2 Rax Academy (vs. Zerg)

[e][h]2 Rax Aca

Strategy Information

Creator(s):

iloveoov

Matchups:

TvZ

Type:

Opening

Popularized by:

 iloveoov

The 2 Rax build is a build that was very popular before the introduction of the 1 Rax FE. Modern adaptations of the build generally use this build to force the Zerg to spend a significant amount of money on Sunken Colonies by faking a Marine/Medic push and then, instead of continuing to pump units as in older versions of this build, taking an expansion to enter a macro game. In addition, it allows for an easier defense against the 9 Pool opening.

This build is the original incarnation of TvZ fast expand made by iloveoov in 2003. To this day it remains very strong against 2 Hatchery builds and is underused in this regard. However, because of the slower Command Center and oftentimes useless early second Barrack, it is significantly weaker than 1 rax FE against 3 Hatchery Mutalisks, which caused its overall decline in popularity.

Build Order

2 Rax FE
9/10 - Supply Depot 11/18 - Barracks 13/18 - Barracks 14/18 - Supply Depot 18/26 - Refinery 19/26 - Academy 24/26 - Supply Depot 26/34 - Stim Pack 28/34 - Comsat Station
How To: Read Build Orders

Countered By

Soft Counters

• 3 Hatch Muta

Counter To

Soft Counters

• 2 Hatch Muta
• 2 Hatch Lurker

Notable Maps

Strong

This is a strong build on maps where Zergs normally 2 Hatch. Some examples include Destination and Raid Assault.

Weak

This is a weaker build on any map where Zergs normally 3 Hatch. Some examples include Arcadia and Loki.

Mentality

The goal of this build is to force the Zerg to overinvest in Sunken Colonies, fearing a sunken break, while the Terran expands instead. Remember that this build does not look any different from a Sparks Rush. Therefore, if the Terran allows the Zerg to see neither their base nor their full army size, the Zerg is forced to assume that they are doing a Sparks Rush and overcompensate on defense in response. Having to build 4-5 Sunken Colonies in a 2 Hatch Muta build is very taxing on the economy and if they skimp on defense they can easily be punished.

Example Games

	Sharp	Sharp performing 2 Rax Aca against Soulkey in the KSL2 grand finals
	Soulkey
	Date:
	Patch:	VOD

Sources

Daze. "Daze advice for Terrans" Team Liquid

https://tl.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=49681. 2/8/2007