Just wanted to clear that up, in case people didn't know.
Counter-picking is choosing 
against 
because her E isn't a projectile and her ultimate blocks his burst damage.
Counter-playing is being the in that matchup, and using your W to block her Q, along with roaming to the other lanes.
Though I wouldn't exactly say roaming is counterplay. It's really just avoiding the problem.
Aeolian Melodies4 votesI'd had that this game has very few hard counter-picks (if any) and that outside of a pro level of play, a player's own ability to play a champion is a stronger factor that the theoretical match up. Picking X because he's supposed to counter Y isn't doing you much good if you're not experienced with X.
Example: Sona, on paper, is not a wise choice against Thresh. Squishy no mobility support with no strong disengage vs Thresh? Get out of here. However, I've played Sona for so long and I've played this lane so often that most Thresh lanes feel like a piece of cake. So if I get matched against a Thresh I'm better off picking Sona than Morgana who would do better on paper against him, but my experience on her is much lower.
The Ecdysiast1 votesExperience does factor in, but if the Thresh has as much experience beating Sonas as you do beating other Threshs, on paper and in game he's going to beat you, sadly. When skill is completely equal, and both players know how to counter-play the opponent, the sad part of this game is that it's down to who was counter-picked.
Aeolian Melodies1 votesExperience does factor in, but if the Thresh has as much experience beating Sonas as you do beating other Threshs, on paper and in game he's going to beat you, sadly. When skill is completely equal, and both players know how to counter-play the opponent, the sad part of this game is that it's down to who was counter-picked.
But here's the thing though; rarely will you (at out pleb/casual level of play) face an opponent that truly is your equal. And when you do, it's likely that the difference of skills between your teammates (especially bot lane) and his makes the difference.
As I said, there are very few true "hard" counter picks in the game (hard counter picks being lanes that are impossible to win unless you are significantly better or you get significantly more help).
The Ecdysiast1 votesCounters don't need to be "Hard." "Hard counters" would require constant camping of the lane. Regular counters would require at least more help than the enemy is getting.
Penns2 votesand building MR.
PSA counter- building and counter- playing are not the same
FoolsPlay1 votesYou ever lane teemo against le blanc? it's not a counter pick. there is no counter play. just a dead teemo :(
The Ecdysiast1 votesWell it is a counter pick precisely because there is no chance of counter-play aside from ally assistance.
That's kinda what I'm getting at; the fact that counter-picks sometimes remove the chance to counterplay entirely. Often, your only option is to not actually play against that person, and roam or 2v1 them every fight.
