How to Dodge Games Efficiently
When I play ranked, I don't hesitate to dodge games. I've found gaining LP to be a matter of playing the numbers as best you can. This doesn't mean to dodge the second someone locks Teemo top. I'll give you the strategy I use.
The second you get in the lobby, look up your team. You'll see win rates with top 10 champs and you'll also see the trends of the past 10 games. For greater depth, click on the player's name for an individual page.
REASONS WHY A TEAM MIGHT EARN A DODGE:
. 0 Ranked games played on a locked champion.
This is what prompted me to write this now. I was 5th pick and to be a jungle for a 0 games played Orianna mid and 0 games played Ashe adc. This is not an ideal matchup. Odds are that 0 ranked games played with a champion means a low level of champion knowledge or skill. For two lanes to have that handicap, we are at an immediate disadvantage.
. Low winning percentage with a locked champion.
Here's where experience doesn't mean everything. If I notice that our Lee Sin jungle has 100 games played as Lee, but only has a 38% win rate as Lee, this can be a reason to dodge. The numbers have endured the test of time and odds are much greater that this Lee Sin is going to lose the game.
Likewise, if a player only has a dozen or so games played with a champion and has a win rate like 2-10, 3-9, this is a reason to dodge. This player clearly needs more practice with the champion and is more likely than not to lose the game.
. Multiple losing streaks
If you notice that more than half the team is on a losing streak, consider dodging. For this indicator, I suggest even more than the others that you wait to see how your team plays out. Losing games causes tilt, and tilt loses more games. If you notice tension, rage, toxicity (likely caused from losing games because of hurrnngbadteammatesnnggh) then dodge quickly. Tilt is contageous.
If you notice a good spirit, players are getting the roles and champs they want and know, and if there's a general sense of willingness to rebound, then the game may be worth playing.
. Weak team composition
Unless you notice that your team is extremely skilled with the champions they're playing, composition is important. If you're all AD of middling skill into a team with high armor tank potential and a Taric support, consider giving that game a pass. If you're all squishy assassins into a bulky cc team, if you have no front line, etc. This one is more up to you and how you feel about the gamDISCLAMERIMER: This is not an exact science or process. This is a way to play the numbers to avoid games that are stacked against you from the beginning. Sure, you might win a game even if you have two lanes playing new champions, even if they all have low win rates, even if your team is raging. However, the odds are much lower for your victory and higher for your defeat. I have found that 5 minutes and 3 lp is a small price to pay to avoid a good potential for a 30-45 minute losing game that could cost you 5-8x the lp loss and set you on tilt. Use the time to walk around, get a snack, get some air, lift a weight, go to the bathroom, etc. and don't dwell on "what if I could have won that game even if...".
REASONS NOT TO DODGE A GAME:
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Off meta champions. The dude's 10-2 with Teemo top lane. Stop complaining.
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You don't get the role you want. NOW THIS IS THE BIG ONE. Everyone wants to be the hero with their favorite champion. If you notice that four other people on your team are playing their best roles, best champions, and have high win rates, sometimes you just need to suck it up and fill. If you're going to dodge because you're stuck playing support to a team of gods, then you're doing it wrong.
TL;DR: Look up your team ASAP. Look at their strengths and weaknesses. Don't be afraid to dodge if it looks like the numbers are stacked highly against you because it will save you time, LP, and mental stamina in the long run.
