Tahm Kench vs Gnar TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Tahm Kench vs Gnar

Updated Jun 3, 2026

Overview

Tahm Kench's goal is to survive Gnar's ranged harassment and punish his mini form cooldowns with short trades and passive stacks.
Manage lane pressure by forcing short melee trades to build stacks and use (Q) stuns, denying Gnar a safe poke lane and controlling tempo.
This is a control vs teamfight matchup where Tahm Kench must avoid Gnar's mega form engage and scale through durable trades and (R) picks.

Trading pattern

Trade only when passive stacks are near three to maximize (Q) stun threat and follow up with (E) to absorb retaliation.
Punish Gnar's mini form cooldowns, especially when (E) is down, by forcing melee contact and stacking passive.
Avoid wasting (W) where it can be dodged; use it to secure knockups only when (Q) is stacked and Gnar is committed.

Danger windows

Gnar is dangerous when his Rage bar is near mega form and (R) wall stun angles are available; avoid all-ins during this time.
Be cautious when Gnar's mega (W) stun is available, as it can punish Tahm Kench's melee trades.
Tahm Kench is vulnerable if passive stacks fall off or (E) gray health is depleted before trades; avoid extended fights in these states.

Early game

Focus on building passive stacks through repeated short trades to threaten (Q) stun before Gnar can safely kite.
Use (E) to absorb poke damage and heal gray health after trades to outlast Gnar's ranged harassment.
Avoid extended trades without (E) shield value and punish Gnar when his (E) hop is down by stepping forward for melee contact.

Power spikes

At level 6, use (R) to isolate Gnar or protect allies from his mega form engage; avoid fighting when his (R) is ready.
First tank item power spike increases (E) shield durability, enabling safer short trades and sustained lane control.
Respect Gnar's level 6 mega form with wall stun and hard CC; back off before he transforms or fight after mega form expires.

Win conditions

Win lane by landing (Q) stuns at max stacks and converting trades with (E) shield to outlast Gnar's poke.
Use (R) to isolate Gnar or save allies, turning skirmishes and teamfights in your favor.
Deny Gnar a calm scaling lane by forcing melee contact, punishing mini form cooldowns, and controlling lane tempo with durable trades.