The Smoker

"Smoker, he's gonna have to use that tongue to choke foot out of his ass."

- Francis

"Well, on the news they called them Smokers."

- Rochelle

The Smoker is an Infected with a long, whip-like tongue. The Smoker's tongue can be launched out of its mouth at high speeds, and when it reaches one of the Survivors, it automatically wraps around the target's body and drags him/her back toward the Smoker.

Extent of Mutations
The Smoker has been heavily mutated by a strain of the Infection and frequently makes high-pitched rasping and coughing noises that can alert Survivors of its presence. Though it resembles most Common Infected, it is taller, more durable, and its skin has become covered in growths that cause little spurts of green smoke and blood to ooze out when shot. It is said that the smoke it expels gives off a putrid smell, but it is otherwise harmless. The left side of its face is bloated and appears to be covered by a large tumor. In Left 4 Dead he can be seen wearing a white shirt with a green jacket along with jeans and converse-like sneakers. Though its mentality is similar to that of the typical Infected, it is not distracted by things such as the flashing lights of pipe bombs, nor is it attracted by car alarms going off. When constricted, Survivors have a brief moment (1-2 seconds) to shoot the offending Smoker before their arms are ensnared by the tongue. If they fail, the Survivor is helplessly dragged off, and will take damage until they die or are rescued through the use of a melee attack, the tongue being severed or the death of the Smoker. The Smoker claws at an ensnared Survivor when they are dragged all the way back to him, while at the same time the Survivor takes damage from the tongue constricting them if an obstacle obstructs them from being dragged to the Smoker. If a Survivor isn't dragged all the way back to a Smoker due to an obstruction (eg. a Horde surrounding the Survivor), the Survivor will only take damage from the tongue's squeeze (this damage seems to be the same as when the Smoker is clawing at them, however). When killed, a Smoker leaves a haze of dark green smoke, obscuring the vision of the Survivors and causing them to cough if they stand in it. Like most other Special Infected, a melee hit from the Smoker does about twice as much damage as the Horde. Only one Smoker is normally allowed on the Infected team while playing Versus, unless there are computer-controlled infected.

Some have suggested that the mutated "tongue" could actually be intestines. Occasionally, when killing the Smoker, hundreds of feet of "tongue" will spew from its mouth, supporting the intestines theory. A second theory leading to the Smoker's mutation is that the strain of infection has caused a type of fungus or similar bacteria to grow along its face. This could be responsible for the spore or smoke clouds and its tongue(s), since in many cases fungi have been known to grow tentacle-like appendages that appear similar to tongues. This is supported by the fact that upon death, the Smoker's mutated tongue disappears, and you can see the true tongue in his mouth. A third theory is that the Smoker had cancer (probably tongue or throat) before becoming infected. This is supported by the fact that cancer occurs when a cell or group of cells mutate to the point the hayflick limit breaks, so the cells don't stop reproducing. Since there are cancerous growths all over the Smoker's face and upper torso along with the extra tongues protruding from the growths, this may be true; it would also explain how the Smoker's tongue regrows so quickly after being snapped from the base. A fourth theory is that part of the Infection gives the Smoker regenerative abilities, similar to cancer.

Left 4 Dead 2
The Smoker has a different physical appearance in Left 4 Dead 2. The Infection has caused the Smoker to now have very large lumps and tumor-like appendages on his left arm, larger and bulkier than that in Left 4 Dead, hinting at a form of infected strain for the Smoker, while there are no lumps on the right, except for a small cluster of boils near his wrist. Aside from his original tongue, he now has two relatively short tongue-like tendrils sticking out the back of his shoulder, one tongue coming out the right side of his neck, one looped at the bottom, and a large tongue is sticking out the back of his neck, which makes a total of six tongues. Most notable is the presence of a massive tumor on his throat and chest, which pulses in-game. Using the pressure from this combined with muscle control, plus the fact that his mouth seems more like the barrel of a gun, could explain how he is able to shoot his tongue. His skin is also no longer dark gray, but normally colored; he also seems to have more shine to his skin, as if he is covered in either infectious pus or some other oily substance. In terms of clothing, he now wears a blue t-shirt and jeans with a slight sag that show the waistband of his undergarments, bearing the fictional brand name "SKIVS". Valve has also shortened the distance that the Smoker's tongue can go.

Attack Mechanics
Left 4 Dead

Legend: dps (damage per second), dmg (damage), sec (second), incap (incapacitated), N/A (not available), max (maximum), AoE (area of effect), f.e. (for example)

Survivors
General strategy:
 * Always have at least one buddy close at hand.
 * Listen for the distinctive hacking/cough sound the Smoker makes.
 * It is also useful to note that if you turn the subtitles on, you will be able to read the Smoker's coughs. This can be useful during noisy situations, such as the latter half of Hard Rain.
 * When snared, immediately start shooting towards the Smoker. Use the brief moment before constriction to your advantage.
 * If at close range, and Smokers tend to be very agile when escaping, four melee attacks will kill a Smoker, much like the Hunter due to the same number of health points.
 * Look for the green cloud the Smoker leaves in his wake.

Upon seeing a Smoker:
 * If it is far away: Open fire.
 * If it is close: Quickly do a melee attack. This is important because if you get constricted at very close range, you may not get any opportunity for shooting at all.

Just before being ensnared:
 * If you have a melee weapon (which is not the Chainsaw), it is possible to cut the tongue just before it hits you. This tactic requires knowing which direction the tongue is coming from, along with almost perfect timing.
 * If you have a Chainsaw, timing and direction is generally not needed. If the Chainsaw is in use at the time the tongue hits, the tongue will be unable to constrict you.

Just after being ensnared:
 * If you can't see the Smoker, shoot the tongue instead. Don't neglect to kill the Smoker afterward. It does take a while for the Smoker to "recharge" that tongue for another attack, but it will happen. At the very minimum, warn fellow Survivors that the Smoker is still an active threat.
 * Don't bother trying to melee the tongue if you have been captured. This used to work, but a patch from Valve means that now the only way to free yourself is to kill the Smoker.
 * However, if you are facing the Smoker and are very close to him, you may be able to melee him away before he ensnares you.
 * If a Smoker grabs you while you're throwing a pipe bomb, and no other Survivors are around or notice you, throw the pipe bomb at the Smoker. The resulting explosion will free you from the Smoker's grasp.
 * While most melee weapons cannot be used (aside from shoving) once you have been grabbed, the Chainsaw can be used during the small window of opportunity you get. When you hear a Smoker and think you may be the target, get out your Chainsaw, as it will take a while to be ready to use. When the Smoker grabs you, simply use the Chainsaw to instantly free yourself.
 * If you have a Grenade Launcher, shoot it just a bit higher than the tongue (assuming you see it).
 * If there is an open door between yourself and the Smoker, closing it while ensnared will break the Smoker's tongue.

Helping a captured Survivor:
 * Use a melee attack. You can melee two things to instantly free them and avoid nasty friendly fire incidents:
 * The Survivor themselves
 * The Smoker
 * Shoot
 * Target the Smoker (the tongue should lead you right to it)
 * If you can't see the Smoker then target the tongue instead
 * If you can't see the Smoker or the tongue, shoot the Smoker through the wall or ceiling (i.e. Judge the position of the Smoker relative to the Survivor getting clawed.)
 * Melee weapons can cut through the Smoker's tongue if he harnessed another Survivor

Infected
The key point to the Smoker is to be patient and wait until the Survivors are distracted. He can also separate Survivors and pull them towards deadly hazards.


 * If you're playing as a Smoker, a common yet useful tactic is to exploit the advantage of higher ground. Choking a Survivor from above is far more effective than dragging a Survivor straight to you. Although pulling is effective when necessary, the Smoker is very vulnerable to gunfire due to a lack of cover, and the Survivor can be saved easily. Being higher makes it harder to see and kill you, giving you the advantage. When executing this properly, you can be extremely dangerous. Just constrict, step back, recharge and repeat. This can possibly lead to all Survivors at orange health before your death.
 * As much as possible, try not to stay still. If you do, the green cloud that surrounds you will reveal your location, making you easy to spot.
 * The Smoker deals 4 damage per claw. Use it only as a last resort.
 * While dragging a Survivor they will take 3 damage per second, but once they are close enough to you to claw you will begin dealing 5 damage.
 * When a Survivor is facing a Smoker after it grabs them, their first instinct is to send a hail of gunfire towards him in an attempt to escape. This can be used as a deadly advantage when it comes to car alarms. Stand behind the car and pull a Survivor toward you. If you're lucky, instinct will overcome common sense, and the Survivor will trigger the car alarm while attempting to escape. Then the oncoming Horde will help you deal triple the damage you normally would.
 * If Survivors are chasing you and it is likely you will die, go ahead and try to use your melee attack against them. Do as much damage as you can before death.
 * A Survivor with a Hunting Rifle or a Sniper Rifle is a Smoker's nightmare. Try to aim for a Survivor with the scoped rifle first, but be sure to stay hidden. When ensnared, a Survivor cannot scope and the cross-hairs will expand.
 * If the Survivors are near a large vertical drop - such as an overhang or rooftop - take advantage of this by pulling them over the edge. This will either cause a great deal of falling damage or incapacitate them by making them cling to the edge. However, also be careful when doing this, as the Smoker's tongue can remain tied around the Survivor, leaving the Smoker defenseless.
 * There are certain points on each map where dragging a Survivor off a rooftop or out of a window will kill them instantly. This is a game changing tactic and can mean the difference between winning and losing a Versus match, so learn those points! Generally this manifests in the form of the Survivor dangling over an area that a drop from freeing them would result in instant death.
 * Higher ground is a great advantage, but sometimes the low ground plays to your advantage. If the Survivors are on a high structure that takes precious time to get back on top of and you pull them off being in a position where you are not easily hit, someone else will have to come down to rescue the entangled Survivor. This can split the Survivors and will cost both the Survivor and his/her rescuer precious time to scale back up the building and get back with the team.
 * Try to think like a Survivor. Consider the worst possible time you've been dragged away by the Smoker. In particular, being dragged into the arms of a Witch or Boomer, off ledges or rooftops, and into a raging inferno are devastating.
 * Unlike the Hunter, a Survivor can still attack you for a second or so before they are knocked over and dragged if they spot you. If they do, you'll most likely die a quick death. In light of this, always attack from above or behind and never in front.
 * Your main job is to halt the Survivors, force them to backtrack, and give your teammates more time to re-spawn. Any damage you cause is just icing on the cake. Again, prioritize your targets - red outlined people first. During finales, your main job is to pull people away from the group.
 * Survival sometimes leaves you well behind the Survivor team with no way to move quickly ahead of them and set up another ambush. Keep this in mind - it's sometimes better to run away from them until you get that "Press E/X to respawn" message, rather than trying to run behind them and grab someone while in broad daylight. Note that due to a recent patch, this will no longer reset your health to 100%.
 * If there is ever an area where Survivors need to drop down and there is no way back up (e.g. The Sewer in No Mercy Chapter 3) a Smoker can wait behind the Survivors until three of the four Survivors drop down and then quickly grab the fourth. As long as the fourth Survivor doesn't kill you before they're knocked over, you are almost always guaranteed a kill. Just be careful to be definitely out of the line of sight of anyone down the hole.
 * One of the Smoker's best strategies is to grab Survivors at the back of the group. That way, the other Survivors probably won’t notice a missing Survivor apart from their screams and calls for help.
 * You can grab a Survivor through thin objects such as doors, or windows, though normally, as you drag the Survivor away, he/she will be stopped by the object. They will sometimes, however, just slide though, allowing you to pull them even farther away.
 * When a Survivor is on a higher area (e.g. on the second floor of a building), look for a dividing line between you and your target (such as a car or a shipper container). Then walk towards your chosen obstacle and find an optimal distance where you are hidden behind it, but can still see the target if you jump up. Jump up and drag the Survivor. Most commonly, the Survivor will be hung at the other end while you are safely behind the divider.
 * If you are above the Survivors and are able to aim straight down and grab one with your tongue, they generally fall into a fully constricted state immediately, as there is nowhere for them to be pulled to. This is handy for removing one of the four guns from a fight.
 * Punish pyromaniacs by dragging them through their own fire.
 * On Dead Air, try to shoot your tongue through the metal detector into a Survivor. They will be dragged back through the metal detector and set it off, spawning a Horde for the other Survivors to deal with.
 * In The Turnpike at the beginning of Death Toll, there is a bridge that has been destroyed, littered with abandoned cars. There are ladders the Survivors have to climb - if you stand on the bridge ahead of the Survivors, snag one while they are climbing near the top; they will be pulled into mid-air. If at this point you are killed, the drop will incapacitate them due to the height of the bridge and most likely previous attacks from the Smoker. You could also wait at the bottom of the bridge and wait for the Survivors to climb up the ladder.
 * In Left 4 Dead 2, Smokers may have a faster tongue recharge time after constricting a Survivor, but the range is shorter than Left 4 Dead.
 * In Left 4 Dead 2, Smokers release targets that they drag hang on to ledges. This can be extremely nasty, given the Smoker's faster tongue recharge, as a quick Smoker and Jockey team or a slow Survivor team can be defeated easily simply by dragging someone off and snaring or riding the rescuers to the same fate.
 * In campaigns like the first part of The Parish, you can become a very bothersome and downright annoying opponent if you use the higher ground and ledges to drag Survivors from the group as your allies cause havoc. Not only do the narrow alleyways make it hard for the Survivors to back up and shoot you, but you can easily step back a few feet and be safe from the volleys of gunfire.

Working with teammates

 * The Smoker also works well with the Hunter. Between them, they can immediately silence two separated Survivors without a fight.
 * You can also make use of Hunters 'kill stealing'. If the Survivors are tightly-packed and far away or high up, you can drag a Survivor away, let a Hunter pounce them off you, then recharge and drag other one away. This works well in a situation in which Hunters would be easily dealt with otherwise.
 * There are several locations where a Smoker can pull a Survivor and have a Hunter pounce on them to kill, not incapacitate. One such spot exists on the roof of No Mercy, in the area where the Survivors exit when they climb the ladders. Another exists in the first chapter of Dead Air, when the Survivors must exit onto a roof with "HELP" written on it.
 * Cocky Survivors will usually chase after a fleeing Smoker, whose tongue is recharging, in order to kill them off. If you notice this behavior, take advantage of it. Have a Hunter wait around a corner, then get one of the Survivors to chase you and have the Hunter pounce the Survivor chasing you.
 * Give the Tank less to deal with by protecting him, grabbing a Survivor shooting at him. The last thing a group of Survivors need is to have one of their friends dragged a long distance away during a Tank battle.
 * This is also helpful towards Chargers who are under attack while pounding a Survivor into the ground.
 * Common Infected don't stop attacking a Survivor just because you have him entangled; in fact, it's the bane of a Survivor covered in Boomer bile. Try to prey on Survivors covered in bile, especially when they're weak.
 * Alternatively, if a Boomer has vomited on the three other Survivors, you can take the opportunity to grab the fourth. While the other three are covered in bile, they cannot see aura signals of their allies. In the mess of the Horde battle, the lack of an aura means they may not even notice.
 * Stand just behind or in a Spitter's pool of acid and pull a Survivor into a nice acid bath.

Good Ambush Spots
300px|right|thumb|General tips and tricks on playing as a Smoker. There are a number of places a Smoker can pull a Survivor to that will result in instant death or incapacitation. There are also a few places where you can grab a Survivor and others will not be able to help them.

No Mercy
The Apartments The Subway The Sewer The Hospital Rooftop Finale
 * If a Survivor is careless enough to jump on the slightly higher ledge on the rooftop they start on after you spawn, you can grab a Survivor, and they will hang helplessly. If another Survivor frees them, they will fall to their death. If they don't help your victim, you will eventually kill them.
 * Grab the last Survivor before they jump through the hole to the ground floor, but be conscious of the fact that the other Survivors can shoot through the ceiling. Also be aware of the AI Survivors' ability to climb back up through the hole.
 * There is a long corridor of tall buildings outside the main building you leave from, which makes a great rooftop ambush area.
 * There are numerous static fires in the subway tunnels; use these to your advantage!
 * In the generator room on the walkway above the Crescendo Event trigger, a Smoker has a great vantage point.
 * If you go ahead of the Survivors after the Crescendo Event, you can break the windows of the first office, go on the roof, and, if they are near a window, you can drag a Survivor down for some nice fall damage and seperate them from the group.
 * You can grab the last Survivor trying to go into the sewer.
 * You can possibly pull a Survivor back into the manhole that they exit in front of the hospital, holding them back and possibly getting some fall damage.
 * After the Survivors activate the Crescendo Event, grab the last Survivor crossing the roof and pull them down behind the trucks. This will hold the Survivors back severely.
 * If there is only one actual player left on the Survivors, set up near the manhole cover outside the hospital. When the Survivor emerges from the manhole cover, quickly ensnare them. The AI will not free your victim. (Do not use this tactic in a 4v4 unless there is only one or two Survivors left.)
 * Before or after the Crescendo Event, stand near the gas station and pull any Survivor towards it. If the other Survivors aren't smart enough, they'll try to shoot you along with the gas pumps nearby, blowing you up along with the Survivor, possibly crippling them or even kill them!
 * After a flight of stairs leading from the starting safe room, there is a walkway which, if you break the metal bars that support it, you can drag Survivors off of to slow their progress, as they have to climb some stairs to its far left to get back onto it again. This is most useful in the middle of a Horde or Tank attack.
 * Near the conclusion of the elevator Crescendo Event, as the Surivors are closing the elevator door, snatch any one of them to secure an ensured kill. The elevator is programed to be one way, meaning there is no way for the other Survivors to return and rescue your victim.
 * On the 28th floor, there is a curve on the roof. As shown in the video below, you can grab a Survivor and dangle them until they die or another Survivor kills you.
 * You can hide on the roof with the satellite and grab a Survivor as they emerge from the roof access ladder. The unsuspecting Survivor will be pulled off and most likely perish, though incapacitation/fall damage is only possible.
 * If you grab the last Survivor to leave the high roof, you will likely kill or incapacitate them because the other Survivors cannot get back up to save them. Be warned, however, that experienced Survivors may be able to shoot you through the elevator doors.
 * Attached to the building where the rescue chopper is called are two sets of pipes that run across to two smaller buildings, usually with grenades on them. Conveniently located next to these pipes is a two-story drop; you can ensnare a Survivor and drag them off of the pipes. Depending on that player's health, it can put them in red health or incapacitate them.
 * When the rescue chopper arrives, try to stay hidden. As the Survivors run to the chopper, grab the one with the most health. Pull him/her behind a building then have the other Infected attack the Survivors at the chopper. This will give the Tank a good chance to kill the three others and keep them from getting out to rescue the one you snagged while you slowly kill them.
 * As Survivors make their way to the finale, stand on the upper level in the elevator shaft and pull a Survivor through the elevator door causing them to hang off the edge over the shaft, buying your team some time.

Death Toll
The Turnpike The Drains
 * You can pull a Survivor off the broken bridge and kill or incapacitate them with low health.
 * There are many holes in the roof inside the tunnel that you can attack from with relative safety.
 * There are many trains you can pull Survivors off, including some that other Survivors can't get back onto to rescue their friend.
 * You can drag Survivors back down the hill that leads up to the safe room.
 * To the left of the starting safe room is a high wall with some generators on it. This makes a great spot to attack from, as it is close to where the Survivors start. If you team up with a Boomer, it is hard to hit you from behind the generators.
 * Inside the right pipe is a hole that you can attack from to grab stragglers or anyone running ahead.
 * There are a series of manholes and holes in the floor, as well as many overhanging walkways near the exit to the sewers, which are a haven for ambush Smoker attacks.
 * You can pull a Survivor back down the walkway after the Crescendo Event.
 * Just outside the safe room, there is a walkway you can pull Survivors off of.

The Church The Town Boathouse Finale
 * The watchtower at the beginning of the level can prove dangerous to the Survivors if they go to the top of it, as you can grab them and pull them off.
 * After the Survivors jump off the boxcar at the end of the train yard, if you ensnare the last one, they'll need to take some time to save him/her.
 * Right at the start, you can pull a Survivor off the balcony they go onto for serious damage.
 * Later on in the level, there is a walkway that the Survivors must jump up onto from a van. You can slow the Survivors down by pulling them from this.
 * Outside the safe room, before all the Survivors jump down behind the mesh fence, you can pull the last one back where the other Survivors can't save him/her.
 * You can pull Survivors into the water from many different places, but the best is from the back of the house and from the walkway where the boat arrives.
 * You can also pull Survivors from the walkway on the house, down into the Horde below.

Dead Air
The first two chapters in this campaign were practically made for Smokers. The first two chapters have an incredible number of extremely dangerous spots for the Survivors if they are pulled by a Smoker.

The Greenhouse The Crane The Construction Site Runway Finale
 * As the Survivors are crossing the first wooden bridge, you can pull them off, either from below them or on a nearby rooftop.
 * Right before the apartments before the street, there is a ladder. If you are on top of the building to the left of the ladder, you can drag Survivors who just reached the top of the ladder, and they will be dragged a long ways off to you. When your tongue is broken/you are killed, the victim will either hang where they can be saved or will occasionally just fall to their death, as demonstrated here.
 * When the Survivors go down into the apartments before the street, you can pull the last one back, and the other Survivors will be unable to go back and save your victim.
 * Inside the two windows next to the Crane, you can stick your head out of one. When a Survivor reaches the top of the ladder, you can pull them off. This results in some very nice fall damage. Additionally this will often lead to a glitch where the survivor floats at the hieght they were at and then come to rest where the smoker is, as if they had been pulled along a solid floor. This can lead to them becoming trapped on the window ledge as if they had fallen off of it when the smoker is killed, or falling to the ground behind the fence and being incapped due to the hieght, which is an unrescuable spot unless one of the survivors knows the falling revive glitch.
 * You can pull the Survivors through the windows while you are on top of the Crane. Sometimes this will even result in a deathpull.
 * When the Survivors are on the rooftop that contains the Crane itself, you can pull them off from many directions.
 * You can pull Survivors who are crossing on the dumpster. Sometimes this will even result in a deathpull. The rooftop which leads into the office building the survivors must enter has a break in its edge wall nearest to the dumpster, a pull from here on a survivor crossing the dumpster is almost a guaranteed instant kill, but the survivor team will be watching this spot, making pulls from here difficult
 * When the Survivors cross the wooden bridge linking the two buildings, you can pull an enemy off from the narrow alley down below.
 * When the Survivors are on the upper areas of the scaffolding, you can pull the Survivors off for some fall damage.
 * All around this chapter are high buildings with accessible roofs. This should, needless to say, greatly help you.
 * If you stand right in front of the static fire in the crater, and pull a Survivor into it, you can kill or incapacitate them quicker, plus, in the time it takes to get someone to help them, they may die.
 * As soon as the first 3 people have jumped off the ramp just outside the safehouse, try to ensnare the last person so he's trapped up on that ramp. The survivors cannot go back to rescue him, though they may be able to see and kill you..

Blood Harvest
The Woods The Tunnel The Bridge The Train Station Farmhouse Finale
 * If a Survivor walks by the ledge of the chasm, you can pull one of the Survivors off into the abyss.
 * The trees and brush are your friends. It's extremely hard to spot a Smoker in the dark woods.
 * If a Survivor walks too close to the edge of the train tunnel below, you can grab them, but they may just be hanging for their life. They may still fall and die, but hanging is usually the case.
 * You can pull a Survivor off the walkway immediately after the office-like areas for incapacitation or fall damage.
 * You can pull an enemy out of the first window they come near after going up the stairs by the emergency door.
 * In the tunnels, there are a few static fires; try to hide behind them and pull your victim into the flames.
 * After the Survivors exit the side passage, you can stay on the edge of the hill that they'll go up, and should get a couple good pulls in before death.
 * Likewise, if they're up there, simply drop down and try to pull one off to slow them down.
 * After the Survivors go up the bridge that they broke down, you can pull a Survivor off the cliff they are on and kill them.
 * If you pull a Survivor out of the barn, you can do a good bit of damage. Also on the train station, pulling an enemy off the roof onto ground level can kill or incapacitate someone. On the same level, there is a very long, large chasm, and, needless to say, you can drag them down to a misty grave.
 * When the Survivors jump down to the cornfield, if you grab the last one, they are pretty much doomed. Make sure you are far back though, because someone with a Hunting Rifle may be able to take you out before you do any serious damage. You can also, right at the start, hide on the very edge of the cliff beside the safe room and, right as they go out, spawn and kill one.
 * There is this one spot at the beginning where, if a skilled Smoker is in place, they can drag a Survivor to them. If the Smoker is killed, it'll result in the Survivor falling to their death. There is a rocky outcrop just outside of the safe room to the left. Get in as far as you can without falling and wedge yourself in. Jumping and crouching is required. Most Survivors are aware of this trick and move quickly out of the safe room door, but a new Survivor may take his/her time getting out of the safe room door. Spawn as soon as possible and pull a Survivor on sight.

Dead Center
The Hotel The Streets The Mall Atrium
 * When the Survivors are out on the first ledge, try spawning on the ledge below. When they are crossing up above, try and snag the last Survivor before they enter rooms again. This provides the perfect opportunity for another Special Infected to run in and attack. Also, when your attack recharges, just repeat the process and create a group of hanging Survivors.
 * After the elevator, Survivors will most likely be frantically dashing for the safe room. Take advantage of their panic and snag a Survivor through a wall of fire. Not only will the Survivor receive additional damage from the fire, but their teammates will either be too far ahead with the Horde to assist, or when they do notice, they'll have to go around the flames, giving you even more time.
 * A nice way to stop the Survivors' progress is spawning on the Save 4 Less store, and snagging the Survivor who has the Cola.
 * In the part of the level where the Survivors jump down on the trailer, just after passing the room with weapons and a medical cabinet, spawn behind them. When three jump down, grab the last one who hasn't. The others will be too far down to help him/her. If you do it right, you can drag him/her to you and kill him/her faster.
 * Remember the walkway where you must go up stairs on the path, then down stairs to get to the gun store. A Tank can spawn on the lower stairs. If this happens, stay behind the Tank and grab a Survivor. The others will be too busy with the Tank to help him/her.
 * If the car alarm is set off at the end right before the safe house, grab the last Survivor to go in. This will give the Horde a chance to reach them and, either they will go rescue him/her and be attacked, or leave him/her to die while they close the door.
 * Escalators are always a good spot to hinder the Survivors' progress. Snag the last Survivor going up or down the escalator while other Special Infected cause chaos down below. Try hiding in the higher level areas which are inaccessible to the Survivors while using this method to improve chance of survival.
 * Anytime during the Crescendo Event is great for picking off Survivors. Normally, one or two of them tend to run off in a mad scramble for the alarm. It's your choice whether you want to kill the ones at the back or the ones at the front. Either way, you're sure to do some damage in this part.
 * Hang around on the top level. You're sure to get a few good pulls without taking damage (unless they have a skilled sniper).
 * Alternatively, if all the Survivors are hanging around in the top levels, one may prefer to snag them from the lower levels, leaving them in a hanging state.
 * Target hasty Survivors who only want to collect gas cans. Show them why they shouldn't stray on their own.
 * Attacking anyone who is filling up the gas tank is always a good idea, but if not totally necessary leave that job to a more powerful Infected like the Hunter.
 * If the glass protecting the Survivor's walkway is broken, you may be able to snag them off if on a lower level, and manage to kill, incapacitate, or leave them hanging off the edge.

The Passing
The Riverbank The Underground The Port
 * There are plenty of rooftops in this campaign which can be used to delay the Survivors.
 * Grab any Survivor during a storm; just like Hard Rain, the Mic layers will be drowned out by the storm, and outdoor Survivors will have less vision.
 * There are plenty of alarmed cars in the area and just as much high ground to pull a Survivor to one to eventually set it off.
 * The Bride Witch is out in an open area, so attempting to pull Survivors to her is out of the question. Instead, pull Survivors away that attempt to kill her and have a Jockey ride someone in. Most people do not realize that the Bride Witch is also startled by the radio, setting off the explosions near her (they will NOT stun her unless moved), or bad weather. If any of these occur and the Survivors aren't ready for it, pull anyone during the mist of the confusion.
 * When Survivors cross the pool hall down to the construction site, pull the last Survivor away from the window. This usually results with a helpless Survivor.
 * Survivors have to cross on a plank of wood three stories above the ground. There are two main places to pull Survivors: Down below in the alleyway or above on the roof of the same building. The alleyway is the most common, so have some kind of distraction beforehand so the Survivors won't instantly target you. Above the building is tricky, but can usually result in the Survivor falling without your death. However, there are plenty of other spots to try.
 * When Survivors activate the Gauntlet Crescendo, they have to drop into the sewer water again, a point of no return. Snag the last Survivor as he/she attempts to jump. This strategy is very lethal if you have a Hunter to pounce the victim after you snag and drag them back, as a Hunter is much more difficult to shoot then a Smoker, and deals damage faster.
 * As Survivors run through the sewer water, pull the last one back. The water will slow a rescuer and allow more damage.
 * You can attempt to snag the lagging Survivor before they make it to the lift.
 * While attacking those who are filling up the generator will by your team time, it usually ends up a waste if there is more then one Survivor with a gas can, and if your team does not have a Spitter.
 * Lone Survivors with gas cans make great targets, especially if you have an active Spitter.

Dark Carnival
The Highway The Fairgrounds The Coaster The Barns The Concert
 * In the Whispering Oaks Motel, there's always an alarmed car somewhere. Drag the Survivors off the walkway and into the car. With help from a Spitter and/or Boomer, the Survivor's fate could be sealed.
 * Pulling a Survivor off the second story walkway is a bad situation for any Survivor.
 * A great way for disposing of one of the Survivors is to pull the last one to go down the gully, when the other three are already at the bottom. Be sure to be away from the edge so the other three can't kill you. This way there is little to nothing they could do to free their doomed teammate.
 * If someone is slower and is not down the big slide, snare him/her. The others must come back up to rescue him/her, or he/she will just die.
 * Get on the roof of the Merry-Go-Round. You can slow down Survivors when they try to turn it off.
 * Right before the Merry-Go-Round, the Survivors must jump off a green platform. Snag the guy who is last before he/she goes down. If done right, you could kill/incapacitate the Survivor, making it impossible for their teammates to go back.
 * Grab the Survivors when they run the track. Try pulling them off and away from the team.
 * In the Crescendo Event, there is a roof behind the Survivors. Grab anyone who goes on the platform.
 * The Witch can spawn in the run to the safe room. Go behind her and pull a Survivor towards her.
 * If you pull a Survivor off the giant scaffoldings in the stands when you're on the roof of the concert, it will kill them instantly unless something is blocking them.

Swamp Fever
Plank Country The Swamp The Shantytown The Plantation
 * The swamp has hiding places all throughout the campaign.
 * Snag Survivors from the second story in the building near the ferry.
 * When the ferry leaves some distance, pull a Survivor into the water.
 * Pull Survivors off of the walkways.
 * If the Survivors get on the wing of the plane, get on top of it and snag them.
 * Witches like to hide in the water. Drag Survivors to her.
 * Lurk behind buildings.
 * Pull Survivors away from the team during the Crescendo Event, especially Survivors who love to hold out on the roof of the shack. Pulling one down can be devastating.
 * When the other Survivors enter the safe room, grab one Survivor off the walkway.
 * Pull Survivors off of the second-floor balcony.
 * When rescue arrives, pull back the last Survivor. The others must choose to save or leave him/her for dead.

Hard Rain
The Milltown The Sugar Mill Mill Escape Return to Town Town Escape
 * When entering the Burger Tank, there is a large hole in the roof that Smokers can snare Survivors from without being vulnerable (unless the Survivors climb the ladder outside to kill you).
 * If you can manage to pull a Survivor outside the Burger Tank where Virgil drops them off, a Charger could force your victim into the water, causing them to die instantly.
 * There is an alarmed car. Go behind it and pull a Survivor into it. This may trigger it or cause a foolish Survivor to shoot you and trigger the alarm.
 * Anytime you drag a Survivor into a Witch is a good drag. Smoker dragging towards Witch = instantly incapped Survivor.
 * The sugar field at the end of the level is perfect for Smokers. Have a Boomer vomit on the Survivors and take ones that haven't been puked on, or if they were all unlucky, just drag one off. They aren't going to notice until it's too late.
 * If you can manage to ensnare a Survivor off the edge into the center hole of the building where they must trigger the Crescendo Event, you could leave the victim hanging as their teammates frantically try to help them up while avoiding the massive Hordes.
 * Same as The Sugar Mill, except there is a heavy storm that has come in and made it hard for the Survivors to see. Use this to your advantage.
 * Any rooftop or alleyway will do thanks to the rain. It is almost impossible to pick out a Smoker in the thick downpour.
 * Right outside the safe room, the Survivors must jump over the broken fence. If you can spawn behind them and pull the last one, it is almost nearly impossible for them to save your victim.
 * Same snare spot as The Milltown. If the Survivors are in the Burger Tank, you can use the same snare spot. This time it is much more effective, as there is a big distraction: torrential rain.
 * You can also pull Survivors off the roof if they are on top of the Burger Tank.

The Parish
The Waterfront  The Park The Cemetery The Bridge
 * There are many tall buildings; use them to your advantage.
 * There is a hole in the roof of the kitchen. Get on the roof and grab Survivors when they are in there.
 * Again, alarmed cars are always great ambush spots.
 * Outside the beginning safe room to the left (Survivor's POV) is a building you can climb in apart from the last level. This place is always handy for a good snag, especially if Survivor's have just been covered in Boomer bile.
 * Capture the last Survivor while they're running the Crescendo Event. A good place to do this is right after the caravan. While they run off, hide behind a fence in the previous area they traveled through and snag the last one. From this angle, you're not an easy target, and neither is the captured Survivor.
 * Additionally, pulling any Survivor off the central platform is a bad situation for all of them (a good area to do this is on top of the roof directly to the left of the platform), especially if they're struggling to reach the alarm.
 * There are many "points-of-no-return" in this map; the house which you jump out of onto a caravan, the sewer entrance and the hole in the bridge. Time your shot and you'll get easy kills.
 * The Impound Lot. This is the major playground for many Specials, especially the Smoker. Drag an unlucky Survivor into a car and hope that the others shoot the car and not you. With the addition of a good Boomer vomit, you may even take the life of that unlucky Survivor.
 * Always aim for the last Survivor. Chances are that the others will leave their poor teammate behind at your mercy.
 * Holes are littered across the bridge. Use them to your advantage!
 * Some Survivors may use the upper level route half-way across the bridge. Snagging them off not only causes additional damage due to the fall, but also it makes teammates panic, for they have to make a wise decision: teammate or chopper.

Behind the Scenes
The original design of the Smoker was to "pop in" to the Survivor group in a cloud of smoke, seize any Survivor, and "pop out" again to leave the unlucky Survivor stranded. Valve changed the design, however, saying it was "too challenging for the players." This design has never been seen in any video footage, suggesting that it was dropped early in development.

In early footage, the Smoker seems to had the ability to release pitch-black smoke whenever he wanted to. If the Survivors were near the Smoker when he fired his smoke, they would have been pushed back, as if they were hit by a Boomer explosion. In addition, the Smoker's tongue would drag a victim at a significantly faster rate, but the victim would be able to fire at the Smoker while he/she was being dragged. A video of the old Smoker behavior can be seen here.

A later video shows that the player took something called "poison damage" from a Smoker. When a person was affected by poison damage, the damage inflicted would turn into temporary health.

An unused server variable shows that the Smoker's smoke was supposed to injure anyone that walked through it. The command is set to "0" by default, meaning that the player takes no damage while walking through it. However, some servers have changed the variable to other numbers so that the player takes damage by running through the smoke. The altered variable is the damage that the Smoker's smoke does to players.

In development, you used to be able to release victims, via right click while a Survivor was being pulled. This can still be accessed by using the console command tongue_allow_voluntary_release 1.

Glitches and Oddities

 * It is possible for a Smoker to pull a Survivor on top of them, or even behind them. This usually happens when a Smoker pulls a Survivor that is almost directly above them, causing them to fall onto the Smoker, but resulting in them hovering above the Smoker while being strangled.
 * In the demo for Left 4 Dead 2, the Smoker lacked an animation for when he first released his tongue to ensnare a Survivor.
 * In Left 4 Dead 2, the Smoker's smoke cloud would give an assist if a Common Infected hit a Survivor affected by the smoke cloud. (Confirmed on PC and Xbox 360)
 * Also in Left 4 Dead 2, the smoke cloud may, on very rare occasions, cause damage. The damage caused will be small, ranging from 2-4 for each second a Survivor stands in the cloud.
 * If a Charger knocks a Survivor into the air, it's possible for a very skilled Smoker to pull them out of the air. When this is done, the Survivor will levitate, maintaining the knocked-back animation, and will slowly progress towards the Smoker while floating.