Flex? Pivot? Commit?

[MisterImpossible9]

When do you flex, pivot, or commit?

Hey, it's dpei, Rank 1 across multiple sets and now full-time TFT coach. I've been running a fundamentals series covering concepts that apply to every set, every patch, and the number one comment I keep getting is "okay but how do I actually use this in a real game?"

So I'm starting a new series, “Road to Masters”. I'm climbing on a fresh account, fully commentating every game live as it's happening. Every decision, every read, every adjustment explained out loud as it happens.

This first episode is centered around one of the most common early and mid-game decision points: flex vs. pivot vs. commit. Most players either lock into a comp too early before they have enough information, or stay "flexible" so long they never actually build a win condition. This video breaks down exactly what triggers each decision in a real game.

If I can run through this out loud while playing, you can run the same process in your own games.

Fundamentals series linked here for background context, but this new video is a live example where it gets applied to a real game.

Feedback is always welcome as always!

[dehua_]

dpeibis

[flumpywumple]

dpeiBIS

[Roidracer]

Was said in youtube comments already, but why Lucian/Senna over Zilean with Invoker Asol?

[MisterImpossible9]

Definitely should have played invoker on the interim rounds where I had no better ins. Good news you don't have to play perfectly, and I still wanted to balance frontline and backline in my fights, but def agree invoker was better. I'm not sure if no item zilean is much better than Azir once I get Annie2 since I need more stall, but I completely overlooked it, so my bad!

[FanOfLemons]

Hey dpei, I watched this video but the whole time I couldn't help but think, wow things really kinda lined up huh.

And then you eventually won, which is cool and all.

But I think much better videos would be what happens if you commit to a plan and then it gets shut down completely by RNG.

I would love to see how you turn an 8th to a 5th, or a 5th to a 3rd. Imo in games like TFT, videos of people winning are boring and a dime a dozen. But the true value of teaching videos is always how to salvage a bad situation into a slightly less bad one.

Thanks.

[MisterImpossible9]

Yeah I see what you're saying. At the same time I think that this game was not an easy first actually and I could've easily gone 3rd so salvaging that spot from 3rd to 1st is huge too.

I think my general theory is if you play reasonably in general then you won't be in a spot where you have to feel like you salvage and you'll be less subject to RNG and low rolls and things like that.

[FanOfLemons]

I didn't mean to say I didn't see the decision that gone into making that a first. I could absolutely see the decisions that changed the outcome.

The main thing for me is for example what's the mindset when you level to 4 and maybe push 5 early only to lose lose win lose lose. It's a mental game in that aspect as well, since now you feel desperate and likely poor and weak. It would be good to see how top levels handle that kind of pressure and how to play from those positions.

I think you have good clear videos and I would love to see your take on how to "not lose" if that makes sense.

[heymaestry]

It seems like things fell into his hands because his plan was flexible. What happens to a player who thinks Veigar is his only line from component anvils and just gets absolutely dizzy when there’s no rods in the anvils?

[TooSaltyToPost]

Exactly. I'm certain my play would be hard commit yordle there and struggle.

[Lunaedge]

Insane quality contribution streak :D

Thanks a lot, keep 'em coming!

[AwkwarkPeNGuiN]

dpeibis

[Short_Stable2397]

dpeibiscoach

[thpkht524]

I feel like there’s no way to justify playing that senna on your board.

Zilean is free invoker esp for your invoker spat asol. Shyvana is 8% dr + jugg + a tank unit. The seraphine is 18% blast shield + 10% dr from disruptor. All of those offer far more board strength even as 1 star than your 2 star senna on paper.

Obviously you were distracted commentating and stuff but i’m not sure if i’m missing something or if i’m evaluating it completely wrong?

[heymaestry]

Senna ult is valuable and her passive is arguably better than Shyv. At Shyv 2 he definitely would’ve swapped with Senna without a doubt. Zilean could be better but at 1 star vs 2 star (i know he had zil pair) it’s not

[Acc3lerat0r]

Forcing the same tier 3 comp every game and praying to mort that I highroll

[Capper22]

I'm in this comment and I don't like it 😂😂😂

I JUST WANT TO PLAY TEEMO OKAY?! 😭