Nick "Tasteless" Plott is regarded by many as the top English professional StarCraft commentator. Tasteless began his career with WCG USA Finals in 2005, and casted several other live events throughout the United States. In 2008, he became the first English-only caster to move to Korea, covering all seasons of GomTV's TG-Intel Classic and the WCG Grand Finals from 2005 to this year. Tasteless also casted many events for Blizzard, including their World Wide Invitational (since 2006) and Blizzcon (since 2007). Tasteless's nickname is the "Storm Observer" for his energy, humor, and enthusiasm.
Dan "Artosis" Stemkoski was a top American Terran player before beginning his casting career by covering mainly non-Korean online tournaments like Ascension. After casting the Razer TSL in 2008, Artosis moved to Korea and now does interviews and coverage for IEG, the media giant that sponsors the eSTRO professional gaming team. Artosis joined Tasteless to cast Blizzcon 2008 and 2009, as well as the WCG Grand Final this year. Artosis is known as "The Wikipedia of StarCraft" for his comprehensive knowledge of the game.
Blake "Chill" Muzar started out by making several strategic commentaries before casting events for TeamLiquid.net, including several seasons of TL Attack! and Liquibition. Chill was Artosis' casting partner for the Razer TSL and also moderates TeamLiquid's Strategy Forum. Chill is known for his strategic knowledge, dry humor, and brutally honest comments.
Sean "Day[9]" Plott is Tasteless's younger brother and a top American Zerg player who was invited to represent the United States at the WCG Grand Final three times. He currently hosts the program Day[9] TV on TeamLiquid.net that analyzes recent professional Korean StarCraft matches. Day also casted for hundreds of TeamLiquiders at Blizzcon 2009, providing refreshing analysis and live commentary of the OSL Finals between Jaedong and YellOw[ArnC]. Day is known for his deep strategical analysis.
The loser of Nony vs #1 Ladder will be seeded into R3 of the Qualifiers
Korean and Chinese IP addresses are prohibited (unless granted exemption by TSL Administration)
All players must use ICCup Anti-Hack Launcher and abide by all ICCup rules. All ladder complaints and corrections will be handled through the normal ICCup procedures.
TSL players may play ladder games against non-TSL players, provided those non-TSL players do not have TSL accounts.
All players must create a new ICCup account and have the "TSL" tag in their names. Any accounts with games already played on them or without the TSL tag will not be allowed to join. Any form of tagging is acceptable, so long as it is clear. If it is not, we will not accept your request to join the TSL team.
No smurfing. For most players aiming to qualify for the TSL, there will be no doubt as to which ID to use. If you are unsure, use your most recognizable ID or your forum username. If you believe that your chances of qualifying will be severely hampered by using your real I.D. you may contact a TSL staff member to apply for an exemption.
No transferring of stats or playing in ICCup tournaments to gain points.
On the final day of the ladder, players may only play another player to a difference of three games. For example, 3-0, 4-1, 5-2, 6-3 are all acceptable last day series scores against a single player, while 4-0 is not. Once the score reaches a three game margin for either player, the players must stop playing each other.
No multiple or shared TSL accounts. You may have another ICCup account without a TSL tag, but that account cannot play games against TSL tagged players.
All players who want to qualify for the TSL must save all replays from the ladder stage, and must send replay packs to TSL Administration in a timely fashion.
We reserve the right to disqualify users for any violation of these rules. More details and rules about the Qualifier stage will be released as the ladder concludes.
How to Register
Create a new account on www.iccup.com. Do not play on this account until the ladder begins.
Join the PokerStrategy.com TSL team. This team will be created on November 21, 2009.
This TSL is sponsored by PokerStrategy.com, the world's largest poker school and community. With hundreds of Poker VODs and an assortment of learning material in 18 different languages, PokerStrategy.com offers the chance for aspiring Poker players to learn from a beginner to a professional level.
To make sure I understand about final day rule on playing limit: it's not OK to go 4-0 and then play more and end up with 4-2, right? (basically, the rule applies to more than just the final score between the players)
On November 15 2009 17:39 HnR)Insane wrote: To make sure I understand about final day rule on playing limit: it's not OK to go 4-0 and then play more and end up with 4-2, right? (basically, the rule applies to more than just the final score between the players)
Once the score reaches +3 for either side, the players must stop playing each other.
Awesome news! TSL is gonna kick so much ass. The casters are perfect. The map pool is less than perfect IMO (ROTK, Blue Storm and HBR should've been in ), but it's good enough.
On November 15 2009 17:54 Holgerius wrote: Awesome news! TSL is gonna kick so much ass. The casters are perfect. The map pool is less than perfect IMO (ROTK, Blue Storm and HBR should've been in ), but it's good enough.
wtf ROTK is worst map EVAR
blue storm and hbr.. not very interesting either ;p
Doesn't seem like theres that much of an incentive to be ladder number 1, you have to play Nony instead of a random qualifier. It would be cool if the loser of Ladder 1 or Nony could drop into qualifier number round 3 if they lost. Still seems really cool though, and I'm definitely looking forward to this.
Edit: I seem to have misread or got ninja edited. Yeah, it makes a lot of sense and is a nice system.
On November 15 2009 18:07 Mr Right wrote: I might not understand everything fully here... but it seems like you would rather finish #2 in the ladder than #1, right?
No, because you have the chance to directly seed yourself into the Round of 16. and even if you lose you have another chance in Q3.
On November 15 2009 18:08 Nick_54 wrote: Doesn't seem like theres that much of an incentive to be ladder number 1, you have to play Nony instead of a random qualifier. It would be cool if the loser of Ladder 1 or Nony could drop into qualifier number round 3 if they lost. Still seems really cool though, and I'm definitely looking forward to this.
If you are ladder no1 you have really darn good chances of beating Nony, so its not bad at all, Idra/Ret/Ra are clear favorites over Nony any day and they can easily hit ladder no1.
I like the map choice. Destination for standard games + balance, Andromeda for macro play, Outsider for interesting games and two new maps for a sense of refreshment.
The maps decision are a noticeable departure from the last TSL. These maps have been played to death. Idra and Ret better not lost games on any of the current courage maps.
Can you explain how the Nony/Ladder #1 situation works out? If Nony and Ladder #1 both make it into the Top 16 they're basically playing for seed? Or Nony is doesn't have to play ladder at all, but if he loses to ladder #1 he's out? Or switches seed with ladder #1?
On November 15 2009 18:08 Nick_54 wrote: Doesn't seem like theres that much of an incentive to be ladder number 1, you have to play Nony instead of a random qualifier. It would be cool if the loser of Ladder 1 or Nony could drop into qualifier number round 3 if they lost. Still seems really cool though, and I'm definitely looking forward to this.
On November 15 2009 17:54 Holgerius wrote: Awesome news! TSL is gonna kick so much ass. The casters are perfect. The map pool is less than perfect IMO (ROTK, Blue Storm and HBR should've been in ), but it's good enough.
wtf ROTK is worst map EVAR
blue storm and hbr.. not very interesting either ;p
GO tSL2!
Dude, you on drugs or something? ROTK is the best map EVAR. It is so beautiful and inspirational.
On November 15 2009 18:12 Wala.Revolution wrote: I like the map choice. Destination for standard games + balance, Andromeda for macro play, Outsider for interesting games and two new maps for a sense of refreshment.
The thing is, Fighting spirit already covers the generic 4 player map aspect that andromeda provides :/, most games that Andromeda brings are really boring macro games with not much room for creativity and occasional sair/reaver play PvZ.
On November 15 2009 17:39 HnR)Insane wrote: To make sure I understand about final day rule on playing limit: it's not OK to go 4-0 and then play more and end up with 4-2, right? (basically, the rule applies to more than just the final score between the players)
but what if they dont end up 4-2? what if they end up 6-0?
On November 15 2009 18:12 Wala.Revolution wrote: I like the map choice. Destination for standard games + balance, Andromeda for macro play, Outsider for interesting games and two new maps for a sense of refreshment.
It would've been nice to see a foreigner built map though, but perhaps that would have been too hard to engineer. And I like Match Point a lot. But who says I'm right?
On November 15 2009 17:39 HnR)Insane wrote: To make sure I understand about final day rule on playing limit: it's not OK to go 4-0 and then play more and end up with 4-2, right? (basically, the rule applies to more than just the final score between the players)
but what if they dont end up 4-2? what if they end up 6-0?
once it is 3-0, you stop. just don't play each other.
On November 15 2009 17:39 HnR)Insane wrote: To make sure I understand about final day rule on playing limit: it's not OK to go 4-0 and then play more and end up with 4-2, right? (basically, the rule applies to more than just the final score between the players)
but what if they dont end up 4-2? what if they end up 6-0?
They can't end up 6-0; if one player gets +3 (3-0, 4-1, 5-2 etc) they have to stop playing.
On November 15 2009 19:12 konadora wrote: So, during the ladder you can only use these maps or does this map pool only apply for the TSL itself?
TSL and Qualifiers You can ladder on any maps you like
On November 15 2009 19:12 konadora wrote: Also, does the TSL tag have to be in a certain format? Like TSL-(name) or can it be name[TSL] or name(TSL) or something?
As long as it is clear, it is acceptable.
Lastly, you can use any race during the ladder, right?
On November 15 2009 19:12 konadora wrote: Also, does the TSL tag have to be in a certain format? Like TSL-(name) or can it be name[TSL] or name(TSL) or something?
Every time I see an update about TSL my anticipation grows and my expectations are steamrolled. This makes most other non Korean tournaments look like a joke.
On November 15 2009 20:13 Kyuki wrote: Noob question: But you do need a new email address to create a new account on iCCup right? Or is there a way around this?
You need a new email, but just do what I do: use a temporary email service to register: http://www.guerrillamail.com/
On November 15 2009 20:13 Kyuki wrote: Noob question: But you do need a new email address to create a new account on iCCup right? Or is there a way around this?
You need a new email, but just do what I do: use a temporary email service to register: http://www.guerrillamail.com/
On November 15 2009 20:13 Kyuki wrote: Noob question: But you do need a new email address to create a new account on iCCup right? Or is there a way around this?
You need a new email, but just do what I do: use a temporary email service to register: http://www.guerrillamail.com/
Allright cheers
Otherwise Gmail.com is the best mail to use, you will get the verification email from iccup in less than a second.
On November 15 2009 20:13 Kyuki wrote: Noob question: But you do need a new email address to create a new account on iCCup right? Or is there a way around this?
You need a new email, but just do what I do: use a temporary email service to register: http://www.guerrillamail.com/
Allright cheers
Otherwise Gmail.com is the best mail to use, you will get the verification email from iccup in less than a second.
yeah but you have to register and enter information and such, guerillamail also gets the verification mail instantly and all you have to do is decide on a email-adress. and then the adress is gone 1 hour later.
Just a simple clarification needed ... If we already have iccup TSL accounts of TSL1 (for instance, TSL-tyr for me) and I haven't played a single game on it since TSL1. Can I use this one for TSL2 by joining the TSL2 group when it starts, or do I have to create another account ?
On November 15 2009 22:01 tyr wrote: Just a simple clarification needed ... If we already have iccup TSL accounts of TSL1 (for instance, TSL-tyr for me) and I haven't played a single game on it since TSL1. Can I use this one for TSL2 by joining the TSL2 group when it starts, or do I have to create another account ?
As long as you haven't got any games on that account at the time of signing up to the team it should be fine. Although, I suspect you'll fine that your account has been erased.
On November 15 2009 17:54 Holgerius wrote: Awesome news! TSL is gonna kick so much ass. The casters are perfect. The map pool is less than perfect IMO (ROTK, Blue Storm and HBR should've been in ), but it's good enough.
wtf ROTK is worst map EVAR
blue storm and hbr.. not very interesting either ;p
GO tSL2!
I would have liked to see HBR instead of fighting spirit... but yeah the map pool is not bad
On November 15 2009 18:08 Nick_54 wrote: Doesn't seem like theres that much of an incentive to be ladder number 1, you have to play Nony instead of a random qualifier. It would be cool if the loser of Ladder 1 or Nony could drop into qualifier number round 3 if they lost. Still seems really cool though, and I'm definitely looking forward to this.
If you are ladder no1 you have really darn good chances of beating Nony, so its not bad at all, Idra/Ret/Ra are clear favorites over Nony any day and they can easily hit ladder no1.
TSL players may play ladder games against non-TSL players, provided those non-TSL players do not have TSL accounts.
How are you supposed to keep track of everyone? And who will you be punishing? The one without the TSL-tag or the one with the TSL-tag in his name?
To me the most logical thing would be punishing the player without a TSL-tag in his name playing a game against someone with a TSL-tag (if that smurfing player also has a TSL-account and is currently playing in the TSL). There's no way ppl with TSL-tags can keep track of every smurf or non TSL-tagged account. The responsibility has to be with the smurf, since he will know for certain that he's playing someone from the TSL.
HOW SHOULD WE PROOF OTHER GUY NOT HAVE TSL ACC if we play ladder ?
90% of tsl players start play tsl play few games get bored play normal account again and they wond care if they play tsl player or not so do we have to ask every game before start ? the most guys not even answer ...
With regard to the no alternates rule, the motivation behind the rule is that last season we had players sacrificing their non-tsl account to their friends to boost them into the top 48. Last season we had Lzgamer playing off race against G5 to boost G5 into the top 48. We have since learned of other instances as well. While the chances that the rule will be enforced at all levels is probably unlikely, for anyone making the top 48 the rule will be enforced quite strictly. How will it be enforced? That depends on the context around the game.
On November 15 2009 17:54 Holgerius wrote: Awesome news! TSL is gonna kick so much ass. The casters are perfect. The map pool is less than perfect IMO (ROTK, Blue Storm and HBR should've been in ), but it's good enough.
HBR is good but BLUE STORM? Oh god no. Nononononononononono.
On November 15 2009 17:54 Holgerius wrote: Awesome news! TSL is gonna kick so much ass. The casters are perfect. The map pool is less than perfect IMO (ROTK, Blue Storm and HBR should've been in ), but it's good enough.
HBR is good but BLUE STORM? Oh god no. Nononononononononono.
Soooooooooo overplayed :D
Well, Destination is also getting quite overplayed IMO but it's still in there. And the overplayed argument cannot be said about ROTK; I see absolutely no reason at all why the best map EVAR is excluded.
The loser of Nony vs #1 Ladder will be seeded into R3 of the Qualifiers but thats shitty for #1 ladder since if he looses to nony, he has 2 more rounds to play, while #2 has only 1, so #2 has better chances than #1^^
On November 15 2009 17:54 Holgerius wrote: Awesome news! TSL is gonna kick so much ass. The casters are perfect. The map pool is less than perfect IMO (ROTK, Blue Storm and HBR should've been in ), but it's good enough.
HBR is good but BLUE STORM? Oh god no. Nononononononononono.
Soooooooooo overplayed :D
I see absolutely no reason at all why the best map EVAR is excluded.
On November 15 2009 17:54 Holgerius wrote: Awesome news! TSL is gonna kick so much ass. The casters are perfect. The map pool is less than perfect IMO (ROTK, Blue Storm and HBR should've been in ), but it's good enough.
HBR is good but BLUE STORM? Oh god no. Nononononononononono.
Soooooooooo overplayed :D
I see absolutely no reason at all why the best map EVAR is excluded.
But TSL is gonna kick ass anyway.
PvT: 11-18 (37.9%) Hi terran user!
Damn, you got me! Ya, Terran is awesome and should have at least 60% winrate vP (preferably in both MU's though, but it's more important that those protoss scumbags get what they deserve) if a map is to be considered good IMO. :D But the T favouring is not the only reason why ROTK is the best map EVAR. Look at how beautiful it is; it's a work of art. I intend to make a poster of it and put it on my wall. And it's good for both macro games as well as harassment and early aggression.
i really like the map. Im glad they went with andromeda even though it's getting kind of old because it produces awesome games. Plus they got the best casters ever.
On November 15 2009 18:08 Nick_54 wrote: Doesn't seem like theres that much of an incentive to be ladder number 1, you have to play Nony instead of a random qualifier. It would be cool if the loser of Ladder 1 or Nony could drop into qualifier number round 3 if they lost. Still seems really cool though, and I'm definitely looking forward to this.
If you are ladder no1 you have really darn good chances of beating Nony, so its not bad at all, Idra/Ret/Ra are clear favorites over Nony any day and they can easily hit ladder no1.
On November 15 2009 18:08 Nick_54 wrote: Doesn't seem like theres that much of an incentive to be ladder number 1, you have to play Nony instead of a random qualifier. It would be cool if the loser of Ladder 1 or Nony could drop into qualifier number round 3 if they lost. Still seems really cool though, and I'm definitely looking forward to this.
If you are ladder no1 you have really darn good chances of beating Nony, so its not bad at all, Idra/Ret/Ra are clear favorites over Nony any day and they can easily hit ladder no1.
On the final day of the ladder, players may only play another player to a difference of three games. For example, 3-0, 4-1, 5-2, 6-3 are all acceptable last day series scores against a single player, while 4-0 is not. Once the score reaches a three game margin for either player, the players must stop playing each other.
Should it not be a margin of 4? because at 6-3, it can turn to 6-4. etc. if the games are tight. Unless I'm seeing it wrong.
On the final day of the ladder, players may only play another player to a difference of three games. For example, 3-0, 4-1, 5-2, 6-3 are all acceptable last day series scores against a single player, while 4-0 is not. Once the score reaches a three game margin for either player, the players must stop playing each other.
Should it not be a margin of 4? because at 6-3, it can turn to 6-4. etc. if the games are tight. Unless I'm seeing it wrong.
Anyways. Good luck to everyone.
yea but if the margin were 4, it could be like 7-3 and it could turn to 7-4... They have to set a limit somewhere....
The casters look awesome! I've never seen Tornado or Fighting Spirit before but I just checked them out on TLPD. Tornado looks fairly straight forward. Seems like T might have trouble getting anything past their 3rd. Fighting Spirit seems like it might be hard to FE in PvZ but I guess with proper building placement it would work.
[*]All players must create a new ICCup account and have the "TSL" tag in their names. Any accounts with games already played on them or without the TSL tag will not be allowed to join. Any form of tagging is acceptable, so long as it is clear. If it is not, we will not accept your request to join the TSL team.
Does it mean i have to create a new account for TSL2 or can i still use my old "TSL-Flopgun" account?
No multiple or shared TSL accounts. You may have another ICCup account without a TSL tag, but that account cannot play games against TSL tagged players.
I'm curious of the logic behind this rule and how enforcable it'll be. Because the majority of foreigners will have a TSL account, even if they have no intention of really trying, that'll mean they can't play people on TSL accounts. Which in turn will restrict TSL accounts to playing koreans, chinese and each other. That obviously rewards rule breakers.
No multiple or shared TSL accounts. You may have another ICCup account without a TSL tag, but that account cannot play games against TSL tagged players.
I'm curious of the logic behind this rule and how enforcable it'll be. Because the majority of foreigners will have a TSL account, even if they have no intention of really trying, that'll mean they can't play people on TSL accounts. Which in turn will restrict TSL accounts to playing koreans, chinese and each other. That obviously rewards rule breakers.
kwark is absolutely right, this rule kinda sucks cuz it includes all the "0-1-stats" TSLlers and ends in a chinese/korean only battle and in addition isnt easy to check, cuz you cant identify every smurfs, so some players get a disadvantage while others dont t-t pls remove that rule
No multiple or shared TSL accounts. You may have another ICCup account without a TSL tag, but that account cannot play games against TSL tagged players.
I'm curious of the logic behind this rule and how enforcable it'll be. Because the majority of foreigners will have a TSL account, even if they have no intention of really trying, that'll mean they can't play people on TSL accounts. Which in turn will restrict TSL accounts to playing koreans, chinese and each other. That obviously rewards rule breakers.
It just means if you want to ladder outside of your TSL account, you can't be playing games with people trying to TSL ladder (no smurfing to boost TSL stats). So, if you aren't TSL laddering, you are forced to play koreans and chinese, however, if you are TSL laddering, you are going to be mainly playing other TSL players (which is the point).
No multiple or shared TSL accounts. You may have another ICCup account without a TSL tag, but that account cannot play games against TSL tagged players.
I'm curious of the logic behind this rule and how enforcable it'll be. Because the majority of foreigners will have a TSL account, even if they have no intention of really trying, that'll mean they can't play people on TSL accounts. Which in turn will restrict TSL accounts to playing koreans, chinese and each other. That obviously rewards rule breakers.
It just means if you want to ladder outside of your TSL account, you can't be playing games with people trying to TSL ladder (no smurfing to boost TSL stats). So, if you aren't TSL laddering, you are forced to play koreans and chinese, however, if you are TSL laddering, you are going to be mainly playing other TSL players (which is the point).
If you don't have a TSL ladder account at all you can play whoever you want. This rule specifically aims to inhibit those actively trying to qualify for the TSL from creating alternate accounts that are used to boost their friends' TSL accounts without any negative repercussions to their own TSL account.
No multiple or shared TSL accounts. You may have another ICCup account without a TSL tag, but that account cannot play games against TSL tagged players.
I'm curious of the logic behind this rule and how enforcable it'll be. Because the majority of foreigners will have a TSL account, even if they have no intention of really trying, that'll mean they can't play people on TSL accounts. Which in turn will restrict TSL accounts to playing koreans, chinese and each other. That obviously rewards rule breakers.
They can play people in TSL ladder (which is good), they're not restricted to korean and chinese.
im a mac user aswell and i was thinking about asking if we can play without it not like ill get top 48 or even close anyways haha but i just kinda wrote it off as not playing, cried myself to sleep a few times, then got over it.
but playing without LAT when your used to it is next to impossible.
what you need to do is run bootcamp to get windows, then use it for starcraft
No multiple or shared TSL accounts. You may have another ICCup account without a TSL tag, but that account cannot play games against TSL tagged players.
I'm curious of the logic behind this rule and how enforcable it'll be. Because the majority of foreigners will have a TSL account, even if they have no intention of really trying, that'll mean they can't play people on TSL accounts. Which in turn will restrict TSL accounts to playing koreans, chinese and each other. That obviously rewards rule breakers.
They can play people in TSL ladder (which is good), they're not restricted to korean and chinese.
No, he is saying that many D/D+/C- players will make a TSL account as a lark, and after not being able to place higher than their original rank, they will just switch back to their normal accounts due to the difficult of transferring friends lists, etc. If any TSL account plays these D/D+/C- (or higher) players then they are breaking the rules.
edit : I would suggest just placing a rank limit on it. I mean, obviously if at B- this is going on there's something fishy, but at the D ranks it would be impossible to keep track of.
Destination in the map pool is understandible but I would have liked to see another map. This is not a big deal because the casters are so awesome tho :D
Wow, really excited about the casters. Since the announcement i've been watching razer tsl vods and some of the commentators there are clearly not on the same level. Can't wait now^^
It seems like they are split in two though.... will it be chill/day and then tasteless/artosis in other games all along? or will they just alternate back and forth?
Lag. We did all kinds of testing with the Chinese guys and their manager (Ash) but had to come to the conclusion there are too little guarantees. They are allowed to play TSL from another country (this player would be allowed into the ladder playing from China) and they are currently looking into the possibilities of making this happen with help of their sponsors.
On November 16 2009 10:02 cYaN wrote: Wow, really excited about the casters. Since the announcement i've been watching razer tsl vods and some of the commentators there are clearly not on the same level. Can't wait now^^
It seems like they are split in two though.... will it be chill/day and then tasteless/artosis in other games all along? or will they just alternate back and forth?
On November 16 2009 00:47 Delphi wrote: The loser of Nony vs #1 Ladder will be seeded into R3 of the Qualifiers but thats shitty for #1 ladder since if he looses to nony, he has 2 more rounds to play, while #2 has only 1, so #2 has better chances than #1^^
On November 16 2009 10:54 thunk wrote: I think that if Day and Tasteless casted together some interesting family history would come out.
lol, yeah. i wouldn't mind seeing that either. I honestly cannot remember them having casted anything together, which is weird considering they've both been at it in some form for many years
Generally how soon will the game VODs become available to download? From TSL1: Round 1 games took place May08, first Vods post was June08. Can we expect the same sort of timing?
On November 16 2009 19:00 inforsomechop wrote: Generally how soon will the game VODs become available to download? From TSL1: Round 1 games took place May08, first Vods post was June08. Can we expect the same sort of timing?
(Assuming live streaming will be available?)
Also, VODs were made available on Youtube almost immediately after each game, if I remember correctly. The VODs were just available for direct download at the end, but the torrents and youtube VODs were available throughout.
On November 15 2009 17:54 Holgerius wrote: Awesome news! TSL is gonna kick so much ass. The casters are perfect. The map pool is less than perfect IMO (ROTK, Blue Storm and HBR should've been in ), but it's good enough.
lol ROTK and HBR sucks and Blue storm is so overplayed and boring
I think the map choices are good except for Andromeda, that will be one P>T and Z>P graveyard
On November 15 2009 17:54 Holgerius wrote: Awesome news! TSL is gonna kick so much ass. The casters are perfect. The map pool is less than perfect IMO (ROTK, Blue Storm and HBR should've been in ), but it's good enough.
lol ROTK and HBR sucks and Blue storm is so overplayed and boring
I think the map choices are good except for Andromeda, that will be one P>T and Z>P graveyard
Protosses have been doing quite well on Andromeda lately
On November 15 2009 17:54 Holgerius wrote: Awesome news! TSL is gonna kick so much ass. The casters are perfect. The map pool is less than perfect IMO (ROTK, Blue Storm and HBR should've been in ), but it's good enough.
lol ROTK and HBR sucks and Blue storm is so overplayed and boring
I think the map choices are good except for Andromeda, that will be one P>T and Z>P graveyard
too bad about the country restrictions. such discrimination, in the name of lag no less, is unsettling. i play on iccup from china all the time. sometimes there is lag with poland but no problems playing EU, or north america. hope you can figure this out so that more gaoshou players are allowed into the TSL making it more entertaining. also, i presume idra and ret will be allowed to play?
On November 15 2009 17:54 Holgerius wrote: Awesome news! TSL is gonna kick so much ass. The casters are perfect. The map pool is less than perfect IMO (ROTK, Blue Storm and HBR should've been in ), but it's good enough.
lol ROTK and HBR sucks and Blue storm is so overplayed and boring
I think the map choices are good except for Andromeda, that will be one P>T and Z>P graveyard
wtf ROTK is an awesome map, I was always sad that it was only used in the OSL. (Byzantium is pretty good too, but ROTK is sexier)
On November 15 2009 17:54 Holgerius wrote: Awesome news! TSL is gonna kick so much ass. The casters are perfect. The map pool is less than perfect IMO (ROTK, Blue Storm and HBR should've been in ), but it's good enough.
lol ROTK and HBR sucks and Blue storm is so overplayed and boring
I think the map choices are good except for Andromeda, that will be one P>T and Z>P graveyard
wtf ROTK is an awesome map, I was always sad that it was only used in the OSL. (Byzantium is pretty good too, but ROTK is sexier)
Waaah! I always knew you were smart (despite your Leta hate)!
On November 16 2009 19:39 Plexa wrote: Yes this will be streamed, and i presume VODs will be available shortly after the cast concludes as with liquibition
On November 16 2009 19:00 inforsomechop wrote: Generally how soon will the game VODs become available to download? From TSL1: Round 1 games took place May08, first Vods post was June08. Can we expect the same sort of timing?
(Assuming live streaming will be available?)
Also, VODs were made available on Youtube almost immediately after each game, if I remember correctly. The VODs were just available for direct download at the end, but the torrents and youtube VODs were available throughout.
Thanks guys...can't wait. (Nice to see another South African on TL!)
andromeda, great macro map, fairly balanced desti, everyone knows this, really balanced imo fighting spirit, new map, but really good map from what we've seen so far tornado i love this map^^ outsider sux hard. change it to heartbreak ridge, its alot more balanced and fun. u should really have a voting on this cause i believe 90% of the ppl enjoy hbr more.. these casters are all awesome
rules, great rules gj altho as a massgamer myself it will be hard keeping in mind my win/loss the last day :S
Start: November 21, 2009 End: December 13, 2009
short ladder stage, would like it more if it started next season tbh but i guess this is fine. im gonna have alot of school absence during these dark times i think xd
TSL is looking great so far, except for outsider, i hope creator of that map will burn in hell <3 (jk)
On November 16 2009 21:02 omninmo wrote: too bad about the country restrictions. such discrimination, in the name of lag no less, is unsettling. i play on iccup from china all the time. sometimes there is lag with poland but no problems playing EU, or north america. hope you can figure this out so that more gaoshou players are allowed into the TSL making it more entertaining. also, i presume idra and ret will be allowed to play?
We'd love it if Chinese players could play in the TSL. It's just impossible to have LAN latency between Americans / Europeans and Chinese. In fact, we're exploring other options (sponsors possibly flying certain Chinese players out of the country to participate).
Don't accuse us of discrimination and "faking" the lag as an excuse -- that's extremely asinine and obviously not what is happening here.
i love day9 commentating. his commentating chill vs combat -ex was probably the best commentating ive ever heard. the only other ppl who come close is when ex-pro gamers like themarine or nal_ra commentate just because they provide so much insight, and not to mention, more than accurate predictions compared to regular commentators.
I don't see anything about this yet, but what if say there is player who plays exactly one MU like me (or is far superior in one MU compared to their other matchups). Therefore, in ladder I play exactly that one MU and magically qualify. Yet, I'm really not that good, because if I had to play any other matchup, I wouldn't do so well.
Practically speaking, I suppose something like this would be relevant only if someone qualified purely by playing their strongest matchup who wouldn't have qualified otherwise.
On November 17 2009 06:50 OppositeSavior wrote: So anyone can play in TSL just make an account with TSL tag and start playing the 21st?
Yes, provided you do not have a Chinese or Korean IP.
So isn't ret and Idra allow to play? I suspect they have a Korean IP.
And how do you judge whether a player is playing with a Chinese or Korean IP when he is playing the ladder?
We will know because his IP address will be Korean or Chinese.
On November 17 2009 12:51 blade55555 wrote: Are all the TL staff TSL administration? I am guessing so?
All TL staff are a part of the TSL administration, but not all are actively doing it. The official admins are Kennigit, Liquid`Nazgul, Hot_Bid, and Plexa -- so if you are looking for an exemption or rule clarification, make sure it comes from one of us.
On November 17 2009 22:43 Gnarly wrote: Does it matter how we tag with TSL? Like [TSL]Gnarly or TSL-Gnarly? or TsL?
As long as it is clear. Last time everyone used TSL- but its not a big deal to use [TSL]
On November 15 2009 18:08 Nick_54 wrote: Doesn't seem like theres that much of an incentive to be ladder number 1, you have to play Nony instead of a random qualifier. It would be cool if the loser of Ladder 1 or Nony could drop into qualifier number round 3 if they lost. Still seems really cool though, and I'm definitely looking forward to this.
If you are ladder no1 you have really darn good chances of beating Nony, so its not bad at all, Idra/Ret/Ra are clear favorites over Nony any day and they can easily hit ladder no1.
I searched for a while for that old vod of tasteless and Day doing a commentary together but I couldn't find it anywhere. Does anyone know where it is???
On November 18 2009 06:29 stormtemplar wrote: Hey I have a bit of a problem. I had to register as TSLStormtempla Because TSLStormtemplar wouldn't fit. Is there gonna be any issue with this?
We are making a "spirit of the rule" evaluation. If you made an honest attempt to not smurf, an attempt that a reasonable person would make, then it will be fine even if its one or two letters off. Ask yourself "if someone knows me as "randomKo_Orean" and I make a TSL account "TSL-Rando_OmKR" will they know that's me? I think the answer is yes, so that ID is fine.
On November 17 2009 12:51 blade55555 wrote: Are all the TL staff TSL administration? I am guessing so?
All TL staff are a part of the TSL administration, but not all are actively doing it. The official admins are Kennigit, Liquid`Nazgul, Hot_Bid, and Plexa -- so if you are looking for an exemption or rule clarification, make sure it comes from one of us.
On November 17 2009 22:43 Gnarly wrote: Does it matter how we tag with TSL? Like [TSL]Gnarly or TSL-Gnarly? or TsL?
As long as it is clear. Last time everyone used TSL- but its not a big deal to use [TSL]
Well, I know it sounds stupid, but can you please explain explicitly about this IP issue? For example, If i am playing with an USA IP for most of the games, and then play with a Chinese/Korean IP for one or several games, would you know that? And would you punish that?
On November 17 2009 06:50 OppositeSavior wrote: So anyone can play in TSL just make an account with TSL tag and start playing the 21st?
Yes, provided you do not have a Chinese or Korean IP.
So isn't ret and Idra allow to play? I suspect they have a Korean IP.
And how do you judge whether a player is playing with a Chinese or Korean IP when he is playing the ladder?
We will know because his IP address will be Korean or Chinese.
Well, I know it sounds stupid, but can you please explain explicitly about this IP issue? For example, If i am playing with an USA IP for most of the games, and then play with a Chinese/Korean IP for one or several games, would you know that? And would you punish that?
All ladder games must be played from non-Korean, non-Chinese IPs. In your hypothetical, are you saying you plan to play most of the games from the United States then fly to China and play one game? I suspect this issue affects very few people.
As for our ability to detect IPs, I'm obviously not going to tell you explicitly how we track it or how evade it (if evading us is even possible). For 99.99% of cases, we will know if you play even one or two games from inside Korea or China, and any account that does this (without us giving the player an exception) will be disqualified.
This DQ will very likely happen at the end of the ladder, so there won't be time to play another account to qualify (if that is the goal). If multiple accounts are used in this way, we will know by cross-checking IPs. Also, all accounts with games played sharing IPs (for instance, if your A+ friend logs in and plays games for you) can and will be found out by us too. Add to this the rule that you must give all ladder replays to us (for hotkey matching), and its going to be very, very difficult to abuse.
Basically, don't try to abuse or game the system, because we will find out and you will be punished -- harshly. This is very likely not the last TSL, and abuse in one will likely result in a lifetime ban from all future TL events.
On November 17 2009 06:50 OppositeSavior wrote: So anyone can play in TSL just make an account with TSL tag and start playing the 21st?
Yes, provided you do not have a Chinese or Korean IP.
So isn't ret and Idra allow to play? I suspect they have a Korean IP.
And how do you judge whether a player is playing with a Chinese or Korean IP when he is playing the ladder?
We will know because his IP address will be Korean or Chinese.
Well, I know it sounds stupid, but can you please explain explicitly about this IP issue? For example, If i am playing with an USA IP for most of the games, and then play with a Chinese/Korean IP for one or several games, would you know that? And would you punish that?
All ladder games must be played from non-Korean, non-Chinese IPs. In your hypothetical, are you saying you plan to play most of the games from the United States then fly to China and play one game? I suspect this issue affects very few people.
As for our ability to detect IPs, I'm obviously not going to tell you explicitly how we track it or how evade it (if evading us is even possible). For 99.99% of cases, we will know if you play even one or two games from inside Korea or China, and any account that does this (without us giving the player an exception) will be disqualified.
This DQ will very likely happen at the end of the ladder, so there won't be time to play another account to qualify (if that is the goal). If multiple accounts are used in this way, we will know by cross-checking IPs. Also, all accounts with games played sharing IPs (for instance, if your A+ friend logs in and plays games for you) can and will be found out by us too. Add to this the rule that you must give all ladder replays to us (for hotkey matching), and its going to be very, very difficult to abuse.
Basically, don't try to abuse or game the system, because we will find out and you will be punished -- harshly. This is very likely not the last TSL, and abuse in one will likely result in a lifetime ban from all future TL events.
Thanks for replaying so explicitly. Too bad that is the case for me . Of course I'm not thinking about abusing. Anyway thanks for explaining.
On November 17 2009 06:50 OppositeSavior wrote: So anyone can play in TSL just make an account with TSL tag and start playing the 21st?
Yes, provided you do not have a Chinese or Korean IP.
So isn't ret and Idra allow to play? I suspect they have a Korean IP.
And how do you judge whether a player is playing with a Chinese or Korean IP when he is playing the ladder?
We will know because his IP address will be Korean or Chinese.
Well, I know it sounds stupid, but can you please explain explicitly about this IP issue? For example, If i am playing with an USA IP for most of the games, and then play with a Chinese/Korean IP for one or several games, would you know that? And would you punish that?
All ladder games must be played from non-Korean, non-Chinese IPs. In your hypothetical, are you saying you plan to play most of the games from the United States then fly to China and play one game? I suspect this issue affects very few people.
As for our ability to detect IPs, I'm obviously not going to tell you explicitly how we track it or how evade it (if evading us is even possible). For 99.99% of cases, we will know if you play even one or two games from inside Korea or China, and any account that does this (without us giving the player an exception) will be disqualified.
This DQ will very likely happen at the end of the ladder, so there won't be time to play another account to qualify (if that is the goal). If multiple accounts are used in this way, we will know by cross-checking IPs. Also, all accounts with games played sharing IPs (for instance, if your A+ friend logs in and plays games for you) can and will be found out by us too. Add to this the rule that you must give all ladder replays to us (for hotkey matching), and its going to be very, very difficult to abuse.
Basically, don't try to abuse or game the system, because we will find out and you will be punished -- harshly. This is very likely not the last TSL, and abuse in one will likely result in a lifetime ban from all future TL events.
Thanks for replaying so explicitly. Too bad that is the case for me . Of course I'm not thinking about abusing. Anyway thanks for explaining.
Well, PM me your situation and we'll see if we can work out something.
I'm kind of wondering the same thing as Oystein, i have my old TSL-grobo account with no games played this season, the only games i ever played on that account was from TSL1.
Would it be possible to join the team with that account?
On November 20 2009 22:28 Tossim111 wrote: "TSL players may play ladder games against non-TSL players, provided those non-TSL players do not have TSL accounts."
umm how are we supposed to know if they have a tsl account or not.
On November 21 2009 11:29 randomKo_Orean wrote: I'm really stupid, but where's the link for TSL team for ICCup? So I can join the team first and ladder my ass off?
On November 20 2009 22:28 Tossim111 wrote: "TSL players may play ladder games against non-TSL players, provided those non-TSL players do not have TSL accounts."
umm how are we supposed to know if they have a tsl account or not.
I agree, this sounds weird.
I don't see this one answered, and i d really need an answer. I logged in with my real acc, waiting for my TSL acc to be approved to the team, and TSL players joined my game, and i had to kick them
How often is this held? Just annually? I just started getting in to Starcraft and I'm no where near good right now, but it'd be cool to start getting involved in community ladders in a couple of months. Are there any others?
I'm actually looking forward to Day casting. Mostly because I've listened to hours and hours of Tasteless on gomtv and want to listen to something different.
On November 24 2009 22:00 Cedstick wrote: How often is this held? Just annually? I just started getting in to Starcraft and I'm no where near good right now, but it'd be cool to start getting involved in community ladders in a couple of months. Are there any others?
The first TSL was from April 1st 2008 (ladder start) to June 2nd (tournament final) and this is only the second one. There is no real continuity yet.
On November 26 2009 01:20 theqat wrote: Are we allowed to use our account from TSL 1 if it has no games played since that ladder ended?
it looks like you'll have a better chance advancing to the top 16 TSL by ranking ladder #2-12 than #1. I probably am mistaken but it looks like #2-12 ppl only have to beat other qualified players in a bo5 game to advance, while the ladder #1 needs to beat nony, a player that placed 4th in the last TSL in order to advance. wouldn't that be disadvantageous to ladder #1?
I'm probably misunderstanding the rules. Can some1 explain to me what i'm missing?
On December 01 2009 18:25 GT.Eleven wrote: it looks like you'll have a better chance advancing to the top 16 TSL by ranking ladder #2-12 than #1. I probably am mistaken but it looks like #2-12 ppl only have to beat other qualified players in a bo5 game to advance, while the ladder #1 needs to beat nony, a player that placed 4th in the last TSL in order to advance. wouldn't that be disadvantageous to ladder #1?
I'm probably misunderstanding the rules. Can some1 explain to me what i'm missing?
The loser of Nony vs #1 Ladder will be seeded into R3 of the Qualifiers