Determining viability of a build

[quote=theBMB]I'm just wondering, how can you really determine how viable a build is? To be honest, any build is "viable" on a fed champ since their level and gold advantage is then fueling their success, not necessarily the build itself. This can be easily seen in bot games where building AD annie is viable or when Saintvicious was playing AD alistar when he was sent into ELO hell. How do you isolate all the factors like team composition, K/D ratio, map control, skill level, etc. When deciding whether your build order actually contributed to your success?[/quote]

[quote=JunSupport]Viability = You'd be willing to use it in a ranked game, given that the champion is a good choice for the draft /end thread[/quote]

[quote=PsiGuard]If you're talking general builds (AP Alistar for example), that depends on the champion design, as well as where that champion fits in the metagame. AP Ali is less viable since his nerf, since he requires a solo lane or jungle to make the most of his carry potential. He functions amazingly as a support in bot lane, so that build is usually considered "more viable." I think half of viability is theory, and the other half is success in multiple high-level games. I'm sure if Saintvicious played AD Ali in a tournament game, he wouldn't do as well as he could. Viability of a build is determined just like viability of a champion. Ask yourself these questions: -Does the build compliment the champion's skillset? -Does this build on this champion fit into the metagame? -Is this the most effective way to build this champion? -Do pros or high-level players win games with this build? -Is this build easily countered? -Is this build situational? Viability isn't a science, it's more of an educated guess. The meta is constantly evolving, especially with constant balance changes. Just use your head or try out a build to see if it's viable.[/quote]

[quote=jhoijhoi]What a great post, PsiGuard, +rep! Mind if I copy it and quote you in my Vayne Guide? :)[/quote]

[quote=Embracing]Imo, how viable a build is either how well it fits into the current metagame, or how a build fits your personal playstyle while also filling in for most of the disadvantages of a champion. For example, casters in mid usually go for an early [[catalyst the protector]] for the good lane sustain. However, I forgot who it was thought of the idea of stacking [[Doran's Ring]]s to make up for the sustain, while also providing a different playstyle that fit the player. Of course, emphasis on "filling in for the disadvantages" because some players like to make an excuse of saying "my guide is viable because it suits my playstyle" when getting no survivability on a champion that needs it.[/quote]

[quote=theBMB][quote=PsiGuard] If you're talking general builds (AP Alistar for example), that depends on the champion design, as well as where that champion fits in the metagame. AP Ali is less viable since his nerf, since he requires a solo lane or jungle to make the most of his carry potential. He functions amazingly as a support in bot lane, so that build is usually considered "more viable." I think half of viability is theory, and the other half is success in multiple high-level games. I'm sure if Saintvicious played AD Ali in a tournament game, he wouldn't do as well as he could. Viability of a build is determined just like viability of a champion. Ask yourself these questions: -Does the build compliment the champion's skillset? -Does this build on this champion fit into the metagame? -Is this the most effective way to build this champion? -Do pros or high-level players win games with this build? -Is this build easily countered? -Is this build situational? Viability isn't a science, it's more of an educated guess. The meta is constantly evolving, especially with constant balance changes. Just use your head or try out a build to see if it's viable. [/quote] good point, this is kinda what I was trying to get at, the uncertainty behind it all is kinda the reason why things like AP Sion come about, people just try it and find out it works really well until it becomes standard. This would be useful in my item guide as well, mind if I quote you?[/quote]