Season 10

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I want to talk about a special apm- the vapm (Valid Actions Per Minute). You can see this with BWChart and it's one of the most important things in one's game. It truly says something about your macro. It's one of the things that have gotten much better in my TvZ. As far as I can see, the main way you can raise it is to find a build that works well. Don't try to do anything too fancy while your working on this build. Keep a tab on how soon you get certain units out, you can check BWChart to see how soon you hotkey your first templar, vessel, mutalisk, etc. If you feel you are slacking on your timing, try to pay more attention to activity in your own base, one of the toughest things I've learned is how to work in some macro in the midst of a big battle. I'd have to force myself to pay attention if any further micro or screen time in one area made any significant difference. Question if you can attack/move through the mini map to bring a position into full view the moment you run into something. This is much easier to pull off when you know what your opponent has and their current location, it leaves you more time to focus on macro. Lots of these things become obvious when you record one of your games. I use Fraps.

When you're trying a set build and micro becomes crucial, you want to make sure your micro is top notch. I recommend getting a micro-oriented UMS map, specifically made for the races you're interested in, find a friend and do it over and over until desired satisfaction. Or just simply consider, before any moves, what the most effective way to handle the opponent can be. This is a game of execution with micro and macro. Always remember that what you do with each second matters in your overall game. Don't be nervous if you think you'll lose. Back in my wrestling days, when I knew I'd lose, I'd figure I'd give my opponent as much hell as I could. I proved to be satisfied in my losses when they lose their next match due to spending too much of their energy on me. In the face of defeat, raising hell can leave you satisfied, it's when you screw up normal things that should bother you the most. Just be careful.

I want to do another 100 games of TvZ. I've learned to look at Starcraft as 9 separate games: TvP, TvZ, PvZ, etc. As a casual gamer, I feel I should master one of these games before I move on to another. I want to work on taking down 2 Hatchery builds. The game is becoming more technical, I remember when I referred to every Zerg build as just Lurker/Muta build. Some folks seem not to think it's a big deal to become a decent D+ in just one match-up, I agree. Even so, I'm just a casual gamer. To become a C- in this one match-up but suck at the others... the hilarity of idea will makes my eyes glow. I'd rather be deadly in one match-up than mediocre in all MU's. Many top level players go hours on end playing a certain MU or map - it's a smart thing to do. I haven't even branched out to other maps! I plan to do some map switching in my next 100.

My blog is now 1 year old!