Most players’ experience with smoke has been a disillusioning one. Few players will see the need for smoke, because in their personal experiences, it has never worked effectively. It’s a poor workman who blames his tools. The reason why many players have never SEEN smoke work effectively is that it was rarely USED effectively. It doesn’t work right, because it isn’t being used properly. Most smoke generating devices are either slow burning “candles” or in military “grenade”-type configurations. For the purposes of this article, we'll say "smoke devices" or "smoke".

SAFETY

First, a word on safety. Many smoke devices not only generate smoke, but they also generate heat. There are a few “cold smoke” devices, but they are not the norm. When using smoke, players must first consider the fire hazard. Many fields do not allow players to have smoke because of this factor. The solution is simple. Players hand their smoke to the referees who are supervising their group. The players can then request smoke and the ref can place it in a position where it will not start a fire, but still be effective. Also, you should NEVER pick up a smoke device when it is discharging smoke. I have seen players pick up smoke devices and toss them back at the opposition. These players are risking severe burns, if you really have to move the smoke (not advisable--again due to the fire hazard) just kick it out of the way. After you read this article, you won’t have the need to remove the source of smoke used against you, anyway.

You should also try to avoid being close to the smoke device. While not toxic, the smoke can lead to temporary respiratory problems. Long term exposure can lead to serious health problems. Players throwing smoke should endeavor not to throw it near other players, for that same reason.

PROPER USE

Smoke is used to obscure the opposition’s view, to screen friendly movement from opposition observation and to deceive the opposition.

Obscuration. If the opposition cannot see you, then they cannot shoot at you, or move on you.

Screening. If you want to move players from one side of the field, to the other, you want to do it so the opposition will not observe the movement and be able to react.

Deception. Most players assume where there is smoke, there is action (or at least the potential). Deploying smoke to make the opposition THINK that’s where the action is can divert attention.

Big games, and scenario games are ideal settings to use smoke. However, small rec-days are good for smoke too.

CONDITIONS THAT AFFECT SMOKE

Wind. When deploying smoke, you must ensure that the wind (if present) will move the smoke into the desired area . Also the wind speed directly affects how long the smoke will stay in the desired area. The stronger the wind, the less time the smoke will linger. If you deploy smoke in an area where the wind is strong, you must adjust any tactics (that the smoke is meant to support) mainly because you will have less time to accomplish your task.

Vegetation. Trees and thick brush hold smoke, mainly because the wind will be blocked by foliage. The heavier wooded an area is, the longer it will hold smoke. Also, the lack of vegetation will also affect smoke.

Contour. Smoke is heavier than air, so it will gather in lower areas. Smoke will usually go around hills, as opposed to over them. Smoke will also concentrate better on valleys, ditches, and other natural depressions. Confined areas, like buildings, hold smoke quite well.

These conditions will either enhance your smoke deployment, or make it utterly useless. Which is why you have to keep them in mind. Sometimes you want the smoke to linger, sometimes you want it to move. I have seen teams deploy smoke, when the wind was at their backs, and follow it along the field as it moved. They effectively used it as a moving wall.

OFFENSIVE USE OF SMOKE

For obscuring, deceiving and screening smoke must be deployed correctly. Smoke isn’t just a “cool thing” -- it is an effective tool. Think of it as cover you bring with you. If you can use foliage and terrain to cover your movements, save your smoke. For instance, if you want to screen the movement of players on your left flank, and you have a ridge or valley they can travel through, out of sight of the opposition, you don’t need the smoke as cover. Smoke is used when you really don’t have anything else at your disposal. Also, smoke will also broadcast your intentions. When you deploy smoke, you are telling the opposition, “Hey, we’re up to something we don’t want you to see.” Also, smoke is a double edged sword, it hides the opposition from you as well as it hides you from the opposition.

Smoke, followed by a few paint grenades is also a great tactic. The opposition will not be able to see the grenades coming at them, until it is too late.

DEFENSE AGAINST SMOKE

Smoke tells you the opposition is “up to something”. Most players will move through their smoke towards you. The best defence is to immediately fire into the smoke, as it is usually placed directly between you and them. Also, when smoke is deployed you should pull back slightly (if you can) so you have some time to react to anything that comes through the cloud.

The best defence is a heightened awareness, so you are READY when something happens. Knowing the terrain, where your opposition is, and their numbers will aid you in analyzing why they deployed the smoke to begin with. Perhaps they have too many players on one flank, maybe they have an open area they have to cross to get to you. Whatever the reason, knowing what the opposition is doing before the smoke is deployed will help you determine what they are trying to do once the smoke has been deployed.

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