Pregame Mindset: The Unspoken 1st Step to Winning

Whenever I queue up for a game of League of Legends, I go into champion select wanting to make an instant impact on my team, letting them know that I am accepting of playing any role and that I just want to do what I need to help my team win. This is just something I find helps set a game of solo queue off to a positive start, something all League of Legends players should strive for.

More often than not, games start off on a less then inspiring note, and if not dealt with correctly can end up sending the entire game on a downward spiral. I hope these few helpful tips can help you turn a possibly negative experience into a positive one! First of all, I know what most people are thinking. How do you deal with the players that are fourth or fifth pick, and demand a certain role?  The players that say that they don't mind not trying, or even simply afk'ing (leaving the game) if they don't get the role that they desire. The answer is, quite honestly, a simple one. Allow them to play what they want.

Think about it this way: Which is more likely? Winning the game with an argumentative player that gets angry and possibly assists the enemy team, or leaves, or winning the game playing 5v5 with the same player, but this time he's happy and helping the team out because he's getting to do what he wants? I know a lot of people don't like looking at the situation like this, and simply want to say that everyone should be open minded and help the team.

While this may be true, the reality is that you will not always be matched with a full team of people willing to play what fits the team the best. A reality of 100% helpful players would be fantastic, but anyone who plays MOBAs or MMORPGs knows that the communities are not always going to be helpful.

So what is my point you ask? Try to be the bigger person, it's easy, and I promise it helps. Say you want to play AP Mid, but someone else demands it. It may be your best role, and you may have a 70% win rate with Karthus and Lux. Regardless of all of this, instead of trying to tell the other players this, and convincing them that you have to go mid to win the game, use the opportunity to do something different.

If you always play a solo top bruiser, go play an AD carry at bottom for once. It will never hurt to get better at every role in the game. Basketball players who are really good at shooting the ball still practice passing and dribbling. Regardless the profession, the skill set, the people who succeed are the ones who are open minded and strive to get better at every aspect of the field. This is why it's a great thing to do while playing League of Legends as well.

Every source of League of Legends tips always has the same things. There have been many people writing about the importance of wards or about paying attention to the map, thousands of PSAs on the Forums and on Reddit about not blaming your Jungler, and about the importance of last hitting. Being friendly and open minded however, flies a bit lower under the radar. It's simple and easy, and will most likely end up helping a team to victory. I certainly think it helps me, and I hope it helps you as well on the Fields of Justice.

As always, remember to have fun!

-derpNgame