Tahm Kench vs Malzahar TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Malzahar

Tahm Kench vs Malzahar

Updated Jun 4, 2026

Overview

Tahm Kench aims to survive early pressure and win short melee trades by stacking passive and landing (Q) to control Malzahar's approach.
Manage lane pressure carefully to avoid giving Malzahar a free push and allow him to roam or scale uncontested.
This is a control vs scale matchup where Tahm Kench must deny Malzahar's calm scaling lane and leverage his tank durability and pick potential.

Trading pattern

Engage short trades by building three passive stacks, then land (Q) to slow or stun and absorb retaliation with (E).
Punish Malzahar's burst when his spell shield is down, but avoid trading when stacks are low or (W) is on cooldown.
Use (R) to isolate Malzahar or protect yourself/allies from his suppression, especially after stacking (Q) stun threat.

Danger windows

Respect (R) suppression window as a lethal threat that can lock you down for follow-up damage.
Tahm Kench is vulnerable when passive stacks are reset and (E) gray health shield is depleted.
Avoid engaging if (W) knockup is missed or (Q) stacks are not built, as your all-in threat significantly drops.

Early game

Use early waves to build passive stacks through short trades and punish Malzahar when his Voidlings are vulnerable.
Avoid extended fights without (E) shield value and punish Malzahar's predictable push pattern by forcing him under tower.
Track (R) cooldown to avoid getting locked down and use early levels to pressure before his ultimate is available.

Power spikes

Level 6 (R) unlocks (R) pick or protection; use (R) decisively to control fights and force Malzahar to respect your engage.
First tank item increases durability and gray health trades; take short trades confidently to build lane control.
Respect Malzahar's level 6 (R) suppression; avoid committing when it is available and punish cooldown windows post-ultimate.

Win conditions

Win lane by consistently building passive stacks and landing (Q) stuns to force Malzahar out of lane or punish his push.
Use (R) to isolate Malzahar for kills or to save allies from his suppression in teamfights.
Survive early pressure, deny Malzahar calm scaling, and leverage your tank durability to become a frontline protector in mid-game fights.