Winning this game against the best players requires you to maximize your effectiveness at all points of the game. Potions are very effective for this early game. Good players will solidify their advantage very early game, often by level 5. If you really think that you have gained an advantage by forcing someone to burn a potion while you back to the fountain, you are a fool.
No, I mean that they are forced back, use the potion, while I am still at the flag.
If you are seriously fighting someone down to your last few HPs, then you are likely ending up dead a lot. I know from making a few painful mistakes that it is not worth it. If I don't have a decisive advantage by half HP, then I am backing off.
On maps like Cataract, you can easily forfeit the flag for a while and simply stay next to your tower levelling up. Either waiting for back-up or your opponent to return to their shop. This is good strategy for players who's builds are weaker at the start.
I am not talking about forcing someone to burn a potion, while I am still there like a sitting duck at 200Hps, that is clearly stupid. I am talking about making people burn potions, while you are still in a position of power.
