[G] ZvZ Roach/Ling All-In (Or is it?)
Hello Ladies and Gentlemen of Team Liquid!
It is with great pleasure that I present a new guide to an alternative style in my favorite matchup, Zerg vs Zerg. Those of you who read my last ZvZ guide know why it is my favorite: there are plenty of opportunities to be constantly - one could say relentlessly - aggressive.
While this may be my preferred approach to the matchup, I know there are many Zerg players who prefer a more economy-focused style. That's why I've recommended two opening build orders: one "aggressive", the other one "macro". Regardless of how you choose to play out the opening, your mid-game goal will be the same in terms of economy and timing attack:
Economy: 3 Queens, 3Hatcheries, 38 Drones.
Timing Attack: 9:15-10:00, 16-22 Roaches, 20-30 Speedlings.
Whether you choose to execute this timing attack as an all-in by streaming constant reinforcements or merely as pressure to do damage while you secure an upgrade/worker advantage is completely up to you - but the stream videos will analyse not only a variety of ways to macro up and execute this potent midgame timing attack, but also a variety of ways to transition out of the style and into the later stages of the game.
Build Order - Aggressive Opening:
+ Show Spoiler +
Note: Due to the explosive nature of ZvZ, this is a tentative build order meant to serve as a reference for ideal goals/timings. It's important to know the steps of the build, but there will be numerous situations that may prompt you to deviate. For learning purposes, I highly recommend watching the stream episodes in the order they're presented throughout the guide - all of the replay analysis features games against Top Master/Grandmaster players:
Tutorial 1: When, Why, and How to Execute a Speedling All-In
Tutorial 2: Defending All-Ins with the "Aggressive" Opening.
15Pool
15Gas
17Hatchery
16Queen
18Overlord
18-21Zerglings and speed with first 100 gas, remove from geyser - should have 16 Drones 2 per patch in main, so you can rally main hatchery to expansion. (Note: If opponent goes hatch first, you only need 1 set of lings instead of 3.)
21Queen (Inject/transfer first Queen to expansion)
23Overlord
23-24 you can produce a ling or drone, depending on how aggressive you want to be.
First Inject used on lings (speed will finish as these lings do, allowing you to move out/pressure.
29-32 you can produce lings or drones, depending on how aggressive you want to be. You have the option to Speedling All-In (Lings to 44+). If not...
32~ Spine at expansion, start refilling the gas in the mid/late 30s.
42~ 2nd Gas, Macro Hatch, Roach Warren (42 is rough, you do this as you start to reach full saturation at expansion ie. 16 drones)
48~ Cut drones (Reach 2Drones x 16 Mineral Patches = 32 Drones) + (3 Drones x 2 Geysers = 6 Drones) = 38 Drones), produce 3rd queen and 4-5 overlords.
48-84~ Roaches. Build a minimum of 16, ideally 20-22.
84 Overlord x2
Use a triple-inject on Lings, then begin to transition by building 10 drones (2 to construct geysers, 6 to fill it up, 2 for evolution chambers. Note: You can do these steps before producing your Zerglings if you want to be more macro/transition oriented.
View the "Transition" section for the follow-up to the timing attacks
Tutorial 1: When, Why, and How to Execute a Speedling All-In
Tutorial 2: Defending All-Ins with the "Aggressive" Opening.
15Pool
15Gas
17Hatchery
16Queen
18Overlord
18-21Zerglings and speed with first 100 gas, remove from geyser - should have 16 Drones 2 per patch in main, so you can rally main hatchery to expansion. (Note: If opponent goes hatch first, you only need 1 set of lings instead of 3.)
21Queen (Inject/transfer first Queen to expansion)
23Overlord
23-24 you can produce a ling or drone, depending on how aggressive you want to be.
First Inject used on lings (speed will finish as these lings do, allowing you to move out/pressure.
29-32 you can produce lings or drones, depending on how aggressive you want to be. You have the option to Speedling All-In (Lings to 44+). If not...
32~ Spine at expansion, start refilling the gas in the mid/late 30s.
42~ 2nd Gas, Macro Hatch, Roach Warren (42 is rough, you do this as you start to reach full saturation at expansion ie. 16 drones)
48~ Cut drones (Reach 2Drones x 16 Mineral Patches = 32 Drones) + (3 Drones x 2 Geysers = 6 Drones) = 38 Drones), produce 3rd queen and 4-5 overlords.
48-84~ Roaches. Build a minimum of 16, ideally 20-22.
84 Overlord x2
Use a triple-inject on Lings, then begin to transition by building 10 drones (2 to construct geysers, 6 to fill it up, 2 for evolution chambers. Note: You can do these steps before producing your Zerglings if you want to be more macro/transition oriented.
View the "Transition" section for the follow-up to the timing attacks
Build Order - Economic Opening:
+ Show Spoiler +
Note: Again this is a tentative build order, and deviations may be necessary depending on your opponent's build order:
Tutorial 3: Optimal Economic Opening
Tutorial 4: Defending All-Ins with the "Economic Opening"
15Hatch
17Pool
18Gas - Reach 16-drone saturation in main and next two Drones rallied into gas, then rally to expansion. Against hatch-first, I generally opt for 2 drones in gas instead of three until 28 supply when I put in the third drone.
18 Overlord
18-20 Drones
20 Double Queen (Normal to have a small supply block here)
24-26 Drones (Optional 1 Zergling to scout)
26 Overlord
26-28 Drones (28th Drone rallied into main geyser to fill it)
28-32 Drones
32 Spine / 3rd Queen / 2nd Gas
32 Overlord
32 Double inject finishes, use on drones (If absolutely necessary, lings).
44 Macro Hatch, Roach Warren (Replace Drones to 44), Zergling Speed - notice not rushing for ling speed.
44 Supply - If you've built 0 Lings, you should be at exactly 38 drones. (2Drones x 16 Mineral Patches = 32 Drones) + (3 Drones x 2 Geysers = 6 Drones) = 38 Drones) if your opponent moves out with ling/baneling all-in, complete the wall-in with evolution chambers and build 3-4 spines/zerglings while you wait for roaches
44 Overlordsx6 (Up to 94 supply)
44-94 Roaches
94 2xOverlords
94-104 Speedlings rallied to the roaches
104+ Build enough drones to start/fill the two other gas geysers, as well as 2 extra for evolution chambers. Start your lair and a total of 10 Drones, putting you at exactly 44 workers. If your opponent shows no signs of roaches and is able to hold off your attack, it's usually a good idea to anticipate mutalisks and produce additional queens and drones to build spores.
View the "Transitions" section for follow-ups to the Roach/Ling timing attack.
Tutorial 3: Optimal Economic Opening
Tutorial 4: Defending All-Ins with the "Economic Opening"
15Hatch
17Pool
18Gas - Reach 16-drone saturation in main and next two Drones rallied into gas, then rally to expansion. Against hatch-first, I generally opt for 2 drones in gas instead of three until 28 supply when I put in the third drone.
18 Overlord
18-20 Drones
20 Double Queen (Normal to have a small supply block here)
24-26 Drones (Optional 1 Zergling to scout)
26 Overlord
26-28 Drones (28th Drone rallied into main geyser to fill it)
28-32 Drones
32 Spine / 3rd Queen / 2nd Gas
32 Overlord
32 Double inject finishes, use on drones (If absolutely necessary, lings).
44 Macro Hatch, Roach Warren (Replace Drones to 44), Zergling Speed - notice not rushing for ling speed.
44 Supply - If you've built 0 Lings, you should be at exactly 38 drones. (2Drones x 16 Mineral Patches = 32 Drones) + (3 Drones x 2 Geysers = 6 Drones) = 38 Drones) if your opponent moves out with ling/baneling all-in, complete the wall-in with evolution chambers and build 3-4 spines/zerglings while you wait for roaches
44 Overlordsx6 (Up to 94 supply)
44-94 Roaches
94 2xOverlords
94-104 Speedlings rallied to the roaches
104+ Build enough drones to start/fill the two other gas geysers, as well as 2 extra for evolution chambers. Start your lair and a total of 10 Drones, putting you at exactly 44 workers. If your opponent shows no signs of roaches and is able to hold off your attack, it's usually a good idea to anticipate mutalisks and produce additional queens and drones to build spores.
View the "Transitions" section for follow-ups to the Roach/Ling timing attack.
Opening Overview #1: Tang vs iPBellini (Aggressive Opening)
+ Show Spoiler +
Click Here for Replay Analysis of Tang vs iPBellini
1) 15Pool 15 Gas:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/g5qe6.jpg)
2) 17 Hatchery:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/Z8lTm.jpg)
3) 3 Sets of Lings, then some drones until first inject where you build 4 more sets of lings:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/dK1Jd.jpg)
4) As you push out with 14-16Speedlings, build one spine and drone:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/mxLxh.jpg)
5) Engage the front, kill some banes, force him to build units:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/2Yuf8.jpg)
6) Secure lead by skipping banes and harassing opponent:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/TQ5WJ.jpg)
7) Remember that macro hatch around 42 supply, and second gas then warren:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/A8NVv.jpg)
8) Move out when you've amassed a decent roach count (using most of gas). Lings rallied!
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/4p5xw.jpg)
9) Engage the front:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/JnVVm.jpg)
10) Kill what you can, squeeze out some drones behind it:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/Ghk8G.jpg)
11) The evolution chambers were late this time, could have been built after roaches:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/wnMU5.jpg)
12) 4 Spores (2 per base) is plenty to defend while you bank up some gas and minerals:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/B65HE.jpg)
13) Hydra Den + Infestation pit for a nice 2base +1/+1 timing:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/DxAUg.jpg)
14) Getting all those upgrades...and LOTS of lings while gas is spent on infestorhydra
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/aJH1k.jpg)
15) A multi-pronged counter attack (roaches to natural, lings to third) forces his mutas to stop harassing and also shuts down his 3rd:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/DxAUg.jpg)
16) Pull the units back home to meet up with infestor/hydra:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/fHi7L.jpg)
17) Move out!
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/1EV79.jpg)
18) Opponent sets up a good flank, but hydras in back doing lots of damage:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/KhW08.jpg)
19) Able to break through with a large group of reinforcing lings:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/PkDLJ.jpg)
20) Bringing some queens along to transfuse and break the natural:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/CzsiD.jpg)
21) GG:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/955lL.jpg)
1) 15Pool 15 Gas:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/g5qe6.jpg)
2) 17 Hatchery:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/Z8lTm.jpg)
3) 3 Sets of Lings, then some drones until first inject where you build 4 more sets of lings:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/dK1Jd.jpg)
4) As you push out with 14-16Speedlings, build one spine and drone:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/mxLxh.jpg)
5) Engage the front, kill some banes, force him to build units:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/2Yuf8.jpg)
6) Secure lead by skipping banes and harassing opponent:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/TQ5WJ.jpg)
7) Remember that macro hatch around 42 supply, and second gas then warren:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/A8NVv.jpg)
8) Move out when you've amassed a decent roach count (using most of gas). Lings rallied!
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/4p5xw.jpg)
9) Engage the front:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/JnVVm.jpg)
10) Kill what you can, squeeze out some drones behind it:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/Ghk8G.jpg)
11) The evolution chambers were late this time, could have been built after roaches:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/wnMU5.jpg)
12) 4 Spores (2 per base) is plenty to defend while you bank up some gas and minerals:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/B65HE.jpg)
13) Hydra Den + Infestation pit for a nice 2base +1/+1 timing:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/DxAUg.jpg)
14) Getting all those upgrades...and LOTS of lings while gas is spent on infestorhydra
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/aJH1k.jpg)
15) A multi-pronged counter attack (roaches to natural, lings to third) forces his mutas to stop harassing and also shuts down his 3rd:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/DxAUg.jpg)
16) Pull the units back home to meet up with infestor/hydra:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/fHi7L.jpg)
17) Move out!
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/1EV79.jpg)
18) Opponent sets up a good flank, but hydras in back doing lots of damage:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/KhW08.jpg)
19) Able to break through with a large group of reinforcing lings:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/PkDLJ.jpg)
20) Bringing some queens along to transfuse and break the natural:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/CzsiD.jpg)
21) GG:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/955lL.jpg)
Opening Overview #2: Tang vs Lynissea (Economic Opening)
+ Show Spoiler +
Click Here for Replay Analysis of Tang vs Lynissea
1) 15 Hatchery
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/SKAc9.jpg)
2) 16 Pool
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/OXJpX.jpg)
3) 17 Gas
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/l4Hza.jpg)
4) Reach Full Saturation in Main (2 per patch, 16 Drones) Rally next 3 drones into geyser:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/2mjJA.jpg)
5) The Overlord has scouted my opponent went hatch first. I know I'm safe for a while to drone to 26, get another overlord, continue droning and queue up third queen at expansion. Around 5minutes or 32supply is when you start a spine at the front:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/B0yPv.jpg)
6) Around this time (low 30s of supply) Start rallying into gas geysers. Don't disrupt those mineral miners.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/TZwDD.jpg)
7) Do not forget that overlord around 32 supply! It's a common mistake notice injects are coming up.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/highQ.jpg)
8) after the big wave of drones, start your 2nd gas at your expansion.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/V3ej6.jpg)
9) Commence your expansion wall-in by building a macro hatch around 42 supply:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/Xz4vo.jpg)
10) Use your warren as part of the wall right after, also 42~ supply. In a desperate situation, you can complete the wall-in with evolution chambers:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/79uAc.jpg)
11) Start overlord production for roaches. Double-check your mineral and gas saturation. You should have precisely 38 drones (32 mining minerals, 6 mining gas):
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/wdNig.jpg)
12) If you build extra drones, start the gas geysers and fill them - you need gas for the transition anyway.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/BXats.jpg)
13) As you're building roaches, squeeze out 2 drones to put down your evo chambers. Don't start the evolution chambers until after you've built 16+ Roaches for your first attack.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/ax407.jpg)
14) Once your roaches move out, use a triple-inject of Zerglings for produce 22+ Zerglings. They will catch up and supplement your attack.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/H6X2V.jpg)
15) Start your evolution chamber upgrades with your first 250 gas after Roaches.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/401TV.jpg)
16) Start your Lair, and make sure you have filled all the gas geysers and you're still double-mining every mineral patch:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/8yNVB.jpg)
17) Most games you will break the front, but sometimes you can up the ramp:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/0docA.jpg)
18) Drones are always a great target:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/jUGEB.jpg)
19) GG:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/yL1ky.jpg)
20) My follow-up would have been spores in each mineral line, Roaches with speed and +1+1 as well as infestors. I would use Roach counter-attacks to ensure he does not take a third:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/OkYDS.jpg)
1) 15 Hatchery
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/SKAc9.jpg)
2) 16 Pool
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/OXJpX.jpg)
3) 17 Gas
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/l4Hza.jpg)
4) Reach Full Saturation in Main (2 per patch, 16 Drones) Rally next 3 drones into geyser:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/2mjJA.jpg)
5) The Overlord has scouted my opponent went hatch first. I know I'm safe for a while to drone to 26, get another overlord, continue droning and queue up third queen at expansion. Around 5minutes or 32supply is when you start a spine at the front:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/B0yPv.jpg)
6) Around this time (low 30s of supply) Start rallying into gas geysers. Don't disrupt those mineral miners.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/TZwDD.jpg)
7) Do not forget that overlord around 32 supply! It's a common mistake notice injects are coming up.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/highQ.jpg)
8) after the big wave of drones, start your 2nd gas at your expansion.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/V3ej6.jpg)
9) Commence your expansion wall-in by building a macro hatch around 42 supply:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/Xz4vo.jpg)
10) Use your warren as part of the wall right after, also 42~ supply. In a desperate situation, you can complete the wall-in with evolution chambers:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/79uAc.jpg)
11) Start overlord production for roaches. Double-check your mineral and gas saturation. You should have precisely 38 drones (32 mining minerals, 6 mining gas):
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/wdNig.jpg)
12) If you build extra drones, start the gas geysers and fill them - you need gas for the transition anyway.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/BXats.jpg)
13) As you're building roaches, squeeze out 2 drones to put down your evo chambers. Don't start the evolution chambers until after you've built 16+ Roaches for your first attack.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/ax407.jpg)
14) Once your roaches move out, use a triple-inject of Zerglings for produce 22+ Zerglings. They will catch up and supplement your attack.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/H6X2V.jpg)
15) Start your evolution chamber upgrades with your first 250 gas after Roaches.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/401TV.jpg)
16) Start your Lair, and make sure you have filled all the gas geysers and you're still double-mining every mineral patch:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/8yNVB.jpg)
17) Most games you will break the front, but sometimes you can up the ramp:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/0docA.jpg)
18) Drones are always a great target:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/jUGEB.jpg)
19) GG:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/yL1ky.jpg)
20) My follow-up would have been spores in each mineral line, Roaches with speed and +1+1 as well as infestors. I would use Roach counter-attacks to ensure he does not take a third:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/OkYDS.jpg)
Transitioning against Roaches or Mutas:
+ Show Spoiler +
Before building a single roach, you've reached optimal 2base mineral saturation (32 drones mining minerals). Regardless of how you transition, it's very important to maintain this saturation while adding buildings and evolution chambers. You actually want to aim to sit at 44 drones (6 more than 38 to fill the gases).
If you build 8 new drones to construct/fill the two additional geysers, and additional drones for structures, you're almost guaranteed to have mined more minerals than your opponent - and at the VERY least, deny their third base. Now transitioning just depends whether your opponent goes Muta or Roach.
Against opponents who go Roaches, I generally prefer to stay on 2 bases with a macro hatch to out-mass roaches against opponents who go roaches, because I've likely denied/forced the cancel at my opponent's third AND done significant damage to his natural. If I time +1+1 Range/Armor before starting the Lair, and start Roach speed 50-seconds into the +1+1 upgrades, all upgrades will finish at the same time which lets me hit another nice timing. It's very possible to FORCE your Roaching opponent to stay on two bases with you, where you have the army/upgrade advantage:
If your opponent goes Mutas, it'll be good for you to produce more than the10 drones necessary to fill the gas/start evo chambers because you're going to need at least 4 spores (2 per base) to defend your mineral lines/gas/structures. If you suspect or scout Muta, also pull you overlords back to your base and consider producing 2-3 extra queens (so you're sitting with 2 spores at each base and 5~ Queens.) As you do all this, you're banking up gas - this gives you unique opportunities to hit some nice timings with Infestor/Roach or even Infestor/Roach/Hydra:
In both scenarios, you may not opt for a two-base timing. It's viable to take a third with +1+1, drone up and play defensive with Roach/Spine until you get infestors out. I usually lean towards the constant 2-base aggression since you have the macro hatch, but some games your macro may slip or it may just be correct to take a third. From here, you have a lot of options of how you play your 3-bases with a macro-hatch. My recommendation is some variation of a 66 Drone Economy (2x24minerals) + (3x6gas) = 66 Drones. This allows you to fully saturate your minerals/gas, so you can max out with +2+2 Infestor/Roach/Hydra or Infestor/Roach. I think very aggressive 3base styles with either nydus worms, burrow or drop harass is stronger than 4-base Hive style, but that's up to you![](/mirror/smilies/smile.gif)
If you build 8 new drones to construct/fill the two additional geysers, and additional drones for structures, you're almost guaranteed to have mined more minerals than your opponent - and at the VERY least, deny their third base. Now transitioning just depends whether your opponent goes Muta or Roach.
Against opponents who go Roaches, I generally prefer to stay on 2 bases with a macro hatch to out-mass roaches against opponents who go roaches, because I've likely denied/forced the cancel at my opponent's third AND done significant damage to his natural. If I time +1+1 Range/Armor before starting the Lair, and start Roach speed 50-seconds into the +1+1 upgrades, all upgrades will finish at the same time which lets me hit another nice timing. It's very possible to FORCE your Roaching opponent to stay on two bases with you, where you have the army/upgrade advantage:
If your opponent goes Mutas, it'll be good for you to produce more than the10 drones necessary to fill the gas/start evo chambers because you're going to need at least 4 spores (2 per base) to defend your mineral lines/gas/structures. If you suspect or scout Muta, also pull you overlords back to your base and consider producing 2-3 extra queens (so you're sitting with 2 spores at each base and 5~ Queens.) As you do all this, you're banking up gas - this gives you unique opportunities to hit some nice timings with Infestor/Roach or even Infestor/Roach/Hydra:
In both scenarios, you may not opt for a two-base timing. It's viable to take a third with +1+1, drone up and play defensive with Roach/Spine until you get infestors out. I usually lean towards the constant 2-base aggression since you have the macro hatch, but some games your macro may slip or it may just be correct to take a third. From here, you have a lot of options of how you play your 3-bases with a macro-hatch. My recommendation is some variation of a 66 Drone Economy (2x24minerals) + (3x6gas) = 66 Drones. This allows you to fully saturate your minerals/gas, so you can max out with +2+2 Infestor/Roach/Hydra or Infestor/Roach. I think very aggressive 3base styles with either nydus worms, burrow or drop harass is stronger than 4-base Hive style, but that's up to you
![](/mirror/smilies/smile.gif)
Transition Overview #1: Tang vs EGMachine (Transition Against Roaches)
+ Show Spoiler +
Click Here for Replay Analysis against EGMachine
1) Roach-Ling Engages Expansion, I scout roaches as they come out:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/32w7L.jpg)
2) I continue to engage and trade armies:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/tbbpu.jpg)
3) Once pressure has died down, I check for a third and pull back:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/QFUNJ.jpg)
4) The evo chambers, 3rd-4th gas, and lair all start. Also droning a bit:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/IdXCl.jpg)
5) The last roaches took out a good amount of drones and secured me an economic lead:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/3Ie1m.jpg)
6) His upgrades will finish earlier, but he has no third and a smaller army. I use my defender's advantage:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/st9q8.jpg)
7) Once my +1+1 and Speed finish, I can go for another Roach timing attack while I tech for a few Infestors:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/qBbBp.jpg)
8) I follow it up with a 2 Infestor, Mass Roach timing:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/OtW5S.jpg)
9) With a few clutch fungals, I engage favorably:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/Brg8j.jpg)
10) GG:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/tzSDL.jpg)
1) Roach-Ling Engages Expansion, I scout roaches as they come out:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/32w7L.jpg)
2) I continue to engage and trade armies:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/tbbpu.jpg)
3) Once pressure has died down, I check for a third and pull back:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/QFUNJ.jpg)
4) The evo chambers, 3rd-4th gas, and lair all start. Also droning a bit:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/IdXCl.jpg)
5) The last roaches took out a good amount of drones and secured me an economic lead:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/3Ie1m.jpg)
6) His upgrades will finish earlier, but he has no third and a smaller army. I use my defender's advantage:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/st9q8.jpg)
7) Once my +1+1 and Speed finish, I can go for another Roach timing attack while I tech for a few Infestors:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/qBbBp.jpg)
8) I follow it up with a 2 Infestor, Mass Roach timing:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/OtW5S.jpg)
9) With a few clutch fungals, I engage favorably:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/Brg8j.jpg)
10) GG:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/tzSDL.jpg)
Transition Overview #2: Tang vs RedAlert (Transition Against Mutas)
+ Show Spoiler +
Click Here for Replay Analysis against RedAlert
1) Roach/Ling Timing arrives:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/CezWF.jpg)
2) Evo Chambers + Lair (Upgrades a bit late):
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/EOOZ6.jpg)
3) Mutas start attacking my roaches, I spore up main and natural:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/VKM99.jpg)
4) Some form of tech is important against Mutas, this game I chose Infestors:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/YU5u6.jpg)
5) I pull all the overlords back to the main over the spore crawlers:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/OnksK.jpg)
6) When Pathogen Glands is 31Seconds into its research, I build 6 Infestors:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/V5oI4.jpg)
7) Once the Infestors and +1+1 Roaches are out, it's time to hit:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/l8221.jpg)
8) Essential to kill his third:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/tvhfa.jpg)
9) Moving up into the natural:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/zVaeJ.jpg)
10) GG:
1) Roach/Ling Timing arrives:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/CezWF.jpg)
2) Evo Chambers + Lair (Upgrades a bit late):
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/EOOZ6.jpg)
3) Mutas start attacking my roaches, I spore up main and natural:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/VKM99.jpg)
4) Some form of tech is important against Mutas, this game I chose Infestors:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/YU5u6.jpg)
5) I pull all the overlords back to the main over the spore crawlers:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/OnksK.jpg)
6) When Pathogen Glands is 31Seconds into its research, I build 6 Infestors:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/V5oI4.jpg)
7) Once the Infestors and +1+1 Roaches are out, it's time to hit:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/l8221.jpg)
8) Essential to kill his third:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/tvhfa.jpg)
9) Moving up into the natural:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/zVaeJ.jpg)
10) GG:
Unit Composition/Roles/Micro:
+ Show Spoiler +
Executing the Roach/Speedling Timing Attack:
It's very important to engage properly with your Roach/Speedling timing. As a Universal Rule, always lead in with your Roaches and follow through with the Speedlings - Roaches are your "tanks" and the more damage they take, the more damage your Zerglings will do.
If your opponents have a Banelings as part of their defense, you want to ensure they're being either focused by a Roach or running into the Roaches instead of your 22+ Zerglings. Keeping Roaches on one control group and Zerglings on a second is recommended so that you can quickly maneuver your Zerglings. Roaches generally should target Banelings --> Spinecrawlers --> Zerglings/Drones --> Roaches. Banelings must die because they do too much damage to Zerglings, and Spines are very high DPS against your Roaches.
Likewise against a Zergling/Spine defense, don't be afraid to manually select 6-8 roaches to focus spire spinecrawlers. If your opponent has too many spines, you want to either back off to kill their third and transition, or try to force your way up the ramp. If you manage to kill his Zerglings, you can usually break into the main. If any of the spines are out of position (too far to the left or right) try to engage from the opposite side so that fewer spines are in range to attack your units. Below are some of the other units and their uses:
Overlord
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/6me3k.png)
Make a straight line of vision from your base to your opponent's base. In the early stages, you can escape Queens with your Overlords so there's no need to keep them pulled back. It is crucial to have Overlord vision of possible avenues that Zerglings can sneak to your base, especially if you're playing a macro-opening that requires you to build defensive Zerglings at a moment's notice. Later, your Roach/Ling push will inform you if your opponent is going Mutalisks, giving you time to pull the Overlords back to safety.
Overseer
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/lhMRN.png)
In the mid-game, if you're ever unsure of your opponent's tech choice, you can find out for 50min/50 gas. Overseers are great to scout around the base and even drop a changeling to scout what he's doing with larva / where his units are going. Overseers are also used defensively once you establish a third - it's crucial to have one detecting the laneway into your third base and your natural since players may move on these bases burrowed Infestors or Roaches.
Queen
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/csctw.png)
Queens are the lynch-pin of early defense. Walling off your ramp with a spine crawler in range can be the difference between losing and winning. Queens also add wonders to Zergling on Zergling battles, so don't be afraid to take a little damage on your queen while you're fighting. If you build your 3rd Queen early in the macro-style opening, you can either spread tumors or save for transfuse - creep spread is not a huge concern in the majority of ZvZ games. Additional Queens can be constructed in response to Mutalisks as well - 5 Queens and a few Spores can keep you very safe while you tech to Infestors and/or Hydralisks.
Slow Zergling
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/nRyVu.png)
Slow-Lings are used for super-early defense and scouting. If your opponent does an early-pool, you generally want to engage with your first 4-6 Lings and drones instead of with just the drones (situations vary).
If your opponent goes for 14gas/14pool into speed (with or without banelings), you may need to use your slow lings to defend your expansion ramp. Against speedlings, try to keep your lings pulled back with the queen and let queens take up the attacks of 3-4 of the enemy speedlings. If possible, engage in narrow areas where your opponent's speed and superior Zergling count is less of a factor.
If you want to scout after your pool finishes, you can always build a set of Zerglings early to determine opponent's expansion saturation and occasionally you can get into the main.
Speedling
Depending on how you open, you may opt to be aggressive with speedlings or avoid their construction. Speedlings, however, are pretty necessary in holding off early 1-2 base baneling busts (those hitting between 5:30 and 7:30). Once speed is done, it's a great idea to have a few sets on the field to poke at your opponent's expansion for scouting information and harassment.
Roach
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/sIJq2.jpg)
Roaches are your primary defense against attacks hitting after 8:00. If your opponent hits you with a speedling/baneling, roach/ling, or roach/ling/baneling timing, good placement of the your roaches will be key.
Against banelings, try to select a few roaches and focus them down while keeping big groups of banelings from connecting in the middle of your roaches. If your roaches aren't quite out yet, you can buy time by walling in your natural completely.
Against speedlings, it's important to stay walled-in with your ramp, buildings, minerals/gas geysers, etc. Give them as little surface area as possible.
Against other roaches, well, you should be fine because you have the same composition and defender's advantage. Incorporate your spine into that engagement.
All-In (Or is it?)
+ Show Spoiler +
It's definitely debatable, be sure to provide your reasoning.
Poll: Is this Roach/Ling timing all-in?
No - If you're on top of your multitasking, this attack is just a stepping stone into the midgame. (33)
65%
Yes - This attack puts all your eggs in one basket. You can't really transition out of it. (18)
35%
51 total votes
Yes - This attack puts all your eggs in one basket. You can't really transition out of it. (18)
51 total votes
Your vote: Is this Roach/Ling timing all-in?
(Vote): Yes - This attack puts all your eggs in one basket. You can't really transition out of it.
(Vote): No - If you're on top of your multitasking, this attack is just a stepping stone into the midgame.
Show Support:
+ Show Spoiler +
Note: If any TL moderators or members of the community request, I will remove the links posted below. It is not my intention to sell anything or break the advertising guidelines, only to ask for help from the TL community in spreading content.
Reddit: TangSC [ ZvZ Macro-Hatch Guide on Reddit ]
- Many Redditors are not members of Team Liquid. Please up-vote on Reddit!
Website: TangStarcraft [ http://www.TangStarcraft.com ]
- Signing up is basically like up-voting my SC2 content!
Twitter: TangSC2 [ http://www.twitter.com/TangSC2 ]
- Twitter will notify you when I stream tutorials. I always read tweets and appreciate retweets!
Twitch: TangSC [ http://www.twitch.tv/TangSC ]
- Please tune in, follow, ask questions, and earn "Tang Points"!
Z33K Coaching Profile: [ http://www.z33k.com/games/starcraft2/coach/tangsc ]
- If you've had a lesson with me or learned from my guides, please contribute to my reviews/testimonials!
TeamLiquid Stream Thread: TangSC [ http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=286050 ]
- I learn a lot from all of your input in this thread. Questions/Feedback on stream videos are extremely helpful!
Reddit: TangSC [ ZvZ Macro-Hatch Guide on Reddit ]
- Many Redditors are not members of Team Liquid. Please up-vote on Reddit!
Website: TangStarcraft [ http://www.TangStarcraft.com ]
- Signing up is basically like up-voting my SC2 content!
Twitter: TangSC2 [ http://www.twitter.com/TangSC2 ]
- Twitter will notify you when I stream tutorials. I always read tweets and appreciate retweets!
Twitch: TangSC [ http://www.twitch.tv/TangSC ]
- Please tune in, follow, ask questions, and earn "Tang Points"!
Z33K Coaching Profile: [ http://www.z33k.com/games/starcraft2/coach/tangsc ]
- If you've had a lesson with me or learned from my guides, please contribute to my reviews/testimonials!
TeamLiquid Stream Thread: TangSC [ http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=286050 ]
- I learn a lot from all of your input in this thread. Questions/Feedback on stream videos are extremely helpful!
Thanks you all for reading!
- Tang