Forge FE (vs. Zerg)

[e][h]Protoss Fast Expand

Strategy Information

Creator(s):

Unknown

Matchups:

PvZ

Type:

Opening

Popularized by:

Nal_rA,Bisu

Overview

In the modern Protoss vs Zerg matchup, Protoss players nearly always opt for a fast expansion opening in order to quickly secure a second vespene geyser to support necessary Protoss tech. The Forge Fast Expand is a safe, defensive opening that allows the Protoss to enter a strong mid game.

Build Order

Basic Build
8 - Pylon at Natural Expansion 8 - Scout with the same Probe that built that Pylon 11 - Forge Continue with the information the Probe gathers. Since the two probes will reach the last 2 spawn locations simultaneously, you will essentially always either scout Zerg first or second. 9 Pool 13 - 2x Cannons 15 – Nexus 15 – Gateway 16 – Pylon 17 – Assimilator 18 – Cybernetics Core 20 - Zealot 12 Pool 15 – Nexus 15 – Cannon 15 – Gateway 16 – Pylon 17 – Assimilator 18 – Cybernetics Core 19 - Zealot 12 Hatch 15 - Nexus 16 - Pylon 17 – Gateway 18 – Cannon 19 – Assimilator 20 – Cybernetics Core 22 - Zealot Overpool 13 - Nexus 13 - Cannon 15 – Gateway 16 – Pylon 17 – Assimilator 18 – Cybernetics Core 20 - Zealot Note that these build orders may slightly vary based on if you scout Zerg first or second.
How To: Read Build Orders

Execution

The Fast Expansion build order is the most common opening in the Protoss vs. Zerg Match Up. The information obtained by the initial scouting probes is crucial. Protoss has to do a trade off between being safe against aggressive openings in the early game and boosting his economy as fast as possible. Depending on the gathered intel, the Natural Buildings (Nexus, Forge, Gateway and Photon Cannons) are placed down by the logic described in the Build Order table above. It is extremely important to position the buildings in such a way that Zergling runbys are denied. Most maps are covered in the Protoss Fast Expand Forge Walling article.

The number of Cannons needed to be safe from early aggression depends on several factors, such as the number of Zerglings built by Zerg, whether or not Zergling speed is upgraded early, and a possible early Hydralisk Den. A general rule of thumb is to build as many Cannons as needed to be safe, but as few as possible. Any beginner might need a higher number of matches to gain more experience. It is recommended to keep the initial scouting Probe alive as long as possible. If needed, another one might be sacrificed to replace the initial Probe.

Transition

This opening frequently transitions into a Stargate Build. The first Corsair fulfills the role of the scouting unit, since it should finish around the time the Probe will be killed by Zerg; in the meantime one or two Overlords might be killed.

However, Protoss can follow different strategies based on his overall game plan. A great variety of timed attacks can be prepared. Two examples of follow-up strategies are +1 Sair/Speedlot and +1 SpeedZeal.

Counters

In general several all-in rushes can destroy a Fast Expansion. Examples would be Speedling rushes, Hydralisk busts or two Hatch Mutalisk builds. These can be defended by adapting the Build Order with the information obtained by the scouting Probe. As such, is imperative that the scouting Probe stays alive long enough to react to these builds.

The Fast Expansions can be soft countered by two Hatchery before Spawning Pool openings. These exploit the lack of Zealots in the first minutes of the game. Protoss can counter with an even faster Tech or a massive attack in between the early game and the mid game.

Notable Maps

The Fast Expansion Build Orders can be used on almost any map. However, some outdated maps have relatively wide choke points, making a good wall-in nearly impossible, thus offering more options to Zerg to successfully perform a strong early-on attack. Prime examples would be Luna's 11 o'clock Position, or the 12 o'clock spawning points on Lost Temple and Python.

Notable Games

	Mondragon	Reach opening with a Fast Expansion and transitions into Corsair/Reaver
	Reach
	Date:
antiga	Patch: 1.09	VOD

	sAviOr	Finals of the MSL, Bisu introduces the famous Bisu Build
	Bisu
	Date: 2007-03-03
longinus	Patch: 1.15.3	VOD