Olaf vs Tahm Kench TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Tahm Kench

Olaf vs Tahm Kench

Updated Jun 3, 2026

Overview

Olaf should aggressively pressure Tahm Kench early to deny his passive stack buildup and prevent safe short trades.
Prioritize extended melee duels where Olaf's axe slow and (R) crowd control immunity can force all-ins and punish Tahm Kench's limited mobility.
This is a snowball matchup where Olaf must leverage early lane pressure to avoid letting Tahm Kench scale and survive through tankiness.

Trading pattern

Start trades by landing (Q) slow and pick it up to keep Tahm Kench within melee range for extended fights.
Use (R) to ignore Tahm Kench's crowd control and commit to all-ins only when he cannot disengage effectively.
Punish Tahm Kench after he uses (Q) stacks or (W) knockup poorly by forcing longer trades that drain his gray health shield (E).

Danger windows

Be cautious when Tahm Kench reaches three passive stacks as his (Q) can stun and set up dangerous trades.
Avoid extended trades when (Q) is on cooldown or missed, as chase potential drops significantly.
After (R) ends, respect Tahm Kench's crowd control and disengage tools to avoid being kited or locked down.

Early game

Use early levels to land (Q) axes repeatedly and pick them up to maintain chase and pressure Tahm Kench before he stacks his passive.
Avoid missing (Q) as it reduces Olaf's ability to force extended trades and chase Tahm Kench.
Use (W) shield and attack speed to sustain through Tahm Kench's short trades and outlast him in melee duels.

Power spikes

At level 6, use (R) to become immune to (Q) stun and (W) knockup, enabling forced straight-line fights.
First fighter item spike increases Olaf's damage and durability; pressure Tahm Kench in side lanes to exploit missed disengages.
Respect Tahm Kench's level 6 (R) cooldown as it can isolate Olaf or save allies, but use (R) timing to avoid being caught.

Win conditions

Win lane by landing repeated (Q) axes, forcing long trades, and using (R) to negate Tahm Kench's crowd control.
Deny Tahm Kench's passive stack buildup early to prevent his stun threat and reduce his trade efficiency.
Leverage side-lane pressure with first fighter item spike to snowball and force Tahm Kench into unfavorable fights or recalls.