Tahm Kench vs Gragas TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Tahm Kench vs Gragas

Updated Jun 3, 2026

Overview

Tahm Kench aims to survive early trades and control the lane through durable short melee engagements using passive stacks and (Q) stun threat.
This is a control vs control matchup where Tahm Kench must deny Gragas a passive lane and avoid giving him safe burst windows.

Trading pattern

Build three passive stacks before committing to trades, then use (Q) to slow or stun and absorb retaliation with (E).
Punish Gragas when he misses (E) by stepping forward to extend trades and pressure him.
Avoid fighting when (E) gray health shield is depleted or when (W) damage reduction is active.

Danger windows

Respect (E) stun threat especially when he can engage from fog or short range.
Be cautious when Gragas has (R) available as he can disrupt your engages or knock you into his team.
Avoid extended trades when Gragas's passive sustain and (W) damage reduction are ready, as he can outlast you.

Early game

Focus on building passive stacks through short trades and avoid fighting without (E) gray health shield.
Avoid extended fights before level 6 to prevent getting punished by (E) stun and burst.
Use (Q) to slow or stun when passive stacks reach three to force favorable trades.

Power spikes

At level 6, use (R) to isolate Gragas or protect yourself or allies from his engage and displacement.
First tank item spike increases your durability; take short trades to convert stack threat into lane control.
Respect Gragas's level 6 (R) displacement and first item power spike by spacing carefully and avoiding all-ins when his cooldowns are up.

Win conditions

Win short melee trades by building passive stacks, landing (Q) stun, and absorbing damage with (E).
Use (R) to (R) and isolate Gragas or protect allies during skirmishes and teamfights.
Deny Gragas a calm scaling lane by punishing missed (E) and forcing unfavorable trades to control the lane tempo.