Reaper Harass, Rush Detection & Speed Mining Fixes - Postbots

joined with @chad in this technical deep dive, exploring early-game aggression, greedy build punishments, and worker mining optimizations. They review multiple replays to debug Terran behavior and discuss the quirks of Sharpie’s speed-mining implementation.

Key Takeaways:

  • :fire: Reaper harassment is critical — bots that skip early pressure allow greedy opponents to snowball uncontested.
  • :brain: Add a “greed detection” check (third/fourth base timing) to trigger early attacks before the enemy economy scales.
  • :building_construction: Implement rush detection logic to adapt defensive builds — cancel risky structures and reposition to high ground when rushed.
  • :gear: Prioritize eliminating “stupid” behaviors (unsafe building, wasted workers) before layering in advanced tactics.
  • :pick: Speed mining bugs: Sharpie’s code can fail when workers approach minerals from odd angles — consider delaying speed mining until after a worker’s first return trip.
  • :magnifying_glass_tilted_left: Study Eris’s mining groups system to release and reassign workers properly, avoiding contradictory commands and collisions.
  • :handshake: When debugging frameworks, consult maintainers (like Infi for Sharpie) to clarify differences between Smart and Gather commands and avoid redundant fixes.