Ask a Diamond [Week 4: Mid lane]

[quote=Vynertje][quote=IPodPulse] How is [[kassadin]] right now? His recent buff makes him feel stronger than post rework. What do you think about rushing [[lich bane]] on him? [/quote] He's quite strong right now. I don't think rushing [[lich bane]] is a great idea but I don't play him myself. Someone else might need to verify this.[/quote]

[quote=NateDog13][quote=Vynertje] [quote=IPodPulse] How is [[kassadin]] right now? His recent buff makes him feel stronger than post rework. What do you think about rushing [[lich bane]] on him? [/quote] He's quite strong right now. I don't think rushing [[lich bane]] is a great idea but I don't play him myself. Someone else might need to verify this. [/quote] In this current meta, Lich Bane rushing is extremely frowned upon and super risky, you generally want to keep it towards the current meta Athenes into Deathcap into another item, Lich Bane in this case, or rush Void Staff early for the magic pen. The reasoning behind this is because you always want to be able to wave clear fast. If you're relying on rushing items like Lich Bane where its main focus is to output more damage on champions.... You'll find yourself falling behind if you aren't picking up early kills, or kills period.[/quote]

[quote=I want to be a Blitzball]Because everyone ignored my question I'm gonna ask it again :< Is mid [[ezreal]] (blue build) still viable?[/quote]

[quote=Vynertje][quote=I want to be a Blitzball] Because everyone ignored my question I'm gonna ask it again :< Is mid [[ezreal]] (blue build) still viable? [/quote] Not really ignored, just skimmed past it. The original blue build ezreal isn't viable ([[spirit of the elder lizard]]), however, a modified blue build is still okay-ish. Perhaps try something like this: [[tear of the goddess]] -> [[blade of the ruined king]] -> [[trinity force]] -> [[last whisper]] -> [[banshee's veil]][/quote]

[quote=xIchi]^this. And if you are against some AD-Heavy guy like (Zed/Talon etc.). Trade the Trinity for a Gauntlet. Still works.[/quote]

[quote=I want to be a Blitzball]Would something like [[Iceborn Gauntlet]], [[Muramana]], [[Last Whisper]], [[Blade of the Ruined King]] work? Or [[Bloodthirster]], [[Iceborn Gauntlet]], [[Muramana]]?[/quote]

[quote=Vynertje][quote=I want to be a Blitzball] Would something like [[Iceborn Gauntlet]], [[Muramana]], [[Last Whisper]], [[Blade of the Ruined King]] work? Or [[Bloodthirster]], [[Iceborn Gauntlet]], [[Muramana]]? [/quote] Yeah those are decent alternatives as long as you get tear first.[/quote]

[quote=NorthernRedStar][quote=Vynertje] [quote=NorthernRedStar] [quote=Vynertje] [quote=NorthernRedStar] [quote=Vynertje] [quote=Janitsu] [[Annie]] still works against not mobile close range mids (imo) The build you should have is basically [[sorcerer's shoes]], [[deathfire grasp]], [[rabadon's deathcap]] and [[void staff]] ([[zhonya's hourglass]]) [/quote] Mainly close ranged mages. Some mobile champions she actually counters (like Ahri). [/quote] Kinda depends, a good [[Ahri]] can predict and dodge her stunTibbers and [[Annie]] will lose if that happens. [/quote] Yeah but annie can still use her Q to click-stun her and she'll be dead. (slighly lower ranged though) [/quote] How does [[Annie]] stun her with 0 [[Pyromania]] stacks after using Tibbers? [[Ahri]] can use [[Charm]] to prevent further spell usage anyways (provided no winions are cockblocking her). [/quote] All she needs to do is lead her full combo with Q. You don't need to initiate with R. During lane it's a guaranteed kill. [/quote] Unless she burns a [[flash]] to do that, doesn't that put her in the harm's way of [[Ahri]]'s [[charm]]? But I do see your point. It's the same with [[Ryze]].[/quote]

[quote=xIchi]The point of [[Annie]] beeing a counter to [[Ahri]] is not that she can stun with her Q, not that she can use Tibbers and try to burst faster lol. Did you guys ever play [[Annie]] vs [[Ahri]]? The point is that the lane will be dominated by [[Annie]]. Her Q has absolutely no CD compared to [[Ahri]]'s spells, no mana cost if you are last hitting etc. The moment [[Annie]] trades you with Q+E, [[Ahri]] has 0 absolutely 0 counterplay. All she can do is wait out the stun and hope [[Annie]] stays in range for an extended trade, but that won't happen, because [[Annie]] will back off, farm with her Q, get stacks and do it over and over.[/quote]

[quote=Barph]Yeah laning vs a good Annie is pretty much near impossible as Ahri, and Reacting to a flash W/R stun also requires computer like reactions. The fact Annie gets a free kill every time she has flash up is so difficult to lane against. That and Annie's short range isn't an issue since Ahri fights at a similar range outside of poking.[/quote]