So I've been playing random for just over a week now.
Amusing amounts of fail.
Things to note
Ladder anxiety - gone.
Insight into how other races work - incredibly handy.
4Gate - hilariously effective.
After some coaching with PiG and Eldrid - both of whom I thoroughly recommend - I've decided I need to cut down on the amount of things I'm trying to do in game, and get back to basics.
Game Modes
To achieve this, I've decided to set my brain into three 'game modes' that dictate where I focus my attention and actions on a particular aspect of my gameplay, to the exclusion of everything else.
Build Order Mode
Focus on crisp execution of my build order
Include an initial probe/scv/drone scout, after which -
Ignore what my opponent is doing
Ends when my build order for that race runs out, usually ~30 supply
Macro Mode
Focus on constant execution of the macro cycle for that race
Include map awareness
Ignore opponent's tech/unit composition
Ends when I notice my opponent move out on the map
Engagement Mode
Focus on positioning and achieving multiple attack angles
Include queuing up as many units as possible
Ignore everything else
Ends when the engagement finishes, at which point I kick back to Macro Mode
What's the point?
The objective of dividing up my gameplay is so that my brain, my eyes and my hands have a specific task at any point in time.
Currently, I put a lot of brainpower into deciding what I should be paying attention to. I'm trying to remove that brainpower requirement by turning it into a process which I should eventually do automatically, much like learning the macro cycle for each race.
Now for the important part:
How I Learn
I'm a visual learner. Flowcharts and diagrams make me happy. Without a visual cue, remembering things is incredibly difficult for me. Thus:
Every time I switch between modes, I pick the battery up and move it. Because this requires both visual and tactile interaction with switching game modes, it's more clearly defined in my brain.
Am I going to lose a whole heap of games? You bet.
Any game where I lose to a superior unit composition, I will grin, rub my tummy and mash that Find Game button.
Any game where I lose to superior macro, I will assault my desk with my head and squint at the replay.
I'll run with this for a week, see if my macro improves, and let you guys know.
Cheers yo
___________________________________ Apth.767 SEA | NA | KR
I noticed the same thing when I started playing Random. Any ladder anxiety that was there is completely gone cause you know you suck with at least 2/3 of the races.
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Azz had a chance at this one point in the game where he had a nexus and 6 probes. But he found a way to **** it up from there 3 times in a row - Iaguz
I'm amazed to discover that you have such a structured spirit. No wonder you create the Replay Feedback Thread. That battery going up and down on those awesome charts is epic.
You pushed this to perfectly draw those on computer, I especially love the Lego block.
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