• Log InLog In
  • Register
Liquid`
Team Liquid Liquipedia
EDT 23:33
CEST 05:33
KST 12:33
  • 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
RSL Season 1 - Final Week6[ASL19] Finals Recap: Standing Tall12HomeStory Cup 27 - Info & Preview18Classic wins Code S Season 2 (2025)16Code S RO4 & Finals Preview: herO, Rogue, Classic, GuMiho0
Community News
Team TLMC #5 - Submission extension0Firefly given lifetime ban by ESIC following match-fixing investigation17$25,000 Streamerzone StarCraft Pro Series announced7Weekly Cups (June 30 - July 6): Classic Doubles7[BSL20] Non-Korean Championship 4x BSL + 4x China11
StarCraft 2
General
Team TLMC #5 - Submission extension TL Team Map Contest #5: Presented by Monster Energy RSL Revival patreon money discussion thread The GOAT ranking of GOAT rankings Weekly Cups (June 30 - July 6): Classic Doubles
Tourneys
$5,100+ SEL Season 2 Championship (SC: Evo) WardiTV Mondays RSL: Revival, a new crowdfunded tournament series Sparkling Tuna Cup - Weekly Open Tournament FEL Cracov 2025 (July 27) - $8000 live event
Strategy
How did i lose this ZvP, whats the proper response Simple Questions Simple Answers
Custom Maps
External Content
Mutation # 482 Wheel of Misfortune Mutation # 481 Fear and Lava Mutation # 480 Moths to the Flame Mutation # 479 Worn Out Welcome
Brood War
General
A cwal.gg Extension - Easily keep track of anyone Flash Announces Hiatus From ASL [Guide] MyStarcraft BW General Discussion [ASL19] Finals Recap: Standing Tall
Tourneys
[BSL20] Non-Korean Championship 4x BSL + 4x China [Megathread] Daily Proleagues 2025 ACS Season 2 Qualifier Small VOD Thread 2.0
Strategy
Simple Questions, Simple Answers I am doing this better than progamers do.
Other Games
General Games
Stormgate/Frost Giant Megathread Path of Exile CCLP - Command & Conquer League Project The PlayStation 5 Nintendo Switch Thread
Dota 2
Official 'what is Dota anymore' discussion
League of Legends
Heroes of the Storm
Simple Questions, Simple Answers Heroes of the Storm 2.0
Hearthstone
Heroes of StarCraft mini-set
TL Mafia
TL Mafia Community Thread Vanilla Mini Mafia
Community
General
US Politics Mega-thread Summer Games Done Quick 2025! Russo-Ukrainian War Thread Things Aren’t Peaceful in Palestine The Accidental Video Game Porn Archive
Fan Clubs
SKT1 Classic Fan Club! Maru Fan Club
Media & Entertainment
Movie Discussion! [Manga] One Piece Anime Discussion Thread [\m/] Heavy Metal Thread
Sports
2024 - 2025 Football Thread Formula 1 Discussion NBA General Discussion TeamLiquid Health and Fitness Initiative For 2023 NHL Playoffs 2024
World Cup 2022
Tech Support
Computer Build, Upgrade & Buying Resource Thread
TL Community
The Automated Ban List
Blogs
Men Take Risks, Women Win Ga…
TrAiDoS
momentary artworks from des…
tankgirl
from making sc maps to makin…
Husyelt
StarCraft improvement
iopq
Trip to the Zoo
micronesia
Customize Sidebar...

Website Feedback

Closed Threads



Active: 606 users

[G] Puppylisk's guide to 2v2, all races & matchups

Forum Index > StarCraft 2 Strategy
Post a Reply
1 2 3 4 5 Next All
puppylisk
Profile Joined February 2013
United States47 Posts
Last Edited: 2013-04-15 05:55:24
February 28 2013 17:33 GMT
#1


Please Note this was created during WoL and has not been updated yet!



Hello, I'm Puppylisk, I'm a Grandmaster Zerg (Cheese Protoss/Terran) and a constant/consistent top ranked 2v2 player and I have decided to make a guide on how to play 2v2 at a high level, if you are interested I stream GM 1v1 and high level team games @ http://www.twitch.tv/puppylisk .

If you have any questions, just ask in the thread and I will answer, or message me on NA Battle.net Puppylisk.368

A Majority of this will stay true throughout HotS, but I will also update it for HotS.

NOTE: These are Openings that I find the most effective, If you scout something that will be a problem then transition to something else, IE if they are hard countering you blindly, transition, most of the time, even if they do scout you, you can still win with these strategies, but make sure you do proper transitions. Or even if you just don't like the play style posted, you don't have to open these ways, you can play a personalized variation, or even just out right different style.

Keep in mind: Zerg in 2v2 is used mainly as a buffer for Terran and Protoss, you want to try to keep their tier 2 units alive even at risk of losing some of yours, keeping Hellions, Tanks, Thors, Immortals, Sentries, Collosus, etc.. alive is a must

I will be updating this thread sometime this week including pictures of good places to proxy and where to cannon rush on every map as well

Recommended Teams: Zerg Terran, and Zerg Protoss
- Generally in team games you don't want more then 1 person going the same tech path, so Zerg, Terran and Zerg, Protoss are general. also Hellion, Speedling // 10pool, Proxy Marauder you can win a majority of your match ups rather easily, Zerg, Protoss is harder to play then Zerg, Terran but in the end they can be much more effective

Map Choices:

Zerg, Zerg
+ Show Spoiler +

  • Desolate Stronghold
  • Lunar Colony V
  • Molten Crater
  • Scorched Haven
  • The Ruins of Tarsonis
  • Tyrador Keep
  • Magma Core
  • The Boneyard


Why?: For Zerg, Zerg it can be incredibly tough to be offensive if there isn't a Zerg on the enemy team, the distance between bases is rather short and it can be a pain to get other bases then your natural. These maps are generally very Terran and Protoss favored.


Zerg, Terran
+ Show Spoiler +

  • Desolate Stronghold
  • Lunar Colony V
  • Molten Crater
  • Scorched Haven
  • The Ruins of Tarsonis
  • Tyrador Keep
  • Magma Core
  • The Boneyard


Why?: For Zerg, Terran, You will generally be playing 2 base Zerg, 1 base Terran, so having an easily defendable natural is a must, you also want maps that aren't shared base just so you don't have to worry about busting walls (hellion, zergling) maps with shared bases can easily be defended with sentries and eventually siege tanks


Zerg, Protoss
+ Show Spoiler +

  • Desolate Stronghold
  • Lunar Colony V
  • Molten Crater
  • Scorched Haven
  • The Ruins of Tarsonis
  • Tyrador Keep
  • Magma Core
  • The Boneyard


Why?:Playing Zerg, Protoss is a bit different then ZT, or ZZ, for Zerg Protoss shared base maps are generally very good for Zerg, Protoss seeing they are very good cannon rush maps, and overlords allow vision even if the cannon rush goes wrong. But you still want an easily defendable expansion.


Terran, Protoss
+ Show Spoiler +

  • Desolate Stronghold
  • Lunar Colony V
  • Molten Crater
  • Scorched Haven
  • The Ruins of Tarsonis
  • Tyrador Keep
  • Magma Core
  • The Boneyard


Why?: Playing Terran, Protoss, you generally want to pick maps that you can easily defend off early rushes, but be able to macro behind as well, The Ruins of Tarsonis and Tyrador Keep rocks can result in many unstoppable losses which is why you should avoid them.


Terran, Terran
+ Show Spoiler +

  • Desolate Stronghold
  • Lunar Colony V
  • Molten Crater
  • Scorched Haven
  • The Ruins of Tarsonis
  • Tyrador Keep
  • Magma Core
  • The Boneyard


Why?: Playing double Terran, There aren't really any maps that you need to be worried of, double Terran can hold most all-ins rather easily and effortlessly


Protoss, Protoss
+ Show Spoiler +

  • Desolate Stronghold
  • Lunar Colony V
  • Molten Crater
  • Scorched Haven
  • The Ruins of Tarsonis
  • Tyrador Keep
  • Magma Core
  • The Boneyard


Why?: Protoss, Protoss in the early game is incredibly weak and vulnerable to all types of cheese, Protoss is generally the target to kill in every match up in team games seeing they will have the hardest time defending it, you want to stay away from maps with back rocks and close positions, you will need to rely on mainly sentries and micro to fend off any form of early agression.


Build Refrences:

ZERG
10 Pool
+ Show Spoiler +

  • 10/10: Spawning Pool
  • 10/10: Extractor (@25 minerals, If drone stacking 9/10 Extractor)
  • 10/10: Overlord
  • @100% Extractor, 3 Drones in Gas
  • @100% Overlord, 3(6) Zerglings
  • 13/18: Zerglings (8)
  • @88, 92, 96 Gas, pull a drones off gas
  • 14/18: Metabolic Boost (13/18 If 9 Extractor)
  • 14-15/18: Zerglings (10, 12)
  • 16/18: Queen
  • 18/18: Overlord
  • Continue to flood Zerglings, make sure you hit all your injects and don't get supply blocked

15 Hatch, Mass ling
+ Show Spoiler +
  • 9/10: Overlord
  • 15/18: Hatchery
  • 15/18: Extractor
  • 15/18: Spawning Pool
  • @100% Extractor, 3 Drones in Gas
  • 17/18: Overlord
  • 20/28: 2 Queens
  • @88, 92, 96, pull drones off gas
  • @100 Gas *After Queens* Metabolic Boost
  • 24/28: Start making mass Zerglings
  • 26/28: Overlord
  • 32/36: Overlord

It is important that you hit your injects, only drone to 20 drones, replace drones 1:1 if killed

15 Hatch, Ling Bane
+ Show Spoiler +
  • 9/10: Overlord
  • 15/18: Hatchery
  • 15/18: Extractor
  • 15/18: Spawning Pool
  • 17/18: Overlord
  • 20/28: 2 Queens
  • 24/28: Metabolic Boost
  • 26/28: Overlord
  • 28/28: Baneling Nest
  • Start to make mass Zerglings
  • Just about you are ready to attack, make banelings to break the wall or to kill clumped marines/lings

It is important that you hit your injects, only drone to 24 drones, replace drones 1:1 if killed

7 Roach Rush
+ Show Spoiler +

  • 10/10: Extractor(1)
  • 10/10: Extractor(2)
  • 10/10: Cancel Both Extractors
  • 12/10: Overlord
  • 12/10: Spawning Pool
  • 15/18: Extractor (1)
  • @100% Extractor, 3 Drones on Gas
  • 16/18: Queen
  • 18/18: Roach Warren
  • 18/18: Overlord x2
  • @100% Roach Warren, Start to make non stop roach production

It is important that you hit your injects, and don't get supply blocked

2 Base Mass Speed Roach
+ Show Spoiler +

  • 9/10: Overlord
  • 15/18: Hatchery
  • 17/18: Spawning Pool
  • 17/18: Overlord
  • 18/18: Extractor (1)
  • 20/28: 2 Queens
  • @100gas, Lair
  • @55 Seconds until Completion Roach Warren, Extractor (2)
  • @100% Roach Warren, Roach Speed, Evolution Chamber (1), Extractor (3)
  • 45 Supply (41 Drones, 2 Queens) Start to make Mass roach
  • @100% Evolution Chamber, +1 Missiles Attack

It is important that you don't get supply blocked, or miss injects, 2-3 overlords per roach production cycle

14/14 Speedling/Baneling
+ Show Spoiler +

  • 9/10: Overlord
  • 14/18: Extractor (1)
  • 14/18: Spawning Pool
  • 16/18: Overlord
  • @100% Spawning pool, Queen(1) and Metabolic Boost
  • @50gas, Baneling Nest, replace drone
  • Start to make mass Zergling, make banelings right before ready to attack

It is important that you don't get supply blocked or miss injects

14/14 Speedling Expand
+ Show Spoiler +

  • 9/10: Overlord
  • 14/18: Extractor (1)
  • 14/18: Spawning Pool
  • 16/18: Overlord
  • @88, 92, 96 Gas, pull drones off
  • @100% Spawning Pool, Queen (1), Metabolic Boost
  • 18/26: Hatchery (2)
  • @100% Queen (1), Produce another Queen (2)
  • @25 Energy Queen (1) Creep Tumor, walk Queen to your natural
  • @100% Hatchery (2) start injects, create 4 more drones
  • @20 Drones, Start to produce only Zerglings

It is important to not et supply blocked or miss injects, also to be pretty aggressive with your first 4 Zerglings


TERRAN
11/11 Proxy Barracks
+ Show Spoiler +

  • 9/11: Supply Depot
  • @Supply Depot Start, send a scv to build a proxy rax
  • 10/11: About 5 seconds after your 10th SCV has started, send out a 2nd scv to build a 2nd proxy rax
  • 11/11: Barracks (1)(2)
  • @100% Barracks (1) Orbital Command, Marine (1)
  • @100% Barracks (2), send your marine and 2 scvs to start your harass, it is essential you get a bunker completed
  • Continue constant marine production

It is important that you don't get supply blocked, when the 2nd barracks is just about to finish you can pull 3-4 more scvs from your mineral line to help.

Proxy Marauder
+ Show Spoiler +

  • 9/11: Supply Depot
  • 10/11: Send out a scv to build a proxy barracks
  • 12/19: proxy barracks (1)
  • 13/19: Refinery
  • @100% Refinery, 2 additional scvs in gas
  • @100% Barracks (1), Orbital Command (1), Tech lab on barracks
  • @150 Minerals, proxy Barracks (2)
  • @100% Tech Lab, Marauder (1)
  • @50gas, Concussive Shell
  • @100% Barracks (2) Tech Lab
  • Start to attack just as Concussive shell is about to finish

It is important that you don't get supply blocked, building a bunker is a nice touch as well, concussive shell is a must

11 Gas Hellion (Hellion Drop + Banshee // Blue Flame // Marauder)
+ Show Spoiler +

  • 9/11: Supply depot
  • 11/11: Refinery (1)
  • 13/19: Barracks (1)
  • @100% Barracks (1) Orbital Command, Factory (1), Reactor on Barracks (1)
  • 17/19: Supply Depot
  • SCV untill 19 supply

Banshee *with or without drop*
  • 17/19: Refinery (2)
  • @100% Factory, Starport (1) // Switch Factory (1) onto Barracks (1) Reactor
  • Tech Lab on Barracks, Start Hellion Production
  • @100% Refinery (2), 2 additional scvs on gas
  • 23/27: Supply Depot
  • @100% Starport (1) switch onto Barracks (1) Techlab
  • @Switch, Start Medivac
  • @200gas, Start Cloak
  • @100gas, Start Banshee Production
  • Pull scvs off Refinery (2)

Blue Flame
  • @100% Factory (1) Start Factory (2)
  • Switch Factory (1) onto Barracks (1) Reactor
  • Start Hellion Production
  • 23/27: Supply Depot
  • @100% Factory (2) Start Tech Lab
  • @100% Tech Lab, Start Blue Flame
  • Produce Hellions from both factories

Marauder
  • @100% Factory (1) Swap to Barracks (1) Reactor, Start Barracks (2)
  • Barracks (1) Start Tech Lab
  • Start Hellion Production
  • 23/27: Supply Depot
  • @100% Tech Lab, Concussive Shell, and Marauder
  • @100% Barracks (2) Tech Lab
  • Constant Production of Hellions and Marauders

In all of these, it is essential to not lose your hellions and to not get supply blocked

1/1/1
+ Show Spoiler +

http://wiki.teamliquid.net/starcraft2/1/1/1_Build/Banshee_into_Siege_Tech_All-in


PROTOSS
4 Gate
+ Show Spoiler +

http://wiki.teamliquid.net/starcraft2/4_Warpgate_Rush

6 Minute Dark Templar
+ Show Spoiler +

  • 10/10: Pylon
  • 10/18: Gateway (1)
  • 12/18: Assimilator (1)
  • 14/18: Assimilator (2)
  • @100% Assimilators start mining gas 3 probes per
  • @100% Gateway, Cybernetics Core
  • @100% Cybernetics Core, Twilight Council, Warp Gate Research
  • @100% Twilight Council, Dark Shrine, send out a probe to build a proxy pylon
  • Add Gateways (2)(3)
  • @5:35 put down proxy pylon
  • @100% Warp Gate research, gateways into Warpgates (1)(2)(3)
  • @6:00: Warp in 3 DTs

Cannon Rush
+ Show Spoiler +

  • 9/10: Pylon -> Scout
  • 13/18: Forge -> Send Out Second Probe
  • 15/18: Send out third probe, cut probe production
  • 15/18: proxy pylon for cannons (Uploading screenshots for different maps)

3 Gate Robo
+ Show Spoiler +
http://wiki.teamliquid.net/starcraft2/3_Gate_Robo

Stargate
+ Show Spoiler +

http://wiki.teamliquid.net/starcraft2/3_Gate_Void_Ray_All-In

Proxy 2 Gate
+ Show Spoiler +

  • 6/10: Set Nexus Rally to outside of the enemies natural expansion
  • 10/10: Pylon with the probe at the enemies expansion
  • 10/18: Gateway (1)(2)
  • @100% Gateway (1)(2) start to produce and chrono zealots
  • 14/18: Pylon
  • Continual Zealot Production




-------------------------------------------------------


Match Ups


Zerg, Zerg

VS

Zerg, Zerg
+ Show Spoiler +
One Zerg should open 10 pool, and deny early hathcheries or to defend vs double early pools, while the other Zerg goes roaches, this can / generally will transition into a macro game

Zerg,Terran
+ Show Spoiler +
Both Zergs Should Generally open 15 Hatch, 1 going Ling, Bane, the other Zerg going Roaches

Zerg, Protoss
+ Show Spoiler +
One Zerg should open 10 pool and try to do as much damage as they can to the protoss (killing pylons / probes, etc...) or killing the Zerg if they 15 hathched, while the Second Zerg, should open 15 Hatch, into their choice of mass ling, ling bane or roach

Terran, Terran
+ Show Spoiler +
Both Zergs Should open 15hatch, 1 going Mass ling, 1 Going mass roach, and try to apply early pressure, if you can't you can take a 3rd (Total 5 Zerg bases, and do a mutalisk feed) be careful for banshees and run by hellions.

Terran, Protoss
+ Show Spoiler +
If it is a Shared base map, both Zergs can fast expand, 1 going 14/14 Speedling expand, 1 Going 15hatch (Choice of speedling or roach), if it is not a shared base map, 1 should go 10pool while the other goes 15hatch, the 10pool should go for the protoss and set him back as much as possible, then make it a 1.5v1

Protoss, Protoss
+ Show Spoiler +
Both Zergs Should open 10pool, and 2 10pools should generally very easily be able to kill off 2 protosses.


-------------------------------------------------------

Zerg, Terran

VS

Zerg, Zerg
+ Show Spoiler +
The Zerg should open 10 pool to deny any form of double early pool, if it is then the zerg also needs to get a spine crawler in there base, if there isn't then they should be aggressive and deny early hatcheries // kill drones.
The Terran should open 11 Gas Hellion into Banshee, @ 4 Hellions the Terran and Zerg should attack, the Zerglings priority is to keep the hellions alive, once the banshee is out, it is game over

Zerg, Terran
+ Show Spoiler +
The Zerg should open 15hatch into Mass speedling while the Terran opens 11 Gas Hellion into Banshee once there are 4 hellions on the field, you need to start being aggressive. Keep the hellions alive and overwhelm them with hellion, zergling

Zerg, Protoss
+ Show Spoiler +
The Zerg should open 10pool, and do as much damage to the Protoss as possible (killing pylons / probes) or if the enemy Zerg 15Hatched then he can just upright kill the Zerg, while the Terran Goes 11 Gas Hellion into Marauder OR Banshee @ 4 Hellions you should be able to overwhelm them and win the game

Terran, Terran
+ Show Spoiler +
The Zerg Should open 10pool, sending the overlord to give vision near the ramps of the enemy Terrans, while the Terran goes Proxy Marauder and bust walls with overlord vision, then the lings flood and kill everything

Terran, Protoss
+ Show Spoiler +
The Zerg Should open 10pool, sending the overlord to give vision near the ramps of the enemies bases, while the Terran goes Proxy Marauder and bust walls with overlord vision, then the lings flood and kill everything

Protoss, Protoss
+ Show Spoiler +
The Zerg Should open 10pool, sending the overlord to give vision near the ramps of the enemies bases, while the Terran goes Proxy Marauder and bust walls with overlord vision, then the lings flood and kill everything


-------------------------------------------------------

Zerg, Protoss

VS

Zerg, Zerg
+ Show Spoiler +
The Zerg Should open 10 pool To deny any form of early pool aggression, if there isn't then they can try to deny any early hatches, while the Protoss goes either 6minute DT, Cannon Rush, or Stargate

Zerg, Terran
+ Show Spoiler +
This is one of the toughest match ups seeing that Protoss doesn't really have any early units to defend off against mass speedling early game, the Zerg should generally open 15hatch into mass speedling / baneling unless the Protoss is confident in holding off early aggression in order for the zerg to go straight to roaches, or a mutalisk feed, the Protoss should generally open either Cannon Rush, Stargate or 3gate Robo, hopefully you get the chance for it to go into a macro game, if the Terran is not opening hellions, the Protoss can 4gate while the zerg goes mass lings, with your stalkers focus fire down banelings so the zerg can have a much easier time

Zerg, Protoss
+ Show Spoiler +
The Zerg should open 10 Pool and try to put on some early forms of aggression, if you think that it won't work he can go 2 base mass speedling, while the Protoss goes either 4gate, 6 Minute DT, or Cannon Rush

Terran, Terran
+ Show Spoiler +
The Zerg should open 15hatch into mass roach while the Protoss opens 3gate Robo, once you start to gather an army push out with a few sentries and immortals with the Zergs Roach army and push your way to victory

Terran, Protoss
+ Show Spoiler +
The Zerg should open 10 pool or 15hatch into mass speedling or roach while the Protoss opens either Cannon rush, 6 Minute DT or 4gate, break the wall and flood lings to victory.

Protoss, Protoss
+ Show Spoiler +
The Zerg should open 10pool while the Protoss goes either Cannon rush or 4gate, you should easily be able to win this match up on any map


-------------------------------------------------------

Terran, Terran


VS

Zerg, Zerg
+ Show Spoiler +
One Terran should open 11gas hellion into marauder while the other macros, into marine tank

Zerg, Terran
+ Show Spoiler +
One Terran should open 11 gas hellion into cloak banshee while the other opens with a fast Command Center into macro, or a 3rax bio type of play

Zerg, Protoss
+ Show Spoiler +
One Terran should open 11 gas hellion into banshee while the other Terran either macros or goes into a 3rax bio type of play

Terran, Terran
+ Show Spoiler +
There is really no easy way to play this match up, so you should play a standard macro style

Terran, Protoss
+ Show Spoiler +
There is really no easy way to play this match up, so you should play a standard macro style

Protoss, Protoss
+ Show Spoiler +
There is really no easy way to play this match up, so you should play a standard macro style


-------------------------------------------------------

Terran, Protoss


VS

Zerg, Zerg
+ Show Spoiler +
The Terran should open 11gas hellion into marauder while the Protoss opens Forge into [Stargate 1voidray, 2phoenix, then Robo, or they can open Cannon rush

Zerg, Terran
+ Show Spoiler +
The Terran should open 11 gas hellion into cloak banshee while the Protoss opens 3gate Robo, if you hold off the early lings then this should be an easy victory for the Terran/Protoss team

Zerg, Protoss
+ Show Spoiler +
The Terran should open 11 gas hellion into marauder while the Protoss opens Cannon Rush, 6 Minute DT or 3gate Robo

Terran, Terran
+ Show Spoiler +
There isn't really a specific way to play this match up, it will generally turn into a macro game given the Terrans most likely won't double all in

Terran, Protoss
+ Show Spoiler +
The Terran can open an 11gas hellion drop into cloak banshee while the
Protoss 3gate robos, or play it as a macro game

Protoss, Protoss
+ Show Spoiler +
The Terran should open proxy marauder while the Protoss opens a Cannon Rush, or you can play this out like a macro game


-------------------------------------------------------

Protoss, Protoss


VS

Zerg, Zerg
+ Show Spoiler +
One Protoss should open Cannon Rush(Defensive or Offensive) while the other opens 6 Minute DT

Zerg, Terran
+ Show Spoiler +
One Protoss should open 6 minute DTs, while the other opens 3gate Robo

Zerg, Protoss
+ Show Spoiler +
One Protoss should open Cannon Rush while the other opens 6 Minute DTs or 3gate Robo

Terran, Terran
+ Show Spoiler +
There isn't really a specific way to play this match up, it will generally turn into a macro game given the terrans most likely won't double all in, or you can double 4gate

Terran, Protoss
+ Show Spoiler +
There isn't really a specific way to play this match up, it will generally turn into a macro game given the terrans most likely won't double all in, or you can double 4gate

Protoss, Protoss
+ Show Spoiler +
One Protoss Should open Cannon Rush, while the other opens Proxy 2 Gate


-------------------------------------------------------

Dealing with the Enemy

As Zerg

Hellions
+ Show Spoiler +
Fighting vs hellions as Zerg is one of the most difficult things that you are going to have to do in 2v2, mainly because you will be producing nothing but speedlings, the best way to engage hellions are to trap them in corners, near walls, or get them onto creep, hellions are incredibly slippery so surrounding them especially if their teammate is present can be a real pain

Banshees
+ Show Spoiler +
Assuming that the Terran went hellions, the follow up 70% of the time is going to be banshees, so it should be in habit to get an extra set of queens and an evo chamber with 1 spore at each base, dealing with banshees will be very very easy if you are prepared for it.

Stargate
+ Show Spoiler +
As Zerg you generally shouldn't be the one fending off the Stargate play, get an evolution chamber and 1 spore crawler at each base and make sure your overlords are near the spore crawlers just so you lose as few as possible.

Dark Templars
+ Show Spoiler +
If you didn't see DTs coming and you are in no way prepared for it, then it is most likely a lost game, you can try to build an evolution chamber in the back of your natural and some spores when it's finished, while you are running your drones, but in most cases the game is already lost unless you or your ally have detection ready, or able to be produced.

Banelings
+ Show Spoiler +
In 2v2, you should be happy because, you don't have to deal with those treacherous banelings, you can just have your ally focus down the banelings if you are making speedlings.


As Terran

Banshees
+ Show Spoiler +
Banshees can become a real pain in 2v2, as Terran you are responsible for killing the banshees, so if you know the banshee is coming, and you are also going banshee, queue up a viking after your first banshee is finished, and get a single missile turret, in case he has cloak, no use in wasting multiple scans rather than just building a turret.

Dark Templars
+ Show Spoiler +
If they get Dark Templars out that were not scouted and you are completely unprepared for, it is most likely a loss, you can try to get out detection asap, and if you have hellions you can try to friendly fire your units to kill the DT with splash damage while you get detection, but it is a very hard spot to get out of once non scouted DTs are into play.

Stargate
+ Show Spoiler +
If the enemy Protoss goes Stargate, you can get 1 Missile turret in your base and get a few vikings + marines and go push out, if they are going Stargate then they don't really have any threatening tech, as long as you can handle what is in the air and don't lose to many unnecessary units then you should be able to win the game, or you can just play it out in a macro game.

Tanks
+ Show Spoiler +
Tanks are inevitable, and you are going to have to also make tanks if you think the game is going to draw out, it is just going to happen

Collosus
+ Show Spoiler +
Being the Terran, it is your responsibility to deal with the collosus, just produce 2-3 vikings per 1 collosus, +1 additional viking, per their viking and make sure you get air attack upgrades


As Protoss

Banshees
+ Show Spoiler +
Banshees as Protoss are generally easy to deal with, seeing you are going to open some form of tech that denies banshees regardless, it is ideal to get a robo after 1 voidray and 2 phoenix if you are going stargate, if you are going robo then you already have the power to build an observer, if you are four gating, then hopefully the game is won before their banshee has cloak or does some serious damage.

Hellions
+ Show Spoiler +
Protoss needs to keep the hellion count low in zt, zp, so focus firing hellions is a must if your zerg is going speedling, if he is going roaches then letting the hellions not reach your mineral line is more than enough

Dark Templars
+ Show Spoiler +
If Dark Templars go unscouted, and you don't have a forge or robo, then the game is most likely lost, It is essential to know what the enemy protoss is doing, and keep in mind if you are demolishing his ally but you see no units from him to help, it is most likely DTs.

Cannon Rush
+ Show Spoiler +
If your ally can't deal with the cannon rush with/for you, then throw down a forge and defend it 1v1 style

Proxy 2 Gate
+ Show Spoiler +
If you scout after pylon or scout the proxy 2 gate, then probe til 13, and get 3 gateways, and out zealot him

10 Pool
+ Show Spoiler +
Chrono boost out a zealot and fight with 3-5 probes, or in chokes to try to minimize the amount of damage your zealot can take.

Double Early Pool
+ Show Spoiler +
If you didn't open forge, then I'm sorry, you're dead, it is nearly impossible to hold on non shared base maps as Protoss vs 2 early pools if you didn't open forge


If I didn't list it then it is most likely because you really shouldn't have a problem dealing with it. But if you do then ask and I will tell you how to deal with it for 2v2.

Units to try to stay away from
  • Stalkers + Show Spoiler +
    Some Stalkers in the early/mid game is okay, but you really don't want to over create stalkers, they will become more and more useless the longer the game goes on

  • Hydralisks + Show Spoiler +
    Hydralisks are very low hp, and very slow off of creep, with Terran/Protoss mid-late game units, you should really avoid going Hydralisks, unless it is sky Protoss/Terran

  • Ultralisks + Show Spoiler +
    Ultralisks are situational, but for the most part they are generally not worth getting unless their tech tree is horrible

  • Battlecruisers + Show Spoiler +
    Incredibly Slow, Costly Unit, Easy to counter especially in 2v2

  • Carrier + Show Spoiler +
    Incredibly Slow, Costly Unit, Easy to counter especially in 2v2

  • Phoenix + Show Spoiler +
    Phoenixs are situational, and you never want to make to many, if they are going mutalisk feed then sure going a lot of phoenix is okay, but if you create to many phoenix for harassment, this generally can result in a loss, you want to stay around 3-5, no more then that.

  • Mothership + Show Spoiler +
    Feedback and EMP can make the Mothership completely useless having the cloaked units be detectable by scans + detectors, not worth spending the 8 supply and 400mins/400gas

  • Thors + Show Spoiler +
    Incredibly slow unit, unless you have complete map control, or they are going tons of Mutalisks, you want to generally stay away from Thors

  • Void Rays + Show Spoiler +
    Other than early defense vs Zerg, Zerg, In Wings of Liberty you want to try to stay away from building Void Rays, they are rather slow and can be countered easily



Other Tips
  • Small run bys into mineral lines can change the way a game is looking
  • Poop overlord creep @ expansions if you have lair
  • If you are on the offensive and don't have creep you can use overlords to make creep highways
  • Don't overstim, or stim to early
  • Don't forget UPGRADES!!
  • Don't forget TRANSITION!!
http://www.twitch.tv/puppylisk
iStarKraft
Profile Joined March 2011
United Kingdom79 Posts
February 28 2013 17:58 GMT
#2
Wow thanks for all the effort you've put into this guide. I think this is the most helpful guide on 2v2 I've seen on teamliquid so far - though talking about concepts in 2v2 has its place I do like that you address specifically what to do in each match up.

Thanks again - I'll be using this with my friends. <3
"So yeah... you've got to scout, or you'll get raped." - XaoZ
puppylisk
Profile Joined February 2013
United States47 Posts
Last Edited: 2013-02-28 18:08:40
February 28 2013 18:07 GMT
#3
On March 01 2013 02:58 iStarKraft wrote:
Wow thanks for all the effort you've put into this guide. I think this is the most helpful guide on 2v2 I've seen on teamliquid so far - though talking about concepts in 2v2 has its place I do like that you address specifically what to do in each match up.

Thanks again - I'll be using this with my friends. <3


Thanks, I'm going to be updating / Adding onto this fairly often, this is more of just a backbone of the guide to come
http://www.twitch.tv/puppylisk
Kotreb
Profile Joined June 2011
Croatia1392 Posts
February 28 2013 18:33 GMT
#4
this is gold. very good job man, and thank you for putting effort.
If you don't sin Jesus died for nothing.
Teoita
Profile Blog Joined January 2011
Italy12246 Posts
February 28 2013 18:35 GMT
#5
Great read. Gonna include it in the recommended thread section.
ModeratorProtoss all-ins are like a wok. You can throw whatever you want in there and it will turn out alright.
FXOTheoRy
Profile Blog Joined July 2008
United States519 Posts
February 28 2013 19:10 GMT
#6
wowow sick guide!
oyoyoyoyoyoyoyoyoyoyoyoyoyoyoyoyoy
vahgar.r24
Profile Joined October 2010
India465 Posts
February 28 2013 19:15 GMT
#7
quite detailed and lot of thought man thanks
and no thanks for killing 1 vs 1 dreams lol
Somethings are just worth fighting for
Lazermonkey
Profile Joined June 2011
Sweden2176 Posts
February 28 2013 19:26 GMT
#8
Nice guide! Very well done!
HolybeardmanSC2
Profile Blog Joined July 2012
Canada201 Posts
February 28 2013 19:42 GMT
#9
I feel sorry for whomever faces puppylisk in the first round of my tournament this weekend.
InSanitarium #210 NA @holybeardmansc2. http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=400832 @GreatNorthernSC2 GreatNorthernSC2@outlook.com
da_head
Profile Blog Joined November 2008
Canada3350 Posts
February 28 2013 20:32 GMT
#10
nice guide. will def check out
When they see MC Probe, all the ladies disrobe.
oOOoOphidian
Profile Joined January 2011
United States1402 Posts
February 28 2013 21:00 GMT
#11
this is pretty accurate, just missing subtle details in builds and matchups. 2v2 will change a lot in HotS, imo.
Creator of sc2unmasked.com
Jailbreaker
Profile Joined October 2010
United States62 Posts
February 28 2013 21:41 GMT
#12
great guide! this will totally help me with my offraces D:
will you be adding replays when HOTS comes out?
fezvez
Profile Blog Joined January 2011
France3021 Posts
February 28 2013 21:46 GMT
#13
Wow, an actual (quick) overview of the whole 2v2 matchup!

Thanks a lot for your work. I personally am always at a loss in 2v2 (thus, this is why I don't play much of 2v2)

See you on the ladder then!

P.S : Yeah, unfortunate timing, some things need to be updated for HotS
DogBite
Profile Joined May 2011
37 Posts
Last Edited: 2013-02-28 22:04:22
February 28 2013 21:59 GMT
#14
Nice guide, but I wish you'd explained your thoughts behind your choices a bit better and talked about alternate strategies. I don't see any reason why Zerg needs to 10pool every game in most matchups, for example.

Question for puppylisk (or anyone else good at 2v2):

What are your thoughts on the day[9] ZP style, where (simplifying it) ) P dumps gas to Z for mutas? Is it defensible in the early game?

What about ZP/ZT styles where you both turtle (on 2 bases Z, 1 base for the T/P) 'til 10-11 minutes, then move out with a big coordinated push? I've been doing a lot of these with friends recently and we're having success, but then we're only in Plat so that doesn't mean much.
puppylisk
Profile Joined February 2013
United States47 Posts
Last Edited: 2013-03-01 01:43:39
March 01 2013 01:24 GMT
#15
On March 01 2013 06:59 DogBite wrote:
Nice guide, but I wish you'd explained your thoughts behind your choices a bit better and talked about alternate strategies. I don't see any reason why Zerg needs to 10pool every game in most matchups, for example.

Question for puppylisk (or anyone else good at 2v2):

What are your thoughts on the day[9] ZP style, where (simplifying it) ) P dumps gas to Z for mutas? Is it defensible in the early game?

What about ZP/ZT styles where you both turtle (on 2 bases Z, 1 base for the T/P) 'til 10-11 minutes, then move out with a big coordinated push? I've been doing a lot of these with friends recently and we're having success, but then we're only in Plat so that doesn't mean much.


I would say if you are going to go for a mutalisk feed, you should do it on either the boneyard, or tyrador keep, where there is a shared inbase expansion, so defending early aggression for both players will be much easier then if it was solo bases, mutalisk feed is viable and can just outright win the game if it goes unscouted, but if it does, the mutalisks can become useless.

As for my guide, it wasn't meant for the match ups i posted to be the ONLY way to play them, but it is the most effective and most used at high level 2v2 which at lower leagues you should be able to just outright roll through your opponent, as time goes on this guide will be getting more comprehensive and detailed, along with pictures, etc... as well as thoughts and reasonings behind what and why.

10 pool is by far the most standard and definitely the most used build order for zergs in team games, the reason being that the zerg is used mainly as a buffer for your ally, so setting back or even killing 1 of your opponents, I have gone up to top 5 NA with 80% winrate+ in 2v2 going nothing but 10pool Hellion, and 10pool proxy marauder, if this doesn't fit your playstyle like I said, these are just builds that I find are the most effective.

On March 01 2013 06:00 oOOoOphidian wrote:
this is pretty accurate, just missing subtle details in builds and matchups. 2v2 will change a lot in HotS, imo.


I will be updating this guide for HotS, I would just like a bit more experience than I already have on HotS before posting any form of update, as well as a reason behind the openings for each match up, maybe a week or so after HotS release.
http://www.twitch.tv/puppylisk
metroid composite
Profile Joined February 2007
Canada231 Posts
March 01 2013 02:04 GMT
#16
Great guide, fun to see a lot of builds are pretty close to stuff I've been using already. (A few are new to me, like 2 base drone into speedroach).

I am, however, dubious of always 10 pooling toss. In particular, if it's like...vs ZP, I feel like 10p gets countered by 13/13 really hard--they'll have the same number of lings to defend (themselves or toss), and will get speed earlier, and can do their choice of early expo or banelings.

And they can do this reactively--with a 9 scout, you'll get there in time to scout the pool and switch your build into a 14/13 in response to 10p.


Although, I will say that if you expect cannon rush, 10p kills it whereas later pools are too slow, so...that is an argument for 10p.
Cats land on their feet. Toast lands peanut butter side down. A cat with toast strapped to its back will hover above the ground in a state of quantum indecision
puppylisk
Profile Joined February 2013
United States47 Posts
Last Edited: 2013-03-01 02:25:40
March 01 2013 02:19 GMT
#17
On March 01 2013 11:04 metroid composite wrote:
Great guide, fun to see a lot of builds are pretty close to stuff I've been using already. (A few are new to me, like 2 base drone into speedroach).

I am, however, dubious of always 10 pooling toss. In particular, if it's like...vs ZP, I feel like 10p gets countered by 13/13 really hard--they'll have the same number of lings to defend (themselves or toss), and will get speed earlier, and can do their choice of early expo or banelings.

And they can do this reactively--with a 9 scout, you'll get there in time to scout the pool and switch your build into a 14/13 in response to 10p.


Although, I will say that if you expect cannon rush, 10p kills it whereas later pools are too slow, so...that is an argument for 10p.


Yes, 10pool is countered by 13/13, 14/14, 10pool is mainly used to buy time, especially if you are playing as ZT it doesn't really matter if they match your lings, you will be able to overwhelm them both once hellions come into play, as ZP vs ZP, the zerg should generally just buy time and try to force the protoss to be as far behind as possible, while he techs up, preferably to DT. The best maps to do it on are tyrador keep and boneyard seeing zergs will be so tempted to get an early hatch

As for banelings, just have your ally target them down as priority.
http://www.twitch.tv/puppylisk
coL.hendralisk
Profile Joined September 2009
Zimbabwe1756 Posts
Last Edited: 2013-06-17 00:09:35
March 01 2013 05:10 GMT
#18
Cool guide, covers about all the matchups and nice use of colors, not quite gm though
robm
Profile Joined November 2011
United States56 Posts
March 01 2013 05:30 GMT
#19
Awesome guide! We need more 2v2 content on TL.
metroid composite
Profile Joined February 2007
Canada231 Posts
March 01 2013 21:21 GMT
#20
Hm, actually, one configuration I don't see mentioned that has a very high success rate so far is...

In ZZ vs ZZ, one zerg opens 10 pool bane (the 1v1 build), the other opens a normal 10 pool. Pressure a bit, force lings out; you'll probably have similar amounts of lings so pull back for 20 seconds and wait for banes. finish banes and win.

You list the standard ZZ vs ZZ build as one 10p one roach, and I'm trying to figure out how 10p + roach holds 10p + 10p bane. Like...if you seven roach rush, there's a good 40 seconds when your opponents will have banelings and you won't have roaches. That seems too long.
Cats land on their feet. Toast lands peanut butter side down. A cat with toast strapped to its back will hover above the ground in a state of quantum indecision
1 2 3 4 5 Next All
Please log in or register to reply.
Live Events Refresh
Next event in 7h 28m
[ Submit Event ]
Live Streams
Refresh
StarCraft 2
Nina 225
RuFF_SC2 196
NeuroSwarm 186
StarCraft: Brood War
Sea 4387
EffOrt 92
NaDa 77
Mind 58
Noble 25
Icarus 6
Bale 5
Dota 2
monkeys_forever764
League of Legends
JimRising 682
febbydoto15
Counter-Strike
Stewie2K981
Super Smash Bros
hungrybox802
Heroes of the Storm
Khaldor150
Other Games
summit1g15370
shahzam822
WinterStarcraft453
ViBE216
Maynarde192
ROOTCatZ28
Organizations
Other Games
gamesdonequick5100
StarCraft 2
Blizzard YouTube
StarCraft: Brood War
BSLTrovo
sctven
[ Show 16 non-featured ]
StarCraft 2
• Berry_CruncH359
• davetesta44
• gosughost_ 28
• AfreecaTV YouTube
• intothetv
• Kozan
• IndyKCrew
• LaughNgamezSOOP
• Migwel
• sooper7s
StarCraft: Brood War
• BSLYoutube
• STPLYoutube
• ZZZeroYoutube
League of Legends
• Doublelift6036
• Rush1803
Other Games
• Scarra1746
Upcoming Events
Wardi Open
7h 28m
Replay Cast
1d 6h
WardiTV European League
1d 12h
PiGosaur Monday
1d 20h
uThermal 2v2 Circuit
2 days
Replay Cast
2 days
The PondCast
3 days
Replay Cast
3 days
Epic.LAN
4 days
CranKy Ducklings
5 days
[ Show More ]
Epic.LAN
5 days
BSL20 Non-Korean Champi…
5 days
Bonyth vs Sziky
Dewalt vs Hawk
Hawk vs QiaoGege
Sziky vs Dewalt
Mihu vs Bonyth
Zhanhun vs QiaoGege
QiaoGege vs Fengzi
Sparkling Tuna Cup
6 days
Online Event
6 days
BSL20 Non-Korean Champi…
6 days
Bonyth vs Zhanhun
Dewalt vs Mihu
Hawk vs Sziky
Sziky vs QiaoGege
Mihu vs Hawk
Zhanhun vs Dewalt
Fengzi vs Bonyth
Liquipedia Results

Completed

2025 ACS Season 2: Qualifier
RSL Revival: Season 1
Murky Cup #2

Ongoing

JPL Season 2
BSL 2v2 Season 3
Copa Latinoamericana 4
Jiahua Invitational
BSL20 Non-Korean Championship
Championship of Russia 2025
BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025
ESL Impact League Season 7
IEM Dallas 2025
PGL Astana 2025
Asian Champions League '25
BLAST Rivals Spring 2025
MESA Nomadic Masters

Upcoming

CSL Xiamen Invitational
CSL Xiamen Invitational: ShowMatche
2025 ACS Season 2
CSLPRO Last Chance 2025
CSLPRO Chat StarLAN 3
BSL Season 21
K-Championship
RSL Revival: Season 2
SEL Season 2 Championship
uThermal 2v2 Main Event
FEL Cracov 2025
Esports World Cup 2025
Underdog Cup #2
StarSeries Fall 2025
FISSURE Playground #2
BLAST Open Fall 2025
BLAST Open Fall Qual
Esports World Cup 2025
BLAST Bounty Fall 2025
BLAST Bounty Fall Qual
IEM Cologne 2025
FISSURE Playground #1
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 © 2025 TLnet. All Rights Reserved.