Smolder vs Vayne ADC Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Champion

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Smolder

VS

ADC

Vayne

Smolder vs Vayne

Confidence mediumUpdated Jun 7, 2026

Overview

This lane turns on safe (Q) stacking versus Vayne's short-range (Q) reposition and (E) wall stun threat.
Smolder wins extended trades with poke and execute scaling, but Vayne pressures early with mobility and true damage.
Hold wave near your side to punish Vayne's close-range CS attempts and avoid her (E) engage angles.

Trading pattern

Step up to auto Vayne during her last-hit animations only if enemy support is zoned or out of position.
Use (W) splash poke when Vayne stands near grouped minions to chip her health safely.
Avoid using (E) aggressively before (E) is down, as it weakens your escape and engage options.

Danger windows

Respect (E) cooldown as it enables her to pin you against walls for a stun.
Avoid stepping into brush or river zones where enemy support can immediately follow your punish attempt.
Beware of (R) stealth reposition combined with (Q) for sudden all-ins when you lack (E) escape.

Early game

Use the first three waves to secure low-risk (Q) stacks behind minions, avoiding overextension near walls.
Punish Vayne's last-hit attempts on caster minions if enemy support can't immediately trade back.
Keep (E) ready to escape (E) wall stun or reposition if she dashes forward.

Power spikes

Prioritize hitting (Q) stack thresholds to increase poke and execute pressure, forcing Vayne to play cautiously.
At level 6, use (R) to swing low-health trades and punish Vayne's all-in attempts or dives.
Post (Q) thresholds, your poke outranges Vayne's short-range burst, enabling safer wave control and plate pressure.

Win conditions

Convert (Q) stack leads into crashing waves to force Vayne under turret and secure plates.
Use poke and execute pressure to create health advantages, enabling safer recalls and item spikes.
Leverage lane priority from poke to assist dragon vision control and teamfight positioning for DPS impact.