Tahm Kench vs Illaoi TOP Matchup Guide

Champion

Opponent

Start here

Read Overview → Trading Pattern → Danger Windows first for the fastest Top lane plan.

Tahm Kench into Illaoimedium

Overview

Focus on durable short trades to build passive stacks and pressure Illaoi's zone control.
Deny Illaoi free tentacle setups by keeping the wave near your side and contesting her space.
Survive Illaoi's all-ins by using shield and prepare to isolate her with .

Start trades by stacking passive and landing to slow or stun Illaoi.
Use to absorb burst damage from tentacle hits and empowered slams.
Punish Illaoi when her spirit pull misses or tentacles are cleared by forcing short trades.

Beware when Illaoi lands near tentacles, as she can turn trades heavily in her favor.
Avoid extended fights inside her tentacle zones, especially after level 6 when is active.
Be cautious if is ready and multiple tentacles are present, as ganks or all-ins become risky.

Use to build stacks and threaten stuns before Illaoi sets tentacles.
Keep the wave close to your tower to limit Illaoi's tentacle placement and force her to overcommit.
Avoid extended trades without gray health from to reduce damage from tentacle slams.

At level 6, use to isolate Illaoi or peel for allies, forcing respect.
First tank item spike increases durability, letting you convert stack pressure into lane control.
Respect Illaoi's level 6 which empowers her zone; avoid fighting inside tentacle clusters.

Deny Illaoi safe tentacle setups and force her to miss spirit pulls.
Use stuns and shields to win short trades and build lane pressure.
Leverage to pick off Illaoi or protect teammates, then transition to front-line durability.

Tactical tip

For Tahm Kench vs Illaoi, read overview, trading pattern, and danger windows first for a fast Top lane check.