Kennen should use ranged poke and mark stacking to pressure Aatrox and avoid extended trades where Aatrox's sustain and (Q) sweet spots dominate.
Prioritize lane pressure to deny Aatrox a controlled wave state that enables his healing and (Q) chains, aiming to keep him reactive rather than proactive.
This is a control vs snowball matchup where Kennen must leverage poke and teamfight presence to prevent Aatrox from snowballing through sustained fights.
Trading pattern
Trade only when Aatrox is marked and (E) is up to disengage if he tries to extend.
Punish missed (Q1) casts by stepping forward to apply pressure and force him away from the wave.
Avoid extended trades after Aatrox lands (W) or when his (R) is active, as he gains healing and reset potential.
Danger windows
Beware of (Q) sweet spot chains combined with (E) repositioning that can lock Kennen down if caught out.
Kennen is vulnerable after using (E) forward without vision or escape, as he can be punished hard.
Exercise caution when (R) is active, as his healing and reset potential make him dangerous in extended trades.
Early game
Focus on short-range poke with (Q) and (W) to chip Aatrox before he can land multiple (Q) sweet spots.
Keep (E) available for escapes or repositioning to avoid getting caught by (W) pull or extended (Q) combos.
Avoid long trades early when Aatrox can sustain through damage; instead, use ranged harassment to build mark stacks safely.
Power spikes
Level 6 unlocks (R) for Kennen, enabling strong all-ins and teamfight threat; preserve health to capitalize on flank or flash angles.
Flash plus (R) greatly increases Kennen's engage reliability; hold resources for decisive fights rather than low-value trades.
Respect Aatrox's level 6 (R) spike with healing amp and resets; avoid prolonged fights during his active window.
Win conditions
Use ranged poke and mark stacking to control the lane and prevent Aatrox from safely farming or extending trades.
Reach level 6 with good health to leverage (R) flank engages and teamfight impact.
Convert (R) flank or flash windows into objective fights or kills, denying Aatrox the chance to snowball through sustained combat.
Tip: For Kennen vs Aatrox, read overview, trading pattern, and danger windows first for a fast Top lane check.
