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Direction Calls Are Tactical Intent

Situation

The caller says something short like:

  • "walk south"
  • "east around the wall"
  • "back up"
  • "get through the choke"
  • "hold here"

The mistake is treating that phrase as a GPS command instead of a tactical goal.

Correct response

Ask what the call is trying to create.

Examples:

Call Possible tactical intent
walk south build a better angle, avoid north vision disadvantage, set up a turn
back up make enemy mobility expire, not abandon the group
push through cross danger before enemy bombs, not stack in the door
hold here force enemy into your control area, not stand AFK
spread reduce AoE value while keeping pressure range

Role interpretation

The same direction call can require different movement.

  • Tanks may need to hold the enemy path.
  • Healers may need to stay with the endangered group.
  • Supports may need to cover the last players through.
  • Ranged DPS may need to keep range for the counter.
  • Safe players may need to stop running and pressure.

Common failure

Players move in the named direction while ignoring terrain, enemy cooldowns, and role responsibility. The zerg becomes disconnected even though everyone "followed the call."

Review questions

  1. What was the call trying to create?
  2. Did each role move to support that goal?
  3. Who moved too far?
  4. Who stayed too long?
  5. Who understood the direction but missed the intent?

Drill

Pause five seconds before a movement call and ask each role where it should be five seconds later.