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Categories: Guides

A Beginners Guide to Teamfight Tactics Terminology

Teamfight Tactics (TFT), a popular auto-battler game developed by Riot Games, has rapidly evolved into a complex strategy game with its own unique language. As players dive into the game, they are often greeted with an array of terms and abbreviations that may seem cryptic at first glance. Understanding the terminology is crucial for new players who aim to navigate the game effectively, strategize meticulously, and communicate with seasoned players. This beginner’s guide to TFT terminology will decode the essential lingo, from team compositions to champion-related terms, enabling newcomers to quickly acclimate to the game’s community and deepen their strategic play.

Understanding Team Compositions (Team Comps)

Teamfight Tactics (TFT) is a game that requires strategic planning and understanding of how different champions can work together to form powerful team compositions (team comps). Knowing how to build an effective team comp can be the difference between victory and defeat. Below, we’ll dive into different types of team comps and strategies to help beginners navigate their way to success.

Vertical Comp: Focusing on Champions with a Specific Trait

A vertical composition, or vertical comp, focuses on maximizing the potential of champions that share a specific trait. This approach requires collecting a high number of champions with the same trait to activate stronger trait bonuses. For instance, in certain game sets, building a team around champions that all belong to a specific group, like K/DA, could be a dominant strategy. The goal is to leverage the synergy of this singular trait to overpower opponents through specialized bonuses and abilities.

Horizontal Comp: Utilizing Multiple Traits for Well-Rounded Teams

Contrastingly, a horizontal composition, or horizontal comp, spreads its focus across multiple traits, creating a well-rounded team. These compositions benefit from the versatility and flexibility they offer, allowing players to adapt to a wider range of situations. While they may not reach the peak strength that a perfectly tuned vertical comp might, the ability to rapidly adjust strategy based on available champions and the current state of play makes horizontal comps a robust choice for many players.

Fast 7/8/9: Leveraging Early Level Ups for Superior Champions

The strategy of fast leveling to 7, 8, or 9 as quickly as possible allows players to access higher-tier champions sooner than their opponents. This approach demands a strong early game economy to finance the rapid leveling without falling behind in champion upgrades. When executed correctly, it provides a significant advantage by enabling early access to powerful champions that can dominate mid to late game.

Hyper Roll vs. Slow Roll: Strategies for Upgrading Champions

Hyper rolling and slow rolling are two distinct strategies aimed at upgrading champions. Hyper rolling involves saving up a large amount of gold and then spending it rapidly in an attempt to upgrade key champions quickly. This method is high risk and high reward, as failing to secure the necessary upgrades can lead to early elimination. Slow rolling, on the other hand, is a more conservative approach where players spend their gold more judiciously, focusing on maintaining a strong economy while gradually upgrading their champions. Both methods have their merits, and choosing the right one depends on the specific situation and team comp strategy.

Deciphering Champion-Related Terms

In Teamfight Tactics, understanding the terminology related to champions is crucial for developing effective strategies and making informed decisions. Below are some essential terms that beginners should become familiar with.

Champion Pool: The Availability of Champions in the Game

The champion pool refers to the total availability of each champion’s copies within a game. The size of the champion pool for each tier affects the probability of players finding specific champions during their rolls. Knowing the size of the champion pool and how it impacts the likelihood of finding particular champions can help players plan their strategies and adapt to the game’s dynamics.

BIS (Best in Slot): Ideal Items for a Champion

Best in Slot, abbreviated as BIS, represents the ideal combination of items for maximizing a champion’s effectiveness. Determining a champion’s BIS involves understanding which items complement their abilities and playstyle the most. Mastering this concept is key to enhancing a champion’s performance and turning the tides of battle in your favor.

Item Holder: Temporary Custodian for Late Game Carry Items

An item holder is a champion that temporarily carries items meant for another, typically more powerful, champion that the player plans to add to their team later. This strategy allows players to make effective use of powerful items throughout the game without committing them to a champion that may not be part of their final composition.

Splashable: Versatile Champions Fit for Any Team Comp

Splashable champions are those whose abilities and traits allow them to be effectively incorporated into a wide range of team compositions. These champions can provide utility, power, or synergy without requiring the team comp to be built around them. Identifying and utilizing splashable champions can enhance a team’s performance and offer additional flexibility in building effective compositions.

Common Item Abbreviations and Shortened Terms

Spat, FON, and Other Abbreviations for Key Items

In Teamfight Tactics, several items are commonly referred to by abbreviations or shortened names, streamlining communication and strategy discussion. For instance, “Spat” stands for spatula, an item known for its versatility in crafting specialized items like Emo spat, Punk spat, and K/DA spat. Another example is “FON,” which refers to Force of Nature (now known as Tactician’s Crown), an item created by combining two spatulas. Additional abbreviations include “EON” for Edge of Night, “IE” for Infinity Edge, “JG” for Jeweled Gauntlet, “QSS” for Quicksilver, “RB” for Red Buff, and “BB” for Blue Buff. These abbreviations simplify the conversation around item builds and strategies.

The Significance of Abbreviations in Strategy Discussion

Abbreviations in TFT item discussion play a significant role in strategy formulation and communication. They allow players to quickly and efficiently convey their item choices, setups, and planning without delving into lengthy descriptions. This efficiency is crucial during fast-paced moments of the game and when discussing strategies with teammates or within the community. Mastery of these abbreviations is essential for new players to integrate into the TFT community and to understand advanced strategies and guides.

Grasping In-Game Strategy Terms

Contested, Cash Out, and Slamming Items: Actions Impacting Game Progress

Understanding the impact of specific actions on game progress is key to mastering TFT. “Contested” refers to a situation where multiple players aim for the same champions or team compositions, leading to increased competition for resources. “Cash Out” is a strategic decision where a player chooses to receive immediate rewards from traits, affecting their game’s short-term and long-term dynamics. “Slamming Items” involves equipping champions with items early on for an immediate power spike, aiming to secure early round victories.

Roll Down, Open Sell, and Open Forting: Tactics for Champion Rotation and Economy Management

Effective champion rotation and economy management are pivotal aspects of TFT strategy. “Roll down” signifies spending all gold to refresh the champion store in search of specific units. “Open Sell” involves selling a champion on the board, often signaling a major strategy shift or comp transition. “Open Forting” means intentionally losing early rounds for a loss streak bonus and an advantageous position in the carousel draft, demonstrating a trade-off between immediate losses and strategic positioning.

Donkey Rolling, High Roll, and Low Roll: Descriptions of Luck and Strategy Execution

Luck and strategy execution in TFT can often be encapsulated by terms like “Donkey Rolling,” “High Roll,” and “Low Roll.” Donkey Rolling describes the reckless spending of gold on shop refreshes without saving for the economy, reflecting poor strategy execution. Conversely, “High Roll” implies a stroke of luck in obtaining desired champions or synergizing augments, whereas “Low Roll” represents the unfortunate scenario of not finding key units or receiving poor augments, highlighting the game’s inherent unpredictability.

No Scout No Pivot and Mortdogged: Community Lingo Reflecting Play Styles and In-Game Luck

Community-specific lingo such as “No Scout No Pivot” and “Mortdogged” reflects popular play styles and elements of luck in TFT. “No Scout No Pivot” refers to players sticking to a single team comp regardless of others’ strategies, showcasing a rigid yet sometimes effective strategy. “Mortdogged,” named after the game’s lead designer, humorously denotes experiencing bad luck, encapsulating the sometimes capricious nature of TFT. These terms enrich the game’s culture, offering insight into the community’s attitudes and experiences.

Conclusion

Mastering the terminology of Teamfight Tactics is not just about expanding your vocabulary; it’s about deepening your understanding and strategic flexibility in the game. As we have explored, TFT is rich with its own lingo, encompassing team compositions, champion-specific terms, item abbreviations, and in-game strategies. Knowing terms like “vertical comp” and “horizontal comp” allows you to plan your team structure with precision. Understanding the significance of “BIS” (Best in Slot) and recognizing the importance of an “item holder” can make the difference in optimizing your champions’ potential. Familiarity with abbreviations for items and in-game actions can also streamline your decision-making process and communication with fellow players.

The strategic depth of TFT demands more than just knowledge of its terminology. However, embracing the game’s language is the first step towards a deeper engagement. Whether you’re reading guides, watching streams, or discussing tactics with the community, a solid grasp of TFT terms enhances your ability to absorb information, adapt to new metas, and ultimately, craft winning strategies.

Remember, every seasoned player once started as a beginner. By continuously learning and applying your knowledge of TFT terminology, you set the foundation for advanced gameplay and open the door to becoming a strategic master of the game. Keep experimenting with different team comps, items, and strategies. As you do, the language of TFT will become an invaluable tool in your quest for victory.

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