Understanding Competitive Draft Phases in League of Legends
In this article, we will discuss the competitive draft phase in League of Legends and shed light on the intricacies of banning champions, picking compositions, and the mind games involved in these decisions. The draft phase is a crucial aspect of competitive League of Legends as it demonstrates a team’s understanding, adaptability, and confidence in their gameplay. Throughout this series, we will delve into each aspect of the draft phase and how they apply to different compositions.
Banning OPs, Targeted Bans, and Style Bans
In the first part of the draft phase, there are three major categories to consider – banning OPs (overpowered champions), targeted bans, and style bans. Banning OP champions that are strong in the current patch is a common practice. Targeted bans focus on denying key champions for specific players, while style bans aim to counter a team’s preferred playstyle. We will also explore a fourth category, known as “The Anti-Ban,” which involves mind games and the potential consequences of not banning obvious options in certain scenarios.
The Impact of Banning OPs
Banning OP champions can have a significant impact on the draft phase, especially for the Red side. In certain scenarios, Blue side can easily force bans on must-pick/ban champions, putting Red side at a disadvantage. This creates a strategic challenge for Red side as they have to use their bans strategically to deny OP champions and counter the enemy team’s picks.
Target Banning and Its Consequences
Target banning is a straightforward tactic that focuses on denying specific champions that a player excels at. This can be effective in limiting a player’s impact on the game and forcing them onto less comfortable champions. However, target banning has its consequences, as it can leave other strong picks available for the enemy team, especially if the drafting team lacks a broader understanding of the game and champion pool.
The Significance of Style Bans
Style bans are less common but play a role in countering a team’s preferred playstyle. An example of a team employing style bans is Team Impulse in the 2015 Summer Split. They consistently banned champions that countered their aggressive playstyle, giving them more flexibility in their compositions. However, this strategy had its limitations, as teams with a deeper understanding of the game and champion pools could easily punish them.
Strategic Mind Games: “The Anti-Ban”
There is also a tactic known as “The Anti-Ban,” where teams deliberately leave strong champions unbanned to force their opponents into picking them. This allows the drafting team to counter the champion with a specific strategy or deny another champion from the enemy team. However, this strategy carries the risk of the opponent being more comfortable playing against the counter or the unbanned champion being undefeated for a valid reason.
These are the key elements to consider when planning your draft phase or watching professional League of Legends matches. It’s important to remember that there are endless possibilities and limitations during the draft phase, so constantly brainstorming and adapting is crucial.
-Robert Bennett AKA The Lightbox
Related keywords: competitive League of Legends, draft phase, banning champions, picking compositions, mind games, target banning, style bans, OP champions, counter play