Caitlyn vs Smolder ADC Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Champion

Opponent

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Caitlyn

VS

ADC

Smolder

Caitlyn vs Smolder

Confidence mediumUpdated Jun 7, 2026

Overview

This lane turns on Caitlyn's range punishing Smolder's last-hit attempts under pressure.
Caitlyn wins short trades and turret pressure, while Smolder scales into poke and execute later.
Hold wave near enemy turret to force Smolder into trap zones and deny safe (Q) stacks.

Trading pattern

Auto Smolder during low-health minion last-hit animations if enemy support can't punish.
Layer (W) traps on retreat paths and turret edges to zone Smolder's safe CS and escape.
Hold (E) to deny Smolder's all-in engage, avoid using it for poke to prevent counter-engage windows.

Danger windows

Avoid trading when (E) is down, as Smolder's engage angles improve with terrain mobility.
Respect (R) at level 6, which can swing low-health fights and punish overextensions.
Beware enemy support control of brush or river that blocks safe last-hit punishment windows.

Early game

Use level 1 range to punish Smolder's early CS attempts before (E) is available.
Crash the wave early to set trap lines around turret and force Smolder into risky positions.
Watch caster minions for last-hit punish windows when Smolder steps up without support threat.

Power spikes

Level 1 range advantage lets Caitlyn pressure Smolder before his (Q) stacks matter; punish early CS.
First completed marksman item strengthens poke and plate pressure; crash waves with support cover.
Two-item siege spikes increase turret threat and dragon setup control; force recalls and deny Smolder stacks.

Win conditions

Convert lane pressure into turret plate leads by crashing waves and trapping escape paths.
Use CS leads and health advantage to secure bot priority and dragon vision control.
Maintain (E) for safety to scale into mid-game siege and teamfight DPS roles effectively.