Terran Counter to Proxy Gateways

[e][h]Terran Counter to Proxy Gateways

Proxy Gateways on Andromeda

Counter Information

Matchups:

TvP

Type:

Opening

Game:

Starcraft: Broodwar

This article deals with Countering Proxy Gateways as Terran. For the Protoss article on how to perform a Proxy Gateway Build, read Proxy Gateways.

Overview

One of the most difficult things for players to deal with in StarCraft is an All-in build. The Protoss Proxy Gateways are no exception to this. Proxy Gates move to get mass Zealots into Terran's base before factory units come out. This article moves to discuss possible counters to Proxy Gateways and, in rare cases, transitioning out of the early game.

Timing

Two proxy Gateways can get two Zealots to Terran's base before Terran can complete their factory, pitting Terran's SCVs and four Marines vs a steady stream of Zealots.

Defense Tactics

Unfortunately, defending a Proxy Build is somewhat of an uphill battle and there is no surefire way to counter it. If you are however able to fend off Proxy Gateways you have basically won the game as the economic investment in any proxy build is not something that a player can climb back out of without dealing significant damage to the Terran player. Nevertheless, here are some tips that might help:

1. Keep your Marines alive: While this may seem obvious it is very easy to let your Marines engage the Zealots directly. However it is very important that the Zealots only be able to attack the SCVs. When you spot the Zealots coming up the ramp move the marines into the mineral line so that the Zealots cannot get to them
2. Micro your SCVs, not your Marines: Marines do more damage than SCVs and have less health. As an extension of 1 move your SCVs around so that they protect the Marines else you're going to see a quick end to your game
3. Make your base difficult to rush: A Barracks that is far away from your mineral line is ripe picking for some hungry Zealots. Make sure that your Barracks and Supply Depot are either completing a wall or close to your Command Center. That way you can continue to reinforce your marines as the rush drags on.
4. Continue Building: As difficult as it sounds you should continue building Marines and SCVs to improve your economy. In the event that you survive the rush you are going to need to be able to recover in order to still take the game.
5. Scout, Scout, Scout: As with any match-up, good intel is key to winning. Make sure that the point when you realize you are being proxy Gateway-ed is not when your Barracks is on fire.
6. Against a single proxy gateway, a Bunker is not required. In this scenario, it is generally enough to utilize building placement so that Marines can pass through while Zealots cannot.
7. However, if the Protoss went a double proxy gateway build, a bunker is almost always required to stave off the assault. While the mineral cost may be high, it gives a safe haven that the Protoss cannot directly attack. From the cover fire of the bunker, the remaining marines can protect the outlying Terran buildings from zealots and ensure factory units arrive in time to block dragoons.

Transition

If you manage to fend off a proxy you won't have to do much to take the game. A good transition option is to play it safe into a Siege Expand. However, because the fast expansion after a successful proxy defense may be expected by the Protoss, an alternative is to go for a fast drop or 2 factory build.