How to get out of Bronze from the mindset of a low elo player.

We see all the time these posts and videos from high elo players on how to get out of Bronze. While they are trying to help, it's just not quite the same as those of us who have struggled through the pitfall that is Bronze. So this is a bit of a breakdown from the perspective of someone who just got out of Bronze this season after three years of struggle. Some of these tips you'll probably have seen before, and some may be unique, but this is how I did it so maybe it will help.

1. Find what works for you: There are currently 133 champions, no two are exactly alike and everyone will have that champion they are best with, and that champion that they can't play to save their life. So my advice here is to experiment with different styles, classify the champions into styles and then start sampling champions from each style and find your style before you narrow it down to your best champions. Keep in mind, there will always be outliers that you'll excel with that won't actually match your normal style, or even the meta. For instance, I have three pocket picks that I don't ever get a chance to play in ranked that I'm very good on: Olaf top and both Aatrox and Jayce as tank supports. However, my style is usually either all in with picks like Leona or ranged harass with Zyra. So step one is identifying your preferences and building from there.

2. Know what you can do: This is all about knowing the basic limits of each champion. You don't need to be a master at each champion, but you do have to be familiar with what they do. For instance, Jhin who is a strong power pick because of his ult can be stopped by a good Nami wave or an assassin flank. This is just a basic understanding that Jhin has to stop moving to cast his ult which at Bronze level leaves him wide open because no one thinks to sit back and protect him. So just try playing a few normal games with each champion as part of step one to get a basic idea of how they work.

3. Be flexible, but be smart: Sometimes your team will lack a particular aspect in its comp. If you are comfortable bringing that aspect to the team then do it, but make sure it fits in the position you are designated to play. Playing off meta in ranked usually has a detrimental effect on your team mates because they start to focus on you instead of what they need to do. Also, if you aren't comfortable bringing that missing aspect to the team comp, don't do it. Just play what you are confident in and win that way. At Bronze level, unless you're playing against smurfs you'll rarely see someone capitalize on the missing aspect of your team comp.

4. Relax: Remember, everyone wants to climb. Getting mad at people for performing poorly is not how you encourage them to play better. If a game is going poorly try to analyze what you can do to turn it around, if you can't think of anything play the game out but don't berate your team mates. Use the game as a learning experience. Also, in Bronze record your games so you can show someone who might be able to analyze it for you and explain what you might have done differently to save the game if it goes poorly (I generally skip this part as I have game knowledge but lack practical application).

That's about all there is to it. I know this method works, because I got my main account that had been stuck between Bronze V to Bronze III for three years to Silver IV, and a brand new Smurf account to Silver 2, and this is as a support only player. Bronze isn't a trap that just keeps you in it forever if you find yourself in it, you just need to keep trying and you'll find a way to get out. Following the steps above will help you get out if you take them seriously.