When to counter jungle A SHORT GUIDE

Jungling is probably the most mentally demanding role in the game. It requires an extensive knowledge of the game to be executed properly. Essential skills are the prediction of wards, anticipating enemy jungler ganks, knowing when to gank or when to farm etc. However this article will focus on one aspect of jungling which will leave the meek bereft of their buffs and camps. It is the most evil and satisfying part of jungling. The thing that I'm talking about is counter-jungling.
The principal concept of counter-jungling is to deny the enemy jungler of his buffs and his normal camps by going into his jungle and “stealing” them, thereby denying him gold and experience and setting him behind in levels and items so that your team can gain a huge advantage in fights and laning.
Most newbie junglers tend to not know when to counter-jungle. The best time to counter-jungle is when you have no risk of being boxed in by the enemy laners or facing the enemy jungler. Take the time to glance at the minimap and take note of the closest lanes to you when you decide to lone-invade the enemy jungle. If your laners are pushing to their opponents' towers, then it is relatively safe to steal enemy camps and buffs. The reason for this is that when the enemy laners will leave their lanes to assist their jungler, they will show themselves leaving and your laner will be able to follow them as well. Bear in mind that during this time the enemy laner is losing creeps to the tower and thus getting denied a huge amount of xp and gold himself.
Another time when invading is safe is when you know where the enemy jungler is. If you spot him somewhere in bot lane or top lane then his wraiths, wolves or golems are yours for the taking. Also take note of buff timers. The blue and red buffs simultaneously spawn at 1:55. The enemy jungler usually finishes them at 2:10-2:15, so taking into mind the respawn timer for buffs is 5 minutes, the buffs will respawn at 7:15 or 7:10 or close to that time. Always go back to base before 6:20, buy a ward, heal up then ask your closest laner to go and assist you with the buff steal. Remember these timings and use them well when you decide to invade and steal BUFFS (not camps).

Also, a thing that most people do is that when a fight breaks out and the enemy jungler is IN that fight, they go to counter jungle. DO NOT DO THIS UNLESS IT IS A BUFF THAT YOU'RE TRYING TO STEAL. If you are anywhere near the place of fighting, bumrush to that location and try to pick up some kills or assists. If you are far away, then pressure another lane HARD or do dragon if the enemy jungler is in top lane.
So I hope you have gotten an understanding of when to go and counter-jungle and when not to. See you on the Fields of Justice!
 
Shahrukh Ikhtear is a member of League of Legends Bangladesh Community.