Malzahar vs Tahm Kench TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Tahm Kench

Malzahar vs Tahm Kench

Updated Jun 4, 2026

Overview

Malzahar wants to maintain constant wave pressure to deny Tahm Kench a passive lane and force him into inefficient trades.
This matchup is a control vs durable tank lane where Malzahar must manage Tahm Kench's sustain shield and stack-based crowd control carefully.

Trading pattern

Push with (E) and Voidlings, then threaten silence (Q) or ultimate (R) when Tahm Kench steps forward to build stacks.
Punish Tahm Kench immediately after his passive stacks fall off, as his (Q) stun threat resets.
Avoid trading when Tahm Kench has full passive stacks and (E) shield active, as he can absorb your damage efficiently.

Danger windows

Be cautious when Tahm Kench has three passive stacks and (Q) stun ready; avoid extended trades during this window.
Respect (W) knockup timing as an all-in threat that can interrupt your ultimate channel.
Track (R) cooldown closely to avoid being isolated or devoured during fights.

Early game

Use (E) and Voidlings to push early waves quickly and prevent Tahm Kench from freely building passive stacks.
Avoid getting caught by (Q) stun by maintaining spacing and respecting his stack count.
Track (E) shield uptime to know when your damage will be most effective.

Power spikes

At level 6, (R) enables point-and-click suppression; use it for all-ins or picks while respecting (R) cooldown.
After completing your first mana/AP item, increase wave pressure and trade confidence to punish Tahm Kench's limited waveclear.
Respect Tahm Kench's level 6 (R) for (R) pick or protection and his first tank item spike that strengthens his (E) shield durability.

Win conditions

Keep the wave pushed constantly to deny Tahm Kench safe farming and passive stack buildup.
Use your (R) suppression to create picks or force Tahm Kench's defensive cooldowns, enabling objective control.
Exploit Tahm Kench's low waveclear and mobility by pressuring the lane after your first item and forcing him into inefficient trades.