Tahm Kench vs Malphite TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

Back to matchup selector

Champion

Opponent

RoleGenerate matchup

Tahm Kench

VS

Top

Malphite

Tahm Kench vs Malphite

Updated Jun 3, 2026

Overview

Tahm Kench should pressure Malphite with repeated short trades to build passive stacks and leverage (Q) stun threat.
Prioritize denying Malphite a passive lane state by forcing trades that punish his low early agency and limited poke.
This is a control vs teamfight matchup where Tahm Kench must survive early and use (R) to isolate or protect, disrupting Malphite's engage.

Trading pattern

Stack passive quickly, then engage with (Q) to slow or stun and follow up with (E) to absorb retaliation.
Punish Malphite when his passive shield is down by forcing short trades that convert your stack threat into lane control.
Avoid trading when passive stacks expire or (W) is on cooldown, as your engage and durability weaken.

Danger windows

Respect (R) knockup engage especially when multiple targets are nearby; avoid extended trades near his cooldown.
Be cautious when Malphite's passive shield is up, as his poke and auto-attack trades become more effective.
Avoid fighting without (E) gray health shield to reduce risk from Malphite's attack speed slow and poke damage.

Early game

Use early waves to build three passive stacks safely and threaten (Q) stun before Malphite hits level 6.
Avoid extended trades without (E) shield value to minimize damage from Malphite's poke and attack speed slow.
Maintain melee contact to prevent Malphite from safely farming and stacking armor.

Power spikes

At level 6, use (R) decisively to (R) and isolate Malphite or protect allies, forcing him to respect your pick threat.
After your first tank item, take more short trades confidently to leverage improved (E) durability against Malphite's poke.
Respect Malphite's level 6 (R) engage window and his first armor item timing, which reduce your trade efficiency and increase his threat.

Win conditions

Win lane by landing (Q) stuns at three passive stacks and converting trades with (E) shield to wear down Malphite.
Use (R) to isolate Malphite or peel for your team in skirmishes, denying his engage impact.
Control lane tempo by forcing short trades and preventing Malphite from safely scaling armor or setting up grouped fights.