The 3 Gate Robo Colossus Build with Replay

I just got rocked by Steliokontos, a Master League Protoss player, on Backwater Gulch. This map was added as part of the Patch 1.3 map pack. It is actually quite nice. The rush distance is not too large and the natural expansions are flanked by destructible rocks. This forces early pushes to come from one ramp while opening up expansions to later attacks via the destructible rock ramps.

This match I tried to execute a terribly timed 4 Gate without really thinking that this map spawns players in a location with only one small entrance. As a result of the small entrance and my poor execution, the 4 Gate failed to do any damage and allowed Steliokontos to tech due to early Force Fields. Upon reviewing the replay, I noticed that the build order that Steliokontos implemented was actually really well timed. It gives you a sentry early to make up for the lack of units and shoots out a colossus within a reasonable time (9 minutes). I jotted down the build order to try to implement it in my own matches.


Build order after the jump.

How to Get the "Insane Blitz" Achievement

Took me a few tries to get the exact timing and placement of this build down so I thought I would share. Here is the download replay link.


This achievement essentially involves cannon rushing either a Terran or Protoss AI. The cannon rush will only work in a map like Agria Valley where you can build cannons outside of the AI base so as to be outside of the range where the AI automatically attacks buildings. If you try to build anything inside of this range (which is roughly the size of its base floor) it will immediately spot you and attack.

Screenshot and instructions after the jump.

Killer 2v2 Protoss Zerg Strategy

This 2v2 strategy is one of the most effective ways of reaching the Plat/Diamond tiers with the minimal amount of time. A buddy of mine and I went about 30 wins to 2 losses using this strategy about a month ago. It has now become extremely popular so its effectiveness has been reduced but it is still really powerful in Plat leagues and below.

Beware that implementing this strategy means that when you finally do start losing games you will not have the requisite skill level to take on your opponents since you cheesed your way into the higher leagues =(

The concept:


The killing blow comes from the Protoss player who will warp in zealots directly into the enemy base. This is achieved by having the Zerg player provide vision with the overlord and protection/harass with the 24 speedlings produced at around the 5 minute mark.

Build order and replays after the jump.

Floating Minerals

Don't do it. Just don't. Floating minerals is the bane of my existence. In order to get past the gold league, I have to stop floating. What is it that is so hard about spending your resources? Here is a replay that shows just how bad I do it on occasion. I don't even want to look. Sure we won in the end but seriously, what is up with not building units?

5 Effective Ways to Improve Your Starcraft 2 Skill Level

The question I often ask myself is...

How can I actually train myself to become a better player? 


The answer is simple -- every time you open up Sc2 you must be focused on improving your gameplay. Not forgetting that you are playing to improve your skill level is the life blood of a successful training regime.

Okay, that may be a bit vague.

So here are 5 specific strategies you can begin to implement today and start training to become a better player.

Links and strategy after the jump.