vs. Protoss

The 4-Gate was once the staple PvP strategy because at almost every level, the Protoss player who does the 4-Gate build will have a strong advantage over the Protoss player that doesn’t. Protoss players can effectively defend against 4-Gate pressure with the use of Sentries on maps with small ramps, so ensure you use this build on the right maps or have a good plan ready to deal with Sentries or small ramps.

vs. Protoss

On the right maps, there are very few circumstances you will not be able to do the 4-Gate Push against your Protoss opponent. If you scout your Protoss opponent doing a 4-Gate build themselves, you may consider going into a defensive 4-Gate expecting to defend against their attack.

Zealots/Stalkers are always the smart composition against another Protoss player when doing a 4-Gate build.

Proxy Pylon
Placing of the proxy pylons in a good position around your enemy’s base is very important. When placing proxy pylons it is important to keep in mind how well you will be able to protect them, in addition to how closely you can place them. A proxy pylon that is too close to an enemy’s base can be extremely hard to defend. Meanwhile, a proxy pylon that is too far away from the enemy’s base will cause each wave of attackers longer to reach the fight.

Supply
It is very important to not become supply blocked during your attack. Waiting on a pylon to complete so you can build additional units will greatly reduce the potency of your attack. You should prepare to have additional supply space available prior to your attack with the expectation you will continuingly be warping in additional units.

Chronoboost Warpgates
During your attack, remember to Chronoboost the Warpgates at your base in order to reduce the cooldown on warping in new units for your attack.

Transitions
If you are unable to break your opponent’s defense after 3-4 warp-in cycles, you will need to back off and transition into a mid-game strategy. Being unable to outright win during your 4-Gate attack doesn’t necessarily mean you failed, doing significant damage to your opponent’s economy and army can provide you with a strong lead going into the mid-game.

Although the 4-Gate is a staple in the Protoss build arsenal, adjustments to the build and unit composition based on what your scouting information tells you are required for success. Your ability to make changes on the fly, even choosing not to do the 4-Gate Push because of your opponent’s build, will determine your level of success.

Every Protoss player needs to know how to do the 4-Gate build and every player needs to know how to defend against it. Learning both sides of the 4-Gate will help you play it to victory or stop your opponent’s 4-Gate in its tracks.