Exploring Expanded — A Top 4 Arizona Regionals Report and Five Excellent Plays for Philadelphia
Hello everyone! I’m glad to be back again with another article here on PokeBeach. Since my last article I placed in the Top 4 at the very first Regional Championship of the season. Here I’m going to be talking about the tournament itself, my card choices, and how the results of the tournament will affect the Philadelphia Regional Championship as well as some unique deck choices for that tournament. I won’t be able to attend the tournament myself unfortunately, but I hope I can help steer anyone that is going in the correct direction.
Arizona Regionals
I was rather nervous during the days leading up to the tournament. I had been testing everything and could not comfortably find any deck that I was very comfortable with. I had almost committed to falling back on my trusty [card name=”Trevenant BREAK” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”66″ c=”name”][/card] deck that I had played at my last two Regional Championships until a talk with Brit Pybas left me convinced that [card name=”Greninja BREAK” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”41″ c=”name”][/card] could find success in Expanded. My first thought was that there was no way Greninja could be as good in Expanded as it was in Standard simply because Expanded was so much faster! With turn one Item-lock in the form of [card name=”Vileplume” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”3″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Trevenant” set=”XY” no=”55″ c=”name”][/card] along with the ever terrifying [card name=”Archeops” set=”Noble Victories” no=”67″ c=”name”][/card] I wasn’t confident, but after doing a lot of testing with the deck I became convinced it had to be the play and committed to it about a week before the event began. It appeared to be able to beat every deck as long as it could properly setup, which has always seemed to be the case with Greninja.
[cardimg name=”Greninja” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”40″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]
The Report
Greninja W 1-0
This round was unfortunately against my main local testing partner and longtime friend Jacob Willinger. We had tested a lot of games together before this tournament so a round one pairing was especially horrifying, especially in such an abysmal mirror match.
Rainbow Road LWL 1-1
This round was against Kale Chalifoux, a nice guy from Canada, however our games were not nearly as nice. Game one I draw dead and lose, game two he prized horridly and lost. Game three I dead draw and lose the series.
Vileplume Toolbox WW 2-1
This matchup was especially easy because my opponent did not run [card name=”Glaceon-EX” set=”Fates Collide” no=”116″ c=”name”][/card] or [card name=”Trevenant-EX” set=”Primal Clash” no=”145″ c=”name”][/card] on top of not drawing especially well. Since he didn’t have a good attacker against my deck I was able to quickly overrun him both games.
Night March LWW 3-1
This series was especially terrifying because game one I went first, open [card name=”Talonflame” set=”Steam Siege” no=”96″ c=”name”][/card] and a Supporter but unfortunately whiff an out to a [card name=”Froakie” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”38″ c=”name”][/card] only to have my Talonflame Knocked Out the following turn. The next two games go as planned with Giant Water Shuriken proving to be too much for for the squishy little Night Marchers to handle despite prizing two [card name=”Frogadier” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”39″ c=”name”][/card] in game two.
Darkrai-EX / Giratina-EX WW 4-1
Dark decks have never been especially great against [card name=”Greninja” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”40″ c=”name”][/card] despite being such powerhouse decks. They have never had a phenomenal attacker to work with against Greninja as all of their options are mediocre at best, and this proved to be the case during the matchup here.
Primal Groudon-EX WLL 4-2
I quickly win game one here as my opponent opens abysmally. Game two I am on track to win but my opponent spooks me with a [card name=”Delinquent” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”98″ c=”name”][/card] play that takes my last Energy and entire hand out of play giving him the win. Game three leaves us with very little time remaining and I did not want the series to end in a tie, so I begin playing very quickly making some careless mistakes along the way that ultimately cost me the series. This is where I want to take a bit to talk about maintaining focus with every play. Getting anxious about the amount of time remaining is normal, but you cannot let it derail your playing ability. If you misplay yourself into a loss because you’re trying to ensure the series does not end in a tie then that is clearly not beneficial at all for your tournament. It is better for the round to end in a tie than to sacrifice playing ability for speed.
Donphan WW 5-2
Greninja’s [card name=”Donphan” set=”Plasma Storm” no=”72″ c=”name”][/card] matchup is comedically easy and is exactly what I needed after my last round against [card name=”Primal Groudon-EX” set=”Primal Clash” no=”86″ c=”name”][/card]. [card name=”Talonflame” set=”Steam Siege” no=”96″ c=”name”][/card] Resistance, [card name=”Rough Seas” set=”Primal Clash” no=”137″ c=”name”][/card], and the fact that I was one of the only Greninja decks playing [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”78″ c=”name”][/card] made short work of the once format defining elephant.
Trevenant WW 6-2
[cardimg name=”Trevenant” set=”XY” no=”55″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]
Game one I remember that my opponent broke the Item-lock to get a KO with [card name=”Wobbuffet” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”36″ c=”name”][/card] on a [card name=”Greninja BREAK” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”41″ c=”name”][/card] that allowed me to play a lot of Items to search out more Greninja pieces, find a Supporter, and take control of the game. Game two my opponent opened poorly and I was able to make good use of my Items before he could stabilize which put me a bit too far ahead.
Rainbow Road LWT 6-2-1
This matchup was especially close, and a bit tilting due to a less than friendly opponent. Game one I drew poorly and was blown out, and game two I was able to take my last two Prizes on turn two of time resulting in a tie.
End of Day One: 6-2-1 29th place
I was ecstatic to have squeaked into day two after my last round tie leaving me incredibly uncertain on whether or not I would be advancing in the tournament. I knew I would have to do incredibly well day two in order to make the Top 8 cut, but made sure to catch enough sleep to ensure I was capable of doing just that.
Night March WW 7-2-1
I was very relieved to be able to play against a good matchup round one of day two, however the series was a bit close. Game one I got a lucky Bubble heads combined with a misplay by my opponent to keep me from being immediately benched out of the series. My opponent used a [card name=”VS Seeker” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”109″ c=”name”][/card] on turn one going first for a [card name=”Professor Juniper” set=”Plasma Freeze” no=”116″ c=”name”][/card] in his discard thinking I might play [card name=”Ghetsis” set=”Plasma Freeze” no=”115″ c=”name”][/card] like Caleb Gedemer who also made day two with Greninja, however this kept him from having access to the [card name=”AZ” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”117″ c=”name”][/card] in his discard and kept my little [card name=”Froakie” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”38″ c=”name”][/card] alive. The rest of the series played out relatively normally without me missing a beat and overpowering with Giant Water Shuriken.
Vileplume Toolbox WW 8-2-1
These games played out much differently than my round three opponent because this Vileplume deck featured both [card name=”Glaceon-EX” set=”Fates Collide” no=”116″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Trevenant-EX” set=”Primal Clash” no=”145″ c=”name”][/card] making it a bit trickier to deal with. However the combined power of [card name=”Talonflame” set=”Steam Siege” no=”96″ c=”name”][/card] under Item-lock and Giant Water Shuriken was too much for my opponent to handle.
Dark / Maxie’s Hidden Ball Trick W 9-2-1
This matchup was one that I had expected to be playing a lot of, and had catered my Greninja deck specifically to defeat it. However, I was playing against Phinnegan Lynch and knew if there was a window for him to win then he would find it. With my opponent missing the turn one [card name=”Archeops” set=”Noble Victories” no=”67″ c=”name”][/card] due to a prized [card name=”Jirachi-EX” set=”Plasma Blast” no=”98″ c=”name”][/card] and my setup going mostly uninterrupted I was able to win a long game one. Game two did not have enough time to finish but I felt I was in a dominating position regardless.
Night March LW 9-2-2
This matchup was streamed and also my most frustrating of day two. I don’t remember a whole lot other than drawing comedically terrible both games and being only able to squeeze game two out because of a misplay on my opponent’s end that allowed me to get back into the game.
Night March WLW 10-2-2
After a tie in the last round I knew I had to win this round in order to be guaranteed Top 8, and I intended to do just that. I was playing against Kian Amini and knew I would have no room for error to guarantee the win. Game one went exactly as planned, but game two was reminiscent of my previous round and made me feel nervous going into game three. However I ran incredibly hot with Kian drawing a very average game and was able to win rather quickly.
End of Day 2: 10-2-2 1st Seed going into Top 8
I was feeling very confident after going 4-0-1 on day two and not losing a single series the entire day. This confidence quickly drained when I learned there were two other [card name=”Greninja” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”40″ c=”name”][/card] decks in Top 8 with zero of us playing any kind of tech for the mirror match. This loss of confidence was even furthered when I realized I would be playing against TJ Traquiar in Top 8. TJ is a friend of mine, but is also one of those players I have never ever beaten before. TJ has beaten me at Worlds 2015, the win and in for Top 8 at the Boston Open 2015, and in Top 4 of Seattle Regionals 2016. However, the matchup seems relatively easy for me so after some talk with Drew Guritzky who had also made Top 8 with Greninja and played TJ earlier in the day I regained some confidence.
Top 8 Sableye / Garbodor WW
[cardimg name=”Garbodor” set=”Dragons Exalted” no=”54″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]
The first rule for this matchup for the [card name=”Greninja” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”40″ c=”name”][/card] player I should point out is to not start [card name=”Talonflame” set=”Steam Siege” no=”96″ c=”name”][/card]. Starting Talonflame is the only way the [card name=”Sableye” set=”Dark Explorers” no=”62″ c=”name”][/card] / [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] player has a chance because it is something that is not Greninja they can lock in the Active spot due to [card name=”Team Aqua’s Secret Base” set=”Double Crisis” no=”28″ c=”name”][/card]. Game one I started Talonflame thinking that being able to put cards like [card name=”Super Rod” set=”Dragon Vault” no=”20″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Fisherman” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”136″ c=”name”][/card] into my hand would prove optimal, but I believe it is not the way to go. The Sableye deck usually only plays one copy of [card name=”Trick Shovel” set=”Flashfire” no=”98″ c=”name”][/card] so they’re not particularly aggressive or fast about decking you out. You should start with one [card name=”Froakie” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”38″ c=”name”][/card], evolve it manually into a [card name=”Greninja” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”40″ c=”name”][/card], and just use Moonlight Slash repeatedly. Save your [card name=”Greninja BREAK” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”41″ c=”name”][/card] evolution for a potential Confuse Ray play from the [card name=”Sableye” set=”Dark Explorers” no=”62″ c=”name”][/card]. If they try to use this route multiple times it may prove worthwhile to setup a second [card name=”Greninja” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”40″ c=”name”][/card]. Eventually you will get down to one Prize and your opponent will use [card name=”N” set=”Fates Collide” no=”105″ c=”name”][/card], followed by [card name=”Delinquent” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”98″ c=”name”][/card] the following turn to remove your hand and possibly the Energy you had as well. They will then attempt to use [card name=”Trick Shovel” set=”Flashfire” no=”98″ c=”name”][/card] to lock you out of the game while simultaneously decking you out. Both games played out similarly, but it is very hard for the Sableye deck to completely lock you out of your entire deck as long as you didn’t kill too many resources setting up.
Top 4 Greninja L
The mirror match for this deck when neither player is playing [card name=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ c=”name”][/card] or [card name=”Pokémon Ranger” set=”Steam Siege” no=”113″ c=”name”][/card] is absolutely atrocious. It basically becomes a mind-numbingly endless war of Shadow Stitching use that results in one player decking out. I lose game one because of a minor error on my end, and time is called before a game two that I was on track to win.
Thus ended my tournament run in Arizona. I believe that [card name=”Greninja” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”40″ c=”name”][/card] was the perfect call for the tournament, and my only regret is not being a bit more prepared for the mirror match and maybe a bit over-prepared for [card name=”Archeops” set=”Noble Victories” no=”67″ c=”name”][/card]. It is interesting to note that only three Greninja decks made day two, while all three made Top 8. I believe this is another testament to the strength of the [card name=”Greninja BREAK” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”41″ c=”name”][/card] deck and proves just how powerful the deck is.
The List
[decklist name=”Greninja ” amt=”60″ caption=”” cname=”Greninja BREAK” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”41″][pokemon amt=”18″]3x [card name=”Greninja BREAK” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”41″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]3x [card name=”Greninja” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”40″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]1x [card name=”Greninja” set=”XY” no=”41″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]4x [card name=”Frogadier” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”39″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Froakie” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”38″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]4x [card name=”Talonflame” set=”Steam Siege” no=”96″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”32″]4x [card name=”Professor Sycamore” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”107″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”N” set=”Dark Explorers” no=”96″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]1x [card name=”Ace Trainer” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”69″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Fisherman” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”136″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Flashfire” no=”104″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Wally” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”94″ 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=”Dive Ball” set=”Primal Clash” no=”125″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Evosoda” set=”XY” no=”116″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Muscle Band” set=”XY” no=”121″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Super Rod” set=”Noble Victories” no=”95″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Battle Compressor” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”92″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Computer Search” set=”Boundaries Crossed” no=”137″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]3x [card name=”Rough Seas” set=”Primal Clash” no=”137″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”3″][/card][/trainers][energy amt=”10″]8x [card name=”Water Energy” set=”HeartGold and SoulSilver” no=”117″ c=”deck2″ amt=”8″][/card]2x [card name=”Splash Energy” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”113″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card][/energy][/decklist]
[cardimg name=”Muscle Band” set=”XY” no=”121″ align=”right” c=”custom”]It’s almost like it was made for a Ninja![/cardimg]
Muscle Band and Zero Bursting Balloon
I love [card name=”Bursting Balloon” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”97″ c=”name”][/card] in [card name=”Greninja” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”40″ c=”name”][/card] decks, but I just couldn’t find cuts in the list to make more space for damage modifying cards. [card name=”Muscle Band” set=”XY” no=”121″ c=”name”][/card] helps a ton of math and is also very strong in the deck. The only matchup I found myself really wanting the Bursting Balloon back in for is Rainbow Road. [card name=”Xerneas” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”107″ c=”name”][/card] is annoyingly big with a [card name=”Fighting Fury Belt” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”99″ c=”name”][/card], and their ability to KO you from turn one on is terrifying. I think a split similar to what Drew had is most likely optimal, as they can both be very good in the right scenarios.
Three Greninja BKP and One Greninja XY
I had never really thought about playing four [card name=”Greninja” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”40″ c=”from”][/card] like Drew did until I saw him do it. I always considered the [card name=”Greninja” set=”XY” no=”41″ c=”from”][/card] a staple and found the niche usefulness of Mist Slash to be a great addition. However, I have recently been trying four Greninja from BREAKpoint in testing and have found myself not really missing the Greninja from XY. I’ll have to do some more testing to determine which is better, but I believe there is a great argument for both.
Lysandre / Wally
I selected these as my tech Supporters because I thought they would help combat the meta I anticipated. [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”78″ c=”name”][/card] on an [card name=”Archeops” set=”Noble Victories” no=”67″ c=”name”][/card] and around Active threats like [card name=”Wobbuffet” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”36″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Trevenant” set=”XY” no=”55″ c=”name”][/card] proved very useful in testing. [card name=”Wally” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”94″ c=”name”][/card] is a reusable out to [card name=”Archeops” set=”Noble Victories” no=”67″ c=”name”][/card] and was very good insurance against having your [card name=”Froakie” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”38″ c=”name”][/card] killed on turn one. A common play for my first Aero Blitz was to grab a [card name=”Dive Ball” set=”Primal Clash” no=”125″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Wally” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”107″ c=”name”][/card] if I only had one [card name=”Froakie” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”38″ c=”name”][/card] out on my first turn. That way if the Froakie was killed I could simply use Dive Ball and Wally to ensure I still had Water Duplicates on the following turn.
Battle Compressor
I really enjoyed the added consistency of this card to [card name=”Greninja” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”40″ c=”name”][/card]. Thinning your deck of extra [card name=”Talonflame” set=”Steam Siege” no=”96″ c=”name”][/card] was amazing, and allowing more access to your one-of Supporters when you wanted them through [card name=”VS Seeker” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”109″ c=”name”][/card] was also a plus. While the consistency help was nice it is definitely not a necessity.
No Startling Megaphone
The Tool removal was a last minute cut for the second [card name=”Splash Energy” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”113″ c=”name”][/card] . I value the consistency of Splash Energy over the use of Tool removal because I expected there to be little to no [card name=”Garbodor” set=”Dragons Exalted” no=”54″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Computer Search” set=”Boundaries Crossed” no=”137″ c=”name”][/card] was my only way to search it out making it inconsistent. [card name=”Fighting Fury Belt” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”99″ c=”name”][/card] could sometimes be an issue but I really wanted the list to focus on consistency.
Philadelphia Regionals
So what kind of effect will the success of [card name=”Greninja” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”40″ c=”name”][/card] have on the next Expanded tournament? I’m hoping that we can get to the bottom of that here. With Greninja taking three of eight spots in top cut and winning the entire tournament, it seems like it should have a huge target on its back at Philadelphia. I anticipate cards like [card name=”Garbodor” set=”Dragons Exalted” no=”54″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Archeops” set=”Noble Victories” no=”67″ c=”name”][/card] to surge back into popularity in order to combat the Frog, and the release of Karen could allow some new decks to surface if the playability of Night March takes a hit. Discussing every individual matchup in detail proves difficult in a format that had the most recent tournament feature 16 different decks in a Top 32 cut. Instead of trying to cover every individual matchup I’ll focus mainly on how the deck can handle its matchup against [card name=”Greninja BREAK” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”41″ c=”name”][/card], and then proceed to discuss potential techs and variations to the list that could affect how a few other potentially common or bad matchups play out. Let’s take a look at some decks I believe have a shot at taking down Philly Regionals.
[premium]
Greninja BREAK
[decklist name=”Greninja ” amt=”60″ caption=”” cname=”Greninja BREAK” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”41″][pokemon amt=”18″]3x [card name=”Greninja BREAK” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”41″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]4x [card name=”Greninja” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”40″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Frogadier” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”39″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Froakie” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”38″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]4x [card name=”Talonflame” set=”Steam Siege” no=”96″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”33″]3x [card name=”Professor Sycamore” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”107″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]3x [card name=”N” set=”Noble Victories” no=”92″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Ace Trainer” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”69″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Fisherman” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”136″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Pokémon Ranger” set=”Steam Siege” no=”104″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Teammates” set=”Primal Clash” no=”141″ 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=”Dive Ball” set=”Primal Clash” no=”125″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Bursting Balloon” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”97″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Evosoda” set=”Generations” no=”62″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Super Rod” set=”Dragon Vault” no=”20″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Muscle Band” set=”XY” no=”121″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Startling Megaphone” set=”Flashfire” no=”97″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Computer Search” set=”Boundaries Crossed” no=”137″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]3x [card name=”Rough Seas” set=”Primal Clash” no=”137″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”3″][/card][/trainers][energy amt=”9″]8x [card name=”Water Energy” set=”HeartGold and SoulSilver” no=”117″ c=”deck2″ amt=”8″][/card]1x [card name=”Splash Energy” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”113″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/energy][/decklist]
Surprised to see this deck as number one? I might be a bit biased, but I truly believe that [card name=”Greninja” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”40″ c=”name”][/card] is the most powerful deck in the game as long as it doesn’t stumble during its setup. The list has been altered a bit to accommodate some changes I’ve been trying along with adjustments to the changing meta.
Supporter Lineup
[cardimg name=”Teammates” set=”Primal Clash” no=”160″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]
The lineup here has seen a ton of changes. I cut one [card name=”N” set=”Noble Victories” no=”101″ c=”name”][/card] and one [card name=”Professor Sycamore” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”107″ c=”name”][/card] for a second [card name=”Ace Trainer” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”69″ c=”name”][/card] and one [card name=”Teammates” set=”Primal Clash” no=”141″ c=”name”][/card]. Both cards are incredible and the increased diversity for draw has been phenomenal for the deck. [card name=”Teammates” set=”Primal Clash” no=”141″ c=”name”][/card] is another card I heavily regret not playing. It gives me a bit more room to work with lower counts of certain cards because of its insane ability to search along with [card name=”Talonflame” set=”Steam Siege” no=”96″ c=”name”][/card]. I’ve included both [card name=”Pokémon Ranger” set=”Steam Siege” no=”104″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ c=”name”][/card] in order to make sure I can defeat mirror, and Hex Maniac can double as an out to [card name=”Archeops” set=”Noble Victories” no=”67″ c=”name”][/card] which gives it even more value. I really miss the [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Flashfire” no=”104″ c=”name”][/card] because of its ability to get around Active threats like [card name=”Wobbuffet” set=”Radiant Collection 2″ no=”RC11″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Trevenant” set=”XY” no=”55″ c=”name”][/card], and is definitely a card that I could see working its way back in.
More Tool Game
Both [card name=”Bursting Balloon” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”97″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Muscle Band” set=”XY” no=”121″ c=”name”][/card] are incredibly powerful in the deck for different reasons, so I’ve included a split similar to that of Drew’s winning list. I’ve also included a way to combat [card name=”Garbodor” set=”Dragons Exalted” no=”54″ c=”name”][/card] and other pesky Tools through [card name=”Startling Megaphone” set=”Flashfire” no=”97″ c=”name”][/card]. If you can pull off a Startling Megaphone combined with two Giant Water Shuriken you can make quick work of the Trash Pile or put immense pressure onto the opponent.
Other Changes from My Arizona List
This list is missing some consistency cards from my Arizona list that I was raving about because I believed the commitment to be important to a deck like this. I have one less search card, no [card name=”Battle Compressor” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”92″ c=”name”][/card], and one less [card name=”Splash Energy” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”113″ c=”name”][/card]. I believe my previous list may have had an overcommitment to consistency with some of the cards providing diminishing returns thus reducing their value. Those spaces in my deck were not providing maximum value, and finding the balance of power between consistency and techs has proven tricky for a deck built unlike any other in the format.
Primal Groudon-EX
[decklist name=”Primal Groudon EX” amt=”60″ caption=”” cname=”Primal Groudon-EX” set=”Primal Clash” no=”151″][pokemon amt=”11″]4x [card name=”Wobbuffet” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”36″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Primal Groudon-EX” set=”Primal Clash” no=”151″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Groudon-EX” set=”Primal Clash” no=”150″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Groudon-EX” set=”Dark Explorers” no=”106″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Regirock” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY49″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”40″]4x [card name=”Korrina” set=”Furious Fists” no=”95″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Professor Juniper” set=”Dark Explorers” no=”98″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Flashfire” no=”90″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”N” set=”Dark Explorers” no=”96″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Olympia” set=”Generations” no=”66″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Pokémon Center Lady” set=”Flashfire” no=”93″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Team Flare Grunt” set=”XY” no=”129″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Xerosic” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”110″ 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=”Puzzle of Time” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”109″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]2x [card name=”Hard Charm” set=”XY” no=”119″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Robo Substitute” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”102″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Battle Compressor” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”92″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Enhanced Hammer” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”94″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Escape Rope” set=”Primal Clash” no=”127″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Float Stone” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”137″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Focus Sash” set=”Furious Fists” no=”91″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Mega Turbo” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”86″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Professor’s Letter” set=”XY” no=”123″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Gold Potion” set=”Boundaries Crossed” no=”140″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]4x [card name=”Tropical Beach” set=”Black and White Black Star Promos” no=”BW50″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”4″][/card][/trainers][energy amt=”9″]4x [card name=”Fighting Energy” set=”HeartGold and SoulSilver” no=”120″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Strong Energy” set=”Furious Fists” no=”104″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]1x [card name=”Psychic Energy” set=”HeartGold and SoulSilver” no=”119″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/energy][/decklist]
[cardimg name=”Gold Potion” set=”Boundaries Crossed” no=”140″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]
I found inspiration for the list from my round six loss in Arizona. I saw just how strong [card name=”Gold Potion” set=”Boundaries Crossed” no=”140″ c=”name”][/card] could be when combined with [card name=”Puzzle of Time” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”109″ c=”name”][/card] and truly thought the combination was incredible. The deck’s matchup with [card name=”Greninja” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”40″ c=”name”][/card] gets even better with more defensive cards and Hex Maniac. Being able to play [card name=”Gold Potion” set=”Boundaries Crossed” no=”140″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ c=”name”][/card] or [card name=”Pokémon Center Lady” set=”Flashfire” no=”105″ c=”name”][/card] at the same time via [card name=”Puzzle of Time” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”109″ c=”name”][/card] can be game changing. A list more catered to handle the Night March matchup made Top 8 at Arizona, but fell to Drew in the first round of cut. I believe that as long as [card name=”Primal Groudon-EX” set=”Primal Clash” no=”151″ c=”name”][/card] is prepared for the matchup it can be favorable. The threat of Karen to the meta could decrease the amount of [card name=”Battle Compressor” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”92″ c=”name”][/card] reliant decks like Night March and [card name=”Vespiquen” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”10″ c=”name”][/card] / [card name=”Flareon” set=”Plasma Freeze” no=”12″ c=”name”][/card] that often proved difficult for [card name=”Primal Groudon-EX” set=”Primal Clash” no=”151″ c=”name”][/card] to handle, making it an even more favorable play.
Possible Inclusions: Ultra Ball and Mr. Mime
These are two cards that are included almost exclusively for the matchup against Dark. One of the most threatening cards in the game to [card name=”Primal Groudon-EX” set=”Primal Clash” no=”151″ c=”name”][/card] is [card name=”Yveltal” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”94″ c=”name”][/card]. The ability to put that kind of damage on Groudon so quickly is insanely powerful. A huge issue is that it’s hard to justify playing [card name=”Mr. Mime” set=”Plasma Freeze” no=”47″ c=”name”][/card] when you do not have anyway to search it out because of [card name=”Gold Potion” set=”Boundaries Crossed” no=”140″ c=”name”][/card], which forces you to switch Ace Specs or include a copy of [card name=”Ultra Ball” set=”Flashfire” no=”99″ c=”name”][/card] for reliable access to the card when you need it. Added to the headache is the common inclusion of [card name=”Silent Lab” set=”Primal Clash” no=”140″ c=”name”][/card] in Dark decks that can get around the lil guy anyway. Two [card name=”Hard Charm” set=”XY” no=”119″ c=”name”][/card] combined with [card name=”Gold Potion” set=”Boundaries Crossed” no=”140″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Olympia” set=”Generations” no=”66″ c=”name”][/card], and [card name=”Pokémon Center Lady” set=”Flashfire” no=”105″ c=”name”][/card] do help mitigate benched attacks a bit in their own right, but if Dark decks see a huge increase in play [card name=”Mr. Mime” set=”Plasma Freeze” no=”47″ c=”name”][/card] could prove worth the space.
One Psychic Energy
This card may seem rather out of place, but is incredibly powerful in the mirror match and will never be in the way due to the colorless attack requirement on your attacker. The ability to attack with [card name=”Wobbuffet” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”36″ c=”name”][/card] in the mirror match is incredibly essential because it puts pressure on your opponent’s [card name=”Wobbuffet” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”36″ c=”name”][/card], forcing them to be the first to attack with their [card name=”Primal Groudon-EX” set=”Primal Clash” no=”151″ c=”name”][/card] giving you a favorable exchange.
Virizion-EX / Genesect-EX
[decklist name=”Virizion/Genesect” amt=”59″ caption=”An old friend ” cname=”Genesect-EX” set=”Plasma Blast” no=”11″][pokemon amt=”11″]3x [card name=”Virizion-EX” set=”Plasma Blast” no=”9″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]3x [card name=”Genesect-EX” set=”Plasma Blast” no=”11″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]1x [card name=”Dedenne” set=”Furious Fists” no=”34″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Hoopa-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”89″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Jirachi-EX” set=”Plasma Blast” no=”98″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Shaymin-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”106″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Seismitoad-EX” set=”Furious Fists” no=”106″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”35″]4x [card name=”Professor Juniper” set=”Dark Explorers” no=”98″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]2x [card name=”N” set=”Dark Explorers” no=”96″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”AZ” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”91″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Ghetsis” set=”Plasma Freeze” no=”101″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Flashfire” no=”90″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Shadow Triad” set=”Plasma Freeze” no=”102″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Skyla” set=”Boundaries Crossed” no=”134″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]1x Karen (PRXY #177)4x [card name=”VS Seeker” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”109″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Ultra Ball” set=”Dark Explorers” no=”102″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Fighting Fury Belt” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”99″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]3x [card name=”Max Elixir” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”102″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Energy Switch” set=”EX Ruby and Sapphire” no=”82″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Escape Rope” set=”Primal Clash” no=”127″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Super Rod” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”149″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Tool Scrapper” set=”Dragons Exalted” no=”116″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”G Booster” set=”Plasma Blast” no=”92″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]3x [card name=”Skyarrow Bridge” set=”Next Destinies” no=”91″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”3″][/card][/trainers][energy amt=”14″]10x [card name=”Grass Energy” set=”HeartGold and SoulSilver” no=”115″ c=”deck2″ amt=”10″][/card]4x [card name=”Plasma Energy” set=”Plasma Storm” no=”127″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card][/energy][/decklist]
This is a deck no one has seen in a very long time. Its most recent success at a large event was during Florida Regionals one year ago where it lost in Top 8, and that has been the deck’s only major success recently. The release of Karen gives the deck a major out to the [card name=”Battle Compressor” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”92″ c=”name”][/card] reliant decks it has always struggled with. The last successful list even already played a copy of [card name=”Seismitoad-EX” set=”Furious Fists” no=”106″ c=”name”][/card] and multiple ways to power it up in one turn, so the addition of Karen is easy and solves many major problems for the deck. Its typing and aggressive access to the [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Flashfire” no=”90″ c=”name”][/card]-like effect of Red Signal against the [card name=”Greninja BREAK” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”41″ c=”name”][/card] deck is incredibly powerful, and is one of the few Pokemon-EX focused decks that has a favorable matchup against the Frog. Conveniently enough [card name=”Seismitoad-EX” set=”Furious Fists” no=”106″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Primal Groudon-EX” set=”Primal Clash” no=”151″ c=”name”][/card] both made Top 4 and Top 8 respectively at Arizona also happen to be Grass weak. Its matchup with Dark decks has always been close, and the addition of different tech Pokemon can help the matchup in different ways.
[cardimg name=”Genesect-EX” set=”Plasma Blast” no=”11″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]
Tech Pokemon Options: Dedenne, Deoxys-EX , Shaymin-EX Promo, Mr. Mime
These four options for techs can all have different effects on a variety of matchups, and the inclusion of any of these would have to be at the expense of the [card name=”Dedenne” set=”Furious Fists” no=”34″ c=”name”][/card]. The little yellow mouse is the best offensive tech and is especially effective against both [card name=”Yveltal-EX” set=”XY” no=”144″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Yveltal” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”94″ c=”name”][/card] allowing you to have guaranteed non-EX attacker that can swing for a solid amount due to Weakness. The pros of one Retreat Cost, and inability to be affected by [card name=”Silent Lab” set=”Primal Clash” no=”140″ c=”name”][/card] are why it is currently my favorite option. [card name=”Deoxys-EX” set=”Plasma Freeze” no=”111″ c=”name”][/card] allows [card name=”Genesect-EX” set=”Plasma Blast” no=”11″ c=”name”][/card] to hit a lot of new numbers. Here are some of those numbers.
- Being able to hit the 110-20 snipe combined with [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Flashfire” no=”90″ c=”name”][/card] / Red Signal on [card name=”Yveltal” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”94″ c=”name”][/card] even when [card name=”Fighting Fury Belt” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”99″ c=”name”][/card] is shut off, or when you don’t have it against other 130 HP Pokemon.
- Being able to one shot [card name=”Xerneas” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”107″ c=”name”][/card] without a [card name=”Fighting Fury Belt” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”99″ c=”name”][/card] if you have it and your own [card name=”Fighting Fury Belt” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”99″ c=”name”][/card].
- Being able to OHKO with [card name=”G Booster” set=”Plasma Blast” no=”92″ c=”name”][/card] on Mega Pokemon with 210 HP like [card name=”M Manectric-EX” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”24″ c=”name”][/card] or 170 HP Pokemon-EX with [card name=”Fighting Fury Belt” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”99″ c=”name”][/card] attached.
Cons for this Pokemon include a hefty two retreat and [card name=”Silent Lab” set=”Primal Clash” no=”140″ c=”name”][/card] vulnerability. [card name=”Shaymin-EX” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY148″ c=”name”][/card] is an interesting idea that can easily shift the matchup against [card name=”Trevenant” set=”XY” no=”55″ c=”name”][/card] heavily in your favor, and is good against the sniping of [card name=”Yveltal” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”94″ c=”name”][/card] for a similar reason. It’s really good against pretty much any deck that cannot one shot either [card name=”Virizion-EX” set=”Plasma Blast” no=”9″ c=”name”][/card] or [card name=”Genesect-EX” set=”Plasma Blast” no=”11″ c=”name”][/card] consistently, especially when they have [card name=”Fighting Fury Belt” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”99″ c=”name”][/card] attached. Weaknesses are the same as [card name=”Deoxys-EX” set=”Plasma Freeze” no=”53″ c=”name”][/card] with the hefty two Retreat Cost and being negated by [card name=”Silent Lab” set=”Primal Clash” no=”140″ c=”name”][/card]. The final option is basically a hard tech against the sniping capability of [card name=”Yveltal” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”94″ c=”name”][/card] and can be huge in the matchup if they cannot get around it. A huge pro is having only one retreat but the cons of narrow use and [card name=”Silent Lab” set=”Primal Clash” no=”140″ c=”name”][/card] vulnerability make it questionable.
Advantages and Issues of Polarized Matchups
The deck can have some very lopsided encounters making it an odd play. Against both Rainbow Road’s use of [card name=”Ho-Oh-EX” set=”Dragons Exalted” no=”119″ c=”name”][/card] and the [card name=”Volcanion” set=”Steam Siege” no=”25″ c=”name”][/card] / [card name=”Volcanion-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”26″ c=”name”][/card] deck the aggressive Fire attackers can make very short work of your Grass attackers. [card name=”Seismitoad-EX” set=”Furious Fists” no=”106″ c=”name”][/card] can help a lot against these threats, but isn’t exactly a perfect solution. The same can happen in [card name=”Virizion-EX” set=”Plasma Blast” no=”9″ c=”name”][/card] / [card name=”Genesect-EX” set=”Plasma Blast” no=”11″ c=”name”][/card]’s favor if it comes up against the likes of any of the many Grass weak Pokemon in format. The combination of [card name=”Seismitoad-EX” set=”Furious Fists” no=”20″ c=”name”][/card] and Karen can also outright end any match against Night March or [card name=”Vespiquen” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”10″ c=”name”][/card] / [card name=”Flareon” set=”Plasma Freeze” no=”12″ c=”name”][/card] if timed correctly. I believe the deck to be a sort of high-risk high-reward play that can blow through Philly if the meta is right.
Night March
[decklist name=”Night March” amt=”60″ caption=”” cname=”Joltik” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”26″][pokemon amt=”21″]2x [card name=”Galvantula” set=”Steam Siege” no=”42″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]4x [card name=”Joltik” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”26″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Pumpkaboo” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”44″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Lampent” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”42″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Shaymin-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”106″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]1x [card name=”Jirachi-EX” set=”Plasma Blast” no=”98″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Mew-EX” set=”Dragons Exalted” no=”120″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Archeops” set=”Noble Victories” no=”67″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Gallade” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”84″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”35″]3x [card name=”Professor Juniper” set=”Plasma Freeze” no=”116″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]1x [card name=”Ghetsis” set=”Plasma Freeze” no=”115″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Flashfire” no=”104″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Maxie’s Hidden Ball Trick” set=”Primal Clash” no=”158″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”N” set=”Noble Victories” no=”101″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Pokémon Ranger” set=”Steam Siege” no=”113″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Teammates” set=”Primal Clash” no=”160″ 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=”Battle Compressor” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”92″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Puzzle of Time” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”109″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Ultra Ball” set=”Plasma Blast” no=”90″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Trainers’ Mail” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”92″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]1x [card name=”Fighting Fury Belt” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”99″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Float Stone” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”137″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Special Charge” set=”Steam Siege” no=”105″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Computer Search” set=”Boundaries Crossed” no=”137″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]2x [card name=”Dimension Valley” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”93″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”2″][/card][/trainers][energy amt=”4″]4x [card name=”Double Colorless Energy” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”111″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card][/energy][/decklist]
[cardimg name=”Joltik” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”26″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]
Anyone that knows me knows that I hate this deck with a passion, and almost always play to beat it at every tournament I attend because it is impossible to avoid. However, I also like getting really spicy when I think I can find an answer to the meta. This Night March list is catered to destroy everything about [card name=”Greninja BREAK” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”41″ c=”name”][/card], and when combined with the regular core of the Night March we all love to hate it can make for an especially powerful contender. If the Karen hype pans out as poorly as it did in Florida then this deck could bring home the gold.
Galvantula
This card is actually incredibly powerful in many different situations, and gives Night March an insane new set of options. [card name=”Galvantula” set=”Steam Siege” no=”42″ c=”name”][/card]’s ability to hit for Weakness on the Bench allows its dual typing to really shine. It can KO two [card name=”Zubat” set=”Plasma Storm” no=”53″ c=”name”][/card] or [card name=”Froakie” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”38″ c=”name”][/card] in one swing, and also deals serious damage to [card name=”Shaymin-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”106″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Primal Groudon-EX” set=”Primal Clash” no=”151″ c=”name”][/card]. Every deck plays [card name=”Shaymin-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”106″ c=”name”][/card] that this thing can prey on, and softening up an upcoming attacker can make reaching for those Night March KOs that much easier. A versatile sniping option can be game changing in the right matchup. It’s also a great fallback option if you are hit by Karen, and giving the deck something it can do while recovering is great for keeping up tempo.
Maxie’s Hidden Ball Trick
I’ve never thought this engine was particularly good or necessary for the deck, but the threat of [card name=”Greninja BREAK” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”41″ c=”name”][/card] makes the option a lot more enticing than it used to be. [card name=”Archeops” set=”Noble Victories” no=”67″ c=”name”][/card] makes it a pain for Greninja to evolve, and also works well against [card name=”Trevenant” set=”XY” no=”55″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Crobat” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”33″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Eelektrik” set=”Noble Victories” no=”40″ c=”name”][/card], and [card name=”Vileplume” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”3″ c=”name”][/card] just to name a few. [card name=”Gallade” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”84″ c=”name”][/card] adds consistency and a great attack to the deck. Sensitive Blade can cleanup targets that [card name=”Galvantula” set=”Steam Siege” no=”42″ c=”name”][/card] may have had a chance to ping, and is another great option for the deck if you are hit by Karen. If you want to get extra spooky you could cut the [card name=”Pokémon Ranger” set=”Steam Siege” no=”113″ c=”name”][/card] for [card name=”Marowak” set=”Fates Collide” no=”37″ c=”name”][/card]. This Maxie’s target stops [card name=”Seismitoad-EX” set=”Furious Fists” no=”106″ c=”name”][/card] , [card name=”Giratina-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”93″ c=”name”][/card], and any other Pokemon from putting effects onto you or your hand while the Ability is in play, but [card name=”Pokémon Ranger” set=”Steam Siege” no=”113″ c=”name”][/card] can cover additional effects like those of [card name=”Greninja” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”40″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Jolteon-EX” set=”Generations” no=”28″ c=”name”][/card]. [card name=”Maxie’s Hidden Ball Trick” set=”Primal Clash” no=”158″ c=”name”][/card] sure is a tricky card.
Mew-EX
I chose the Pokemon-EX version of Mew here because it can use any attack on either side of the field, including your own [card name=”Gallade” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”84″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Galvantula” set=”Steam Siege” no=”42″ c=”name”][/card] letting you do all kinds of crazy things. [card name=”Wobbuffet” set=”Radiant Collection 2″ no=”RC11″ c=”name”][/card] , [card name=”Mewtwo-EX” set=”Next Destinies” no=”98″ c=”name”][/card], and the [card name=”Garbodor” set=”Dragons Exalted” no=”54″ c=”name”][/card] line are the only Psychic weak Pokemon used in Expanded that immediately come to mind, but being able to use all of your attacking options here earns it the spot over its tiny copy [card name=”Mew” set=”Fates Collide” no=”29″ c=”name”][/card].
Comments on the List
I really wish I could find space for some form of Tool removal through [card name=”Startling Megaphone” set=”Flashfire” no=”97″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Tool Scrapper” set=”Dragons Exalted” no=”116″ c=”name”][/card], or [card name=”Xerosic” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”119″ c=”name”][/card] but I prioritized consistency and tech attackers over Item and Supporter options. Other popular inclusions like [card name=”Escape Rope” set=”Primal Clash” no=”127″ c=”name”][/card] , [card name=”Muscle Band” set=”XY” no=”121″ c=”name”][/card], and [card name=”Target Whistle” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”106″ c=”name”][/card] are missing as well, but I believe the deck will have to evolve a bit because of the threat of Karen and changing meta in order to continue to be successful.
Trevenant
[decklist name=”Trevenant BREAK” amt=”60″ caption=”Ole’ Reliable” cname=”Trevenant BREAK” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”66″][pokemon amt=”16″]3x [card name=”Trevenant BREAK” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”66″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]4x [card name=”Trevenant” set=”XY” no=”55″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Phantump” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”64″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]2x [card name=”Shaymin-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”106″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Wobbuffet” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”36″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Mewtwo-EX” set=”Next Destinies” no=”98″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Jirachi-EX” set=”Plasma Blast” no=”98″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”36″]3x [card name=”Professor Juniper” set=”Dark Explorers” no=”98″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”N” set=”Noble Victories” no=”101″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Team Flare Grunt” set=”XY” no=”129″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Wally” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”94″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Colress” set=”Plasma Storm” no=”118″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Delinquent” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”98″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Flashfire” no=”90″ 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=”Bursting Balloon” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”97″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Ultra Ball” set=”Dark Explorers” no=”102″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]2x [card name=”Enhanced Hammer” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”94″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Level Ball” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”76″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Float Stone” set=”Plasma Freeze” no=”99″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Super Rod” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”149″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Computer Search” set=”Boundaries Crossed” no=”137″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]4x [card name=”Dimension Valley” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”93″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”4″][/card][/trainers][energy amt=”8″]5x [card name=”Psychic Energy” set=”HeartGold and SoulSilver” no=”119″ c=”deck2″ amt=”5″][/card]3x [card name=”Mystery Energy” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”112″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card][/energy][/decklist]
[cardimg name=”Team Flare Grunt” set=”XY” no=”129″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]
This is a deck that I have put countless hours into and it will always be a favorite of mine. I believe [card name=”Trevenant BREAK” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”66″ c=”name”][/card] is one of the most powerful decks in the Expanded format and turn one Item-lock is not to be undervalued. The deck’s matchup with [card name=”Greninja BREAK” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”41″ c=”name”][/card] has always been very close and one I consider to be rather thought provoking at times for both players. The [card name=”Delinquent” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”98″ c=”name”][/card] was included as extra insurance against [card name=”Rough Seas” set=”Primal Clash” no=”137″ c=”name”][/card] and a potential threat to keep an opponent from playing their hand too low should you find yourself not Item locking them.
Teching Against Yveltal-EX
The matchup I have tested the most with this deck is against the plethora of Dark variants. The list is heavily catered towards handling that matchup because I truly believe the deck is 50 / 50 or better against every other deck in Expanded. The Dark matchup is one I thoroughly enjoy playing with the deck and have won more than I’ve lost to it in tournament play. The dual pair of [card name=”Team Flare Grunt” set=”XY” no=”129″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Enhanced Hammer” set=”Dark Explorers” no=”94″ c=”name”][/card] are meant to continually harass their Energy while you’re Item locking and shutting off access to [card name=”Dark Patch” set=”Dark Explorers” no=”93″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Max Elixir” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”102″ c=”name”][/card]. Eventually the opponent will get some kind of active threat through the onslaught and [card name=”Trevenant” set=”XY” no=”55″ c=”name”][/card] may quickly begin to fall. Provided they have the ever useful [card name=”Bursting Balloon” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”97″ c=”name”][/card] attached then a quick pivot to [card name=”Mewtwo-EX” set=”Next Destinies” no=”98″ c=”name”][/card] or [card name=”Wobbuffet” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”36″ c=”name”][/card] can make short work of the aggressor, allowing you to switch back to the Item locking / Energy denial / spread game the following turn. The selection of two [card name=”Team Flare Grunt” set=”XY” no=”129″ c=”name”][/card] versus one and a copy of [card name=”Xerosic” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”119″ c=”name”][/card] is one I have tested a lot and am confident in my decision of two [card name=”Team Flare Grunt” set=”XY” no=”129″ c=”name”][/card]. Because of the spread nature of the deck harassing the attacking capabilities of the active is almost always the play, and find the loss of [card name=”Xerosic” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”119″ c=”name”][/card]’s uses a non-issue if I could lock an attacker without Energy Active. The strategy is very similar to that of the [card name=”Trevenant BREAK” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”66″ c=”name”][/card] variant that utilizes even more disruptive cards like [card name=”Crushing Hammer” set=”Emerging Powers” no=”92″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Red Card” set=”XY” no=”124″ c=”name”][/card], however I am very confident that the balance of disruption and damage output with [card name=”Bursting Balloon” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”97″ c=”name”][/card] makes for a much more powerful deck overall.
Final Expanded Thoughts
Right now the Expanded format is phenomenal. There are so many incredibly powerful decks that all have a chance to succeed, and I wouldn’t be surprised if something I didn’t even talk much about dominated Philadelphia Regionals. The most important piece of advice I can give to anyone preparing for Regionals this weekend is to be confident in your deck choice. In a format that’s so wide open being familiar with a deck and playing it correctly is just as instrumental to success as picking a good deck or the best deck. If I were able to go to Philadelphia Regionals I think I would most likely fallback on [card name=”Trevenant BREAK” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”66″ c=”name”][/card]. The potential increase in [card name=”Archeops” set=”Noble Victories” no=”67″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Garbodor” set=”Dragons Exalted” no=”54″ c=”name”][/card] are actually not as threatening as they seem due to their reliance on Items, and can even make the environment a bit more favorable for [card name=”Trevenant” set=”XY” no=”55″ c=”name”][/card]. Having a 50 / 50 against [card name=”Greninja BREAK” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”41″ c=”name”][/card] and being strong against the rest of a format that will be looking to counter Greninja is a great position to be in. Good luck everyone!
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