Build the first advantage through camps

0:00–8:00, especially the first clear, the 2:55 Scuttler window, and Dragon at 5:00

Start with a conditioned full clear when your lanes lack reliable setup or the enemy wins the early river fight; path so the clear ends near your strongest priority lane and the next objective side. Take a three-camp gank only when the target is overextended, missing an escape, or collecting a crashing wave. After the first play, reset or continue through respawning camps instead of wandering. If ahead, invade with lane support; if behind, farm away from the enemy and preserve your death timer.

Path

Choose income before a forced first play

If your lanes have no setup and you do not win the level 3 river fight, then use a full-clear route toward the side with the best priority, because Graves converts reliable camp income into safer scaling. If a lane is overextended, has lost its escape tool, or is receiving a crashing wave, a three-camp gank is justified; otherwise do not trade two camps for a low-probability walk-by.

With Graves

• If Graves is your jungler and he is clearing toward your lane, push the wave before his arrival so he can approach from behind the enemy minions. If the enemy is already under tower with a full escape route, do not force the play; help him secure the next camp or objective instead.
• If Graves uses Smoke Screen around an objective, move with him through the edge of the cloud and pressure the enemy's approach rather than wandering into separate fog. If his ammunition or Quickdraw is unavailable, stay close enough to cover his retreat before the team starts the monster.
• If Graves is ahead, give him access to the enemy-side jungle only when your lane can move first and the route has an exit. If he is behind, help him protect one side of the map and create safe time for his next clear instead of asking him to repair every losing lane.
• If Graves enters a teamfight after your engage or peel has been used, keep the nearest threat away from him so he can maintain attacks and reduce Quickdraw's cooldown. If he is forced to open, hold your follow-up until Smoke Screen or his first damage has created a clear target.
• If your team is taking Baron or Dragon with Graves alive, let him hold Smite and help deny the enemy jungler's path into the pit. If the enemy jungler is missing and your lanes are not pushed, prepare a trade rather than asking Graves to solve a blind steal alone.