3 Hatch before Pool
3 Hatch before PoolOverview[edit]
The 3 Hatch before Pool build is designed to give the Zerg a large economic advantage over any fast expansion build that the opponent tries. It is weak against cheese and the Zerg player is forced to play passively. In addition, tech is generally slower in the 3 Hatch before Pool build due to the later pool and gas. However, the Zerg early game, and thus mid game and late game, economy will be much stronger when using this build because of the large amount of early production this build gives.
Build Order[edit]
- 12 Hatchery at Natural
- 14 Hatchery (see note)
- 13 Pool
Build Order Clarification[edit]
14 Hatchery[edit]
The 14 Hatchery should be placed at the third expansion if the match up is Zerg vs. Protoss and the Protoss did a forge fast expand. Make sure to send the drone out at around 12 supply to the expansion. If facing a Terran, then the 14 Hatchery should be placed where a third hatchery would normally be placed: in the main.
During the Korean Air OSL Finals, Effort put his second hatchery to his third expansion and the 14 hatchery at his natural. This is a lot riskier then the normal 3 hatch before pool, but can be pulled off on certain maps.
Transition[edit]
Zerg vs. Protoss[edit]
- 3 Base Spire into 5 Hatch Hydra
- 5 Hatch Hydra
- 3 Hatch Zerglings
- 3 Hatch Hydralisks
- 3 Hatch Mutalisks
- 3 Hatch Lurkers
Zerg vs. Terran[edit]
Countered By[edit]
Zerg vs. Protoss[edit]
Hard Counters[edit]
Soft Counters[edit]
None
Zerg vs. Terran[edit]
Hard Counters[edit]
Soft Counters[edit]
Counter To[edit]
Zerg vs. Protoss[edit]
Hard Counters[edit]
Soft Counters[edit]
Zerg vs. Terran[edit]
Hard Counters[edit]
Soft Counters[edit]
Notable Maps[edit]
Strong[edit]
Large maps or maps with an expansion in the main
Weak[edit]
Small maps or maps with a high probability of cheese