Listen, I know how it is. You click on guides to see the runes/builds and that's it. I won't write an essay here on why I think you should build like I do - I know what I do works for me and I love the champion, doesn't mean you have to and I respect that.

Try the build & runes, see how it feels and maybe give me an upvote if you like it, or downvote me if there's something you didn't like - I'm all for it.

Who Am I? Just a simple Bard OTP who plays in Platinum elo, Maybe I could reach higher if I really tried, maybe this season.

Ever since I played Bard for the first time I loved how silly he is and haven't stopped playing him since.

Pros – What are the benefits of playing this champion?
- He is super fun.
- He is really strong, he never suffers from a nerf.
- He has a game winning ult.

Cons – What are the drawbacks of playing this champion?
- He has a game losing ult.
- Not really the best early game.

Bard is kind of weak in the first levels, try to hit a few auto attacks and maybe stun the enemy with your Q for a short trade. Don't go all in unless it's winnable. Roam around bot lane/jungle to pick up Meeps, they will make you an unexpected threat.

I always try to roam mid after base or if the bot lane is pushing into their tower. Try to pick up Meeps on the way when you're ganking because that bonus movement speed is HUGE.

You've made it out of the early game, great! Now's the time to really show them what you're made of. Play around objectives and roam around to help your team secure kills, no one expects Bard in the top lane for example.

If the enemy has taken the Rift Herald, you can stop it's charge if you ult your own turret, which is massive for your team.

In teamfights, you cannot afford to miss your Q. Use it to catch someone out, use it to stop the Katarina ult, use it to stop their super-fed Darius of killing your carries, never throw out your Q for the lulz.

Continue to pick up Meeps all over the map even in the Mid Game. I always try to have double the Meeps as there are minutes in the game, so for example at 30 minutes you should have around 60 Meeps.

If the game goes late, your ultimate becomes even more important because your ultimate is what makes or breaks the game.

You've made it to the end of my small but hopefully insightful guide. Like I said at the start, if you like it - feel free to give me an upvote. If you didn't like it, downvote it.

Thanks for reading <3