The short version
- 1The team that's behind earns extra gold and XP for kills — one fight can close the gap.
- 2Defend from the high ground: the enemy has to walk into ground you control.
- 3When behind, don't die for nothing — unnecessary deaths widen the gap.
01Gold That Turns Games
Dota helps the team that's behind:
- Killing a hero with high net worth gives more gold.
- The trailing team gets extra gold and XP for kills, based on the net worth gap.
So one fight won by the trailing team can close the gap fast. For the team that's ahead: don't hand out free kills.
Coach's tips
- When ahead, don't walk alone without vision.
- When behind, go for their richest hero when you get the chance.
- In the late game, keep gold for a buyback.
02Defending the High Ground
Your base sits on high ground: from below, the enemy can't see up without vision. Add towers and a constant stream of creeps and defending is far easier than attacking.
How to defend:
- Wait for the enemy to walk into tower range before you hit back.
- Clear waves from a distance if you can; don't step out alone.
- Use the Glyph to make your buildings briefly invulnerable during a push.
Coach's tips
- Don't leave the base to chase kills when the enemy is stronger.
- When behind, buy BKB or a saving item before farming items.
- Sell small items if you need a slot for a defensive one.
03Mindset
Plenty of games that look lost get turned around. The reasons are simple:
- One teamfight can change everything.
- The team that's ahead often gets overconfident and dies chasing.
- The Aegis and buybacks give second chances.
Focus on what you control: don't die for nothing, farm where it's safe, and be ready when the chance comes.
Coach's tips
- Don't call GG or abandon — it closes a door that's still open.
- Stay positive in chat; teams that blame each other rarely come back.
- Mute toxic players instead of arguing.
What's your call?
Decide what you'd do, then open the answer.
Your team is far behind. The enemy pushes your mid high ground with the Aegis.Show the answer
Don't walk out to meet them. Hold near your towers, wait for the Aegis to be used or expire, and fight once they're inside tower range.
You're the carry and well ahead. There's a wave in a far lane with no ward, and the enemy team is missing.Show the answer
Don't farm it. Farm the side of the map you can see, or with your team — dying now hands them a lot of gold.
Try it next game
When behind, count the deaths that happen because you were alone without vision. Aim for zero.