Vladimir vs Tahm Kench TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Tahm Kench

Vladimir vs Tahm Kench

Updated Jun 4, 2026

Overview

Vladimir should focus on surviving the early lane and farming safely to reach his strong AP scaling.
Avoid giving Tahm Kench passive lane control by not allowing repeated melee contact that builds his stacks.
This is a scaling versus mid-scaling tank matchup where Vladimir wins by outlasting Tahm Kench and excelling in grouped fights.

Trading pattern

Trade around empowered (Q) windows to maximize burst and healing while (E) shield is down.
Punish Tahm Kench after he uses (W) to engage, as missing it reduces his threat and durability.
Avoid extended trades when Tahm Kench has three passive stacks to prevent getting stunned and countered.

Danger windows

Be cautious when Tahm Kench reaches three passive stacks and (Q) stun is available, as he can lock you down for follow-up.
Avoid trading or engaging when (W) is on cooldown, as you lose your main defensive tool.
Respect (R) cooldown to prevent being isolated or denied damage in fights.

Early game

Use (Q) to sustain through Tahm Kench's short trades and avoid engaging when his passive stacks are high.
Avoid forcing trades before empowered (Q) is ready to prevent unnecessary damage from Tahm's stun and shield.
Prioritize farming and use (W) only to avoid (Q) stun or (R) attempts, as it has a costly cooldown.

Power spikes

Respect Tahm Kench's level 6 (R) threat by avoiding high stack states and saving (W) to dodge or escape.
Use Vladimir's level 6 (R) to threaten all-ins or teamfights when (R) is on cooldown.
After Vladimir completes his first AP item, pressure the wave and trades more confidently while tracking Tahm Kench's defensive cooldowns.

Win conditions

Survive the early lane by using (Q) sustain and avoiding Tahm Kench's stun windows to reach your AP spikes.
Use empowered (Q) trades and (R) teamfight burst to punish grouped enemies and swing mid to late game fights.
Exploit Tahm Kench's long (W) cooldown by forcing trades and wave pressure during its downtime to deny his durability.