What are the time differences between 6, 7, 9, 10 pool?

What are the time differences between 6, 7, 9, 10 pool?

Which is suitable for larger/smaller maps?


Solution 1:

If you're referring to Zergling timings, the standards are:

  • 6 pool is an all in play, which means that if the attack fails then you are unlikely to win the game. This attack involves creating a spawning pool with your 6th drone, giving you minimal resource production but the quickest zergling timing. Usually combined with the remainder of your drones, this cheese attack is suitable for tiny maps against an inexperienced player.
  • 10 pool involves using your 10th (supply cap) drone to build a spawning pool, followed by an overlord and another drone. This is a recoverable rush (if it falls through you can recover) and is great in small maps against opponents who do not block off their entrance ways.
  • 13 pool is a standard build geared towards getting the queen (and if necessary, rapid defenses) out as quickly as possible while not sacrificing economy. The alternative to this play is the fast expand where a hatchery is made first. This build is suitable for large maps or play against an unknown opponent.

The "7 pool" and "9 pool" you're referring to would probably be variations of the above, changing the balance between "more economy" and "faster rush".

Solution 2:

I do a pretty sick 8 pool. If played perfectly I can get "eggs cooking" at 2:11, which then hatch 25 seconds later (as of current version) and from there take X time to travel to base, either entrance or by main (CC/nexus/hatch) building.

Trick is this, build two drones so that you hit 8/10 supply. When you have 230 or 235 minerals build a spawning pool. Why not 200? Because those extra two carries that your drone makes actually helps get you rolling faster. When the pool goes down you will have 50 mins for the next drone immediately available and you will build this drone roughly 4-5 seconds sooner than if you had plopped your pool down with only 200 minerals.

So now you're back at 8/10. Build two more drones (10/10). Build an overlord. If timed perfectly with that extra mineral carry your ovie and the pool will finish at the exact same time, and there's no reason not to do this since you need both to function here.

You will also have about 165 minerals at 2:10 using this method and you need pool, ovie and money to get your lings. Great, all set. This "8 pool" still functions like a 9 or 10 pool in that it is reasonably recoverable economically if your opponent counters right. It also enables backup.

After the first 3 eggs/6 lings are out you should already have another half way hatched, and money for the next and the next. Build a queen at 15/18 so that you will have 17/18, then finish off with another pair of lings and make sure to hotkey your hatch to build another ovie as that larvae will become available at roughly the same time your first 6 lings are hitting your opponent's base.