Learn Starcraft with the podcasts of Sean ‘Day[9]‘ Plott

Learning how to play Starcraft, arguably the most competitive eSport in the world, is a damn hard thing to do - but satisfyingly so! However, with the right Guiding Voice, it’s very much possible. Sean ‘Day[9]‘ Plott is not only a Zerg-player who has been active at the top level of foreign Starcraft for more than a decade, he is also willing to share his SC-wisdom - and in a very sexy format. I am of course talking about podcasts, as You can now learn advanced strategies while riding the bus.

Day[9] is a household name for all hardcore Starcraft-players, as he has been a most active member of Teamliquid since ancient history (i.e. the late 1990s…), not to mention several successes in World Cyber Games USA. As his brother, Nich ‘Tasteless’ Plott - the Foreign Voice of GomTV in South Korea, Sean Plott is very well suited to share not only direct tips and tricks of how to be a better Starcraft-player - but the very philosophy behind it.

It is a great honour for Polygon reVue to feature the archive of podcasts that Day[9] has produced over the years, in an effort to make this material accessible to a larger audience. I have a great personal respect for the deep knowledge of Starcraft that the community of Teamliquid possesses, but until recently I have always found their content to be less than accessible for newcomers to the scene. Now, with the launch of the Liquipedia (my review) - which undoubtedly will become the best database for Starcraft 1&2 in the world - this is about to change. By giving another platform to content like these podcasts, this blog is meant to contribute towards that.

It should be noted that Day[9] is an excellent speaker and delivers his message with clear detail - but it is not Starcraft for Beginners, in order to appreciate this fully You need a basic understanding of the game and its special lingo. Which is why I recommend You to have a look at Liquipedia and my own Big Fat Guide to eSports and Starcraft if this feels completely new to You.

Now, without further ado, learn Starcraft from one of the best - Sean ‘Day[9]‘ Plott:

Hallmarks of Expert Play: Podcast series providing high level tips. To download - right click any link, ‘Save As’

• Introduction - provides an introduction to the Hallmarks of Expert Play Series. Definitely listen to this first! Length: 1:03
• Winning with an Advantage - provides key advice for playing with and maintaining an advantage. HOP1 is key for players who feel confused or lost when they’re winning, or who feel like they throw games away regularly. Length: 12:39
• Redundancy and Purpose - describes methods of smoothing out excessive elements in your gameplay and maximizing use of all units/buildings throughout a game. Length: 10:34
• HOP3 Having a Good Mindset - gives tips for having a strong thought process in and out of game. Length: 17:34

Mechanics - MECH: Podcast series focusing on improving micro and macro by using proper mouse, keyboard, and management techniques

• Introduction - provides an introduction to the MECH series. Definitely listen to first! Length 3:44
• Mechanics - The Basics - describes good placement for keyboard and mouse hands, hotkey setups and exercises to improve mouse accuracy. Length: 27:55

General Game Theory: Podcasts addressing broad issues in logic, learning, improvement, and game theory

• Building Triggers and the Imaginary Player - discusses how to create and fine tune your own responses to deviations in the game. Though fairly advanced, this audio applies to anyone enjoys practicing and constructing precise builds and play. Length: 25:26
• Why You Should Play against Worst Players - explains why it sometimes isn’t best to be playing good players all the time. The audio describes how playing worse players helps your mind become more comfortable and creative, allowing you to take your game to the next level. Length 16:53
• A New Look at Build Orders - presents the appropriate way to think about build orders to allow for flexibility and understanding. Length: 34:18
• Relative Timings - explains how to plan timings that can account for variability and help optimize efficiency. Length: 14:29
• Sidestepping: The Art of Abusing Weakness - reveals how to take advantage of an opponents weaknesses rather than trying to punch holes in his strengths. Length: 22:39

Race Specific

Zerg:
• Stopping Mech - focuses on the general theory of how a zerg can crush terran mech play. With the rising popularity in mech, underlying mech logic is key to forming builds and countering opponents. This audio also includes a framework for a ZvT build order. Length: 23:48
• Variations on 5 Hatch Hydra - explains the basic underlying logic of 5 hatch hydra, as well as the underlying logic of 3 distinct variations. Length: 20:16

Protoss:
• Transitions and a Simple Goon Reaver Push - uses a simple, effective goon reaver push as a case study for good transitions. Length: 13:13 IMPORTANT NOTE: I misspoke through this entire cast! I repeatedly say zealot after stargate. I meant zealot after cybercore. Not sure how i said “stargate” so many times when I was thinking about the core the whole time

Terran:
• TvZ Midgame on Heartbreak Ridge: Fantasy’s Play examines how to develop a good plan starting with the midgame. Fantasy’s play on Heartbreak Ridge is used as an extended example. Length: 19:38

These podcasts are all hosted and provided by Teamliquid.net, and are the intellectual property of Sean Plott.

What do You think? Helpful for players who want to get better or just listen to some really in-depth theorycraft, or not quite Your cup of tea? Let us know in the comments

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• Audio interview with Sean ‘Day[9]‘ Plott - Starcraft Guru & eSports Gentleman

Tagged as: day[9], esports, starcraft, tutorial