3 Hatch Lurker

The standard defensive ZvT opening. Take three hatcheries for maximum drone production, then tech into lurkers to defend Terran timing attacks. Lurkers burrowed at chokepoints can hold marine/medic pushes and tank lines, buying time for your economy to overtake Terran's.

The key timing is getting lurkers to your natural choke before the first Terran push arrives — typically around the 8-minute mark. Research lurker aspect immediately after lair finishes. Position lurkers in pairs at choke points where siege tanks cannot easily reach them without science vessel detection. Keep droning behind the lurker defense.

This build works on any ZvT map and is the most common professional opening. It is strongest against bio-heavy builds where lurkers are hardest to dislodge. Transition into defiler tech for dark swarm and plague in the late game, which shuts down Terran ranged units. Weak against very early pressure that arrives before lurkers are out, and against Terran players who rush science vessels to irradiate lurkers before you can establish a defensive line.