Flandre: 'Carry champions should not be used unless you are very self-confident'

Snake eSports played Invictus Gaming in a three-game series on the third day of LPL Week 1. Snake won 2-1, using two different rosters, rotating in Liu “Zzitai” Zhihao and Oh “Ohq” Gyumin for the third and final game. Following the match, the team fielded questions from press.

Before the match, did you prepare something special for picks and bans? What is your goal for the new season?

Coach Zhu Kai: Before the match, we studied Kid’s pathing a little in order to develop some small strategies. In the new season, if you prioritize steady play, you’ll win more often.

Zzitai, now that you have returned to the mid lane role, what are some differences?

Zzitai: When I returned to the role, part of it didn’t suit me a little. I needed a little time to adjust.

How did you feel about facing Song “Rookie” Euijin?

Zzitai: Rookie is as strong as ever. I want to become a bit stronger.

Li “Flandre” Xuanjun, the LPL has just started and top lane is already dominated by Maokai, Nautilus — these kinds of champions. What’s your opinion on top lane at the moment?

Flandre: With the current trend, these three champions — Maokai, Nautilus, and Poppy — can support the team and push the lane, so for the time being, there will be no major shift in the top lane meta. Carry champions should not be used unless you are very self-confident, particularly if you have a lot of faith.

Camille right now is a weird exception. You have to pick or ban this champion because it’s too abnormal.

For casual players, is there an an answer to Maokai and Nautilus?

Flandre: The solution is, if your opponent takes one, you take the other.

Lê “SofM” Quang Duy, why are you so keen on building Tiamat?

SofM: This item very much suits my style, it can help me farm very quickly.

Flandre, what were your feelings while facing Lee “Duke” Hoseong?

Flandre: I think against Duke, I just had a stable lack of imagination. Absolutely no desire to kill him. I could only farm with him and see which of us would support his team a bit better.

Zzitai, this is the first time you face your old team in a match. Is there anything you want to say to them?

Zzitai: iG’s overall style hasn’t changed much, I hope next time I face them it’s a bit lighter.

Zzitai, what is your style like as a mid laner?

Zzitai: Depending on the choice of champion, my style can change a lot.

Zzitai, we know top lane and mid lane are completely different. When you joined Snake, what changes did you have to make to support the team?

Zzitai: Aside from my own research studying mid lane methods and how to handle the lane, my coaches and teammates gave me a ridiculous amount of help. So right now, I’ve adapted okay, but there are still places I need to improve. I won’t divulge them.

In your first game, why did you choose Orianna?

Zzitai: It’s because of the team’s needs. They thought Orianna was good, so I just picked it.

Ohq, having been in China for a short time now, is there a food you particularly like to eat?

Ohq: At this point, I don’t have a favorite thing to eat.

Today, you skipped a ban. Would the coach explain why?

Zhu Kai: That was a tactical decision, and I can’t divulge details. But I can say that not banning a hero wasn’t a mistake, it was something of a ban-not-ban situation.

What are the characteristics of the two lineups Snake ran today?

Zhu Kai: Before the match, I already answered a lot of this kind of question. This is not a question of who is in better shape to play. Both lineups have different methods of preparation. We will arrange for different people to play mainly on the basis of different opponents and make these kinds of adjustments.

How would you evaluate the performances of the two lineups?

Zhu Kai: Both played very well in places, and I’m relatively satisfied, but we still made mistakes. We will go back and continue to assess them.

You can follow Kelsey Moser on Twitter @karonmoser.