Top 10 Ways to Positively Impact Games

When good players land in the proverbial "Elo Hell", they always ask themselves "What am I doing wrong?" However, sometimes it's not about things you're doing wrong, but instead what other things you can do right. There are certain small actions you can do in game that can massively impact the outcome in a positive way.

Check out this top 10 list below and see if anything can help your game reach the next level!

Introduction

When good players land in the proverbial "Elo Hell", they always ask themselves "What am I doing wrong?" However, sometimes it's not about things you're doing wrong, but instead what other things you can do right. There are certain small actions you can do in game that can massively impact the outcome in a positive way.

Check out this top 10 list below and see if anything can help your game reach the next level!

Remind Teammates on Runes/Masteries/Summoner Spells/Swaps

Positive impact starts in champion select. Sometimes a simple reminder like "check runes and masteries guys" or maybe even "Lee Sin, no smite?" can impact the game in profound ways.

It rarely annoys people, and might prevent you from having a game like the one a friend of mine ended up playing (see below). That being said, paying attention during champion select does wonders as well.

No keystone Vayne, heal top lane, and no smite jungler? Hard mode activated!

Have a Great KDA

This second one might not seem "easy", but it certainly is straight-forward. If you expect your teammates to have a great game, try and have a great game yourself! The most important part of a KDA (Kill/Death/Assist) ratio is in fact, the centerpiece: Death.

Don't die. 

Deaths in the game, especially early deaths, are a major depressor to team morale. Sometimes it's unavoidable and unexpected, but by reducing your risk taking, you also reduce your chances of dying (this mean's you, level-one-turret-diving-Alistar).

Mediate a Conflict

Mediating a conflict is sometimes much easier than it sounds. In some cases it doesn't require much more than:

"Chill guys just mute each other"

or

"Top just play safe he's too strong to duel I'll work my way up there" 

Either way, the key is to nip it in the bud before it festers into a full on trollfest.

Recognize When Strategies Aren't Working

Realizing when strategies aren't working and offering a better solution is a hallmark of a great player. Some common ones might be things like:

"Anivia too much waveclear let's split"

or

"Top too warded try gank bot instead"

You might also notice a few things in common with the phrases above, which include the following:

1. Grammar isn't a priority, deliver the key parts;
2. Focus on what the enemy team is doing right (not what your team is doing wrong); and
3. Offer a solution.

Identify Who the Strongest Enemy Is

For the strangest reason, many players don't seem to recognize who the real threat on enemy teams are, despite the fact that they might have a 7-1 Corki wrecking face. 

Gently reminding the team along the lines of "gotta kill Corki first, he too strong" oddly enough, gets the job done. Again, remember the three guiding principles above.

Similarly, you might have a Brand on the enemy team that's 10-0. Something along the lines of "Brand too strong need Aegis" may also be very helpful.

Control Vision on the Map

This creed is beaten into players time and time again, but again, it's just something that doesn't seem to stick. If you're playing support, you might be able to control vision by yourself. On the other hand, if you're not, simply reminding teammates to switch over to blue trinket is often enough to establish some solid map control.

If they don't do it, just remind them that not only is it OP, it's FREE

For people that can convince teammates to constantly buy pink wards, you should probably run for president.

Ping an Objective

After winning a teamfight or as you finish another objective, the major problem most teams have is what to do next. 

By pinging the next destination for your team, you either create a coordinated assault or receive instant criticism that your teammates think it's a bad idea and aren't going to back you up. Either way, it allows you to plan ahead and react accordingly.

Identify Enemy Objectives

If you see the enemy team moving towards Baron or setting up/sweeping wards around the Baron pit, then they are (more likely than not) setting up for Baron. 

When your team tries to three man clear bot, remind them that the enemy team has full control on Baron pit and that's probably not a good idea. It may save you quite a few games.

Ping an Incoming Enemy

If you see an enemy, ping 'em. Tunnel vision killed many unsuspecting summoners. 

Congratulate Teammates on Good Plays

How many times have you killed an enemy and been like "omg did anyone see that play?!" Just by saying "gj bot" or "gj irelia", you've affirmed their play and added confidence to their minds. 

At least this way when you start raging later they can say to themselves, "well he did say GJ earlier, maybe he's not a total d-bag"...or maybe not.

Got more great ways to positively impact games? Comment below!