A ward isn't a houseplant.
Place vision around your team's next move. No watering needed. A little thought helps.
In this guide
Plan first. Ward second.
Finish the sentence: 'We need vision here because we plan to…' Protect a farming route, approach an objective or spot movement. If your team is retreating, deep vision nobody can use may be less helpful than information along the route you need.
We saw them. Now what?
Imagine the ward reveals an enemy. Can your team respond, or at least avoid a bad fight? Vision is useful when it changes a decision. An ordinary spot near your team's next move can be worth more than a clever ward that costs your life.
Delivery has a cost too
Who is visible on the map? Who is nearby? Where will you go if you meet an enemy? Having a ward in your inventory doesn't make the enemy jungle safe. Ask for help, wait for information or choose another spot. Sometimes holding a ward for a little longer is useful.
Follow the life of one ward
Choose one ward in a replay. Did it spot movement? Did anyone change their route? Was it dewarded immediately? Answer regardless of the match result. Label ward screenshots with their patch: terrain and objectives change.
No single ward map solves everything
This is a way to choose, not a list of coordinates. A specific spot needs a current screenshot and an example of how to use it. Check exact vision, placement restrictions and terrain in the game.
Sources and context
This is an approach to reviewing your game unless a verified match fact is stated separately. Check exact mechanics in the current game client.
Source · Dota 2 — official game and hero reference ↗Source · Official patch notes ↗