Understanding the Smolder Dilemma in League of Legends Pro Play

As a seasoned League of Legends player with years of experience under my belt, I’ve always admired the intricate dance that professional teams perform during the ban phase. It’s like watching a high-stakes game of chess, where each move can either lead to victory or defeat. The recent question posed by Gold_Gain1351 regarding why pro teams continue to let Smolder slip through the ban phase has sparked quite the debate in the community.

why do professional teams consistently allow Smolder to go unbanned in the ban phase? This query gained significance following Chovy’s outstanding performance during the LCK finals, where he controlled the game for nearly fifteen minutes using Smolder. Although some bans can be justified, such as preventing Canyon from playing Nidalee and suppressing Kiin’s Rumble, letting Smolder slip by has led to a heated discussion within the community. The original post aimed to stimulate conversation about the reasoning behind these decisions, which seem confusing—even to players who consider themselves Gold level. Let’s delve deeper into the comments and explore the prevailing opinions on this topic.

Why do pro teams keep letting Smolder through?
byu/Gold_Gain1351 inleagueoflegends

Summary

Mixed feelings around the effectiveness of letting Smolder through the bans.
Acknowledgment of the complexity in prioritizing bans during matches.
Some players believe teams can play smart and outmaneuver an overpowered champion.
Player sentiment seems to lean towards frustration at teams ignoring the risks associated with Smolder.

The Complexity of Ban Selection

In the world of high-stakes League of Legends play, choosing which champions to ban can feel more like playing chess than making an easy choice. Players must carefully consider the risk of letting one champion go versus the chaos another could cause. A user named big938363 noted that professional teams might believe there are crucial picks they need to prioritize over Smolder, indicating the strategic thinking that goes into ban strategies. It’s not only about individual champions, but also about the overall team composition and harmony. At times, decisions may seem puzzling, but they could be based on past matches or practice sessions where teams found success with specific bans rather than others. While Smolder is powerful, it can sometimes be managed if the opposing team has a well-thought-out plan in place.

The Scrim Baiting Conundrum

GoatRocketeer introduces an intriguing idea called “scrim baiting” which suggests that during major games, players might choose champions based on their performance in practice matches or scrims, where early game champions often excel. However, this can lead to a distorted view of a champion’s strength in actual matches because the dynamics of the game can shift dramatically under pressure. This is why teams sometimes let seemingly powerful picks like Smolder through as it’s a risk, with their trust lying in superior strategies and player skills to sway the outcome. It’s also perplexing for fans when they see Smolder farming or dominating the game easily, making one question the decisions of other teams when the champion shines brightly in real-time.

Player Sentiments and Frustrations

In this debate, participants exhibit a mix of irritation and despair regarding the topic, with user treyhest echoing the feelings of many by advocating for “Smolder gutting.” This suggests that the community is pushing for rules to prevent an unfair advantage, as they feel the playing field isn’t level. Additionally, a user named sct_trooper introduced the “gnar theory,” which highlights a divide in perception: one team may think they can handle a champion like Gnar effectively, while another assumes the same about Smolder. It’s evident that players collectively yearn for a fair and balanced competitive setting where strategies revolving around skill and teamwork are emphasized over just champion dynamics.

Dealing with Smolder in the Heat of the Moment

Multiple users suggest different approaches for managing Smolder, with psykrebeam pointing out that although players might outsmart Smolder using champions like Tristana, success relies heavily on consistent adjustments and flawless execution – factors that may falter under stress. They warn that teams could initially allow Smolder to advance, possibly due to the belief they can devise a foolproof strategy, only to stumble unexpectedly, causing unanticipated losses. In truth, the balance of power in games can quickly change, leading many players to conclude that the struggle isn’t just about champion selection but also execution and agility during matches. Professional teams do trust their training and tactics, yet they may occasionally overlook the significant benefits an unbanned champion could bring.

Transitioning Perspectives

In this Reddit post, insightful comments suggest a broader conversation about how the game and its strategies are continually changing. It’s clear that deciding which characters to ban can feel precarious, like walking a tightrope. Teams might base their decisions on past performance data or intuition, but they must remain flexible because the environment is always shifting. User Vaapad123 points out that with fewer bans available, the decision boils down to choosing the least harmful options. In essence, players and teams often find themselves in a challenging situation when considering key characters like Smolder. Ultimately, this shows that even among professional gamers, feelings and attachments significantly impact gameplay, reflecting the intense enthusiasm and competition that defines the League of Legends community.

From a passionate fan’s perspective, the discussions about why pro teams allow Smolder to play during crucial matches offer fascinating glimpses into the intricate world of League of Legends strategy, gameplay, and player dynamics. Delving into the nuances behind ban choices, we uncover not just tactical layers but also emotional undercurrents that pulse through the competitive scene. This exploration keeps the community buzzing with anticipation for the challenges yet to come.

2024-09-10 11:43