)**
In the world of League of Legends, counter picks are essential for winning the game. This guide aims to help players understand which champions to choose as supports against the mage Bard. By analyzing Bard's strengths and weaknesses, players can make informed decisions about which champions to counter pick and which to keep in their roster.
Bard's Strengths:
Bard is a powerful Mage champion that excels in sustained damage output and crowd control. He has a high kill rate and can quickly turn the tide of a team fight. Bard's abilities are teleported, allowing him to stay in the fight longer and deal damage to multiple enemies at once. His ultimate, [Eternal Orbit], allows him to place zones on the map, which can be useful for zoning opponents and setting up aggressive plays.
Bard's Weaknesses:
Despite his strengths, Bard has some notable weaknesses. He requires a lot of mana to maintain his abilities, making him vulnerable if his opponents have strong mana management. Additionally, Bard's positioning can be off, which can leave him open to attacks. Some junglers, like Kog'Maw, have synergy with Bard due to their shared weakness to magic damage.
Here are the best counter picks for Bard:
Shaco
Shaco's [Impale] can deal significant damage to Bard, forcing him to use more of his abilities, which can result in a kill. While Bard can outplay Shaco, Shaco's high mobility and engageability make him a tough match for Bard to navigate.
Poppy
Poppy's [Prison], combined with her ultimate [Nemesis], can limit Bard's mobility and deal constant damage. When paired with a strong jungler, Poppy can shut down Bard's early game, making it difficult for him to gain any momentum.
Pyke
Pyke's [Plasma Field] can block Bard's abilities, forcing him to either risk using them on an enemy champion or spend time repositioning. Pyke's high mobility also allows him to avoid Bard's abilities altogether, making it difficult for Bard to gain any significant control over the lane.
Sona
Sona's [Harmony] and [Celerity] complement Bard's playstyle by providing additional damage and waveclear. Sona can keep up with Bard's damage output while also contributing to team fights, making it a tough match for Bard to win.
Maokai
Maokai's [Fist of the North] and [Timewrinder] can significantly slow Bard down, making it difficult for him to land kills or engage in fights. Maokai's large hitbox also makes it difficult for Bard to safely position himself near enemies.
Bard's Best Partners:
While Bard has several strong counter picks, there are also opportunities for players to find synergies with Bard. Some allies that work well with Bard include:
Nautilus
Nautilus's [Turbulence] complement's Bard's sustained damage output by providing movement speed and crowd control. Together, they can quickly clear minion waves and engage in fights, making it a formidable duo.
Blitzcrank
Blitzcrank's [Iron Solstice] can provide significant shield coverage for Bard, protecting him from area damage abilities. Their aggressive playstyle also complements Bard's ability to control the lane.
Thresh
Thresh's [Hook] and [Whispers] can be used to engage Bard, providing a kill or forcing him to retreat. Thresh's high mobility also allows him to check for secrets and ensure Bard doesn't gain any advantages in the lane.
Tahm Kench
Tahm Kench's [Taste of Blood] and [Furious Dance] complement Bard's playstyle by providing additional crowd control. Their strong dueling abilities also make them a tough match for Bard to deal with in team fights.
In conclusion, counter picking Bard requires players to understand their champion's strengths and weaknesses and make strategic decisions on which champs to counter pick and which to keep in their lineup. By selecting strong counter picks and partners, players can increase their chances of victory against Bard and improve their overall performance in the game.
