10 Hatch

[e][h]10 Hatch (vs. Protoss)

Strategy Information

Creator(s):

Unknown

Matchups:

ZvP

Type:

Opening

Popularized by:

Unknown

This opening is largely outdated due to the viability of 12 Hatch, the decline of 2 Gateway (vs. Zerg) openings, and the higher level of micro achieved by modern players. However, it is highly effective against any 2 Gate opening since it gives you a way earlier Natural Expansion Hatchery.

Purpose

This is one of the old school openings Zergs used against Protoss on 2 player maps where 2 Gateway builds were highly likely. However, due to players' greater micro ability and the fact that 2 Gate has lost its popularity as a standard opening in Protoss vs. Zerg, this build is no longer common. Compared to 12 Hatch, this build gives the Zerg player an earlier Natural Expansion Hatchery (by approximately 20 seconds) and a faster Spawning Pool (by approximately 20 seconds), but it also delays your economy by 3–5 seconds.

Build Order

• 9 - Gas Trick
• 10 - Hatchery
• 9 - Pool
• 8 - Drone
• 9 - Overlord
• 9 - Gas Trick (NOTE)
• 10 - Hatchery (NOTE)
• 100% Spawning Pool - 2-8 lings (NOTE)

• 18 - Overlord

Build Order Clarification

Scouting

Scouting is optional, depending on the walking distances and the maximum player count on that map count. The most standard scout timing is using the 10th Drone on 4 player maps, or with the Drone you made after the Spawning Pool on 2 player maps.

Second Extractor trick

You can choose to do or not do the Extractor trick a second time. If you do, you will still have 3 Larvae and an Overlord by the time the Spawning Pool finishes. However, players haven't come to a consensus on whether this is cost-effective or not.

Gas variation

If you are going for a 2 Hatchery build you should make the Extractor after you make the Overlord.

Third Hatchery

If you are going for a 3 Hatchery build and you feel confident that your opponent isn't going for a 2 Gateway (vs. Zerg) build, you can place your third Hatchery as soon as you collect 300 minerals. This will happen when your Spawning Pool will be close to finishing.

After Spawning Pool is done

After your Spawning Pool is done, you should already know your opponent's build and should spawn Zerglings as necessary.

Countered By

Hard Counters

• None

Soft Counters

• Protoss FE (vs. Zerg) with Nexus before Forge.

Counter To

Hard Counters

• None

Soft Counters

• 2 Gateway (vs. Zerg).

Notable Maps

Strong

• 2 player maps.

Weak

• 4 player maps.

Mentality

Defensive against 2 Gateway (vs. Zerg).