First Blood/First Tower/First Dragon: A Deep Dive into Early Game Betting in League of Legends

In the world of League of Legends (LoL), the early game can set the tone for how a match unfolds. Betting markets such as First Blood, First Tower, and First Dragon are popular because they focus on these critical early-game moments. These bets add excitement to the initial stages of a match, and success in these areas can create momentum for a team. However, while these objectives provide advantages, they don’t always guarantee a win. Understanding the nuances of each can help bettors make informed decisions about how the early game might play out.

1. First Blood Betting: A Killer Instinct

First Blood is one of the most well-known bets in League of Legends. It involves predicting which team will secure the first kill of the match. This bet taps into the game’s excitement right from the start, as many teams prioritize early aggression to gain an advantage.

What to Consider for First Blood Bets:

• Playstyle and Champion Picks: Certain teams are known for aggressive early-game play. They may pick champions like Lee Sin, Elise, or Nidalee in the jungle, who excel at early ganking and can create opportunities for first blood within the first few minutes. Pay attention to which team has drafted a composition geared toward early aggression. If a team has champions with early-game burst damage or crowd control, such as Leona, Thresh, or Renekton, they may be more likely to secure First Blood.
• Jungle Pathing: The jungler’s path in the first few minutes is often crucial to securing First Blood. Some junglers prioritize a fast clear of their camps to reach level 3 quickly and gank a lane. Watch for the jungler’s movements and potential to gank lanes where the enemy may overextend. Teams that communicate well and execute these early strategies have a better chance of securing the first kill.
• Lane Matchups: Certain lanes may be more prone to early skirmishes based on the champions selected. For instance, top lane duels between champions like Darius and Camille or Renekton and Aatrox can lead to early kills if one player overcommits. Similarly, bot lane matchups with aggressive support picks, such as Thresh or Nautilus, can result in quick engagements.
• Warding and Vision: Teams that prioritize vision control in the early game can thwart early ganks and protect against First Blood being taken by the opposing team. Conversely, a team that successfully clears vision and sets up a gank may be more likely to secure First Blood. Consider the team’s ability to control vision in key areas of the map, such as the river and jungle entrances.
• Player Tendencies: Some players and teams have a reputation for taking risks early on, while others prefer to play cautiously and wait for opportunities to arise. Tracking a team’s tendencies from past games can help predict whether they will pursue an aggressive First Blood strategy.

2. First Tower Betting: The Race for Map Control

The First Tower bet focuses on which team will destroy the first outer turret. This bet involves a bit more long-term thinking compared to First Blood, as taking down the first tower usually requires sustained pressure in a lane, along with an early gold advantage or lane dominance.

What to Consider for First Tower Bets:

• Lane Matchups and Wave Control: Teams that control their lanes effectively by pushing waves under the enemy tower will have more opportunities to damage the tower early. For example, a bot lane with champions like Caitlyn and Jinx—who have strong pushing power—may be able to chip away at the enemy tower more quickly. Teams with superior wave-clear abilities, such as Ziggs in mid lane or Tristana in the bot lane, are also likely to pressure the turret early.
• Rift Herald: Securing the Rift Herald is a critical element in taking down the first tower. Rift Herald, when summoned, deals massive damage to enemy towers, often enabling a team to secure the First Tower objective. When placing bets on First Tower, consider which team has better control over the top side of the map and which team is likely to secure this neutral objective.
• Lane Priority: Having lane priority—the ability to push the minion wave faster than the opposing team—allows a team to rotate more effectively and potentially send more players to push down a turret. Teams with better lane priority often have a higher chance of taking the First Tower. A mid lane with a champion like Syndra or Orianna may exert enough pressure to roam and assist in another lane’s tower push.
• Jungle Pressure: A strong jungler can provide support in taking down a turret by ganking the lane and forcing the opposing laner to back off or recall. Champions like Elise, with her turret-diving ability, or Jarvan IV, with his crowd control, are well-suited to aiding in early tower dives that help secure First Tower.
• Rotations and Map Control: Teams that rotate their players effectively, particularly from mid lane to bot lane, can leverage their numbers advantage to force an early turret down. If a team manages to swap lanes or use their teleports efficiently, they can accelerate their push for the First Tower.

3. First Dragon Betting: Elemental Control

The First Dragon bet involves predicting which team will secure the first Elemental Dragon of the match. Dragons provide permanent buffs, and securing the first one can give a significant boost, especially in the early game. Dragons spawn within the first five minutes of the game, and teams that focus on securing them typically gain an advantage in map pressure and overall scaling.

What to Consider for First Dragon Bets:

• Early Game Jungle Control: Teams with strong early-game junglers often prioritize securing the First Dragon. Champions like Lee Sin, Jarvan IV, and Nidalee can quickly take down the dragon with the help of their bot lane or mid lane. If a team drafts a jungler with strong dragon-taking ability, they are more likely to secure the First Dragon. Watch how teams position their jungle around the bottom side of the map, where dragons spawn.
• Bot Lane Priority: Much like First Tower, securing the First Dragon often depends on which team controls the bot lane. A duo with lane pressure can rotate to assist their jungler in taking the dragon without being contested. Teams that draft aggressive bot lane champions, such as Lucian and Thresh, are more likely to establish control over the dragon pit early on.
• Mid Lane Roaming: Mid lane champions with strong roaming capabilities, such as Twisted Fate or Galio, can influence the First Dragon by joining their jungler in securing it. If a team has a mid laner who can push the wave and then move toward the dragon pit, they may have an advantage in securing the objective.
• Team Objective Prioritization: Some teams emphasize taking dragons early, while others may opt to focus on lane control or the Rift Herald. Teams that consistently prioritize dragons in the early game should be noted, as they are more likely to secure the First Dragon. Analyze each team’s tendencies from previous games to understand their strategic focus.
• Vision and Objective Control: Controlling vision around the dragon pit is crucial for securing the First Dragon. Teams that place wards and sweep for enemy vision have a significant advantage when it comes to setting up for objectives. If a team has a strong support or jungler who excels in vision control, such as Thresh or Braum, they may have better dragon control.
• Timing and Objective Trade-offs: Sometimes, teams may choose to trade the First Dragon for another early-game advantage, such as the Rift Herald or a lane push. Understanding these trade-offs can help bettors predict whether a team will contest the First Dragon or allow the enemy to take it while focusing on other map objectives.

Final Thoughts: Strategic Early Game Betting

Betting on First Blood, First Tower, and First Dragon in League of Legends is all about understanding early-game dynamics and the strategies that different teams employ. While these objectives offer valuable advantages, they don’t always determine the final outcome of the match. However, they provide key indicators of how a team is performing in the early stages and how their momentum might shift as the game progresses.

In addition to champion picks, jungle pathing, and lane matchups, it’s crucial to factor in a team’s overall strategy, their objective prioritization, and their ability to control vision. By analyzing these elements in depth, you can make more informed early-game bets and capitalize on the fast-paced action that defines the opening minutes of every League of Legends match.