Let's talk about core builds

A core build is a just a couple of items (about 2-3) that help the champion while facing (nearly) any opponent. These items help the champion by playing to their strengths, or supporting themselves out of their own weaknesses. In some cases, the core build will eventually bring in more options for you to choose.

For example, Singed. No one (that I have seen) would argue about Catalyst, he needs it. It adds to Singed's tankiness, and allows you to spam his poison a lot more. Boots of Mobility are also important (they are usually part of any core build).

So why talk about this. One thing that I have noticed (and have done myself) is that we sometimes forget the difference between core builds and the full build. (usually) After completing the core build, you can now play against what the opponents are doing, or capitalize on making the Champion better at what he does.

Let's go back to Singed. Catalyst is part of two big items: RotA and BV (Rod of the Ages and Banshee's Veil). After having your core, you have questions to ask yourself: "how am I doing this game?" "Are we winning?" "Are we losing?" "am I getting owned?" etc. From these questions you can easily figure out which items you need (RotA for if you are doing really well and BV for any other time, but wait a bit before leveling Catalyst up to that point). Also, the boots (which you should have leveled up before leveling up Catalyst). There are a bunch of boots to choose from, but since we are playing Singed, we really have two options: Merc Treads and Ninja Tabi (you don't want Boots of Swiftness, trust me). Again, ask questions, "Are the opponents mostly AD?" "Are the opponents mostly AP?" "How much cc is between the other team?" etc. By thinking about this, you are able to slightly counter what the other team is built for.

I guess the main point of this is be flexible with your full build. Rammus is going to suck if he is up against 3 AP champs and only builds defense and forgoes Magic Resist.

Thanks for reading. If you have any problems with this, tell me. If you find my logic flawed in any way, tell me; I don't mind being wrong, but lets have a discussion on it.

EDIT: It might help if some of vets post some Core Builds for certain characters for the new players. It's experimental in some cases, but most of the time people will agree on certain items.

Core item Suggestions:

Malphite - Boots, Frozen Heart

Rammus - Boots (Tabi/Merc), Aegis, Randuins (submitted by xLale)

Singed - Boots, Catalyst

Tryndamere - Boots, Phantom Dancer, Infinity Edge (Submitted by ElPotatoDiablo)