Ranked games always mean something more to me. It’s not for the fact that I’m getting placed, or that I get to advance if I play well. It’s because of the fact that the feeling is different — people try harder, they want to win no matter what and in a way everyone tries to bring their A game. However, ranked games can also be a toxic place at times and that is for a wide variety of reasons. There are certain things that you can do to make your next game a lot better, thus improving your chances to get that victory.

Have a proactive approach towards the game

Are your allies focusing the tank in teamfights while the fed Vayne runs rampant? Don’t call them names and point fingers, tell them what they should change. If you have a better understanding of the state your game is in you should share it with others. Talk to your teammates and (if you’re that kind of player) you should take over the lead shotcaller role if no one wants it. Decide when is the good time to go for that Baron, or when to rotate with your teammates in order to take that first top tower that’s been standing for 30 minutes.

Be mindful of others

Try not to lash out. It can be hard at times, seeing how we’re always interacting in-game, but try to keep in mind that behind that online avatar is a person. They might not be as communicative as you, but you should still give them a chance.

People sometimes just make a stupid move

This is a fact that cannot be understated. Whether it manifests itself as a quick disconnect between the brain and the end action, or just as a lapse in attention, everyone makes a stupid mistake from time to time. Fighting over a pink ward, walking in the wrong direction or just being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Try to be nice about it and keep fighting together towards that victory. In any case, being aggressive and negative never helps, it makes the situation even worse.

Always ping

You should be pinging like crazy. See something suspicious? Alert your allies. Your enemy is missing for more than 5 seconds? Ping.

Willingness to adapt

Now this one is tricky. You should be able to play what you want. However, if you have a team full of low HP squishy champions, then it might not be the best idea to go for that Yasuo top. If your team needs a tank, play one. You might have a bit more satisfaction in the beginning because you got your pick but in the end you will probably lose the game because of a bad team composition. Always try to draft and pick intelligently.

Make breaks after bad streaks

This is really important. I have a friend with whom I’ve been playing League for 6 years now and he has a fascinating tendency to play the game no matter how he feels. Tilted or not he always goes into queue. Take a break, relax, do something else and if the wish to play is still strong come back to the game with a fresh mind. Playing with a negative attitude from the start that you’ve brought over from the last game benefits no one, and when it really goes badly, just call it quits for the day.

Don’t surrender right away

Even if you lose faith in the game, don’t stop others from trying to salvage it! The best games I have ever played in League of Legends were the ones when my team and I were behind, and yet we won through teamwork and patience. If your allies won’t surrender, then neither should you. Try to win the game, and if you still feel like there is no hope, try something new and try to learn from the loss. What could have gone differently? Did you make any mistakes and if the answer is yes — why?

Play what you know and stick to it

Don’t pull out the Singed support just because you saw someone play it once. Ranked games mean a lot to most people and they go in with a serious mindset and the urge to win. In the end, if all good reason goes out the window and you find yourself in champ select with someone who just doesn’t want what is best for the team — dodge, you will lose far less LP than you would have if you played the game. In general, the best way to climb is to focus on a specific role and on a specific couple of champions, not more than 3. If you want to experiment or try something new and off-meta you can, but you should do it only in a normal game or a custom against bots.

Try to play your role to the fullest

If you’re playing a support that can roam and your AD just went back for a buy you should try and gank mid, or place some deeper wards. Each role isn’t just confined to the bare minimum — CSing and trying to kill everyone once the teamfight starts. Try to utilize every possible advantage you can get over your opponent.

If you don't get your role don't start to rage - it's not always possible to get your primary role. (unless you're a support main) Try to ask someone to swap and if no one is interested in your role, try to play it to the maximum of your ability. Don't make your team suffer because matchmaking wasn't in your favor. This point brings us to the next one.

Try to play at least two roles - you should always have a couple of picks ready if you get your off-role so that you can play it with confidence. You might not be as good on it as you'd want, but you still have better chances of winning than if you were just playing something random.

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