Synn Store BLOG - Mastering the Pick and Ban Phase in Mobile Legends: A Winning Strategy

In Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, victory isn't just decided in battle—it starts from the pick and ban phase. Understanding the meta, hero counters, and team compositions can give you a massive edge before the match even begins. Here’s how to maximize your chances of success in ranked games and tournaments.

The Power of Good Picks and Bans

Many players believe the fight starts when heroes clash, but in reality, strategic decision-making during the draft phase determines the outcome. While having strong meta heroes doesn’t guarantee a win, it significantly improves your odds—if used correctly. Even the best meta picks won’t carry a team that doesn’t coordinate well.

Key Factors in Hero Selection:

• Meta Heroes – These are the heroes that dominate the current patch. Knowing which heroes are strong ensures you make informed choices.

• Hard Counters – Selecting heroes that counter your opponents can neutralize their strongest players.

How to Ban Meta Heroes Effectively

With every patch update, the meta shifts—heroes get buffed, nerfed, and rebalanced. To stay ahead:

1. Watch pro players – While high-level players can dominate with almost anything (even Diggy Hyper, just kidding), their hero choices offer insight into the evolving meta.

2. Check patch analysis videos – Top Mobile Legends analysts like Kazuki Official and Elgin break down the latest updates, helping you understand which heroes are strongest.

3. Visit the official MLBB website – Keep an eye on hero performance stats, ban rates, and win rates in high-ranked matches.

4. Follow professional tournaments – While ranked games differ from pro play, tournaments highlight the best picks for each role.

By staying informed, you’ll know exactly which heroes to ban—and which ones to prioritize when picking.

The Importance of Hard Counters

A hard counter is a hero that completely shuts down another. Understanding how to use counters effectively will give your team a tactical edge. Here’s how:

• Ban counters to your key heroes – If your team relies on specific picks, remove their counters.

• Pick counters to the enemy’s strongest hero – Neutralize their main carry to weaken their overall strategy.

• Save the last pick for a counter – The final selection should target the enemy’s strategy, disrupting their game plan.

The Role of One-Trick Players

Many players specialize in a single hero, a strategy known as one-tricking. While controversial, it can be effective—provided the hero remains viable in high-rank lobbies. If you choose to play this way, ensure your chosen hero is respected within the current meta.

Final Tip: Always Pick a Frontliner

No matter how strong your hero pool is, a frontliner is essential for engaging fights. Without a tank or durable initiator, your team may struggle to control engagements.

Conclusion

Mastering the pick and ban phase requires knowledge, strategy, and adaptability. Stay updated with patch changes, meta shifts, and counter strategies to optimize your drafts. Whether in ranked or tournament play, strong decision-making before the match begins can lead your team to victory.