When Safely stack Dragon Practice and poke in lane

1. WSlow→
2. Q→
3. AutocancelFollow-up

Tip Hit the wave and champion together with W, then collect a stack with Q once in range. Q is targeted and cannot miss; use W's slow to control spacing and land follow-up basic attacks.

When Maximizing sustained damage in an extended trade

1. Q→
2. AutocancelWeave basic attack→
3. WSlow→
4. AutocancelWeave basic attack→
5. QOn cooldown

Tip Q is not a basic-attack reset, so do not force an animation cancel; confirm each basic attack has fired before alternating Q and W. Champion hits build Dragon Practice, and another basic attack should be added whenever the spacing opens again to maintain sustained damage.

When Bursting a target after Smolder's stacks come online

1. WSlow→
2. Q→
3. AutocancelFollow-up→
4. EBoom!→
5. QOn cooldown→
6. RCenter hit

Tip Hit W on the champion for its explosion and slow, lower them with Q and basic attacks, then use E's flight along the escape path to maintain its automatic bombardment. R deals 50% more damage in the center and heals Smolder if it passes over him, so align Smolder and the target with the center lane.

When Finishing a low-health target after Smolder reaches the Q execute upgrade

1. ELowest health→
2. QEmpowered→
3. RCenter hit

Tip During E, Smolder automatically targets the lowest-health enemy in range and prioritizes champions, so steer sideways until only the intended target remains in the circle. At 175 stacks, Q's burn executes champions below its threshold; land Q after E and use R only when its center can finish the setup.