• Log InLog In
  • Register
Liquid`
Team Liquid Liquipedia
EST 22:03
CET 04:03
KST 12:03
  • 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 ZvT28Behind the Blue - Team Liquid History Book19Clem wins HomeStory Cup 289HomeStory Cup 28 - Info & Preview13Rongyi Cup S3 - Preview & Info8
Community News
Weekly Cups (Feb 16-22): MaxPax doubles0Weekly Cups (Feb 9-15): herO doubles up2ACS replaced by "ASL Season Open" - Starts 21/0258LiuLi Cup: 2025 Grand Finals (Feb 10-16)46Weekly Cups (Feb 2-8): Classic, Solar, MaxPax win2
StarCraft 2
General
MMOexp Diablo4 exploring the edges of swamps MMOexp FC26 rounds out the forward recommendations Terran AddOns placement How do you think the 5.0.15 balance patch (Oct 2025) for StarCraft II has affected the game? Nexon's StarCraft game could be FPS, led by UMS maker
Tourneys
MMOexp Poe 2 can acquire better flask bases PIG STY FESTIVAL 7.0! (19 Feb - 1 Mar) Sparkling Tuna Cup - Weekly Open Tournament SEL Doubles (SC Evo Bimonthly) WardiTV Team League Season 10
Strategy
Custom Maps
Publishing has been re-enabled! [Feb 24th 2026] Map Editor closed ?
External Content
The PondCast: SC2 News & Results Mutation # 515 Together Forever Mutation # 514 Ulnar New Year Mutation # 513 Attrition Warfare
Brood War
General
Soma Explains: JD's Unrelenting Aggro vs FlaSh Recent recommended BW games TvZ is the most complete match up BGH Auto Balance -> http://bghmmr.eu/ ACS replaced by "ASL Season Open" - Starts 21/02
Tourneys
BWCL Season 64 Announcement The Casual Games of the Week Thread [Megathread] Daily Proleagues [LIVE] [S:21] ASL Season Open Day 1
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
Online Quake Live Config Editor Tool Battle Aces/David Kim RTS Megathread Diablo 2 thread Nintendo Switch Thread Path of Exile
Dota 2
The Story of Wings Gaming Official 'what is Dota anymore' discussion
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
Community
General
US Politics Mega-thread Things Aren’t Peaceful in Palestine UK Politics Mega-thread YouTube Thread Mexico's Drug War
Fan Clubs
The IdrA Fan Club The herO Fan Club!
Media & Entertainment
[Manga] One Piece [Req][Books] Good Fantasy/SciFi books Anime Discussion Thread
Sports
2024 - 2026 Football Thread Formula 1 Discussion TL MMA Pick'em Pool 2013
World Cup 2022
Tech Support
Laptop capable of using Photoshop Lightroom?
TL Community
The Automated Ban List
Blogs
Unintentional protectionism…
Uldridge
ASL S21 English Commentary…
namkraft
Inside the Communication of …
TrAiDoS
Life Update and thoughts.
FuDDx
How do archons sleep?
8882
James Bond movies ranking - pa…
Topin
Customize Sidebar...

Website Feedback

Closed Threads



Active: 2566 users

[D] High Level Zerg. Hatch first or Pool First? - Page 2

Forum Index > StarCraft 2 Strategy
Post a Reply
Prev 1 2 3 Next All
Dragar
Profile Joined October 2010
United Kingdom971 Posts
October 28 2010 17:43 GMT
#21
There's also the pain of pulling drone off the mineral line to defend, etc.
Enervate
Profile Joined August 2010
United States1769 Posts
October 28 2010 17:48 GMT
#22
If you're asking whether high level zergs hatch first or pool first, it's pretty easy to find the answer just by watching high level zergs play.

Hatch first.
Benshin88
Profile Joined September 2010
United States183 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-10-28 17:59:34
October 28 2010 17:51 GMT
#23
On October 29 2010 02:48 Enervate wrote:
If you're asking whether high level zergs hatch first or pool first, it's pretty easy to find the answer just by watching high level zergs play.

Hatch first.


You understand that there are 2 styles of playing Zerg. FE or 1 base. It's a 50/50 split IMO amongst upper level zergs. In lower leagues, everybody FE... I play some custom games when i'm off racing w/ terran or toss so i know what low level diamond players do.

On the other hand high level players have like a 50/50 split. My friend does 1 base he's ~ 1900 while i usually attempt to FE. I've seen a couple 2000+ streams where they FE and some that don't IE Steven (aka) Destiny. I just want the opinions from the people that do pool first. Watching replays/ streams can not give you an answer.
Ksyper
Profile Blog Joined May 2010
Bulgaria665 Posts
October 28 2010 17:58 GMT
#24
Depends on your style if you ask me.
Benshin88
Profile Joined September 2010
United States183 Posts
October 28 2010 18:03 GMT
#25
On October 29 2010 02:58 Ksyper wrote:
Depends on your style if you ask me.


I want to be a complete player so i want to know ALL styles.
Neivler
Profile Blog Joined November 2008
Norway911 Posts
October 28 2010 18:06 GMT
#26
On October 29 2010 02:51 Benshin88 wrote:
Show nested quote +
On October 29 2010 02:48 Enervate wrote:
If you're asking whether high level zergs hatch first or pool first, it's pretty easy to find the answer just by watching high level zergs play.

Hatch first.


You understand that there are 2 styles of playing Zerg. FE or 1 base. It's a 50/50 split IMO amongst upper level zergs. In lower leagues, everybody FE... I play some custom games when i'm off racing w/ terran or toss so i know what low level diamond players do.

On the other hand high level players have like a 50/50 split. My friend does 1 base he's ~ 1900 while i usually attempt to FE. I've seen a couple 2000+ streams where they FE and some that don't IE Steven (aka) Destiny. I just want the opinions from the people that do pool first. Watching replays/ streams can not give you an answer.


What the hell are you talking about. Everyone FE as Zerg, except in ZvZ. If you go 1 base you do a all-in or some wierd thing. ZvZ not included.
I pwn noobs
Bowdy
Profile Joined April 2010
United States232 Posts
October 28 2010 18:27 GMT
#27
On October 29 2010 02:51 Benshin88 wrote:
Show nested quote +
On October 29 2010 02:48 Enervate wrote:
If you're asking whether high level zergs hatch first or pool first, it's pretty easy to find the answer just by watching high level zergs play.

Hatch first.


You understand that there are 2 styles of playing Zerg. FE or 1 base. It's a 50/50 split IMO amongst upper level zergs. In lower leagues, everybody FE... I play some custom games when i'm off racing w/ terran or toss so i know what low level diamond players do.

On the other hand high level players have like a 50/50 split. My friend does 1 base he's ~ 1900 while i usually attempt to FE. I've seen a couple 2000+ streams where they FE and some that don't IE Steven (aka) Destiny. I just want the opinions from the people that do pool first. Watching replays/ streams can not give you an answer.


You understand that you're wrong. I <3 destiny, you probably see me modding his chat all the time, but all upper level zergs (as in tournament results) FE. I'll agree that there's two styles of FE, speedling expand and straight up FE, but if you think 1 base zerg is viable vs competent P's/T's you're sadly mistaken.
bowdy.smiteam.net
IPA
Profile Joined August 2010
United States3206 Posts
October 28 2010 18:41 GMT
#28
What exactly are these "high level one base Zs" pulling off? Roach rushes? One base Z loses so badly to one base T or P.
Time held me green and dying though I sang in my chains like the sea.
Zorkmid
Profile Joined November 2008
4410 Posts
October 28 2010 18:44 GMT
#29
I think we're talking about fast expands in all cases, just the difference between a 15 hatch 14 pool, and a 14 pool 20-22 hatch.
Benshin88
Profile Joined September 2010
United States183 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-10-28 19:07:53
October 28 2010 19:07 GMT
#30
On October 29 2010 03:27 Bowdy wrote:
Show nested quote +
On October 29 2010 02:51 Benshin88 wrote:
On October 29 2010 02:48 Enervate wrote:
If you're asking whether high level zergs hatch first or pool first, it's pretty easy to find the answer just by watching high level zergs play.

Hatch first.


You understand that there are 2 styles of playing Zerg. FE or 1 base. It's a 50/50 split IMO amongst upper level zergs. In lower leagues, everybody FE... I play some custom games when i'm off racing w/ terran or toss so i know what low level diamond players do.

On the other hand high level players have like a 50/50 split. My friend does 1 base he's ~ 1900 while i usually attempt to FE. I've seen a couple 2000+ streams where they FE and some that don't IE Steven (aka) Destiny. I just want the opinions from the people that do pool first. Watching replays/ streams can not give you an answer.


You understand that you're wrong. I <3 destiny, you probably see me modding his chat all the time, but all upper level zergs (as in tournament results) FE. I'll agree that there's two styles of FE, speedling expand and straight up FE, but if you think 1 base zerg is viable vs competent P's/T's you're sadly mistaken.


What i meant by 1 base was hatch after pool... I should have said Pool first hatch 2nd.
Bowdy
Profile Joined April 2010
United States232 Posts
October 28 2010 19:51 GMT
#31
What i meant by 1 base was hatch after pool... I should have said Pool first hatch 2nd.



Got ya :p yeah i agree then
bowdy.smiteam.net
orcslayermac
Profile Joined July 2010
United States138 Posts
October 29 2010 00:54 GMT
#32
I personally prefer doing a
15 hatch 14 pool on extremely large maps,
14 hatch 13 pool on smaller maps.
I know this one zerg player that is experimenting with a double extractor 12 hatch 11 pool that actually seems pretty solid vs relatively fast rushes. These are all vs T and P.
I've been very surprised at how much aggression can be held off even when 15 hatch 14 pool goes down. You just can't do it when being proxied etc...
Terran A+move... Right into my banelings? Yes please!
Zorkit
Profile Joined February 2010
Canada66 Posts
October 29 2010 01:22 GMT
#33
On October 29 2010 02:58 Ksyper wrote:
Depends on your style if you ask me.


i completely agree with this. I find pool first works well if you enjoy playing it safe or for earlier aggression while hatch first works well to secure you a stronger econ.

In general as zerg, you're gonna wanna expand rather "early" anyways. Most of the time, if youre not FE-ing, you're expanding at around 20-30 supply. 1base play is mostly considered all-in.
RaiZ
Profile Blog Joined April 2003
2813 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-10-29 01:58:41
October 29 2010 01:28 GMT
#34
On October 29 2010 02:48 Enervate wrote:
If you're asking whether high level zergs hatch first or pool first, it's pretty easy to find the answer just by watching high level zergs play.

Hatch first.

Troll ? If not ban plz, we don't want ignorant ppl.

On October 29 2010 00:56 Benshin88 wrote:
I remember watching a stream of Steve (aka Destiny) he said that pool first/ delayed hatchery was better on ANY MAP. He tried to test this with another zerg player but in the end both economies were very similar. Only way to get the real answer somebody needs to do a systematic test to both builds.

He's right. I've already tested multiples times. The only downside about going pool first is maybe the lack of creep you get from the 2nd hatch to have sunkens placed on better positions. Economy's wise, it's exactly the same. Why is that ? Because you get the 1st queen way earlier than the hatch first assuming you go for a pool first hatch 2nd at 15-16-17 supply. Still i'd rather get pool first because of so many opening you can get. Hell i'd not mind at all to have 1 or 2 less drones overall if i go 2nd hatch at 20 supply.
On October 29 2010 01:45 zeidrichthorene wrote:
Going Hatch first at your nat means your hatchery is established before any strong timing pushes can be executed. It's pretty tough to apply enough pressure to force a cancel on a 14 hatch in general. A later hatch is easier to stop because the other races have a chance to get their production established. A bunker shouldn't be able to block a 14 hatch, because your hatch will be going down before a barracks finishes. A bunker rush next to your hatch can be expected, but that can be stopped with drone and ling control.

Hello supply ? Hello barrack ? Hello engineering bay ? Bunker isn't the only option to delay FE you know.

Whatever. I'm upset at ppl following blindly what progamers do without even experiencing themselves or asking why they're doing it.

And for the sake of being called an idiot keep in mind i've 1850+. So gogo bash.

I've did some screenshots about the hatch first vs pool first build, the idea was to get 40 drones for each bases, lemme find this topic... >_<

Edit : Can't find it T_T The search result has been kinda shortened or am i doing it wrong ? Can't find my older's posts which were probably like in the july or august's time...

Basically either one of these build had a little advantage over the other about economy but in the end it was exactly the same. Can't remember which one though. I really can't find this topic
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth. Oscar Wilde
voss
Profile Blog Joined September 2010
Australia146 Posts
October 29 2010 01:45 GMT
#35
On October 29 2010 10:28 RaiZ wrote:
Show nested quote +
On October 29 2010 02:48 Enervate wrote:
If you're asking whether high level zergs hatch first or pool first, it's pretty easy to find the answer just by watching high level zergs play.

Hatch first.

Troll ? If not ban plz, we don't want ignorant ppl.

Show nested quote +
On October 29 2010 00:56 Benshin88 wrote:
I remember watching a stream of Steve (aka Destiny) he said that pool first/ delayed hatchery was better on ANY MAP. He tried to test this with another zerg player but in the end both economies were very similar. Only way to get the real answer somebody needs to do a systematic test to both builds.

He's right. I've already tested multiples times. The only downside about going pool first is maybe the lack of creep you get from the 2nd hatch to have sunkens placed on better positions. Economy's wise, it's exactly the same. Why is that ? Because you get the 1st queen way earlier than the hatch first assuming you go for a pool first hatch 2nd at 15-16-17 supply. Still i'd rather get pool first because of so many opening you can get. Hell i'd not mind at all to have 1 or 2 less drones overall if i go 2nd hatch at 20 supply.
Show nested quote +
On October 29 2010 01:45 zeidrichthorene wrote:
Going Hatch first at your nat means your hatchery is established before any strong timing pushes can be executed. It's pretty tough to apply enough pressure to force a cancel on a 14 hatch in general. A later hatch is easier to stop because the other races have a chance to get their production established. A bunker shouldn't be able to block a 14 hatch, because your hatch will be going down before a barracks finishes. A bunker rush next to your hatch can be expected, but that can be stopped with drone and ling control.

Hello supply ? Hello barrack ? Hello engineering bay ? Bunker isn't the only option to delay FE you know.

Whatever. I'm upset at ppl following blindly what progamers do without even experiencing themselves or asking why they're doing it.

And for the sake of being called an idiot keep in mind i've 1850+. So gogo bash.

I've did some screenshots about the hatch first vs pool first build, the idea was to get 40 drones for each bases, lemme find this topic... >_<


Thank you for posting this - my thoughts exactly.

I don't understand why people are 'discussing' about the economy difference when there is none. There are several things to discuss, not economy related.

hatch first will:
- give you creep at the nat
- give you a higher hp (albeit un-cancel-able) structure for defending a well timed push
- delay lings
- delay queen #1
- show fast expand very early on
- earlier queen #2 (slightly)

pool first will
- give you queen #1 earlier
- give you lings eariler (if required)
- delay creep at nat
- possibility of denying scouting
- delayed queen #2 (slightly)

These are the differences.
I have a question regarding this:- due to the fact that you get 2nd hatch up faster, you are producing more 'energyless' larva (larva that doesn't take energy to produce). Does this mean you can squeeze in an extra creep tumor with hatch first? Or the fact that your queen comes out earlier in pool first, allowing for more energy regen, offset this?
skindzer
Profile Blog Joined May 2005
Chile5114 Posts
October 29 2010 04:49 GMT
#36
Getting an early hatch is not so much about the economy, especially because in sc2 you can have 15 drones on your main an it will be the same has having 9 on your main and 6 on your nat. The thing is, the early nat hatch just gives you a lot more early possibilites and sets you better for whatever course you want to follow in the game, you want to go macro? You can power drone like in heaven with no need to maynard. Want to go harassing?, you have more production and can spread creep better, in fact you can use the first 75 energy purely in creeps if you want which also lets you defend better against rush.

Finally, you can keep your opponent guessing more. Again, its in no WAY just for the economy, you can get the same or better economy by going with an early pool. This is pretty evident if you guys start going early hatch on ZvZ, cause you will fin that you CAN GET outmacroed by an early pool.

Hope i made it clear this keyboard is awful. (not on my pc)
Its not only the rain that brings the thunder
Palmar
Profile Blog Joined July 2010
Iceland22633 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-10-29 12:10:37
October 29 2010 10:44 GMT
#37
So, I let the build order optimizer run through the night.

link to my first reply: http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=164575#14

It did some weird shit and managed to shave off one second.

The goal was to get 50 drones and 4 lings as fast as possible, no other restraints. The fastest build was 6:17 where it went for a very early third hatch and 3 queens. But that's only one second faster than the build I already posted earlier in this thread.

10 SpawningPool M:204 G:0
10 Overlord M:100 G:0
13 Queen M:153 G:0
16 Hatchery M:305 G:0
17 Overlord M:108 G:0
19 Queen M:202 G:0
22 Overlord M:103 G:0
35 Overlord M:327 G:0
36 Overlord M:489 G:0
36 Queen M:605 G:0
39 Overlord M:405 G:0
40 Queen M:255 G:0
45 Zergling M:286 G:0
49 Zergling M:199 G:0
50 Overlord M:149 G:0

Should we consider opening 10pool into expand every game? I will most definitely give it a shot.

Computer says mafia
eXeel
Profile Joined May 2010
Denmark62 Posts
May 07 2012 21:34 GMT
#38
This is two years ago, can I still trust the comments posted in this thread or have there been any major zerg changes since?

I am only in high silver, winning and losing vs gold players atm. I have gone 15 hatch, 16 pool or so for most of my games. But I'm not sure it is worth the risk, maybe because of me rising in level (only laddered 20-25 matches or so, since changing to zerg for a challenge).
But that early queen you get with pool first, and hte faster lings, I might be more comfortable with that unless the map is large.
freetgy
Profile Joined November 2010
1720 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-05-07 21:50:51
May 07 2012 21:50 GMT
#39
If you want to go Hatch first at least be good enough to deal with a canon rush.
Hatch first is a very greedy opening. Forces Protoss 2 pressure.

Pool first is a way better opening, because of mindgames.
pwncakery
Profile Joined September 2010
Canada131 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-05-07 21:51:19
May 07 2012 21:50 GMT
#40
Holy necro batman.

In ZvT I'm going 15 hatch/16 pool, with ZvP I'm going pool first because of the chance of getting cannon rushed/hatch blocked. To avoid getting walled in against terran you can patrol a drone at the base of your ramp at 17 food or a little before 3 minutes. fwiw I'm in master league.
Prev 1 2 3 Next All
Please log in or register to reply.
Live Events Refresh
Next event in 5h 57m
[ Submit Event ]
Live Streams
Refresh
StarCraft 2
RuFF_SC2 285
Ketroc 10
StarCraft: Brood War
Sea 6160
GuemChi 2025
Artosis 731
Moletrap 6
Dota 2
monkeys_forever630
NeuroSwarm105
League of Legends
JimRising 700
Counter-Strike
Fnx 2363
taco 573
Super Smash Bros
hungrybox2046
Mew2King20
Heroes of the Storm
Khaldor173
Other Games
summit1g12889
C9.Mang0351
Maynarde177
JuggernautJason21
ViBE1
Organizations
Other Games
gamesdonequick890
Counter-Strike
PGL131
StarCraft 2
Blizzard YouTube
StarCraft: Brood War
BSLTrovo
sctven
[ Show 14 non-featured ]
StarCraft 2
• Hupsaiya 461
• davetesta48
• AfreecaTV YouTube
• intothetv
• Kozan
• IndyKCrew
• LaughNgamezSOOP
• Migwel
• sooper7s
StarCraft: Brood War
• BSLYoutube
• STPLYoutube
• ZZZeroYoutube
League of Legends
• Doublelift4397
• Rush726
Upcoming Events
Replay Cast
5h 57m
Wardi Open
8h 57m
Monday Night Weeklies
13h 57m
Replay Cast
20h 57m
Replay Cast
2 days
Replay Cast
2 days
The PondCast
3 days
KCM Race Survival
3 days
Replay Cast
3 days
Ultimate Battle
4 days
Light vs ZerO
[ Show More ]
Replay Cast
4 days
CranKy Ducklings
5 days
Replay Cast
5 days
Sparkling Tuna Cup
6 days
Replay Cast
6 days
Liquipedia Results

Completed

Acropolis #4 - TS5
PiG Sty Festival 7.0
Underdog Cup #3

Ongoing

KCM Race Survival 2026 Season 1
Jeongseon Sooper Cup
Spring Cup 2026
WardiTV Winter 2026
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
eXTREMESLAND 2025

Upcoming

ASL Season 21: Qualifier #1
ASL Season 21: Qualifier #2
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
RSL Revival: Season 4
NationLESS Cup
Asian Champions League 2026
IEM Atlanta 2026
PGL Astana 2026
BLAST Rivals Spring 2026
CCT Season 3 Global Finals
FISSURE Playground #3
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.