Tahm Kench vs Poppy TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Tahm Kench vs Poppy

Updated Jun 3, 2026

Overview

Tahm Kench should focus on durable, short melee trades to build passive stacks and leverage (Q) stun threat against Poppy.
Manage lane pressure by avoiding extended fights near walls where Poppy can punish with (E) and (W).

Trading pattern

Initiate trades by stacking passive, then land (Q) to slow or stun and follow up with (E) to absorb damage.
Punish (W) cooldown by engaging when her anti-dash is down to maintain melee contact.
Avoid extended trades near walls to prevent (E) stuns and respect (R) knockaway threat at level 6.

Danger windows

Be cautious when passive stacks are near three without (Q) ready, as Poppy can punish your engage attempts.
Avoid fighting near walls where Poppy can land (E) stun and chain with (W) and (R) for all-in potential.
Respect (R) knockaway cooldown as it can disrupt your (R) engage or peel attempts.

Early game

Use early waves to safely build passive stacks and avoid engaging near walls to reduce (E) stun threat.
Prioritize short trades when (Q) is ready and (E) gray health shield is available to absorb Poppy's retaliation.
Avoid wasting (W) on dodges that Poppy can negate with her (W) anti-dash field.

Power spikes

At level 6, use (R) to isolate Poppy or protect yourself from her engage, forcing her to respect your (R) threat.
After first tank item, increase short trade frequency to convert passive stack pressure into lane control.
Respect Poppy's level 6 (R) knockaway and (W) anti-dash field by spacing and avoiding forced dashes into her control.

Win conditions

Win short trades by building passive stacks, landing (Q) stun, and using (E) to absorb Poppy's retaliation.
Use (R) to isolate Poppy or peel for yourself to control skirmishes and force favorable fights.
Deny Poppy terrain advantage by forcing fights in open areas and maintain melee pressure to prevent her from using (W) effectively.