Out in the Koprulu sector nobody wins by playing every game the same way. Terran, Zerg and Protoss are three different animals, and the pros on the Zone will tell you the same thing: learn what your race wants, then learn what the OTHER guy wants and take it away from him. Here is the short course.

What Each Race Wants

• Terran wants ground and time. Wall your ramp, plant your Siege Tanks, back them with Marines and Medics, and make the enemy walk into your position. Add Vultures and Spider Mines and you own the map.
• Zerg wants to expand and out-produce you. More Hatcheries means more larvae means more swarm. Trade cheap Zerglings and Hydralisks freely, then break you with Mutalisks or burrowed Lurkers before your tech catches up.
• Protoss wants critical mass. Zealots and Dragoons are expensive but brutal in numbers, and one good Psionic Storm from a High Templar can erase an army. Hold a choke, gather your force, then push once.

The Core Matchups

• TvZ: Terran must contain the swarm early and keep pressure on so Zerg cannot take five bases. Marine and Medic with tanks is your backbone. Watch the skies for Mutalisk harassment and salt your mineral lines with Missile Turrets.
• TvP: Go mech. Siege Tanks and Vultures shred Zealots, and Spider Mines punish a careless Dragoon push. Protoss wants to flank you, so never let your tanks get caught unsieged in the open.
• PvZ: Zealots and Photon Cannons hold the line while you tech to Storm and Corsairs. If Zerg overwhelms you before your army comes online, you lose. Do not fall behind on expansions.

The Mirror Matches

Mirrors are all about position and timing. TvT is a Siege Tank chess game won with Dropship plays. ZvZ is pure early aggression - Zerglings and Mutalisks, whoever hesitates dies. PvP comes down to Dragoon micro and a well-placed Reaver.

Master the matchup and you master the Zone. Now get out there, Commander.