On a DotA team the five players and positions are generally numbered from 1-5, in decreasing order of farm priority.
1. Hard Carry
Your hard carry receives the most farm and the team will try to create space for him. He is vulnerable without items and levels but after acquiring them he is responsible for carrying the game. Examples: Anti-mage, Tiny.
2. Semi-Carry
This player also requires an amount of farm in the early game and quick levels. His job is to carry the early-game tempo, and he will typically fall off in power as the game progresses. Examples: Queen of Pain, Brewmaster.
3. Off-lane, or "Ganker"
As the game goes on the 3 position is typically given some room to farm, although his development in the early stages is sacrificed for the 1 and 2. Ideally he is strong with and without items, and his presence is often to threaten the development of the Carry should the Supports leave him alone. Examples: Windrunner, Bounty Hunter.
4. Secondary Support
One of two supports, responsible for protecting the carries early on. Support heroes have strong abilities that allow them to be effective without farm. Sometimes the 4 is at some point given room to farm out items such as Arcane Boots and Blink Dagger, if he does not already have them through towers and team fight participation. Examples: Sand King, Nyx Assassin.
5. Primary Support
The main support is in charge of buying wards and keeping the enemy 3 out of the lane. The 4 and 5 together protect the carries and create space in the early game. In a game where your team is not doing well, it is not uncommon for the 5 to have nothing but boots. Examples: Jakiro, Keeper of the Light.
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