Talk:Maokai/@comment-5877442-20130504174023/@comment-5969087-20130530090610

starting off, i'm nobody: i'm currently in silver 5 and i don't think i'm really hot stuff.

that said, i really enjoy to play mao mid from time to time.. those pesky ap assassins have 0 chance vs you early game.. katarina's infinite spamming is like an endless source of health potions.

and btw, maokai has a HUGE kill potential in midlane.. your combo can 100% to 0% almost anyone using ignite and ult right.

also, with a strong start with lvl 1 solo wraiths you can force an all in at lvl 2 (EW,E-explosion, AA, Ignite often killing or forcing the opponent to recall )

he's strong cause nobody expects the mao, and because he can be itemized in pretty much any way you like and he'll still be ultrauseful to the team in fights and throguhout the game.

I don't use a standard build but I usually rush double dorans into zhonya and abyssal sceptre, spirit of the spectral wraith is also very good, although you don't need the vamp the cdr is nice and the manaregen is invaluable.

Tear is a poor choice, get chalice instead.

and speaking about damage.. try to compare his lvl 6 burst to gragas's.. you'll be surprised, his ratios aren't amazing, but his base damage is sky high, it's way too simple to single out an opponent and completely nuke him into oblivion while ur ult is chargin up and u watch the fight from your safe golden zhonya active