User blog comment:MaqiiCz/Ranked Games/@comment-5001455-20130713054148

I just got into Gold I recently. I have been documenting my progress sort of on my personal blog.

And let me tell you: I made it all the way up to 100 LP points for the Gold I promotion series awhile back and then tilted all the way down to the bottom of Gold V (as in 0 LP) a total of four times. However, here I am back in Gold I again.

A lot of people will tell you different things on how to rise up in ranked games, so here are five of my random, personal approaches to solo/duo queue. In no particular order of significance.

1. Use champs and strategies you know. Don't be that guy/gal who treats ranked games like normal games. It is extremely obvious when you see someone play like they never used their character before when they are facing someone who has played their respective champ 100+ times. Experience makes a difference. If you want to experiment, play normal games.

2. Play to win. This sounds stupid, but some of the worst players you can get in ranked are the ones who aren't trying to achieve victory. Do everything you have to do to win (complete team objectives, do the appropriate pushes, counter-build and so forth). Sometimes, games boil down to which side wants the "W" more than the other person.

3. Assume the other team is good. Yes, always think of your opponent as players who will bring their A-game to the table. Do not take them lightheartedly and dink around - this is how people throw games. Think of every ranked game as LP on the line, and the other side is itching to beat you up and snatch the LP from you. As a result, you should always take your enemy seriously, and this in turn should motivate you to play better naturally.

4. Always act as your own variable. Regardless of whomever is on your team, you have the power to control what you, individually, can do as a player. This may entail being the person to communicate with your team when to do x action, or it could just mean you have to carry harder. Whatever the case is, no matter how bad your teammates supposedly are, do what you can to influence the result of the game toward a win.

5. Be positive. Avoid dwelling on the negative. Probably the easiest way to lose is to create a toxic vibe for your team's morale. Encourage and compliment ideal play (e.g. saying "GJ" when an ally bags a kill for your team). Defuse flame wars before they get out of hand. Any sort of bad behavior is distracting and will cause your teammates to play worse. Abide by the vibe.

So yeah, I know Gold I isn't anything to write home about, but being able to lift myself up from the pits of Gold V (remember that I literally dropped from 100 LP at Gold II all the way down to Gold V) reflects how this ranking system is possible to overcome.

At the end of the day, you have to realize that it is all a process. It takes time to rise up.

Play hard. Be patient. Win.