Retrospective
First let’s look at the goals I had set for 2022.
Getting to Diamond was a matter of discipline doing ViBE’s B2GM build. It got harder the more I got up in Platinum 1, because 2 base timing attacks are really strong against this build if not scouted on time. With only the 6-10 safety Roaches and then droning up to a 3 base saturation can and will mean overdroning and dying to the timing attack before the Hydras or enough Roaches are out.
After getting to Diamond I started to feel a bit lost and thought switching to a Speedling/Queen opener and a Ling/Bane style in ZvT would fix everything. But Terrans still tore me up - especially when going 2-1-1 or throwing all kinds of worker harass at me, only to kill me with a timing attack later when I was droning up my 3rd.
Ultimately I had some good conversations with GM Lorimbo and switched back to Roach openers and timing attacks on every matchup - combined with focussing on scouting and map awareness through creep and overlords. I feel like I need to work on these first before switching up my opener. I will follow up with another post to lay out my game plans in every matchup, so this one does not drift off topic too much.
Regarding training partners on each matchup to work on cheese defense, I did not really get those. But on the other positive end there is a weekly training/coaching session now on the ATZ discord. A handful of Diamond 3 to Diamond 1 players are being coached and guided by Master and Grandmaster players like Hart, Sigil, Lorimbo, Railgan and Gamerrichy. (Shame on me if I forgot one)
Turns out, what I thought were my short term goals are actually long term goals I might be working on for a while.
Goals for 2023
Probably not that S.M.A.R.T. goals, but here we go:
- At least keep Diamond 2, shoot for Diamond 1
- I have working and fun Roach openers (+transitions) for every matchup
- I am comfortable with Speedling/Queen openers (like QLASH)
- ZvT is on a level where I don’t hate the matchup