Protoss Counter to 12 Hatch 11 Pool

[e][h]Protoss Counter To 12 Hatch 11 Pool

Counter Information

Matchups:

PvZ

Type:

Technique

Game:

Starcraft: Broodwar

This article discusses possible counters to the Zerg 12 Hatch 11 Pool opening. For the article about performing this opening build see 12 Hatch (vs. Protoss)

Overview

The 12 Hatch opening is one of the most standard and popular builds for Zerg to go in ZvP (and ZvT) as it allows a variety of transitions, gives a good economy, and still remains safe against most aggression. Usually by the time the 12 Hatch is scouted, the Protoss has already determined what type of build to go.

Pylon in base

Off of one base, Protoss can elect to either quickly expand (although they will have a harder time defending their expansion), early aggression with Gateways, or quickly tech and use a tech advantage to pressure.

Pylon at natural

This is the most standard, as most Protoss play the Forge FE opening, assuming the Zerg is going to 12 Hatch. The Protoss can from here either immediately build a Nexus to negate/minimize any economic advantage the Zerg has initially (although this allows the Zerg to take a quick third to equalize the "Zerg must have one more base" rule), or if the Protoss is feeling cheesy, he can build a Pylon at the Zerg's natural to Cannon rush and expand behind that. Make sure the Pylon is placed to restrict the surface area of the Cannon.