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Liquipedia Weekly #5
Fighting the imbalance, or at least trying to...
It's about time we took another look at the main reason why Liquipedia was established - the strategies! This week we're going to take a look at the Speedling Expand build that originated from Sheth's ZvP guide from the beta. There are a number of important things you can take from this article, particularly what a "bronze proof" build is, how you can convert guides on the forums into articles on Liquipedia and how articles can be translated.
Speedling ExpandBefore we even get to the article itself, you will notice that this build is what we like to call "Bronze Proof". You can see this by the little bronze colored tick next to the build in the Zerg strategies list.
![[image loading]](/staff/Plexa/Liquipedia/sheth1.png)
Bronze Proof
What this means is that the build is safe to use at any level. It is very easy to execute, but at the same time viable at every level. These are the perfect type of builds to mass game with on the ladder. They will lead on to create more midgame scenarios where your mechanics and decision making can be trained. These strategies may not pay off immediately, as in your record is probably going to get a lot worse in the short term, but as you develop your skills in the long run you will be better off.
If you see a build which you think is "Bronze Proof" you can make it so simply by inserting the following code into the article:
{{Bronze Proof}}![[image loading]](/staff/Plexa/Liquipedia/sheth2.png)
Occasionally you may come across an article that has been translated. If so, you will see a list of available languages at the top of the page. Since our editors generally only edit pages in English, we can't guarantee that the translated versions are up to date or accurate - but we can say that they are a useful starting point if you can't understand English that well and happen to speak, in this case, Japanese.
![[image loading]](/staff/Plexa/Liquipedia/sheth3.png)
I can only take a guess at what that says!
If you want to contribute to the wiki by translating what has been written, we're more than happy to have you do that! If you need help getting started, or help at any point during the editing - feel free to PM a Liquipedia staff member for help!
![[image loading]](/staff/Plexa/Liquipedia/sheth4.png)
As with all Liquipedia articles, this one begins with an overview. It lets you know the basic premises of the build and the basic theory behind it. Of course, all the juicy details will come later - but this should give you a fairly good indication about whether this is a build you want to incorporate into your game or not.
![[image loading]](/staff/Plexa/Liquipedia/sheth5.png)
Now we come to the bit you wanted - the build! Since this build is really a flexible opening system, rather than a set in stone build, Liquipedia can only offer a basic build order for this opening in contrast to the Korean Warpgate article we featured earlier. The speedling expand opening easily adapts into any midgame play style the Zerg wants to employ (be it Nydus, Muta/Ling or Hydra/Roach) and thus is yet another reason why this has been pegged as a Bronze Proof build.
![[image loading]](/staff/Plexa/Liquipedia/sheth6.png)
After the build comes some explanation - in the image above I've cut out a bit of the article where it explains how to play against 1 gate Protoss. There are also details for some of the other common Protoss openings like forge expand and 2 Gate pressure. The notes written here are arguably more important than the build itself since this build is design to be as flexible as possible. That means a lot of your play will be dictated by your opponent - if he is playing a safe macro game, great, so are you, if he's playing a pressure oriented build you will have to keep to the dictated speedling : zealot ratio until you're experienced enough to be able to judge the situation by yourself.
It's very difficult to articulate and write down everything that goes on in reading your opponent and adapting the build based on what he's doing, so as always experience is crucial in dictating how you should play out the game. With that said, the advice outlined in the article should serve as an excellent starting point for a less experienced player. But remember, there is no substitute for mass gaming and experience!
This article isn't perfect, it could be improved by having a more comprehensive transition section. As in, a more detailed section outlining how the build evolves into each of the major midgame options. For instance, a few paragraphs outlining how this build can be adapted into a Muta/Ling midgame would enhance the article significantly. If you feel like you can add this detail, then go for it!. The beauty of the mediawiki format is that anyone can edit it, so please don't be afraid to!
That's it for the Speedling Expand build! As you could probably tell, this build was adapted from a forum post on TL. You too can do the same! Seen a guide that you've used/liked/experienced/written? Then add it to Liquipedia! That way the collective knowledge of the SC2 community grows, and the forum post isn't forgotten about once it's bumped off the first page. It immortalises the guide inside the wiki and many generations of gamers will give it a read.
- Liquipedia staff
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