Tahm Kench second max

This is probably not optimal, but I've been doing 2/3 points into e and then maxing w so I get bigger heals/shields while having points in w by the time teamfights start

2nd point into E is always worth it - it provides over 60% improvement in 1v1 scenarios.

I myself prefer to max W afterwards - extra range and cd reduction makes it work much better. Meanwhile E extra ranks won't be that impactful - by that point in game (lvl 10+) you're going to be involved in more teamfights than duels, and empowered version of E barely improves with ranks.

I always max W after Q. More range, more damage, less cd to me it's clearly the better choice. W is not only your primary engage spell, but also often the only way to escape the enemy so even considering defence it's a better choice than E.

I always max E second, his E is unusable until you put some points into it and can be super strong at max level. Compare this with his W which is at least good enough at level 1 to wait until last to upgrade it. I’ve never had any moments where I’ve said “damn if only I had more points in W”, but loads of times where I’ve said that about his E

E max if they keep poking you down like Mundo or W won't be good for escape like against Aatrox, W max if they squishy, don't have cc to stop you from running, or you planning on big teamfights soon.

The reality is his E is one of the worst abilities in the game in solo 1v1 lanes so putting points in it makes it at least usable. That being said I think it should be decided game by game how many points you 'need' to get through laning/are going to need if you have to sidelane.

Ideally you get through lane with 1 point in it and don't have to sidelane vs a carry so you can max W and still get good value out of E in team fights

2 points E early, by the time you reach level 10 the rate in which you're fighting 2 or more people goes up quite a bit so extra points in E after that are negligible

I usually put 2 points in E before maxing w second, unless I can just walk all over the enemy, then i just put the single point in E.

I go e