smoking a brisket

Two things you need with the mes....... a good temp monitor for meat and smoker cabinet (chances are the mes sensors are way off). And an AMAZN SMOKE GENERATOR. The chip tray on the mes is so close to the element it really burns up the wood chips real quick. I actually use small chunks in mine and get much better flavor. I have an overnight brisket on right now with the amazn smoke tube and I'll sleep right thru. As far as how much and how long?........ depends on your tastes. And what type of wood you smoke with. I will tell you its a common mistake for new smoke cooks to lay clouds of smoke on the food and they ruin it. Take it easy to start and see how you like it. All the best to you.