Mastering the art of last-hitting is crucial for Dota 2 carries, as it directly impacts your gold income and overall progression in the game. To improve your last-hitting skills, start by practicing the timing of your attacks. You can achieve this by learning the attack animation of your hero. Consistently minimizing the time between your hero’s attacks and the timing of the creep's health dropping is key. Furthermore, focus on positioning yourself strategically. Make sure you're standing close enough to safely secure last hits while keeping a safe distance from enemy heroes.

Another essential tip for effective last-hitting is to manage your creep equilibrium. Last-hitting in a way that maintains the creep wave near your tower can provide you with added safety against ganks while keeping the lane controlled. Utilize abilities that deal damage without killing creeps excessively, such as Quelling Blade or certain hero skills, to secure more last hits without pushing the wave towards the enemy tower. Additionally, don't hesitate to practice in a solo or custom game, as repetitive practice will enhance your instincts and efficiency when it comes to last-hitting in live matches.

Itemization is a crucial aspect of playing the carry role in Dota 2, as it directly influences your strength and effectiveness during the game. A well-structured item build can maximize your damage output, survivability, and overall contribution to team fights. Understanding the different categories of items, namely damage, sustain, and utility, is essential for making informed decisions based on the game context. For instance, if you find yourself frequently being targeted, consider incorporating items like Black King Bar or Hurricane Pike to enhance your survivability while maintaining your damage potential.

Moreover, adapting your itemization to counter the enemy team composition is vital. Slotting in defensive items against heavy burst damage heroes or opting for scaling items such as Battle Fury or Maelstrom can create a significant impact throughout the match. As you climb up the ranks in Dota 2, developing a keen sense for when to switch between damage and survivability items will set you apart as a proficient carry player. Remember, effective itemization not only boosts your individual performance but also enhances your team's overall strategy and success.

Understanding how to read the game is crucial for carries in Dota 2, as it empowers players to make strategic decisions that can tip the balance in their favor. One key aspect of this is map awareness. Carry players must constantly assess the position of enemies, objectives, and their teammates. A good practice is to develop a habit of checking the minimap every few seconds. By doing this, you can make informed decisions about when to farm, when to push, and when to engage in fights. Remember that knowing the enemy's position not only helps in avoiding ambushes but also allows you to capitalize on their mistakes.

Another essential factor in strategic decision making for carries is the timely assessment of team fight potential. As you play, consider focusing on the following elements:

1. Hero compositions: Understand your team's strengths and weaknesses compared to the enemy.
2. Item timings: Be aware of key item milestones that can influence engagements.
3. Objective prioritization: Decide whether to fight, farm, or secure towers based on your hero’s state and the game’s tempo.