Tristana vs Smolder ADC Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Champion

Opponent

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Tristana

VS

ADC

Smolder

Tristana vs Smolder

Confidence mediumUpdated Jun 7, 2026

Overview

This lane turns on Tristana's level 2 all-in and wave-crash turret pressure against Smolder's scaling poke style.
Tristana wins short trades with (E) burst and reset potential, while Smolder prefers extended poke and stacking (Q).
Tristana must force fights before Smolder stacks (Q) thresholds and uses (R) to swing health trades.

Trading pattern

Step forward to auto-attack Smolder when he is locked into last-hit animations on low-health minions without enemy support threat.
Use (E) stacks to burst Smolder after forced recalls or when he stands near minions for (W) poke splash.
Avoid jumping forward if enemy support controls brush or has disengage ready to punish your (W) commitment.

Danger windows

(E) flight allows him to reposition or escape your all-in; avoid committing when (E) is available.
Watch for (W) poke when grouped near minions, especially if enemy support can follow up.
Avoid stepping into enemy support threat zones or brush control that enable immediate counter-engage on your jump.

Early game

Push first three waves to hit level 2 before Smolder and threaten (W) all-ins with support follow-up.
Use small or crashing waves to jump only when enemy disengage is down, avoiding large minion damage.
Punish Smolder's last-hit attempts on caster minions if enemy support cannot immediately counter-trade.

Power spikes

Level 2 unlocks (W) jump and (E) burst, enabling sudden all-ins that can punish Smolder's low early agency.
First completed marksman item increases turret pressure and all-in burst, allowing plate dives after winning trades.
(Q) stack thresholds increase his poke and execute threat; pressure him before these spikes are reached.

Win conditions

Convert winning trades into turret plate damage by crashing waves and fully stacking (E) before recalls.
Use level and item spikes to force Smolder under turret, denying safe (Q) stacking and poke buildup.
Snowball resets from takedowns allow extended all-ins or safe disengages, securing dragon priority and mid-game control.