Added a link on top to files. I’m going to start synching my replay folder, which has a lot of replays that don’t make it to the replay database.

So yeah I’ve been debating with myself over whether I should talk about microing specifics, like footmen micro or whatever. In the end, I’ve decided I don’t really feel like it.

Anyway, there’s something I haven’t mentioned because I haven’t taken the time to start using it, but now I’m going to! Not sure how many people know about this, let alone use it, but Warcraft has a way to add the currently selected units to a group. You do this by holding shift and pressing a group number. This really helps with group management if you use a lot of groups like I do. (or at least half of it, the adding units part).

Example: In group 5, I have only my sorceresses, but the sorcs are also in a larger group 2, which might have summons, breakers, or whatever. Normally, I would have to add a new sorc to both group 5 and group 2. Here’s how I do it with the new method.

I add a sorc to my sorc-only group, 5 normally. You do that by selecting group 5, holding shift, selecting the sorc, and then regrouping with control-5. I have to do this for both the old and new method.

While my sorc-only group, 5, is still selected, I hold shift and press 2. Done, the sorc is also added to group 2 now. That’s 2 steps to update group 2 after updating group 5. (hold shit, press two)

Normally, you would select 2 (1 step), hold shift and add the sorc (2 steps, plus selecting units on the map is something you avoid if you can), reassign the control group (2 steps, hold control, press group number). 5 total steps, so by using Warcraft’s built in function, I save 3 steps in adding a unit to my groups; it’s better optimized.

EDIT: now that I think about it, you could actually shift-add the first sorc to group 5 as well. Then shift-add to group 2. WOW, that’s 3 (omg.. 2nd edit) steps total. I should have been using this sooner. :ENDEDIT

Okay, enough with that. Next is creeping optimization. ShrieK always comes to mind whenever we use that phrase. I think he said before you can shave 15 seconds [or maybe it was less] off your start if you do everything right. I’ve yet to make all the tiny adjustments he does. NEVERTHELESS, I’d like to stress the value of creeping well. Today when I was organizing my replays I actually found two on TS where I’m speed-build creeping the merc camp vs a computer. (1) (2). They’re from when I was practicing for WCG. Back then I really didn’t have any top human practice partners, so I spent a lot of time just working on some different starts against computers; I probably played maybe 200+ games (not full-length, just the start). What I did in those 2 TS replays is what I MEANT to do vs ShrieK, but I totally just forgot about it for some reason during the game. It’s unfortunate, as he did what I expected him to do.. but WHATEVER. What I did in the TM game I practiced many, many times as well. I haven’t used either start much since and I probably couldn’t do them now anymore :D