Key Points

• Today we will be taking a look at the Best TFT Early Game Openers to play in Set 9.
• We will be playing around with the units that we will 2 start one cost or 3 costs in the early game.
• The type of units that will be played will also depend on what type of items you get. It is important to be flexible.
• The economy must be managed properly while you are buying specific units for the composition.
• Important to play an equal number of frontline units and backline units
• How each TFT early game opener can transition to a powerful End Game Board

In order to dominate the early game, TFT players should know the best initial compositions to play in order to save HP and get to their end-game composition early. This guide will cover the best AD and AP Openers, what extra units to add in as the game progresses and the typical final game transitions from your openers. If you’re just starting out with TFT, be sure to check out our starter guide.

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Best TFT Early Game Openers

Jhin and Irelia Opener

The best TFT early game opener for AD Compositions, as Jhin will be the item holder for AD items, and Irelia will be the holder for tank items.

What to add per level 

Level 3

• Our goal is to play around Ionia trait so we can add either Sett, Zed or Karma

Level 4

• Play around challenger Trait, add either Samira or Warwick
• Warwick is better unless Samira is 2 starred as Warwick will give Juggernaut trait
• Play around Deadeye Trait, and add Ashe.

Level 5

• Irelia, Sett, Warwick, Jhin and Ashe
• If Karma is being used, consider playing Irelia, Warwick, Karma, Jhin, Soraka

Level 6

• Any deadeye unit for more effective use of the deadeye trait
• Any upgraded 2 star frontline unit
• 4 ionia: Irelia, Sett, Warwick, Karma, Jhin, Ashe

Final Game Boards to Transition to:

• Aphelios Carry
• Ionia Yasuo 

Cassiopeia and Renekton Opener 

AP items on Cassiopeia and Tank items on Renekton. Note AP items can be anything; however, these items are preferred because you can transition easily to the Shurima Azir end-game board. 

What to add per level 

Level 5

• Add any Invoker unit, such as Soraka or Galio
• Add Teemo to play around Multicasters and has good synergy with Cassiopeia

Level 6

• Add Swain if playing around Teemo
• Add Taric if playing around Soraka 

Final Game Boards to Transition to:

• Any AP Composition

Malzahar Opener

Malzahar is a really good AP item holder, and we will be playing around with the Sorcerer and Void synergy. Void is good as it gives a good frontline early.

What to add per level 

Level 5

• Depends on what 2-star unit you hit first for either Bruiser or Bastion, such as Renekton or Maokai.

Level 6

• The ideal level 6 board will be Taric, Swain, Chogath, Kassadin, Orianna, and Malzahar.
• Hitting 4 sorcerer is the most important part. 
• Another variation could be Maokai, Kassadin, Swain, Orianna, Malzahar and Velkoz.
• If Maokai is unavailable, we can swap him out with Teemo and play around strategist synergy, which will provide shielding to the frontline and AP to the backline.
• It is important to have Swain and Kassadin 2 starred.

Final Game Boards to Transition to:

• Lux Sorcerer would be ideal as we are already playing 4 sorcerers, so the transition won’t be difficult
• Any other AP composition

Gunner Tristana

Typically Played when you have a 2-star Tristana and has to be paired with any gunner unit you can find. The type of frontline being played is not important as long as you have them 2 starred. It relies on good DPS early making it one of the best TFT early game openers.

However, another TFT early game opener variation can be played if you hit early bruisers. In this case, we can transition to a Piltover composition.

What to add per level 

Level 5

• Type of unit played at this level is not important generally, we either throw in another frontline unit or another gunner unit
• If Jinx is 2 starred we can transition the items from Tristana to Jinx and put in a Zaun unit at level 5 to pair with the Zaun synergy with Jinx.

Level 6

• 4 bruisers and 2 gunners are generally played at level 6

Final Game Boards to Transition to:

• Gunner Zeri will be the easiest to transition to, as we are already playing Gunner
• Aphelios 

These are the best TFT early game openers in TFT Set 9. By understanding different openers and their synergies, you can make informed decisions and increase your chances of success. Stay adaptable, pay attention to the meta, and practice to refine your skills and climb the ranks.