further Info] +

The other build that I employ when I can't go for the super fast third (which is quite often) is the old Phoenix -> Colossus -> Third Base style.



I've recently been adding in a Warp Prism early on to keep the Zerg busy; as well as adding more Void Rays into the Colossus composition, they're quite good!

From there, with either of the builds, I'll usually head into defensive play; reacting to whatever the Zerg decides to throw at me with heavy Hallucination usage and some harassment.



I prefer the Double Forge+Colossus+Blink macro style against Terran; defending off 2 bases with the Mothership Core until ready to secure a third around the 12 minute mark with Colossus and strong upgrades on the way. As well, I employ up to 4 Observers in strategic locations to remain safe against Terran drops or other army movement.

I've been working on this style for some time now, and I think I'm now in a fairly good spot versus all the various Terran midgame death pushes which can be troublesome.



Around 5 Colossus and +2+2 upgrades, as well as Blink Stalkers+Zealot buffer, are actually incredibly good at melting Terran Bio+Viking with proper positioning.

I'll usually stay on that composition, postponing storm research until after +3+3 is underway and a few Archons are out. From there, it mostly depends on the Terran. If they're content to go to lategame, then so be it.



Tempest+Templar+Cannons can make for some long games.



I usually open with double gas on 15 supply, going for a safe Stargate opener and playing reactively based on consistent scouting with Phoenix. I like to throw down a saftey Robo after the first Phoenix, which is cancelled primarily if the opponent is going Phoenix themselves. From there I play reactively and defensively.



This style can sometimes fall behind versus very fast expansions, but 3-4 Phoenix harass with constant Probe production can make things even enough.



From there I'll usually transition into some Colossus followed by Templar tech, with constant work on the Ground Attack upgrades. Of course, all of this is (and needs to be) subject to variation based on the opponent's tech of choice, which is kept in constant check by Phoenix (hallucinated or not).

For me, PvP usually ends up going all the way to Tempest-based lategame. Attacking unless well ahead in PvP is often disastrous, and unless my opponent wants to attack into me, there will end up being some very long games.



More Info

There's 30 replays in this pack, 9 PvZ, 7 PvT, 14 PvP. Lots of PvP, as seems to be the trend lately. It's actually my favorite matchup at the moment (bring on WCS EU RO8). Do note, probably about 7 of these replays are from prior to the latest patch. I'm fairly sure they still work but you have to disconnect from battle.net to watch them, which is unfortunate.

The vast majority of these games should be vs other GM-level players on ranked ladder. All replays are labeled with a rough description of the game/builds as well as the match-up.There's a decent variety of games in the pack. Most are solid macro games on my part, defending and reacting. However, there's also a few "silly" games in there for your entertainment.

I've been back to streaming lately, almost daily. Hoping to continue that trend and play more and more in the coming weeks. You can also check out my recent VODs from the past couple weeks if you're looking for more of my play. Another thing to note, if there's any interest I may start writing up more detailed guides of my builds/play-styles over in the SC2 Strategy section.

You can find past replay packs as well as VODs and other info over on my Liquipedia Page.

Please feel free to leave any feedback in the comments below. Thanks!

Follow Me:

Twitter: @ClairtyBones
Twitch: Twitch.tv/Zeppelin535

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