Bard is a versatile support champion with a 52.0% win rate across 10,877 matches. Here's the optimal build and strategy guide:

Most Effective Build:

• Summoner Spells: Flash + Ignite
• Keystone: Electrocute
• Primary Runes: Cheap Shot, Deep Ward, Treasure Hunter
• Secondary Runes: Magical Footwear, Biscuit Delivery
• Shards: Attack Speed, Health Scaling, Health Scaling

Core Items (in order):

1. Bloodsong
2. Boots of Swiftness
3. Dead Man's Plate
4. Wit's End
5. Liandry's Torment
6. Vigilant Wardstone

Skill Order: Q > W > E

Best Matchups:

• Xerath (55.0% WR)
• Blitzcrank (54.3% WR)
• Brand (53.8% WR)
• Soraka (53.2% WR)
• Tahm Kench (52.7% WR)

Counters to Avoid:

• Poppy (45.8% WR)
• Maokai (46.4% WR)
• Pyke (47.9% WR)
• Vel'Koz (48.1% WR)
• Senna (48.2% WR)

Best ADC Synergies:

• Swain (59.2% WR)
• Seraphine (56.3% WR)
• Vayne (53.4% WR)
• Zeri (53.0% WR)
• Ziggs (53.0% WR)

Key Tips:

• Collect Chimes when no minions are about to die to avoid losing XP
• Use empowered auto-attacks when enemies approach for last hits
• Place health shrines slightly behind your position for safe access
• Time your roams with Chime spawns to maintain map presence
• Use your ultimate carefully to avoid disrupting your team's plays

Alternative tankier build option uses Guardian keystone with Font of Life, Bone Plating, and Unflinching, focusing on utility items like Locket of the Iron Solari and Redemption instead of damage items.

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