• Log InLog In
  • Register
Liquid`
Team Liquid Liquipedia
EDT 16:03
CEST 22:03
KST 05:03
  • 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
[ASL22] Ro8 Preview: Within Reach0[ASL22] Ro8 Preview: In A Tizzy11[ASL22] Ro16 Preview: Holy Diver5[ASL22] Ro16 Preview: Rough Waters10[ASL22] Ro24 Preview: Siren's Call8
Community News
Weekly Cups (Sep 13-20): herO scores triple2BSL Season 2313Weekly Cups (Sep 7-12): SHIN, ByuN, MaxPax double down1StarCraft open world shooter announced at BlizzCon101Weekly Cups (Aug 30-Sep 7): herO thrives amid growing schism10
StarCraft 2
General
How do you feel about the StarCraft shooter announcement at BlizzCon 2026? Balance hotfix patch 5.0.16b (July 16) Blizzard Classic Cup @ BlizzCon 2026 - $100k prize pool Weekly Cups (Sep 13-20): herO scores triple The Death of Cheese: From a Professional Cheeser
Tourneys
2026 GSTL Grand Finals ScienceCraft (October 24-25) - Live Event Sparkling Tuna Cup - Weekly Open Tournament Master Swan Open (Global Bronze-Master 2) Stellar Fest TWO the Moon (Dec 16-20)
Strategy
[H] ZvP Mid-Late Game: Stalkers Collossi HT
Custom Maps
[M] (2) Sweltering Sands [M] (2) Frigid Storage
External Content
Mutation # 545 And Drops and Rifts Mutation # 544 Double Trouble The PondCast: SC2 News & Results Mutation # 543 Enhanced Defenses
Brood War
General
Bot on ladder an AI researcher's take on the ladder bot [ASL22] Ro8 Preview: Within Reach StarCraft Human 'N' AI League BW General Discussion
Tourneys
[Megathread] Daily Proleagues [ASL22] Ro8 Day 2 [ASL22] Ro8 Day 1 [IPSL] IPSL is Back With Winter 26-27!
Strategy
Cliff Jump Revisited (1 in a 1000 strategy) Replay Review Process - What do you do? Simple Questions, Simple Answers Odyssey Mineral Stack Saturation
Other Games
General Games
Stormgate/Frost Giant Megathread Total Annihilation Zero Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne Nintendo Switch Thread EVE Corporation
Dota 2
Dota 2 Champions League Season 3 Begins April 25! Official 'what is Dota anymore' discussion
League of Legends
[TL LoL EUW IHs] Teemo shall perish
Heroes of the Storm
Heroes of the Storm 2.0
Hearthstone
Deck construction bug
TL Mafia
TL Mafia Community Thread
Community
General
US Politics Mega-thread Things Aren’t Peaceful in Palestine Russo-Ukrainian War Thread Artificial Intelligence Thread All you football fans (soccer)!
Fan Clubs
MarineLorD Fan Club The Creator Fan Club The ShoWTimE Fan Club
Media & Entertainment
Movie Discussion! [Manga] One Piece Diablo Animated Series on Netflix
Sports
Football (Soccer) Thread
World Cup 2022
Tech Support
Computer Build, Upgrade & Buying Resource Thread
TL Community
Recent Gifted Posts
Blogs
Violent-Cooperative Play and…
TrAiDoS
38 yo Retired SWE loo…
PurE)Rabbit-SF
Can Bots Beat Pros?? Starcr…
namkraft
[meme] I finally understa…
LUCKY_NOOB
Regacy Esports:Our Goa…
regacyesports
Customize Sidebar...

Website Feedback

Closed Threads



Active: 10511 users

[D] Ways to Practice Macro/Micro at Work

Forum Index > StarCraft 2 Strategy
Post a Reply
1 2 3 Next All
simian_sc
Profile Joined August 2010
United States91 Posts
June 28 2012 15:05 GMT
#1
So if you have a boring desk job like I do, and are a competitive SC2 player who is always looking to practice and get better, I'm sure you've been in this same boat:

You've got all your work done for the day. You're dying to play some SC2 or at least practice and make good use of your time. But alas, the dingy laptop you use at work could in no way handle the game. Not to mention your boss coming around from time to time to make sure you're not slacking off. So what to do?

Well, for me I have found the best use of my time to be opening up notepad and spamming my macro cycle over and over again, until I can do it perfect. Even timing myself to see how few seconds I can do it in, so that when I'm in an intensive micro battle I can be on the lookout for a window where I can spare 2 seconds to run my macro cycle.

I will also sit there and practice seeing how fast I can click the tiny little stars of my Sci-Fi looking desktop background. Going from clicking in small areas to moving my mouse to the opposite end of the screen as fast and accurately as possible.

I'm sure you guys have done these types of things at some point. But I'm getting a bit sick of that same old desktop background and the bright white glare of notepad staring me in the face. So what other methods of practice do you use when you're at work or away from a computer that can run SC2? I'd love to get some new suggestions to mess around with.

TLDR: How do you practice your Macro/Micro when you are at work or away from a computer that can run SC2?
"I only speak two languages, english and bad english."
Sakagami
Profile Joined August 2011
United States56 Posts
June 28 2012 15:16 GMT
#2
Google Multi task game.
roym899
Profile Joined March 2011
Germany426 Posts
June 28 2012 15:21 GMT
#3
On June 29 2012 00:16 Sakagami wrote:
Google Multi task game.

To be honest that doesn't help you at all at SC2 imho.
ErrantMind
Profile Joined March 2012
United States63 Posts
June 28 2012 15:23 GMT
#4
minesweeper.
seriously.

try to beat easy as fast as you can, great for mouse accuracy and decision making. my best score is 14sec.
simian_sc
Profile Joined August 2010
United States91 Posts
June 28 2012 15:23 GMT
#5
I tried the Multitask game just now. It's not bad. I understand the principle behind that improving your multitasking ability. But it's a little off base as far as SC2 is concerned since you don't use those key combinations at all. Not bad though. Good suggestion!
"I only speak two languages, english and bad english."
simian_sc
Profile Joined August 2010
United States91 Posts
June 28 2012 15:24 GMT
#6
Lol. I will totally try Minesweeper, Errant.
"I only speak two languages, english and bad english."
Rinrun
Profile Joined April 2010
Canada3509 Posts
June 28 2012 15:25 GMT
#7
Google, "zerg rush". A nice little easter egg.
MBC/Liquid/TSM always.
Maxamix
Profile Joined January 2012
Canada165 Posts
June 28 2012 15:26 GMT
#8
Well i listen to streams and talk strategy and GSL with my boss.... yeah i know i'm lucky...

Else than that minesweeper is good, typing starcraft one handed adding the letters you use a lot (IE : starcraftvz for zerg)
simian_sc
Profile Joined August 2010
United States91 Posts
June 28 2012 15:35 GMT
#9
The Zerg Rush easter egg is always fun. And yeah max, I watch a lot of streams myself. I just usually do like 10-15 games against a very easy computer just practicing my build orders before I ladder or play tournaments or anything. I wish there was a way to play those at work so I could jump straight into laddering or tournaments when I got home, haha.
"I only speak two languages, english and bad english."
philipov
Profile Joined October 2010
United States81 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-06-28 17:26:50
June 28 2012 17:22 GMT
#10
I use the notepad -> macro cycle method. I find myself doing that even when I'm not at work. I think I enjoy spamming keys more than I actually enjoy playing starcraft now. I'm working on getting my "F3-F2-F1-Tab-Q-Q-4-2-1-Tab-Q-Q" pattern down to less than a second.
Any hive cluster that would trade a little economy to gain a little security deserves neither and will lose both
Frolossus
Profile Joined February 2010
United States4779 Posts
June 28 2012 17:27 GMT
#11
if the problem is simply that your comp can't handle sc2 at work then maybe bring in bw on a flash drive?
Flooz
Profile Joined April 2012
United States37 Posts
June 28 2012 17:56 GMT
#12
i usually do the clicking of the desktop background, making boxes and trying to be as accurate as possible. i like the notepad idea. i amdefinitely going to try it out
"There is nothing cooler than being proud of the things you love" - Day[9]
skycobra
Profile Joined December 2010
Canada14 Posts
June 28 2012 18:16 GMT
#13
Osu is a good game for mouse accuracy! But it is fairly obvious that you are playing a game.. I guess you could also try out those build order programs that are out there for seeing timings of builds..?
Awesome thread btw, i want more ideas too!!
<3 SaSe, grubby, MaNa
simian_sc
Profile Joined August 2010
United States91 Posts
June 28 2012 21:43 GMT
#14
On June 29 2012 02:27 Frolossus wrote:
if the problem is simply that your comp can't handle sc2 at work then maybe bring in bw on a flash drive?


o.O You can play BW off a flash drive? Or are you saying just install it?
"I only speak two languages, english and bad english."
simian_sc
Profile Joined August 2010
United States91 Posts
June 28 2012 21:48 GMT
#15
Great ideas, guys! Keep em comin!

What I would love to see is some sort of browser based/flash game that was a mock up of SC2 that would allow you to practice some simple things like splitting, timings, stutter stepping, macroing without getting supply blocked and keeping your money low. Basically like one of the custom trainers but not on StarCraft, lol.
"I only speak two languages, english and bad english."
TheZanthex
Profile Joined January 2012
United States144 Posts
June 28 2012 22:17 GMT
#16
On June 29 2012 06:43 simian_sc wrote:
Show nested quote +
On June 29 2012 02:27 Frolossus wrote:
if the problem is simply that your comp can't handle sc2 at work then maybe bring in bw on a flash drive?


o.O You can play BW off a flash drive? Or are you saying just install it?


You can play it off a flash drive. I've done it before at my school. :D
IdrA fan for life, man. <3
Mavvie
Profile Blog Joined May 2012
Canada923 Posts
July 01 2012 02:56 GMT
#17
Hey! This topic intrigues me, so I plan on spending this weekend and week developing a (simple) 2D mockup of SC2, where you can practice macro mechanics (injects, constant production, supply blocks, etc) in various minigames. I may add some simple micro games, but adding the AI, models, and information for every unit would be a lot of work (herp derp that's why there's development teams). Either way, it will be a fun project, and I will post here when done/looking for feedback! Basically it's going to be SC2 with SC1 graphics, hopefully will be believable enough ^^
Getting back into sc2 O_o
uLaLuLaLume
Profile Joined May 2012
Canada75 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-07-01 21:33:17
July 01 2012 03:20 GMT
#18
Is the OP for real? Spamming macro cycle in Notepad/spam-clicking desktop background to increase apm/precision whilst at work? It never fails to astound me; how utterly, and pathetically desperate some people can be to get better at this game. Am I really the only person who laughed at this? There are far more efficacious, and far less pathetic methods of evoking the sort of improvement the OP so desperately desires. Stop taking the game so seriously, bro. And I would recommend a thorough re-evaluation of how (productively) you're spending your 'spare' time at work. When you're actually playing the game is the time for improvement.

User was banned for PBU/8 mod actions in 74 posts.
Ksquared
Profile Joined July 2011
United States1748 Posts
July 01 2012 03:34 GMT
#19
Its something to do while bored at work.
eSports for life.
CursOr
Profile Blog Joined January 2009
United States6335 Posts
July 01 2012 04:04 GMT
#20
My job itself is pretty good practice. Lots of multitasking and stress and computer work. I don't even get a spare second to do anything

But, I am considering getting a lap top to play some SC2 on my lunches! That would be a great way to get practice in.
CJ forever (-_-(-_-(-_-(-_-)-_-)-_-)-_-)
1 2 3 Next All
Please log in or register to reply.
Live Events Refresh
BSL Open Qualifier
19:00
Jungsu & Hasu #1
LiquipediaDiscussion
BSL Open Qualifier
19:00
PRO & GOSU #1
LiquipediaDiscussion
[ Submit Event ]
Live Streams
Refresh
StarCraft 2
mouzHeroMarine 457
IndyStarCraft 288
JuggernautJason50
StarCraft: Brood War
Britney 19080
Shuttle 830
Artosis 780
Dewaltoss 132
White-Ra 101
firebathero 92
ZZZero.O 72
Mong 59
League of Legends
Doublelift1739
Counter-Strike
fl0m7923
apEX2365
shoxiejesuss2017
pashabiceps1510
Super Smash Bros
hungrybox314
Mew2King40
Heroes of the Storm
Liquid`Hasu702
Other Games
Liquid`RaSZi2789
B2W.Neo889
ArmadaUGS131
QueenE86
ToD28
Organizations
Other Games
gamesdonequick1032
StarCraft 2
WardiTV665
StarCraft: Brood War
Kim Chul Min (afreeca) 8
lovetv 6
[ Show 17 non-featured ]
StarCraft 2
• StrangeGG 55
• Adnapsc2 13
• Reevou 8
• Migwel
• AfreecaTV YouTube
• intothetv
• Kozan
• IndyKCrew
StarCraft: Brood War
• HerbMon 35
• Azhi_Dahaki16
• Michael_bg 10
• STPLYoutube
• ZZZeroYoutube
• BSLYoutube
Dota 2
• C_a_k_e 6587
• WagamamaTV856
Other Games
• Shiphtur270
Upcoming Events
OSC
2h 57m
Replay Cast
3h 57m
Afreeca Starleague
13h 57m
Soma vs Jaedong
WardiTV Weekly
14h 57m
Monday Night Weeklies
19h 57m
Sparkling Tuna Cup
1d 13h
Afreeca Starleague
1d 13h
Leta vs Soulkey
PiGosaur Cup
2 days
Kung Fu Cup
2 days
The PondCast
3 days
[ Show More ]
Replay Cast
4 days
CranKy Ducklings
5 days
Online Event
5 days
FEL
5 days
BSL: Ladder Tournament
5 days
Sparkling Tuna Cup
6 days
BSL Open Qualifier
6 days
BSL Open Qualifier
6 days
Liquipedia Results

Completed

Acropolis #5 - GSA
Blizzard Classic Cup 2026
Calamity Invitational

Ongoing

ASL Season 22
Super Anchor Qualifying S3
CSL 2026 AUTUMN (S22)
Acropolis #5
1win Private Club #1
Logitech G Play Connect 2026
SL StarSeries Fall 2026
FISSURE Playground #3
BLAST Open Fall 2026
Esports World Cup 2026
BLAST Bounty Summer 2026
BLAST Bounty Summer Qual
Stake Ranked Episode 3

Upcoming

Acropolis #5 - GSB
Acropolis #5 - GSC
BSL Season 23
SC4ALL II: Brood War
BSL 23: Non-Korean Championship
HSC XXX
Stellar Fest 2: Lunar Cup
SC4ALL II: StarCraft II
Kung Fu Cup 2026 Grand Finals
RSL Offline Finals
Custodian Cup
Copium Cup
PGL Major Singapore 2026
Stake Ranked Episode 6
BLAST Rivals Fall 2026
IEM Beijing 2026
Stake Ranked Episode 5
PGL Masters Bucharest 2026
1win Private Club #2
Thunderpick World Champ. '26
ESL Pro League Season 24
Stake Ranked Episode 4
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.