Talk:Nidalee/@comment-188.53.67.198-20120110135842/@comment-66.153.29.124-20120111035536

Key to playing a proper Nid is knowing when to switch between human and cougar forms. During the laning phase pre-level 6, just farm with auto-hits, using your E to heal and buff AS. Use traps to keep tabs on the enemies in the bush and drive them out of their farm. Don't neglect your auto-attack, and don't over-use your Q. Once you hit level 6, use cougar form for burst damage, farming, and more survivability.

Switch to human form whenever you need to heal/buff, trap every bush you see, or hold at a turret. You should be in cougar form whenever you're out of mana (which happens a LOT as Nid), if you're farming, soloing an enemy champ, or if you need to escape from any unfavorable situation.

As for build, I'm not the best person to ask, but AP Nidalee is your best bet. Rod of Ages, Rylai's, Rabadon's and Lich Bane are all good options on Nidalee.