Tahm Kench vs Akali TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Tahm Kench vs Akali

Updated Jun 4, 2026

Overview

Tahm Kench should focus on durable short trades to build passive stacks and punish Akali when she overcommits.
Maintain medium lane pressure to prevent Akali from freely using (W) for safe extended trades and all-ins.
This is a snowball vs scale matchup where Tahm Kench must survive early aggression and leverage (R) for picks or protection.

Trading pattern

Stack passive first, then land (Q) to slow or stun before committing to trades.
Use (E) to absorb Akali's burst damage and punish her energy/resource use.
Avoid trading when passive stacks fall off or Akali can kite outside (Q) range.

Danger windows

Be cautious when (W) is active, as it enables her safest all-in window.
Avoid extended trades without (E) shield, especially near Akali's level 3 and 6 spikes.
Track (R) cooldown to prevent lethal burst or picks; hold defensive cooldowns accordingly.

Early game

Use early waves to build passive stacks through brief melee contact, avoiding extended fights without (E) shield.
Respect (W) window by stepping back or waiting it out before attempting trades.
Prioritize short trades after level 3 when Akali gains her combo but punish her if (W) is down.

Power spikes

At level 6, use (R) to isolate Akali or save allies from her burst, forcing her to respect your pick threat.
After first tank item, increase short trade frequency to convert stack threat into lane control.
Respect Akali's level 3 combo with (W) safety and (E) follow-up; avoid giving her spacing to engage cleanly.

Win conditions

Win short trades by building passive stacks, landing (Q) stuns, and absorbing damage with (E).
Use (R) decisively to pick off Akali or protect teammates during skirmishes.
Deny Akali safe windows by pressuring the wave and punishing her when (W) is down to limit her all-in potential.