Moonlight Madness — An Orlando Regionals Rundown and Zoroark’s Place in Standard

Hello again! With two Regionals in the books, we have a lot of new information about the meta and a lot of surprises popping up out of the results. Even with all these surprises, we now have a more solidified meta to examine. To start, I’ll be taking a look at the Orlando meta as figured from the Top 32 statistics. By examining these results, we can start to plan for the Fort Wayne metagame as well as figure out what decks have made the strongest impact on Standard so far. Then I’d like to give my suggestion for a possible break out deck for Fort Wayne Regionals based on the results I go over from Orlando. Without further adieu, let’s get rolling.

Orlando Regional Championship Results

Orlando overall seemed like a successful event for everyone involved. The Top 32 decks were fairly diverse with a few surprises here and there, but overall the decks I expected to do well did. I’ve put together a quick chart for you all to show off the different decks that did well and will share my thoughts on all of this as we move on to the next batch of Regionals.

Top 32

Top 8

After breaking into Top 8, the diverse number of decks decreases dramatically.

The Rise of Garbodor

[cardimg name=”Giratina-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”57″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]

Everyone knew [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] was good in Standard, and Orlando showed us that we were right. [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] was a featured player in 75% of the decks in Top 8 and roughly 34% of all the decks in Top 32. To say that [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] is good is an understatement. Without a source of Tool removal, [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] will remain on top of the format until the format shifts towards some sort of counter to it. Decks that don’t rely on Abilities may see an influx of play, but there aren’t too many decks like that right now. Every deck in format relies on Abilities in one form or another making it unlikely that [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] will become obsolete any time soon.

Giratina-EX’s Return to Tier 1

I think that a lot of people wrote off [card name=”Giratina-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] after the rotation earlier this fall. [card name=”Pokémon Ranger” set=”Steam Siege” no=”104″ c=”name”][/card] was an easy way to overcome the effects of Chaos Wheel, it cost a lot of Energy to get him going, and despite Mega Pokemon becoming more relevant in Standard, [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] was around to make [card name=”Giratina-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card]’s Ability from getting any love. So, what has changed? In truth, not a lot. What [card name=”Giratina-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] was able to do was adapt into the metagame despite the problems that faced it. It had a few things going for it that helped it carve a spot in Standard for it to sit in. [card name=”Giratina-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] had already been paired with [card name=”Darkrai-EX” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”74″ c=”name”][/card] to some success back during Nationals, so there was already a solid archetype available to build off of for Standard. Chaos Wheel can OHKO a [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] and make it difficult for the opponent to set up another one thanks to its effect. Chaos Wheel is also extremely effective against any deck that runs only Special Energy like [card name=”Vileplume” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”3″ c=”name”][/card] variants have been doing lately. While [card name=”Pokémon Ranger” set=”Steam Siege” no=”104″ c=”name”][/card] can get around this, it’s a lot harder to get to it without [card name=”Battle Compressor” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”92″ c=”name”][/card] making Chaos Wheel a lot stronger. As long as [card name=”M Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”64″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Vileplume” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”3″ c=”name”][/card] remain popular, so will [card name=”Giratina-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card].

Mewtwo Strikes Back

[card name=”M Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”159″ c=”name”][/card] came to play at Orlando, much to the surprise of no one. Widely considered to be one of best decks in format, [card name=”M Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”64″ c=”name”][/card] showed up to be the most consistently high-placing deck of the event. It’s proven itself to be a powerhouse in our current Standard format, and it’s the deck to beat at the moment. There are no signs of [card name=”M Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”64″ c=”name”][/card] slowing down, especially since there aren’t any great counters to it besides [card name=”M Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”64″ c=”name”][/card] itself. [card name=”Mew-EX” set=”Legendary Treasures” no=”RC24″ c=”name”][/card] does an okay job, but is quickly shut down by [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] making it a shaky counter. The best counter out there right now is [card name=”Giratina-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card], but Damage Change can turn the tide on that matchup very quickly. [card name=”M Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”64″ c=”name”][/card] isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, so hold onto your Mewtwo boys and girls.

Fort Wayne Predictions

I expect to see the meta shift a decent amount for Fort Wayne. People are going to want to take advantage of what did well by playing its counter or stick with a deck that’s proven to be good. With the popularity and success of [card name=”Darkrai-EX” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”74″ c=”name”][/card] / [card name=”Giratina-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card], I would anticipate a very slight rise in popularity of Rainbow Road (aka [card name=”Xerneas” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”107″ c=”name”][/card]) since it not only counters [card name=”Giratina-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] because of Weakness, it also resists Dark, making it more difficult for the deck to OHKO [card name=”Xerneas” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”107″ c=”name”][/card]. I wouldn’t expect a huge presence, but it’s a deck to watch out for. I would also expect an increase in play from [card name=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”61″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Yveltal-EX” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY150″ c=”name”][/card] variants that seek to capitalize on their ability to take quick OHKOs and disrupt your opponent respectively. A bulky Dark deck based on disruption could make waves come Fort Wayne.

The last deck I could see getting more play is [card name=”Gyarados” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”21″ c=”name”][/card]. Everybody loves an underdog, and everybody loves seeing something wacky do well. As soon as [card name=”Gyarados” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”21″ c=”name”][/card] peaked into not one but two Top 32 slots, I knew that there was going to be a lot of hype going on for this deck after the event. People love to play the rogue decks, they’re more fun and are more exciting than what’s been established as “the best decks.” To top it all off, [card name=”Gyarados” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”21″ c=”name”][/card] is extremely cheap to build, making it more widely accessible to newer and more casual players who will be attending the event. Everything else I expect to be relatively the same percentage wise. Depending on how much the meta shifts, we may see an even more diverse meta come Fort Wayne.

[premium]

Zoroark in Standard

With everything about Orlando wrapped up, let’s move on to the deck I think has the potential to be an underdog contender for Standard: [card name=”Zoroark” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”91″ c=”name”][/card]. Zoroark has been one of my favorite cards since it was printed, and it has repeatedly been shown to be a powerful attacker as well as a powerful supporting Pokemon thanks to Mind Jack and Stand In respectively. With a high potential damage output and a lot of versatility thanks to [card name=”Zoroark BREAK” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”92″ c=”name”][/card], a [card name=”Zoroark” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”91″ c=”name”][/card] deck has a lot going for it right now. I think the deck would have done well at Orlando, but with the changes in the meta I predict will happen for Fort Wayne, [card name=”Zoroark” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”91″ c=”name”][/card] might be able to pick up some more traction and make a splash at Regionals.

Before I go over its matchups, let’s have a look at the list I’ve been cooking up.

[decklist name=”Zoroark” amt=”60″ caption=”” cname=”Zoroark” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”91″][pokemon amt=”18″]2x [card name=”Zoroark BREAK” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”92″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]4x [card name=”Zoroark” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”91″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Zorua” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”89″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Yveltal” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”94″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]1x [card name=”Yveltal” set=”Radiant Collection 2″ no=”RC16″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]2x [card name=”Yveltal-EX” set=”XY” no=”79″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Shaymin-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”77″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”32″]4x [card name=”Professor Sycamore” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”107″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”N” set=”Fates Collide” no=”105″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”78″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Giovanni’s Scheme” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”138″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Ninja Boy” set=”Steam Siege” no=”103″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]4x [card name=”VS Seeker” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”109″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Ultra Ball” set=”Flashfire” no=”99″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Float Stone” set=”Plasma Freeze” no=”99″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Assault Vest” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”133″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Special Charge” set=”Steam Siege” no=”105″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Super Rod” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”149″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]3x [card name=”Reverse Valley” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”110″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card][/trainers][energy amt=”10″]6x [card name=”Darkness Energy” set=”Generations” no=”81″ c=”deck2″ amt=”6″][/card]4x [card name=”Double Colorless Energy” set=”Fates Collide” no=”114″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card][/energy][/decklist] 

The best part about [card name=”Zoroark” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”91″ c=”name”][/card] to me has always been how powerful of an attacker it is while only giving up one Prize. As we saw in my analysis of Orlando Regionals, Pokemon-EX are back in full force to dominate the metagame with decks like Night March and [card name=”Vespiquen” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”10″ c=”name”][/card] effectively neutered thanks to Karen. Decks like [card name=”Greninja BREAK” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”41″ c=”name”][/card] are still present forces but to a lesser extent with decks like [card name=”M Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”64″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Darkrai-EX” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”74″ c=”name”][/card] / [card name=”Giratina-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] showing just how powerful they are right now. In order to take advantage of this, the deck is designed to be able to take easy KOs on Pokemon-EX while yielding one Prize attackers in return.

Card Choices

Three Yveltal BKT

[cardimg name=”Yveltal” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”94″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]

Fright Night [card name=”Yveltal” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”94″ c=”name”][/card] is one of my favorite cards of recent memory. It can snipe at the Bench, has a decent damage output to the Active, and disrupts your opponent thanks to its Ability. Everything you would ever want wrapped up into one card. It does have some flaws such as not being able to take advantage of Tools like [card name=”Float Stone” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”137″ c=”name”][/card] making it more difficult out get out of the Active, but thanks to Stand In this is mostly mitigated. The main reason I included three copies of this Pokemon is for its Ability and capability to put a lot of pressure on Pokemon-EX. A lot of decks rely on Tools these days to supplement their damage, disrupt their opponent or are necessary to the decks function in the case of Spirit Links. [card name=”Yveltal” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”94″ c=”name”][/card] can use this against your opponent by shutting down those Tools. Mega Pokemon now have to take a turn to evolve, which can buy you some much needed time, forcing your opponent to have a [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”78″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ c=”name”][/card], or [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] in order to get around your Ability. While there are plenty of ways to get around [card name=”Yveltal” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”94″ c=”name”][/card], they all force your opponent to go out of their way to do so, possibly dampening their overall setup as a result.

Two Yveltal-EX

It might seem a bit off for a deck that is supposed to rely on one Prize attackers to run multiple Pokemon-EX attackers, but [card name=”Yveltal-EX” set=”XY” no=”79″ c=”name”][/card] a necessary and genuinely important attacker for the deck to remain powerful. Mostly [card name=”Yveltal-EX” set=”XY” no=”79″ c=”name”][/card] is powerful burst attacker, which means you can come in swinging with it at several points in the game where you just need a high damage output. [card name=”Parallel City” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”145″ c=”name”][/card] is a powerfully disruptive card against this deck. It reduces [card name=”Zoroark” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”91″ c=”name”][/card]’s overall damage potential, which is the main reason I run three copies of [card name=”Reverse Valley” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”110″ c=”name”][/card]. However, pair that with a Chaos Wheel from a [card name=”Giratina-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card], and suddenly you are in a serious bind. Your damage has been slashed, your opponent has a beefy attacker hitting for 100 damage every turn, and your options have been severely limited. Enter [card name=”Yveltal-EX” set=”XY” no=”79″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Ninja Boy” set=”Steam Siege” no=”103″ c=”name”][/card]. I really love the synergy that [card name=”Ninja Boy” set=”Steam Siege” no=”103″ c=”name”][/card] creates in this deck. It turns your Fright Night [card name=”Yveltal” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”94″ c=”name”][/card] into a massive [card name=”Yveltal-EX” set=”XY” no=”79″ c=”name”][/card] able to hit for 80 damage off the bat without factoring in your opponent’s Energy attachments. Altogether you’re probably going to be swinging for 120+ out of seemingly no where. Add in [card name=”Reverse Valley” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”110″ c=”name”][/card] and you have some serious damage being done. If you were able to get some damage racked up earlier with your other attackers, you’re definitely going to be able to take at least one KO with [card name=”Yveltal-EX” set=”XY” no=”79″ c=”name”][/card] when it matters most.

Two Giovanni’s Scheme

[card name=”Giovanni’s Scheme” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”138″ c=”name”][/card] is one of the most underrated cards in Standard. It has the ability to act as draw power or increase your damage output, both of which are extremely powerful. With the loss of [card name=”Muscle Band” set=”XY” no=”121″ c=”name”][/card], evolutions have taken a serious hit when it comes to damage output. Many decks are relying on [card name=”Bursting Balloon” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”97″ c=”name”][/card] to add to their damage, which is a decent substitute but nowhere near as powerful in the term. [card name=”Giovanni’s Scheme” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”138″ c=”name”][/card] helps to alleviate that concern, it boosts your damage and adds consistency to your deck while also allowing you to utilize different Tools. I chose to play two copies because of the need to draw into it throughout the game. The extra 20 damage allows [card name=”Zoroark” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”91″ c=”name”][/card] to hit for 180 damage if your opponent has a full Bench and gives [card name=”Yveltal” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”94″ c=”name”][/card] a damage buff that it greatly benefits from. The draw effect is also nice in certain situations because it keeps [card name=”Giovanni’s Scheme” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”138″ c=”name”][/card] from being a dead card if you happen to start with it.

Two Hex Maniac

[card name=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ c=”name”][/card] has been a staple inclusion in most decks since its release. Its effect is extremely powerful and can shut down your opponent at any point in the match. Most of the time I just throw it into a deck as a one-of just because “it’s good” but in [card name=”Zoroark” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”91″ c=”name”][/card] it serves as a powerful tool against certain matchups. Every deck runs something with an Ability, such as [card name=”Shaymin-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”77″ c=”name”][/card], so [card name=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ c=”name”][/card] is useful in almost every matchup to keep your opponent from using Set Up on a key turn among other things. [card name=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ c=”name”][/card] in this instance is used to help alleviate certain matchups, namely [card name=”Volcanion” set=”Steam Siege” no=”25″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Greninja BREAK” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”41″ c=”name”][/card]. While I don’t think that [card name=”Volcanion” set=”Steam Siege” no=”25″ c=”name”][/card] is a bad matchup, I think that playing multiple [card name=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ c=”name”][/card] makes it infinitely easier. The main concern is [card name=”Greninja BREAK” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”41″ c=”name”][/card]. This deck can tear through you without you even noticing it. On paper it seems like it would be too slow to be able to compete with a lot of decks, but it has proven itself to be a major player in both Standard and Expanded. [card name=”Zoroark” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”91″ c=”name”][/card] is an abysmal attacker against [card name=”Greninja BREAK” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”41″ c=”name”][/card], capping out at 130 damage if you’re lucky enough to have your opponent have a [card name=”Talonflame” set=”Steam Siege” no=”96″ c=”name”][/card] and four [card name=”Greninja” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”40″ c=”name”][/card] in play at once. More realistically, you’re looking at a measly 100 damage each turn, which will promptly be healed via [card name=”Rough Seas” set=”Primal Clash” no=”137″ c=”name”][/card], and your low HP Pokemon will be picked off with Giant Water Shuriken. Overall, not great for you. The best option available to deal with [card name=”Greninja” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”40″ c=”name”][/card] is [card name=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ c=”name”][/card]. It will slow down the rate your Pokemon are picked off, and give you an opportunity to get some KOs in the process.

Two Assault Vest

[cardimg name=”Assault Vest” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”133″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]

Most decks in Standard play some sort of Special Energy these days. With the exception of [card name=”Volcanion” set=”Steam Siege” no=”25″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Greninja BREAK” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”41″ c=”name”][/card], I’m hard pressed to find another Standard deck that doesn’t utilize Special Energy in some capacity, which gives [card name=”Assault Vest” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”133″ c=”name”][/card] a chance to shine. With a lack of Tool removal in Standard, all Tools in play are there to stay barring a Knock Out. This allows you to get a lot of use out of [card name=”Assault Vest” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”133″ c=”name”][/card] to force your opponent to two shot your Pokemon instead of getting an easy OHKO. The main reason for the inclusion of [card name=”Assault Vest” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”133″ c=”name”][/card], however, is to help out your [card name=”M Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”64″ c=”name”][/card] matchup. As the results from Orlando showed us, [card name=”M Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”64″ c=”name”][/card] was the most common deck in Top 32, which has solidified it as a dominate force in Standard. If you can’t beat [card name=”M Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”64″ c=”name”][/card], I wouldn’t play that deck at an event. Luckily for [card name=”Zoroark” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”91″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Assault Vest” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”133″ c=”name”][/card] makes this matchup a lot easier. A [card name=”Zoroark BREAK” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”92″ c=”name”][/card] with an [card name=”Assault Vest” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”133″ c=”name”][/card]  effectively has 200 HP against a [card name=”M Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”64″ c=”name”][/card] thanks to [card name=”Zoroark” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”91″ c=”name”][/card]’s Resistance to Psychic. This means that between [card name=”Zoroark BREAK” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”92″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”M Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”64″ c=”name”][/card] there needs to be a whopping seven Energy attached in order for [card name=”M Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”64″ c=”name”][/card] to OHKO a [card name=”Zoroark BREAK” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”92″ c=”name”][/card]. The sheer amount of resources needed to to pull off that OHKO is staggering, especially when you consider that a [card name=”Zoroark BREAK” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”92″ c=”name”][/card] would only have one to two Energy attached at a time. If a [card name=”Giratina-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] comes in with a Chaos Wheel, that damage is reduced from 100 or 110 damage down to 60 or 70. Having to two shot a non-EX to take only one Prize hurts, but it doesn’t hurt as much as knowing that your attacker will give up two Prizes in return.

Cards to Consider

Before moving on to the deck’s matchups, I wanted to give a list of a few possible inclusions that I didn’t mention. These are all my “61st cards” that I would like to have, but couldn’t personally justify cutting what I got to include them. They are cards I would test more with in the future, but for now they’re staying on the bench.

Pokemon Ranger

[card name=”Pokémon Ranger” set=”Steam Siege” no=”104″ c=”name”][/card] is a really weird card for me. Its effect is very strong and can certainly help out against things like [card name=”Glaceon-EX” set=”Fates Collide” no=”20″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Giratina-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] by allowing you to bypass their effects and get some damage in. The thing that keeps me from playing it is that as a one-of in Standard, I’m never going to see it when I need it. Say what you want about [card name=”Battle Compressor” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”92″ c=”name”][/card], but it was the only thing that made single counts of Supporters viable in Standard. For a time we had [card name=”Jirachi-EX” set=”Plasma Blast” no=”60″ c=”name”][/card] to fetch those Supporters, while recently we could utilize [card name=”Battle Compressor” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”92″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”VS Seeker” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”109″ c=”name”][/card]. Without either of those options in Standard now, one-of Supporters like [card name=”Pokémon Ranger” set=”Steam Siege” no=”104″ c=”name”][/card] become less reliable, forcing you to run multiple copies just to consistently draw into what you need when you need it. [card name=”Pokémon Ranger” set=”Steam Siege” no=”104″ c=”name”][/card] just isn’t as useful to me in that sense.

Captivating Poke Puff

[card name=”Captivating Poké Puff” set=”Steam Siege” no=”99″ c=”name”][/card] is the only way to keep your opponent’s Bench full without simply holding out hope that they’ll fill up themselves. [card name=”Target Whistle” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”106″ c=”name”][/card] is a much more reliable option, but since it’s gone from Standard, [card name=”Captivating Poké Puff” set=”Steam Siege” no=”99″ c=”name”][/card] is all that’s left. Although it’s not as consistently good as [card name=”Target Whistle” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”106″ c=”name”][/card], it can still be a game changing card early on if you can hit a [card name=”Shaymin-EX” set=”Legendary Treasures” no=”RC21″ c=”name”][/card] or a [card name=”Hoopa-EX” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY85″ c=”name”][/card] to disrupt your opponent and take some easy Prizes. It also gives you a peek at your opponent’s hand, which can give you some valuable insight into the strength of their hand and what strategies they are cooking up.

Zoroark BREAK

There are already two [card name=”Zoroark BREAK” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”92″ c=”name”][/card] in the list as it is now but adding in a third isn’t a bad idea. It gives you a more outs to drawing into the Zoroark BREAK as well as increases the number of attacking options at your disposal. [card name=”Zoroark BREAK” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”92″ c=”name”][/card] is the key to your [card name=”M Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”159″ c=”name”][/card] matchup, so adding a third copy may be wise if you’re expecting a lot of [card name=”M Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”159″ c=”name”][/card] at an event. [card name=”Zoroark BREAK” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”92″ c=”name”][/card] also gives more diversity as for what you can use as an attack. However, since it’s dependent on what your opponent’s Active is, it can be mostly useless as opting to use Mind Jack may be more beneficial. The added HP is also a nice bonus, and it’s essentially an optional Stage 2 is most cases making it unlikely it will ever be a dead card.

Umbreon-EX

[card name=”Umbreon-EX” set=”Fates Collide” no=”55″ c=”name”][/card] is an interesting Pokemon. For a Pokemon-EX, its HP is average, but it has a good Weakness and a useful Resistance for Standard. [card name=”Zygarde-EX” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY151″ c=”name”][/card] is the only Fighting Pokemon that’s somewhat relevant and having resistance to [card name=”M Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”64″ c=”name”][/card] is always a good thing considering how powerful it is right now. Its first attack adds another form of hand refreshment into the deck for boosted consistency on top of actually doing damage. Its second attack is what really makes [card name=”Umbreon-EX” set=”Fates Collide” no=”55″ c=”name”][/card] stand out. Taking two thirds of your Prizes in one attack is insanely powerful, the only downside is the mediocre damage output the card offers. It can be supplemented with [card name=”Giovanni’s Scheme” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”138″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Fighting Fury Belt” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”99″ c=”name”][/card], but the maximum damage it can dish out is still only 110 damage, which means you have to hit into a Mega Pokemon first before you can come in with [card name=”Umbreon-EX” set=”Fates Collide” no=”55″ c=”name”][/card] to clean up. [card name=”Ninja Boy” set=”Steam Siege” no=”103″ c=”name”][/card] makes this strategy very possible but still tricky to pull off. I’ve gone back and forth on whether or not [card name=”Umbreon-EX” set=”Fates Collide” no=”55″ c=”name”][/card] is worth a spot in the list, and even now I’m not entirely sure. It has a lot of potential to be good, and it’s definitely worth checking out.

Matchups

I’m going to preface this section by stressing that if you are able to go first, do so. As a deck that relies on evolutions, going first gives you the best opportunity to get set up and get your Basics out to evolve on your second turn. With that out of the way, let’s get to it.

M Mewtwo-EX

[cardimg name=”M Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”64″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]

[card name=”M Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”64″ c=”name”][/card] is a tricky matchup that requires a lot of board management in order to defeat. The keys to this matchup are [card name=”Zoroark BREAK” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”92″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Assault Vest” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”133″ c=”name”][/card]. As I mentioned earlier in the article, it takes seven Energy to OHKO a [card name=”Zoroark BREAK” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”92″ c=”name”][/card] with an Assault Vest. If for some reason a [card name=”M Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”64″ c=”name”][/card] is able to get an OHKO on a [card name=”Zoroark BREAK” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”92″ c=”name”][/card], another [card name=”Zoroark BREAK” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”92″ c=”name”][/card] can easily retaliate with a Foul Play to copy Psychic Infinity to OHKO the fresh [card name=”M Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”64″ c=”name”][/card]. The main concern for the deck is not hitting too hard into a [card name=”M Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”64″ c=”name”][/card] where you leave yourself susceptible to a Damage Change KO. Making sure you’re saving [card name=”Reverse Valley” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”110″ c=”name”][/card] is also important to keep [card name=”Shrine of Memories” set=”Primal Clash” no=”139″ c=”name”][/card] out of play. Your biggest liabilities are going to be [card name=”Yveltal-EX” set=”XY” no=”79″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Yveltal” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”94″ c=”name”][/card]. They have high Retreat Costs and are going to be easily trapped in the Active once a [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] hits the field. If you are able to hit early with [card name=”Yveltal” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”94″ c=”name”][/card] into some of your opponent’s Pokemon-EX, you should be able to set up some easy KOs for later on in the match as well as disrupt your opponent’s [card name=”M Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”64″ c=”name”][/card] until they are able to get a [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] in play. Otherwise, it’s best to get rid of them when you can. Overall, this matchup is winnable, but easy to lose with bad starts or poor draws. If you can stream [card name=”Zoroark BREAK” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”92″ c=”name”][/card] and take advantage of any [card name=”Shaymin-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”77″ c=”name”][/card] that get benched, this should be a decent matchup.

Darkrai-EX / Giratina-EX / Garbodor

This matchup could go either way depending on how well each of you set up. [card name=”Yveltal” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”94″ c=”name”][/card] is going to be a major player in this matchup since it can spread damage between almost every Pokemon in the deck. The lists that have done well at Orlando have included [card name=”Parallel City” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”145″ c=”name”][/card] in their lists, which not only neuters the damage output from [card name=”Zoroark” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”91″ c=”name”][/card], but it also lets your opponent dump any damaged Pokemon into their discard, clearing any damage you might have put up with [card name=”Zoroark” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”91″ c=”name”][/card] or [card name=”Yveltal” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”94″ c=”name”][/card]. That’s why it’s important to either focus in on one target, or spread to whatever attackers are on the field or have Energy attached to them. [card name=”Yveltal-EX” set=”XY” no=”79″ c=”name”][/card] also becomes important here as it can deal a lot of damage at once to whatever your opponent is stacking Energy onto. Your struggles are going to be if your opponent hits a lot of Energy off of [card name=”Max Elixir” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”102″ c=”name”][/card] or if they are able to trap your beefy Pokemon in the Active when [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] hits the field. This matchup is pretty even, but the edge goes to whoever sets up faster and more efficiently.

Greninja BREAK

[card name=”Greninja” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”40″ c=”name”][/card] is a pretty iffy matchup, which will either go okay or very poorly. The best case scenario is that you are able to stream [card name=”Zoroark BREAK” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”92″ c=”name”][/card] faster than they can stream [card name=”Greninja BREAK” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”41″ c=”name”][/card]. Being able to consistently use [card name=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ c=”name”][/card] to shut down Giant Water Shuriken will go a long way. The hardest part about playing against this deck is the fact that you don’t have a reliable way to OHKO [card name=”Greninja BREAK” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”41″ c=”name”][/card] while they are able to whittle away at your Pokemon every turn. [card name=”Yveltal-EX” set=”XY” no=”79″ c=”name”][/card] is going to give you the highest consistent damage output, but with [card name=”Rough Seas” set=”Primal Clash” no=”137″ c=”name”][/card] in play, it’s going to take a long time to get those big KOs that you need. If you’re lucky you may be able to get through it with only a few rough moments. Otherwise, this is a tough one.

M Rayquaza-EX

This should be a fairly easy matchup. [card name=”Zoroark BREAK” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”92″ c=”name”][/card] has 140 HP, which means a [card name=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”76″ c=”name”][/card] needs a full Bench to OHKO a Zoroark BREAK. With an [card name=”Assault Vest” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”133″ c=”name”][/card] attached a [card name=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”76″ c=”name”][/card] needs seven Benched Pokemon to OHKO the [card name=”Zoroark BREAK” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”92″ c=”name”][/card]. You can then retaliate with either an Emerald Break of your own barring you have enough Pokemon on your Bench or with a Mind Jack to OHKO the M Rayquaza-EX. As long as you can keep your Pokemon-EX off of the field, this matchup should be a cake walk. Once again [card name=”Yveltal” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”94″ c=”name”][/card] can be used to stall for a bit in the early game, but [card name=”Zoroark” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”91″ c=”name”][/card] is going to be the MVP of this matchup.

M Gardevoir-EX

This is a really bad matchup. Between your opponent actively discarding their whole Bench except for maybe one or two Pokemon and the fact that they can actively discard damaged Pokemon, you’re going to have a bad time. Your best hope is that you can trap a [card name=”Gardevoir-EX” set=”Primal Clash” no=”105″ c=”name”][/card] in the Active unable to Mega Evolve with [card name=”Yveltal” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”94″ c=”name”][/card], and trying to get enough damage spread around where you can eventually KO it. This is an unlikely scenario, but possible. Overall, not a good time.

Vileplume / Walls

[cardimg name=”Vileplume” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”3″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]

I feel like every deck has the same strategy against [card name=”Vileplume” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”3″ c=”name”][/card]. Go first, play as many Items as you can, and thin your deck. That’s mostly the case for [card name=”Zoroark” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”91″ c=”name”][/card] as well. [card name=”Vileplume” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”3″ c=”name”][/card] decks tend to naturally fill up their Bench to try and get [card name=”Vileplume” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”3″ c=”name”][/card] into play as quickly as possible. This allows for [card name=”Zoroark” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”91″ c=”name”][/card] to hit for max damage early on, which is really useful. The late game is where it will get a bit tricky. A smart player won’t continue to fill up their Bench against you, and with the help of [card name=”Ninja Boy” set=”Steam Siege” no=”103″ c=”name”][/card], the deck can shuffle through attackers without needing to Bench them. All of this puts you at a disadvantage, but there are several ways that you can still come out on top. If you’re able to get your [card name=”Assault Vest” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”133″ c=”name”][/card] out into play early on, you’re going to be able to significantly lower how much damage you’ll be taking since all they play is Special Energy for the most part. [card name=”Zoroark BREAK” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”92″ c=”name”][/card] is able to take advantage of [card name=”Jolteon-EX” set=”Generations” no=”28″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Glaceon-EX” set=”Fates Collide” no=”20″ c=”name”][/card], and [card name=”Regice” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”24″ c=”name”][/card]’s attacks to your own advantage. You want to keep Pokemon-EX off the field as much as possible. They’re easy targets for your opponent to trap in the Active. You play plenty of Supporters to keep your hand refreshed, as well as disrupt your opponent. All in all it’s a solid matchup as long as you can draw well and play aggressively.

The Wrap Up

I hope this was a helpful glance into the Orlando metagame and what effects I think it will have on the Standard meta moving forward. If you’d like to see more of this kind of article from me, let me know! If there’s a topic you want to discussed on PokeBeach, comment below and maybe I’ll use it as a topic for a future article!

Check out the Subscriber’s Secret Hideout for some writer input and make sure you check out the other awesome articles we have going up!

Until next time, trainers!

-Matt Price

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