Last week in the NA LCS we saw 4 different games that ran a double ADC composition with varying success. In fact, there was only one NA team that won this weekend with a double ADC composition. The matches that had the comps were Counter Logic Gaming(CLG) vs Gravity Gaming(GV), Team Liquid(TL) vs Team Dignitas(DIG), Cloud 9(C9) vs Team 8(T8), and Gravity Gaming vs Team Impact(TIP). The teams that ran two ADCs were CLG, TL, T8, and GV, with CLG being the only team who was able to pull out an overall victory. So why was only one team able to win with a double ADC composition while the other teams seemed to fall short of CLG's impressive victory?

There are a few things that are needed in a double ADC composition to be successful. First, this comp has one glaring flaw; lack of any AP damage to the team. So, what can be done to make up for that? The easiest and most simple thing to do is stick a champion who does AP damage in the top lane. The issue with using any old mage or assassin in the top lane is that you will not have the tankiness or CC needed to be successful. You'll often see teams run some sort of offensive tank in the top lane when using this comp, such as Rumble or Lissandra. Both these champions give you a decent amount of damage while still being able to provide your team with enough tank and CC so your team does not get deleted.

Another important component for the ADC composition is RANGE on your your carries. Not every ADC is going to work for your composition, if you use two very short range ADCs (Examples: Lucian/Vayne) it will be hard to keep your distance as the enemy team is trying to dive on you. The combination of ADCs that you will see have the most success are two ranged casters that can still do a decent amount of auto attack damage if needed. (Examples: Sivir/Ezreal/Corki). The advantage casters give you is the ability to have burst damage while still have the ability to give constant damage via auto attacks.

I spoke about “tankiness” previously, that along with the ability to peel is the next, and possible most important, component needed. If everything works out right, your two ADCs will be in the back dealing as much damage as possible. Now what happens when someone jumps on them? This is where you need someone who can sit back with them and knock away or stun anyone that comes near. Usually the best position to fill this need is the support and jungler. Champions that fit this role are champions like Alistar, Leona, Lee Sin, ect. The provide your team with both tank and peel for your ranged damage dealers.

So, why was CLG so dominate in their win over GV over the weekend while the other teams didn't have the same results whilst running a similar composition? Their team composition has exactly what you want to give perfect balance to a team. They used Lissandra top for damage/CC, Lee Sin jungle for early game damage and late game tank/peel and to top it off they had Alistar support who provided utility in the form of heals and excellent tanking and peeling ability. While other teams may have had one or two of the things needed to keep their carries safe they did not have a complete package needed to win the games.

The picture below shows perfect Counter Logic Gaming's peel was. Right as Vi went in to dive onto the back line, she was shut down by a Lissandra ultimate and then knocked away by an Alistar headbutt.

In conclusion, what makes a Double ADC composition succeed is three important things. AP damage and CC from your top laner, range and burst on your two ADCs, and lastly and most importantly, a tanky champ who is able to peel for your ADCs. I hope I was able to enlighten you on some new tactics here today and thank you for taking the time to read this! Hope to see you all on the rift, have fun!