Anti-Mage vs Dazzle

How this matchup plays

Trying to burst down a core can feel impossible when Dazzle is on the other team. A well-timed Shallow Grave completely negates Anti-Mage’s primary goal of blinking in for a quick kill, leaving him exposed. However, Dazzle himself is the perfect target for Anti-Mage. His Mana Break makes it difficult for Dazzle to cast his crucial saves, and his low health pool and lack of escapes make him an easy kill if caught by a Blink. Mana Void is also especially punishing against an intelligence hero who has just used his spells.

The laning phase can be tough for Dazzle, who has to constantly manage his mana pool against Mana Break. Later in the game, teamfights hinge on positioning and initiation. If Anti-Mage can find Dazzle first, he can usually remove the biggest defensive threat from the fight. If Dazzle is protected by his team, he can save anyone Anti-Mage jumps on, allowing for a swift counter-attack. The outcome of the fight, and the game, often depends on which of these two heroes gets to execute their plan first.