How to Practice Smokes in CS2

The fastest way to practise smokes is in a private match with practice commands enabled. Here is how to set it up:

• Step 1: Launch CS2 and start a private match on the map you want to practise (e.g., Mirage, Inferno, Dust 2).
• Step 2: Open the developer console and enter the practice commands listed below. These give you infinite grenades, unlimited money, and the ability to fly around the map.
• Step 3: Start throwing smokes. Use noclip to fly to the landing spot and verify your lineup is accurate.

If you prefer a ready-made setup, our practice config page has downloadable configs that apply all the necessary commands with a single exec command.

Enter these commands in the developer console to create an ideal smoke practice environment:

• sv_cheats 1 -- Enables cheat commands required for practice features.
• sv_infinite_ammo 1 -- Gives you unlimited ammunition and grenades.
• sv_grenade_trajectory_prac_pipreview 1 -- Shows the trajectory path of thrown grenades.
• mp_roundtime_defuse 60 -- Extends round time so you can practice without restarting.
• mp_startmoney 16000 -- Gives maximum starting money for full utility access.
• mp_buy_anywhere 1 -- Allows purchasing grenades from any position on the map.
• mp_buytime 9999 -- Lets you buy throughout the entire round.
• noclip -- Toggles fly mode so you can check smoke landing positions from any angle.
• bind key noclip -- Binds noclip to a convenient key for quick toggling (e.g., bind v noclip).

The trajectory preview command is especially valuable because it draws the path your grenade takes through the air, letting you see exactly where adjustments are needed. For a full list of useful commands, visit our CS2 commands reference.

Several community-made workshop maps are specifically designed for grenade practice. Browse and subscribe through the Steam Workshop.

• Yprac maps: The Yprac series offers guided practice modes for most Active Duty maps. Each map includes pre-set lineups with visual guides showing you exactly where to stand and aim.
• Smoke Practice (per map): Dedicated smoke practice maps exist for individual competitive maps, showing common lineups with on-screen instructions.
• Grenade Training: General grenade training maps teach fundamental throwing mechanics across all grenade types -- smokes, flashes, molotovs, and HE grenades.

Workshop maps are particularly useful for beginners because they show you where to stand and where to aim, removing the guesswork from learning new lineups. For more map recommendations, see our workshop maps directory.

The key to retaining smoke lineups long-term is structured, repetitive practice. Here is an efficient approach:

• Group smokes by execute: Learn all the smokes for a single site take together. For example, learn the A-site Mirage execute smokes (CT, stairs, jungle) as a set rather than learning one smoke from five different maps.
• Repeat each smoke 10-15 times: Stand in the lineup position, aim at the reference point, and throw. Do this until you can land the smoke consistently without thinking about it.
• Test under pressure: After learning a lineup in practice, use it in deathmatch or casual games to see if you can execute it with enemies around. Pressure changes everything.
• Create a personal reference: Take screenshots of your lineup positions and reference points. Having a quick visual reference helps you refresh your memory before a competitive session.
• Review periodically: Revisit lineups you have already learned every week or two to keep them sharp. Muscle memory fades without maintenance.

For a broader look at utility usage in competitive play, check out our grenade guide.

Each map has a handful of must-know smokes that appear in almost every round. Here are the priorities for the most popular maps:

• Mirage: A-site window, A-site CT, A-site stairs, B-site short corner, mid window. See our Mirage lineups page for detailed guides.
• Inferno: Banana CT, A-site cross, A-site arch, library, mid. Visit our Inferno lineups page for specifics.
• Dust 2: A-site cross, A-site long corner, B-site doors, mid doors from T-spawn.
• Anubis: B-site connector, A-site palace, mid control smokes.
• Nuke: Outside smokes, A-site main, ramp room entry.

Start with the map you play most frequently and learn three to five key smokes before expanding to other maps. Quality beats quantity when it comes to utility knowledge.