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TargA's NASL Week 2 Match Preview Vs Sheth
Last Sunday marked the initiation of Mindfreak's TargA into the class of elite players that fill the ranks of NASL's competition roster. Coming off a 2-1 loss against compLexity's QXC, there's no shortage of stiff competition in sight as he prepares to face off against LiquidSheth this Sunday, April 22nd. Sheth himself springing back after a 2-1 loss to the tactical Toss White-Ra. surely both will be looking to secure a win to give themselves better placing in this particularly tough division. With so much on the line, we as viewers are sure to be in for a spectacular ZvZ.
Yes, I can say with a sense of certainty this will be a match to watch, for the Zergs out there. A match up notorious for being stale and coin flippy by most, even pro's have been quoted stating this. I subscribe to the idea that ZvZ is actually more akin to a perfect science. And indeed, as the meta-game continues to develop this becomes more true. Sheth recently stated on his stream he sees the MU as intense, and “fast paced”. It's as TLO so aptly named one of his alternate accounts, a “Game Of Drones”. True there is an element of randomness, as with any other match-up in the game. But on the battlefield where the overlord sees all, I will be watching to see who can sneak in more drones during relentless back and forth Sling/Bling aggression. I'd like to encourage viewers to think about this. TargA and Sheth are akin to magicians. Their strategies may mystify us, but trust there is an element of guile and hidden understanding in what they do.
The question then becomes, of these two players who holds more magic tricks? Luckily this isn't a competition of who has more manners. Between the two, the manner bear Sheth would easily win over TargA. Since this is a bit of a mute point on the battlefield, we can look to each players ZvZ style and tendencies instead. First and foremost, good Ling and Bling control is absolutely essential to winning the game. Both players use fairly standard openers, so it's a safe bet we'll be seeing plenty of back and forth with these units. This is certainly the fast paced aspect of the match-up, as the early game develops through attacking and counter attacking. If both players are still alive after about ten minutes, the true genius of each player can really start to shine through. Each player must correctly determine if they are ahead or behind, and then make the best possible strategical decisions to come out the victor.
Third timings, and tech timings are the name of the ZvZ mid-game. And quite possibly the most difficult part of the match. One wrong calculation and the game can end instantly. No Lair Spores or extra Queens when Mutas make an in-base appearance and the game is over. One misused larva cycle toward drones and roaches walk over your natural. Indeed ZvZ's difference between a loss and a win, is razor thin.
Sheth is a player who isn't afraid to ping pong across the map with his Ling/Bling force until he's worn down his opponent to almost no drones. His control is indeed top notch and worthy of the title, professional. With so much confidence in that aspect of the game, reaching the midgame against Sheth is almost a feat in and of itself. Once our Zerg heroes reach that point, Sheth is likely to use roaches while grabbing a quick +1 missile attack and a third base. Again, Sheth is not afraid to slowly tech in favor of constant back and forth aggression to keep his opponent busy.
TargA's style is reminiscent of a more diverse approach. Though less consistent in how he plans and chooses tech, his play can be just as threatening as Sheth's consistent aggression. We could see anything from a big Ling/Bling attack very early on few Drones, to a more macro based strategy. In essence the biggest difference is TargA's timings seem much more calculated in comparison to Sheth's sheer aggression and chipping strategies.
If TargA is to walk away with a win this weekend, he will have to stave off Sheth's stellar aggression and unit control. Both players must be in tune with when to make drones and when to make units, the lifeblood of good ZvZ play. When each player takes their third, and what tech path they choose will ultimately decide the longer running games. While checkmates will arise from proper counter attacks and Infestor micro. If TargA makes all the right decisions at the right times, and perhaps a little luck from the Overmind's flip of the coin, he has a real shot at taking the series.
Be sure to tune in to NASL this Sunday to catch the action in real time as we cheer on our favorite Norwegian Zerg. Though the odds are against him, we here at Mindfreak E-Sports are thrilled with the continued development of this great player.
~ By Stephen Spor
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Mindfreak Esports www.mindfreak-esports.com - Twitter - Facebook
SteelSeries www.steelseries.com - Twitter - Facebook
ScufGaming www.scufgaming.com - Twitter - Facebook
