Introduction: Basic ideas
+ Show Spoiler [Introduction] +
Introduction
I was developing a style against zerg where I would do multiple early timing attacks while being able to make more workers than the zerg. Most protoss players will try to just macro up on 2 bases, get a 3rd base, be mostly on the defensive while getting those fancy late game units such as colossus, high templars and mothership. This play allows zerg to make a lot of workers. Zerg became very good at defending harassments from such protoss players such as void rays or warp prism so it's not effective anymore. Warp gate pushes off FFE come too late and don't work either. Like that zerg gets tons of workers and is able to outmacro the protoss, and easily establish a powerful zerg deathball of infestor broodlord in the lategame, which might be very hard to deal with as protoss. My play offers a solution to this by doing a series of powerful and early timing attacks which limit zerg play and force him on the defensive, while I can macro up with similar amounts of workers as him and sometimes even more. I don't need the fancy late game tech anymore, as I use gateway units such as zealots and stalker with powerful upgrades like +1, +2 and blink.
I was developing a style against zerg where I would do multiple early timing attacks while being able to make more workers than the zerg. Most protoss players will try to just macro up on 2 bases, get a 3rd base, be mostly on the defensive while getting those fancy late game units such as colossus, high templars and mothership. This play allows zerg to make a lot of workers. Zerg became very good at defending harassments from such protoss players such as void rays or warp prism so it's not effective anymore. Warp gate pushes off FFE come too late and don't work either. Like that zerg gets tons of workers and is able to outmacro the protoss, and easily establish a powerful zerg deathball of infestor broodlord in the lategame, which might be very hard to deal with as protoss. My play offers a solution to this by doing a series of powerful and early timing attacks which limit zerg play and force him on the defensive, while I can macro up with similar amounts of workers as him and sometimes even more. I don't need the fancy late game tech anymore, as I use gateway units such as zealots and stalker with powerful upgrades like +1, +2 and blink.
Build order and Opening
+ Show Spoiler [Opening] +
Opening Build Order
I open with a 1 gate expand, similar to YufFE expand you can find on liquidpedia, however my variation is abit different from it, which allows me to get a really early cybercore while still expanding. (~3:40 cybercore is started usually). Here's the opening build order:
PLEASE USE THE UPDATED VERSION BUILD ORDER AT THE END OF THE POST.
+ Show Spoiler [Outdated build order] +
9 pylon (chrono 2 times at 11, at 13)
13 gate (chrono at 15)
16 nexus (rally 16th probe to nat)
16 pylon (low ground)
16 zealot
18 gas
@100% pylon; chrono probes
20 core (low ground)
20 forge (high ground)
(you can not cut probes and make forge later, however makes you more vulnerable to early zerglings)
20 zealot
@100% core; warp gate
@100% forge; +1 weapon, photon cannon
(note: get +1 before photon cannon if there's no zergling threat)
28 zealot
34 3xgateways (1-3 on low ground to close wall, others on high ground depending on map)
36 twilight council (later on this)
36 pylon
36 x2 gas
(Note: Put probe to close the wall on the high ground so lings can't go in)
(Note2: Chrono your core and forge for them to be complete at 7:00 min for warp gate, 7:10 for +1)
Here's an example of the building placement on Korhal Compound:
I open with a 1 gate expand, similar to YufFE expand you can find on liquidpedia, however my variation is abit different from it, which allows me to get a really early cybercore while still expanding. (~3:40 cybercore is started usually). Here's the opening build order:
PLEASE USE THE UPDATED VERSION BUILD ORDER AT THE END OF THE POST.
+ Show Spoiler [Outdated build order] +
9 pylon (chrono 2 times at 11, at 13)
13 gate (chrono at 15)
16 nexus (rally 16th probe to nat)
16 pylon (low ground)
16 zealot
18 gas
@100% pylon; chrono probes
20 core (low ground)
20 forge (high ground)
(you can not cut probes and make forge later, however makes you more vulnerable to early zerglings)
20 zealot
@100% core; warp gate
@100% forge; +1 weapon, photon cannon
(note: get +1 before photon cannon if there's no zergling threat)
28 zealot
34 3xgateways (1-3 on low ground to close wall, others on high ground depending on map)
36 twilight council (later on this)
36 pylon
36 x2 gas
(Note: Put probe to close the wall on the high ground so lings can't go in)
(Note2: Chrono your core and forge for them to be complete at 7:00 min for warp gate, 7:10 for +1)
Here's an example of the building placement on Korhal Compound:
Early Game Timing
+ Show Spoiler [7:10 Timing Push] +
+1 Zealot Timing
Now we're getting to the interesting part, our first timing push. You will have 3 zealots now, send them out with a probe. (Probe is optional if you succeeded to hide your initial scout probe near your opponents base) Start +2 as soon as +1 finishes. Start blink after 1st wave of zealots warped.
Now you should have 1-2 pylon complete near your enemies base, and 4 zealots warp started at 7:10, your +1 should finish at that moment aswell. You will push with 7 zealots with +1 to his 3rd or natural depending on map. (Note: Killing his natural is possible with this build) Also remember doing a lot of damage is option as well, we are here to force units and hurt his drone production. Retreat if you see roaches. You should always be able to kill his 3rd if you correctly execute this build.
4 gates and +1 almost done at 7:00
7 zealots preparing to attack at 7:10
Now we're getting to the interesting part, our first timing push. You will have 3 zealots now, send them out with a probe. (Probe is optional if you succeeded to hide your initial scout probe near your opponents base) Start +2 as soon as +1 finishes. Start blink after 1st wave of zealots warped.
Now you should have 1-2 pylon complete near your enemies base, and 4 zealots warp started at 7:10, your +1 should finish at that moment aswell. You will push with 7 zealots with +1 to his 3rd or natural depending on map. (Note: Killing his natural is possible with this build) Also remember doing a lot of damage is option as well, we are here to force units and hurt his drone production. Retreat if you see roaches. You should always be able to kill his 3rd if you correctly execute this build.
4 gates and +1 almost done at 7:00
7 zealots preparing to attack at 7:10
Early-Mid Game Stalker Aggression
+ Show Spoiler [11min Blink Stalker Timing] +
Blink Stalker Harasses and 3rd Base
Our zerg buddy over here just had to make an enormous investment in units right now, what should he do now? The answer is either drone hard using the army for defense, either more larger army to attack. The blink stalker timing counters both. Let me remind you what we have: We have 4 gates, 2 bases with 3 gas mining, a twilight council, a forge. We have +2 and Blink on the way. I want to underline that +2 stalkers 3 shot zerglings instead of 4 shotting them. Aswell as 9 shot roaches instead of 11 shot, this means our early +2 will give us a huge advantage in our push.
Add 2 more gateways as soon as you can. (Depends on number of zealots you warped in first push, and if zerg is going to pressure you or not)
Remember to use terrain to your advantage, that's what blink stalkers are about.
Push with 12-18 stalkers to his 3rd while establishing a 3rd yourself. This push and 3rd should be done 10-12 min according to the responses of zerg and the investment in the 1st push.
TLDR; 12-18 blink stalker push (10-12min)
......... 3rd base behind this push (11min)
Zerg made lots of roaches to stop 1st push and he's going on the offensive, it might look like a scary push but those stalkers will have blink and +2 in some seconds, aswell as 6 more stalkers will warp once my 2 gates finish. The zerg push will be demolished with almost no losses.
Our zerg buddy over here just had to make an enormous investment in units right now, what should he do now? The answer is either drone hard using the army for defense, either more larger army to attack. The blink stalker timing counters both. Let me remind you what we have: We have 4 gates, 2 bases with 3 gas mining, a twilight council, a forge. We have +2 and Blink on the way. I want to underline that +2 stalkers 3 shot zerglings instead of 4 shotting them. Aswell as 9 shot roaches instead of 11 shot, this means our early +2 will give us a huge advantage in our push.
Add 2 more gateways as soon as you can. (Depends on number of zealots you warped in first push, and if zerg is going to pressure you or not)
Remember to use terrain to your advantage, that's what blink stalkers are about.
Push with 12-18 stalkers to his 3rd while establishing a 3rd yourself. This push and 3rd should be done 10-12 min according to the responses of zerg and the investment in the 1st push.
TLDR; 12-18 blink stalker push (10-12min)
......... 3rd base behind this push (11min)
Zerg made lots of roaches to stop 1st push and he's going on the offensive, it might look like a scary push but those stalkers will have blink and +2 in some seconds, aswell as 6 more stalkers will warp once my 2 gates finish. The zerg push will be demolished with almost no losses.
Mid-Late Game Transitions
+ Show Spoiler [Mid-Late Game] +
What to do if zerg refuses to die at 13min?
Well, do what ever you want. I would recommand either adding 1 robo and getting immortals then either adding a templar archive for high templars either robotic bay for colossus and expand. However remember our playstyle, if you haven't forgotten it's called macro-aggressive. You continue making blink stalkers off 6-12 gates, while establishing a 4th and 5th, don't be afraid to trade armies with the zerg. Start getting the lategame fancy units such as colossus, mothership and high templars, while forcing zerg on as less bases as possible, try to delay his broodlord tech as long as possible. One great example of late game is my match vs Breathe who's a zerg GM on europe.
TLDR; Get a robo or two and make Colossus.
......... Get high templars and mothership.
(Note: You can go templar archive and skip robo, but it's weak vs burrow roaches)
Late game Deathball: Believe me, you don't want to be that zerg.
Well, do what ever you want. I would recommand either adding 1 robo and getting immortals then either adding a templar archive for high templars either robotic bay for colossus and expand. However remember our playstyle, if you haven't forgotten it's called macro-aggressive. You continue making blink stalkers off 6-12 gates, while establishing a 4th and 5th, don't be afraid to trade armies with the zerg. Start getting the lategame fancy units such as colossus, mothership and high templars, while forcing zerg on as less bases as possible, try to delay his broodlord tech as long as possible. One great example of late game is my match vs Breathe who's a zerg GM on europe.
TLDR; Get a robo or two and make Colossus.
......... Get high templars and mothership.
(Note: You can go templar archive and skip robo, but it's weak vs burrow roaches)
Late game Deathball: Believe me, you don't want to be that zerg.
Strategy Replays:
+ Show Spoiler [Replays] +
You don't believe I'm that awesome? Then here's proof.
Showcase match: Facing top 100 GM zerg named Breathe
http://sc2rep.com/replays/(Z)Breathe_vs_(P)Adonminus/18143
Normal Replays: I'm sorry that most replays end at 13 min, the blink stalker push is just so strong.
Game 1: http://sc2rep.com/replays/(Z)nongminzerg_vs_(P)Adonminus/18285
Game 2: http://sc2rep.com/replays/(Z)rotab_vs_(P)Adonminus/18286
Game 3: http://sc2rep.com/replays/(P)Adonminus_vs_(Z)rotab/18287
Game 4: http://sc2rep.com/replays/(P)Adonminus_vs_(Z)AsŦSteaDy/18288
Game 5: http://sc2rep.com/replays/(Z)Deinoff_vs_(P)Adonminus/18292
Game 6: http://sc2rep.com/replays/(Z)Kellogz_vs_(P)Adonminus/18291
New: Game 10: http://sc2rep.com/replays/(Z)Dwar_vs_(P)Adonminus/18322
Holding All in: All ins always existed, thought you'd never face some?
Game 7: http://sc2rep.com/replays/(Z)Snitchables_vs_(P)Adonminus/18290
Game 8: http://sc2rep.com/replays/(P)Adonminus_vs_(Z)AsŦLoKeN/18293
Game 9: http://sc2rep.com/replays/(P)Adonminus_vs_(Z)Gamtja/18294
Refined version games: 3 first games are vs GMs, worth watching.
Game 1: http://sc2rep.com/replays/(Z)SodoN_vs_(P)NOMAdonminus/19176
Game 2: http://sc2rep.com/replays/(Z)hwbgGiantt_vs_(P)NOMAdonminus/19192
Game 3: http://sc2rep.com/replays/(P)NOMAdonminus_vs_(Z)nBǂBsK/19177
Game 4: http://sc2rep.com/replays/(Z)mylove_vs_(P)NOMAdonminus/19193
Game 5: http://sc2rep.com/replays/(P)NOMAdonminus_vs_(Z)Null/19194
Game 6: http://sc2rep.com/replays/(P)NOMAdonminus_vs_(Z)Null/19195
Game 7: http://sc2rep.com/replays/(Z)JeRic_vs_(P)NOMAdonminus/19196
Game 8: http://sc2rep.com/replays/(Z)OGWutsZurg_vs_(P)Adonminus/19008
Showcase match: Facing top 100 GM zerg named Breathe
http://sc2rep.com/replays/(Z)Breathe_vs_(P)Adonminus/18143
Normal Replays: I'm sorry that most replays end at 13 min, the blink stalker push is just so strong.
Game 1: http://sc2rep.com/replays/(Z)nongminzerg_vs_(P)Adonminus/18285
Game 2: http://sc2rep.com/replays/(Z)rotab_vs_(P)Adonminus/18286
Game 3: http://sc2rep.com/replays/(P)Adonminus_vs_(Z)rotab/18287
Game 4: http://sc2rep.com/replays/(P)Adonminus_vs_(Z)AsŦSteaDy/18288
Game 5: http://sc2rep.com/replays/(Z)Deinoff_vs_(P)Adonminus/18292
Game 6: http://sc2rep.com/replays/(Z)Kellogz_vs_(P)Adonminus/18291
New: Game 10: http://sc2rep.com/replays/(Z)Dwar_vs_(P)Adonminus/18322
Holding All in: All ins always existed, thought you'd never face some?
Game 7: http://sc2rep.com/replays/(Z)Snitchables_vs_(P)Adonminus/18290
Game 8: http://sc2rep.com/replays/(P)Adonminus_vs_(Z)AsŦLoKeN/18293
Game 9: http://sc2rep.com/replays/(P)Adonminus_vs_(Z)Gamtja/18294
Refined version games: 3 first games are vs GMs, worth watching.
Game 1: http://sc2rep.com/replays/(Z)SodoN_vs_(P)NOMAdonminus/19176
Game 2: http://sc2rep.com/replays/(Z)hwbgGiantt_vs_(P)NOMAdonminus/19192
Game 3: http://sc2rep.com/replays/(P)NOMAdonminus_vs_(Z)nBǂBsK/19177
Game 4: http://sc2rep.com/replays/(Z)mylove_vs_(P)NOMAdonminus/19193
Game 5: http://sc2rep.com/replays/(P)NOMAdonminus_vs_(Z)Null/19194
Game 6: http://sc2rep.com/replays/(P)NOMAdonminus_vs_(Z)Null/19195
Game 7: http://sc2rep.com/replays/(Z)JeRic_vs_(P)NOMAdonminus/19196
Game 8: http://sc2rep.com/replays/(Z)OGWutsZurg_vs_(P)Adonminus/19008
I added a more refined version which gives you much better macro and almost not cut workers.
Updated and Refined Version
+ Show Spoiler [Refined Version] +
9 pylon
13 gate
16 pylon (low)
17 nexus
18 zealot (could make this after core vs hatch first)
20 assimilator
22 zealot
24 core (low)
24 pylon (mostly low, depends on map)
26 forge (high or low, depends on map)
26 zealot
Warp @100% core
30 zealot (chrono)
+1 weapon @100% forge
36 x2 gates
38 pylon
40 twilight council
42 x2 Assimilators
Explanations and notes:
-Pylon before nexus allows less probe cut
-Zealots are able to hold most attacks with the help of walls, positioning or probe help. This variation also walls faster on certain maps. (Mostly with: Core-Pylon-Forge like on shakuras or cloud kingdom, or Core-2 Pylons on antiga).
-Practice the chrono distribution on core and forge so it supports your timings.
-Only 10-15 second delay in push, however same effect and much much better macro.
-You push with 4 zealots and warp 3 zealots making it 7, so the push is of the same power but we gain 150 mineral from not build a 4th gate which greatly boosts our macro.
-Continue with the build described previously in the guide. (Add twilight council, add 2 assimilators, start +2 and blink and push at 10-11 min while getting robo and 3rd)
-Take 4th assimilator in case of early roaches so you have more gas for stalkers to defend pushes.
-I have noticed that immortal high templar compositions are popular nowadays, you could easily transition to one since you both have robo and twilight council.
Here's a replay as an example:
http://sc2rep.com/replays/(Z)OGWutsZurg_vs_(P)Adonminus/19008
I hope you enjoyed reading my guide.
Good luck have fun.