When it comes to Starcraft 2 strategies guides, there are a lot of choices. Maybe you were offered one when you bought your game. Or maybe your friends bought one online and said how great it was. Some guides are written my professionals, while others are not. Likewise, some are written for a beginner and others for advanced players. There are a lot of options available and it can be tough to know which is best.To make sure you make the best decision when you purchase your starcraft 2 strategies guide, read on for a couple helpful pointers.

1. Read up on the author. Is he really a professional gamer or a high ranking diamond league player? Or are you unable to find anything when you do a search for them? Some authors might even have written previous guides, which you can read reviews on to get a gauge of their overall teaching ability.

2. How advanced does the guide go? The Starcraft 2 strategies guides you are looking at might only be written for the basic beginner. Even if you are just a beginner, you will want a guide that you can follow into the more advanced strategies.

3. Does the Starcraft 2 strategies guide teach you how to not just utilize others tactics but develop your own? Every situation will be different, and you will need to be able to think on your feet when playing against others. A guide that can teach you to adapt what you know and make your own strategy on the fly is invaluable.

4. How often is the guide updated? As a game that is constantly updated, a Starcraft 2 strategies guide that is not updated is going to be useless. Make sure that what you are considering purchasing is updated frequently.

5. Are videos and pictures included with the strategy guide? Text is useful but only goes so far. Being able to watch Starcraft 2 strategies being carried out can give you valuable insights and lessons.

6. What does the community say about the guide? Read the forums, check out blogs, and figure out what others are saying about the Starcraft  strategies guide you are considering. The great thing about this game is that is has such an active online community, you are sure to hear from others what their thoughts were on the guide.
7. Is there a money back guarantee? Many Starcraft 2 strategies guides just want to separate you from your cash. So a no risk trial or money back guarantee should put you at ease. This way you can test it out, see if your game improves, and make a decision from there.

Ultimately the best Starcraft 2 strategies guide is the one that is going to help you advance as a player. So while you can keep these tips in mind as you make your purchase decision, remember that it is ultimately up to you to use what you learn.

When playing against the Protoss, one of the more common rushes you may come across is the Void Ray rush. If not prepared and caught off guard this rush can be devastating and cause you to lose the game quickly. However there are ways to defend and counter. Following are a few tips to help you turn the tables and win.

The most important thing that needs to be mentioned before even getting into strategy is the scouting. One of the most common problems identified among new players is their lack of scouting. Scouting allows you to know exactly what your opponent is doing so you can tailor your own game accordingly. Don’t get caught off guard. Start scouting early and follow these tips from some of the best Starcraft 2 strategies guides to win the battle. 

Early Gas

Void Rays require a lot of vespeane gas. If your opponent has multiple assimilators, or starts his first one earlier than 13 supply, chances are good he is going for the rush. One tip to help counter this is to get your SCV out there early and to build a refinery on his other gas to slow him down.

Blocked Base

A popular tactic taken by many players is walling off their base. By blocking access they hope to prevent you from seeing what they are up to. Counter this by using the command center to gain sight beyond sight and determine just what your opponent is up to, not unlike Lyon-o from Thundercats.

Zealots Only

Zealots require no gas to produce, so if you notice your opponent with a mass of Zealots but no support units this is a warning sign. He is funneling all of his gas towards the Void Rays and will be coming out of the gate soon with them.

Maps

Some maps are very conducive to the Void Ray rush. Typically maps that require minimal air distance travel. If you end up on a map like the Desert Oasis or similar you should be wary of this rush coming.

Defend

If you determine your opponent is going for the Void Ray rush you need to counter. Many Starcraft 2 strategies guides suggest going for one of the following approaches. 

Good Offense is the Best Defense

You’ve heard this before, but the best offense is a good defense. If you think your opponent is going for the void ray rush, do whatever you can to win the fight or delay his tactics.

The best approach is to go after him with a mass of marines and marauders as early as you can. The goal is to stop his resource gathering and delay his Void Ray production while you prepare your own forces.

The other strategy to deploy is going for full on defense. Surround your base with turrets and prepare for a full on assault from the Void Rays. Throw everything you have at the defense and when he is done, you counter.

Good luck!