Build the lane around access

0:00–14:00, especially level and first-item windows when the wave gives safe Q targets

Use the first waves to decide whether you can build passive stacks without exposing yourself to a larger enemy wave. If you have safe low-health minions or a mark, hold Bladesurge as a planned reset rather than spending it for distance; if the enemy controls the wave, take experience and conserve health. Trade when your wave is favorable and the opponent has used a key tool, then crash before recalling. If you win the lane, convert the crash into plates, vision, or a reset; if behind, stop contesting center-wave all-ins and farm from the safest side of the lane.

Lane

Turn the wave into a reset path

If the first waves can be controlled and you can reach low-health minions safely, build a wave state that gives Bladesurge legal targets while you prepare a trade. When your passive is stacked or the enemy has just used a key mobility or shield tool, extend the fight; if the wave is large on the enemy side or your Q targets are unhealthy, take the CS and reset instead of forcing an all-in.

With Irelia

• If Irelia is building a wave or has just marked targets, do not take the first fight away from her by scattering the enemy. Hold enemies near her route so her Bladesurge resets remain usable, and follow within one screen rather than assuming she can finish a dive alone.
• If Irelia enters after your frontline has drawn key cooldowns, add damage to the marked target she is already reaching instead of changing targets. When her passive is stacked, protect her from disengage and let her sustained damage continue; if her entry fails, help her retreat rather than chasing beyond the objective area.
• If Irelia is side-laning with Teleport and the next objective is not imminent, play the four-person group on the opposite side without forcing a 4v5. When she crashes and signals her entry, use the pressure she created to take vision or a structure; if the objective is within 60–90 seconds, help her reset and establish the area instead.