Nervous about placement matches? Here's what you need to know.

Some people get ranked anxiety, and it only gets worse during placements matches. As each match progresses, they get more and more nervous until finally, they end up never finishing them at all. Is it really worth all the struggle and fear? Here are a few things you may not know about placement matches...

Introduction

Some people get ranked anxiety, and it only gets worse during placements matches. As each match progresses, they get more and more nervous until finally, they end up never finishing them at all. Is it really worth all the struggle and fear? Here are a few things you may not know about placement matches...

Match Making Rating (MMR) is different from rank

Even if you start without rank, you still have an invisible match-making rating. This means you'll be matched with players of similar skill as when you last ended ranked season. 

Meanwhile, some people do horribly and end up losing all their placements. However, if your invisible MMR is much higher than the division you're placed, the system will quickly catch you up with bonus LP over what everyone else in your game gets per win.

First Few Games Count More

The first couple placement matches on an account that's not fresh aren't going to make or break your season. But, they're weighted a bit heavier than your other placement matches. That's why if you win the first 4 and lose the next 6, you'll likely end up higher than losing losing the first 4 and winning the next 6.

After a few games your MMR gain/loss is pretty stable. Just polish off those placement matches and start your real climb.

Plat I is the Highest Division

Even if you were placed Challenger 1000 LP last season, Plat 1 is the highest you can get this season after the first 10 placement matches. Likewise, if you ended Platinum last season, don't expect to start the season at Plat 1. That's where they're keeping the Diamond+ players as well.

Last Season's Ranks Aren't This Season's

When you look up enemy summoners in your game, you might see a high-level player on their team. Don't panic. Last year's ranks for most sites were set at season end, and the metagame was very different at the time. It could very well be that the one trick they used to climb is nerfed, and they're no longer relevant.

Last year's ranks don't mean much. Remember, they're at your MMR right now for a reason and you have just a high a win chance as they do in the chaos of solo queue.

Did you finish your placement matches? How did you do? Got more placement match tips? Comment below!