TangSC Profile Blog Joined July 2011 Canada 1852 Posts Last Edited: 2012-07-18 14:31:06 #1 [G] Seizing Every Edge: Zerg Economy Management



Hello Ladies and Gentlemen of Team Liquid!



I sincerely appreciate that you've taken the time to view my newest guide on Zerg Economics. Everyone knows that solid economy management makes a considerable difference in SC2, but it is still a subject that is only briefly touched in guides and tutorials. It's probably because drone saturation isn't always as interesting as innovative new build orders and play styles, but that doesn't diminish its importance.



Now obviously I'm not saying that it's more important to check your third base's mineral saturation than manage a game-deciding battle. What I'm saying is that economy management is an improvable skill: I strongly believe that if you take the time to understand and practice it, you become faster and more effective. Furthermore, it will improve other areas of your game play: mouse precision, boxing, hand speed, multitasking. Whether you play a 1-base all-in style or refuse to leave the creep until you're maxed with broodlords, you will benefit from reaching and maintaining optimal mineral saturation . That's why I'm so excited to present an economy-focused guide with three goals:



1) Add structure to players' economy by introducing the concept of optimal mineral saturation: 16 Drones per base, 2 Drones per patch.



2) Suggest methods of reaching optimal mineral saturation as early as possible, and maintaining it throughout the game.



3) Offer tips and drills to help players quickly point out their own mistakes and fix them.



An Introduction: Calculations



+ Show Spoiler + "Double-mining drones harvest at peak efficiency (42-42.5 minerals/minute)"



Stream Video:

Stream Video:



Calculations:

16 Drones mining 2 per patch return ~670 minerals/minute, roughly 42 minerals/minute per drone.

20 Drones mining 2 per patch on closer patches and 3 per patch on further patches return ~750 minerals/minute, roughly 37.5 minerals/minute per drone.

20 Drones mining 2 per patch on 2 bases (16 Drones at main, 4 drones at natural) return ~850 minerals/minute, roughly 42 minerals per drone.



You lose nearly 5 minerals per minute per drone when you go over 2-drones per patch, meaning you lose approximately 80-100 minerals per minute if you have 20 drones mining with four triple-mining patches when they could be mining more efficiently at an expansion. This is why it's so important to make sure you're double mining at all your patches, because if you're sitting with 16 drones but some of your closer patches are single mining while your far-back patches triple mine, you're losing mining efficiency. In other words, you can more than double the effectiveness of a drone/probe/scv by transferring it to a new expansion instead of leaving it at a base with 16+ miners. Stream Video: An Introduction to Zerg Economy Management Stream Video: An Economic Walkthrough of ZvT, ZvP, ZvZ Calculations:16 Drones mining 2 per patch return ~670 minerals/minute, roughly 42 minerals/minute per drone.20 Drones mining 2 per patch on closer patches and 3 per patch on further patches return ~750 minerals/minute, roughly 37.5 minerals/minute per drone.20 Drones mining 2 per patch on 2 bases (16 Drones at main, 4 drones at natural) return ~850 minerals/minute, roughly 42 minerals per drone.You lose nearly 5 minerals per minute per drone when you go over 2-drones per patch, meaning you lose approximately 80-100 minerals per minute if you have 20 drones mining with four triple-mining patches when they could be mining more efficiently at an expansion. This is why it's so important to make sure you're double mining at all your patches, because if you're sitting with 16 drones but some of your closer patches are single mining while your far-back patches triple mine, you're losing mining efficiency. In other words, you can more than double the effectiveness of a drone/probe/scv by transferring it to a new expansion instead of leaving it at a base with 16+ miners.



Zerg Economics Part 1: Counting Drones



+ Show Spoiler + "Over/undersaturating bases is a cardinal sin for Zerg players."



Since we generally aim to stay one base ahead, Zerg players must pay closer attention to saturation. Protoss or Terran players may oversaturate their natural expansion so that they can transfer workers to their third base, but since Zergs tend to take their third much earlier, there is usually no reason to oversaturate a mineral field. The picture below depicts optimal mineral saturation:







8 Mineral Patches x 2 Drones per Patch = 16 Drones

In other words, to optimally saturate a mineral field you need 16 Drones (2 full rows). It is also absolutely essential that the drones double-mine each patch, a topic explored in more detail in the stream videos and drills.



To keep track of the number of drones mining at each base, I personally recommend using the "BOX TECHNIQUE" to count only the drones harvesting minerals. To use the "BOX TECHNIQUE", simply make a rectangular box between your main hatchery and your minerals, then count all the drones. While you could double-click or control-click to count drones, I prefer the box style to avoid factoring in the drones mining gas. Also, it improves the speed and precision of your boxing, which is a helpful skill in micro engagements. That being said, there's nothing wrong with double-clicking the drones and factoring out the drones that mine gas (minus 2 drones per geyser).



Stream Video:



Example A) - Current Drones: 7. We need 9 more drones to optimally saturate this base.





Example B) - Current Drones: 10. We need 6 more drones to optimally saturate this base.





Example C) - Current Drones: 14. We need 2 more drones to optimally saturate this base. Fortunately, we have two building and rallied already





Example D) - Current Drones: 16. Bliss!

Since we generally aim to stay one base ahead, Zerg players must pay closer attention to saturation. Protoss or Terran players may oversaturate their natural expansion so that they can transfer workers to their third base, but since Zergs tend to take their third much earlier, there is usually no reason to oversaturate a mineral field. The picture below depicts8 Mineral Patches x 2 Drones per Patch = 16 DronesIn other words, to optimally saturate a mineral field you need 16 Drones (2 full rows). It is also absolutely essential that the drones double-mine each patch, a topic explored in more detail in the stream videos and drills.To keep track of the number of drones mining at each base, I personally recommend using the "BOX TECHNIQUE" to count only the drones harvesting minerals. To use the "BOX TECHNIQUE", simply make a rectangular box between your main hatchery and your minerals, then count all the drones. While you could double-click or control-click to count drones, I prefer the box style to avoid factoring in the drones mining gas. Also, it improves the speed and precision of your boxing, which is a helpful skill in micro engagements. That being said, there's nothing wrong with double-clicking the drones and factoring out the drones that mine gas (minus 2 drones per geyser).Stream Video: Quick Tip - the "BOX TECHNIQUE" - Current Drones: 7. We need 9 more drones to optimally saturate this base.- Current Drones: 10. We need 6 more drones to optimally saturate this base.- Current Drones: 14. We need 2 more drones to optimally saturate this base. Fortunately, we have two building and rallied already- Current Drones: 16. Bliss!



Zerg Economics Part 2: Maintaining Optimal Saturation



+ Show Spoiler + "There is no sense devoting all this effort and time perfecting our mineral saturation if it's disrupted every time we create a structure or fill a gas geyser."



We just discussed the importance of reaching optimal mineral saturation (16 drones/mineral field), and now we need to figure out how to keep it. Here are some general guidelines.



If you must take drones off mining to fill gas or build a structure, choose drones that are...

1) just dropping off minerals.

2) nearer to the gas geyser/where you're placing the building.

3) mining from those mineral patches that are furthest from your hatchery.



To avoid taking drones off of a base with optimal saturation...

1) construct new drones and rally the eggs into the geyser.

2) take three drones off mining, but rally three new drone eggs to the patches you took from.

3) take drones from a base that doesn't have full saturation.



Stream Tutorial:

We just discussed the importance of reaching optimal mineral saturation (16 drones/mineral field), and now we need to figure out how to keep it. Here are some general guidelines.If you must take drones off mining to fill gas or build a structure, choose drones that are...1) just dropping off minerals.2) nearer to the gas geyser/where you're placing the building.3) mining from those mineral patches that are furthest from your hatchery.To avoid taking drones off of a base with optimal saturation...1) construct new drones and rally the eggs into the geyser.2) take three drones off mining, but rally three new drone eggs to the patches you took from.3) take drones from a base that doesn't have full saturation.Stream Tutorial: Maintaining Optimal Mineral Saturation



Zerg Economics Part 3: Tips and Drills



+ Show Spoiler +



Frequently use the BOX technique to count drones.



Reach 16 drone saturation as early as possible at each base.



Check for single-mining and triple-mining patches.



Be conscious of which drones you use to build structures and fill gas.



Drills:



1)



2)



3)



4)

Tips:Frequently use the BOX technique to count drones.Reach 16 drone saturation as early as possible at each base.Check for single-mining and triple-mining patches.Be conscious of which drones you use to build structures and fill gas.Drills:1) Single-Double-Triple 2) Removing/Adding to Gas 3) Drone Egg-Rally 4) 4-Base Peak Economy Maxout



Feedback Poll:



+ Show Spoiler +



Poll: Do you find this guide helpful?



5 - Excellent guide, relevant and concise information, interesting style. (139)

50%



4 - Solid guide, good analysis, pretty helpful. (60)

22%



3 - Average guide, could be improved but probably will help some people. (37)

13%



1 - There is nothing to be learned from you, Tang. You're ruining eSports. (32)

11%



2 - Some helpful material, overall not very informative. (11)

4%



279 total votes (139)50%(60)22%(37)13%(32)11%(11)4%279 total votes Your vote: Do you find this guide helpful? (Vote): 5 - Excellent guide, relevant and concise information, interesting style.

(Vote): 4 - Solid guide, good analysis, pretty helpful.

(Vote): 3 - Average guide, could be improved but probably will help some people.

(Vote): 2 - Some helpful material, overall not very informative.

(Vote): 1 - There is nothing to be learned from you, Tang. You're ruining eSports.

As always, I welcome and appreciate positive feedback as well as criticism. Please comment and let me know the things I'm doing right so I can continue doing them, as well as some things I did wrong so I can fix them in the future.



- Tang



Courtesy of Hello Ladies and Gentlemen of Team Liquid!I sincerely appreciate that you've taken the time to view my newest guide on Zerg Economics. Everyone knows that solid economy management makes a considerable difference in SC2, but it is still a subject that is only briefly touched in guides and tutorials. It's probably because drone saturation isn't always as interesting as innovative new build orders and play styles, but that doesn't diminish its importance.Now obviously I'm not saying that it's more important to check your third base's mineral saturation than manage a game-deciding battle. What I'm saying is that economy management is an: I strongly believe that if you take the time to understand and practice it, you become faster and more effective. Furthermore, it will improve other areas of your game play: mouse precision, boxing, hand speed, multitasking. Whether you play a 1-base all-in style or refuse to leave the creep until you're maxed with broodlords, you will benefit from reaching and maintaining. That's why I'm so excited to present an economy-focused guide with three goals:1) Add structure to players' economy by introducing the concept of optimal mineral saturation: 16 Drones per base, 2 Drones per patch.2) Suggest methods of reaching optimal mineral saturation as early as possible, and maintaining it throughout the game.3) Offer tips and drills to help players quickly point out their own mistakes and fix them.Courtesy of www.TangStarcraft.com Coaching www.allin-academy.com | Team www.All-Inspiration.com

TangSC Profile Blog Joined July 2011 Canada 1852 Posts #2



Reddit Link



Thanks! It would really mean a lot to me if you all would upvote this post on reddit:Thanks! Coaching www.allin-academy.com | Team www.All-Inspiration.com

ValeHavoc Profile Joined November 2011 United States 1 Post #3 Example 1 of zerg econ pt. 1: 7+11=18

TangSC Profile Blog Joined July 2011 Canada 1852 Posts #4 On July 13 2012 05:52 ValeHavoc wrote:

Example 1 of zerg econ pt. 1: 7+11=18

Oops! Thanks very much, updated. Oops! Thanks very much, updated. Coaching www.allin-academy.com | Team www.All-Inspiration.com

syriuszonito Profile Joined June 2011 Poland 332 Posts #5 Useful guide but I have to disagree about ALWAYS using box instead of double click. Imho when there are no drones transfering on the screen faster method is to ctrl click (or double click) drones , you want to see 16 +2 for each gas that you mine at the base (so you wanna see 20 drones if you have 2 gas mining). The one || My stream http://www.teamliquid.net/video/streams/syriuszonito

TangSC Profile Blog Joined July 2011 Canada 1852 Posts #6 On July 13 2012 06:11 syriuszonito wrote:

Useful guide but I have to disagree about ALWAYS using box instead of double click. Imho when there are no drones transfering on the screen faster method is to ctrl click (or double click) drones , you want to see 16 +2 for each gas that you mine at the base (so you wanna see 20 drones if you have 2 gas mining).

Thanks for the feedback, I see where you're coming from. If you prefer to double click your workers, you can. However, I think boxing is one of the most important skills in SC2 (not just being able to make a box, but making a box the size/shape you need quickly). I always recommend using the box technique in the early stages, because even if it's not 100% necessary, it trains a skill that applies in micro engagements. Thanks for the feedback, I see where you're coming from. If you prefer to double click your workers, you can. However, I think boxing is one of the most important skills in SC2 (not just being able to make a box, but making a box the size/shape you need quickly). I always recommend using the box technique in the early stages, because even if it's not 100% necessary, it trains a skill that applies in micro engagements. Coaching www.allin-academy.com | Team www.All-Inspiration.com

EnE Profile Blog Joined June 2012 417 Posts Last Edited: 2012-07-12 21:25:55 #7 One issue with the guide in my opinion, is that double clicking to check saturation can be fine, you just add two more drones to the total needed to account for the two drones with gas on the way back to your hatchery. I'm embarrased by my past﻿ actions and even more ashamed of my present thoughts and future endeavors to clear my name.

TangSC Profile Blog Joined July 2011 Canada 1852 Posts #8 On July 13 2012 06:25 EnE wrote:

One issue with the guide in my opinion, is that double clicking to check saturation can be fine, you just add two more drones to the total needed to account for the two drones with gas on the way back to your hatchery.

I think you guys are right, and I've updated the paragraph on boxing vs double-clicking. While I still prefer the box technique, there's nothing wrong at all with double-clicking or control-clicking - in some ways, it is actually faster/easier because you can avoid accidently boxing your gas-drones, your queen, or any units that spawn. I think you guys are right, and I've updated the paragraph on boxing vs double-clicking. While I still prefer the box technique, there's nothing wrong at all with double-clicking or control-clicking - in some ways, it is actually faster/easier because you can avoid accidently boxing your gas-drones, your queen, or any units that spawn. Coaching www.allin-academy.com | Team www.All-Inspiration.com

rezzan Profile Joined November 2010 Sweden 320 Posts #9 Ive been talking a bit t with tang and he has very good points and give good feedback and hes a nice guy. He have taught me alot about sc2, and its really showing in my gameplay after his help.



another great guide, !



Sponsored by Play3r.net and eurodomination.net www.twitch.tv/tacowtf

BoggieMan Profile Blog Joined August 2011 511 Posts #10 the title is kinda missleading since alot of this can be used by all races, great advice for the players that don't know all this already, i however think you should write that people in the lower leagues should not focus on this at all, cause its kinda silly wasting time practicing stuff like this when its your general gameplay that has huge flaws.

Danglars Profile Blog Joined August 2010 United States 11671 Posts Last Edited: 2012-07-12 21:43:07 #11



Consider revising your terms for (particularly) the screenshots. You're talking about mining efficiency, but somebody else might talk about per-base mining efficiency. You are literally decreasing your mining rate per base when you stop droning at 16 drones per base because you are below base saturation. The argument becomes why this is desirable (200 supply cap, map-based ease of taking third), but not the confusion with terms you're introducing here.



So please, separate drone mining efficiency from base mining saturation.



EDIT: Optimal drone saturation versus "fully saturate this base," I think is the clearer point to consider. You define the optimal drone saturation because that is the topic you are discussing, then switch pace to assert that 16 drones fully saturate a base.

+ Show Spoiler + Example A) - Current Drones: 7. We need 9 more drones to fully saturate this base.





Example B) - Current Drones: 10. We need 6 more drones to fully saturate this base.





Example C) - Current Drones: 14. We need 2 more drones to fully saturate this base. Fortunately, we have two building and rallied already

- Current Drones: 7. We need 9 more drones tosaturate this base.- Current Drones: 10. We need 6 more drones tosaturate this base.- Current Drones: 14. We need 2 more drones tosaturate this base. Fortunately, we have two building and rallied already



Really, it is merely to optimally saturate the base, having previously defined optimally as mining efficiency per drone and not mining efficiency per base Really, it is merely to optimally saturate the base, having previously defined optimally as mining efficiency per drone and not mining efficiency per base I don't think your example of "fully saturate" with 16 drones is conveying your point. A FULLY saturated base is 30 drones on minerals. I don't care if your mining rate with the third drone is 5 minerals per minute less than the first two. You are still mining faster and you haven't reached saturation until further drones do not add to your mining rate (I gotta assume equilibrium here, not drones still hunting for 2-drone patch). Similar to the sciences, where the saturation point means absolutely nothing more can be absorbed or added, as in the case with adding salt to water, where further salt past saturation point starts a pile of salt at the bottom.Consider revising your terms for (particularly) the screenshots. You're talking about mining efficiency, but somebody else might talk about per-base mining efficiency. You are literally decreasing your mining rate per base when you stop droning at 16 drones per base because you are below base saturation. The argument becomes why this is desirable (200 supply cap, map-based ease of taking third), but not the confusion with terms you're introducing here.So please, separate drone mining efficiency from base mining saturation.EDIT: Optimal drone saturation versus "fully saturate this base," I think is the clearer point to consider. You define the optimal drone saturation because that is the topic you are discussing, then switch pace to assert that 16 dronessaturate a base. Great armies come from happy zealots, and happy zealots come from California!

TangSC Profile Blog Joined July 2011 Canada 1852 Posts #12 On July 13 2012 06:33 BoggieMan wrote:

the title is kinda missleading since alot of this can be used by all races, great advice for the players that don't know all this already, i however think you should write that people in the lower leagues should not focus on this at all, cause its kinda silly wasting time practicing stuff like this when its your general gameplay that has huge flaws.

Yeah, I was focused primarily on Zerg but you're definitely correct that Protoss/Terran players can use some of the information. While I completely understand your point of view, I'm going to respectfully disagree that it's silly to practice this at lower levels. It doesn't need to be the chief concern of a bronze level player, but it doesn't mean it hurts to be aware of it. I actually think that the drills might be very helpful for a newer player who still needs to improve those important fundamentals/mechanics: mouse precision, handspeed/apm, boxing. You're right that it's not even close to being as important as things like expanding, keeping larva/resources low, etc. Yeah, I was focused primarily on Zerg but you're definitely correct that Protoss/Terran players can use some of the information. While I completely understand your point of view, I'm going to respectfully disagree that it's silly to practice this at lower levels. It doesn't need to be the chief concern of a bronze level player, but it doesn't mean it hurts to be aware of it. I actually think that the drills might be very helpful for a newer player who still needs to improve those important fundamentals/mechanics: mouse precision, handspeed/apm, boxing. You're right that it's not even close to being as important as things like expanding, keeping larva/resources low, etc. Coaching www.allin-academy.com | Team www.All-Inspiration.com

TangSC Profile Blog Joined July 2011 Canada 1852 Posts #13 On July 13 2012 06:39 Danglars wrote:

I don't think your example of "fully saturate" with 16 drones is conveying your point. A FULLY saturated base is 30 drones on minerals. I don't care if your mining rate with the third drone is 5 minerals per minute less than the first two. You are still mining faster and you haven't reached saturation until further drones do not add to your mining rate (I gotta assume equilibrium here, not drones still hunting for 2-drone patch). Similar to the sciences, where the saturation point means absolutely nothing more can be absorbed or added, as in the case with adding salt to water, where further salt past saturation point starts a pile of salt at the bottom.



Consider revising your terms for (particularly) the screenshots. You're talking about mining efficiency, but somebody else might talk about per-base mining efficiency. You are literally decreasing your mining rate per base when you stop droning at 16 drones per base because you are below base saturation. The argument becomes why this is desirable (200 supply cap, map-based ease of taking third), but not the confusion with terms you're introducing here.



So please, separate drone mining efficiency from base mining saturation.



EDIT: Optimal drone saturation versus "fully saturate this base," I think is the clearer point to consider. You define the optimal drone saturation because that is the topic you are discussing, then switch pace to assert that 16 drones fully saturate a base.

+ Show Spoiler + Example A) - Current Drones: 7. We need 9 more drones to fully saturate this base.





Example B) - Current Drones: 10. We need 6 more drones to fully saturate this base.





Example C) - Current Drones: 14. We need 2 more drones to fully saturate this base. Fortunately, we have two building and rallied already

- Current Drones: 7. We need 9 more drones tosaturate this base.- Current Drones: 10. We need 6 more drones tosaturate this base.- Current Drones: 14. We need 2 more drones tosaturate this base. Fortunately, we have two building and rallied already



Really, it is merely to optimally saturate the base, having previously defined optimally as mining efficiency per drone and not mining efficiency per base Really, it is merely to optimally saturate the base, having previously defined optimally as mining efficiency per drone and not mining efficiency per base I don't think your example of "fully saturate" with 16 drones is conveying your point. A FULLY saturated base is 30 drones on minerals. I don't care if your mining rate with the third drone is 5 minerals per minute less than the first two. You are still mining faster and you haven't reached saturation until further drones do not add to your mining rate (I gotta assume equilibrium here, not drones still hunting for 2-drone patch). Similar to the sciences, where the saturation point means absolutely nothing more can be absorbed or added, as in the case with adding salt to water, where further salt past saturation point starts a pile of salt at the bottom.Consider revising your terms for (particularly) the screenshots. You're talking about mining efficiency, but somebody else might talk about per-base mining efficiency. You are literally decreasing your mining rate per base when you stop droning at 16 drones per base because you are below base saturation. The argument becomes why this is desirable (200 supply cap, map-based ease of taking third), but not the confusion with terms you're introducing here.So please, separate drone mining efficiency from base mining saturation.EDIT: Optimal drone saturation versus "fully saturate this base," I think is the clearer point to consider. You define the optimal drone saturation because that is the topic you are discussing, then switch pace to assert that 16 dronessaturate a base.

I agree about the term "fully saturated base", updated to "optimally saturated base". Thanks! I agree about the term "fully saturated base", updated to "optimally saturated base". Thanks! Coaching www.allin-academy.com | Team www.All-Inspiration.com

TheGreenMachine Profile Joined March 2010 United States 704 Posts Last Edited: 2012-07-12 21:51:17 #14 I LOVE this type of stuff. I've been obsessed with avoiding triple mining+single mining drones with 16 per base. I also learned new things like the ideal drones to put on gas and some fancy drills to get even better where I feel I can improve. Great guide, 10/10 for what I look for ^^



Edit: another thing I do when Im not under pressure (ZvP vs forge) is always build overlords at the hatch with full saturation since drone transfer is about 5-10 minerals and overlords tend to not matter where they come out at.



Also I like to stagger when I make multiple gases since I know I cant perfectly add 9 drones to 3 gases efficiently I wait ~4 seconds between each planning ahead to be able to place them in gas more efficiently. Don't forget to get everyone you know to play HOTS so this game we love called Starcraft will live on. Every little bit helps. ^^

Drankme Profile Joined August 2011 Denmark 23 Posts #15 Great guide. Thanks!

TangSC Profile Blog Joined July 2011 Canada 1852 Posts #16 On July 13 2012 06:47 TheGreenMachine wrote:

I LOVE this type of stuff. I've been obsessed with avoiding triple mining+single mining drones with 16 per base. I also learned new things like the ideal drones to put on gas and some fancy drills to get even better where I feel I can improve. Great guide, 10/10 for what I look for ^^

Haha me too!! Glad I'm not the only economy-nerd out there Haha me too!! Glad I'm not the only economy-nerd out there Coaching www.allin-academy.com | Team www.All-Inspiration.com

zoohairZ Profile Joined September 2010 Canada 254 Posts #17 This is a good post, thanks Tang.

TangSC Profile Blog Joined July 2011 Canada 1852 Posts #18 On July 13 2012 07:05 zoohairZ wrote:

This is a good post, thanks Tang. This is a good post, thanks Tang.

Thanks zoohairZ hopefully see you at NASL? Thanks zoohairZhopefully see you at NASL? Coaching www.allin-academy.com | Team www.All-Inspiration.com

zoohairZ Profile Joined September 2010 Canada 254 Posts #19 On July 13 2012 07:09 TangSC wrote:

Show nested quote +

On July 13 2012 07:05 zoohairZ wrote:

This is a good post, thanks Tang. This is a good post, thanks Tang.

Thanks zoohairZ hopefully see you at NASL? Thanks zoohairZhopefully see you at NASL?





Yup i'll be there :D Yup i'll be there :D

Monsyphon Profile Blog Joined August 2011 Canada 185 Posts #20 Neat little guide

It would be nice to have the gas income rate in the calculations section as well, makes it more complete

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Next All