The Sky’s the Limit — Decks that Utilize Sky Field and a Fort Wayne Tier List

By: Treynor Wolfe · Posted Posted onNov 22, 2016 at 12:48 PM · 0 Comments

It’s been a little while, hasn’t it? I took a little break from writing for the month of October, and I believe that my latest article was early September, so it really has been some time before I wrote an article.

That doesn’t mean I’m not active in the scene though, I went 5-2-2 at Philadelphia Regionals with my go-to Expanded deck: Maxie’s Yveltal. I’ve been playing in local League Challenges as well, and have racked up 44 Championship Points so far this season (substantial progress to 500, I know). Without League Cups and only one Regional Championship finish, I’ve been starving for points! The Cities grind that has always been around this time of year was always so fun to me.

Anyway, I’m preparing for my next big test and that is Fort Wayne Regionals this weekend. I’m hoping to finish strong so that I can earn a good chunk towards my 500 for this season. School has been really difficult for me this year, since it is my final semester (hopefully) here at the University of Nebraska. Luckily for me, the tournament is on Thanksgiving weekend and won’t force me to miss any school.

Evolutions initially seemed like a very mediocre set to me. After testing with the cards, some cards really came through such as [card name=”Dragonite-EX” set=”Evolutions” no=”106″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Raticate” set=”Evolutions” no=”67″ c=”name”][/card]. There’s a few more that found their way into my lists, so I will be talking about those later. I’ve found that [card name=”Sky Field” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”89″ c=”name”][/card] decks got a huge boost from [card name=”Dragonite-EX” set=”Evolutions” no=”106″ c=”name”][/card]’s release. I have three decks I will be discussing in great detail, as these have been the decks I have been testing the most in the last few weeks. I have one that is a definite favorite for Fort Wayne, so be sure to read on. Make sure to check out the flip side of this too, my good friend Andrew Mahone will be publishing an article on [card name=”Parallel City” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”145″ c=”name”][/card] decks, which is an absolute foil to mine. I’m going to convince you that [card name=”Sky Field” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”89″ c=”name”][/card] decks are the way to go going forward and that [card name=”Sky Field” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”89″ c=”name”][/card] decks can now get over the hump that is [card name=”Parallel City” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”145″ c=”name”][/card].

The State of the Format

The Standard format as it is right now is in this awful “Rock-Paper-Scissors” type of game. This has happened in the past (the 2012 Cities format really jumps out to me). Very few decks are lacking hard counters due to mechanics or Weakness. Most decks now rely on single attackers that carry the deck. Any sort of Mega Pokemon deck uses one attacker primarily, that being their Mega Pokemon. If you play against the Weakness of that Pokemon, you’re basically done for.

What we saw in Orlando was the rise of decks that attack with multiple Pokemon, especially ones that synergize well together. Team Chaos Gym dominated Orlando with a [card name=”Darkrai-EX” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”118″ c=”name”][/card] / [card name=”Giratina-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”93″ c=”name”][/card] / [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] deck. Dark decks always tend to be the decks that have the most good matchups, mainly because the plethora of excellent attackers in those decks. In this deck alone, you have [card name=”Giratina-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”93″ c=”name”][/card] which plays a really powerful disruption game in addition to being something that isn’t weak to Fighting. [card name=”Darkrai-EX” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”118″ c=”name”][/card] is the main attacker with its Dark Pulse attack getting bolstered by [card name=”Double Dragon Energy” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”97″ c=”name”][/card] attachments to [card name=”Giratina-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”93″ c=”name”][/card].

Other decks did well, such as [card name=”M Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”64″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Volcanion-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”107″ c=”name”][/card]. [card name=”M Gardevoir-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”112″ c=”name”][/card] decks made a strong showing in Top 16, however none of them cracked into the Top 8. [card name=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”105″ c=”name”][/card], the presumed runaway favorite was countered heavily and did not have a good showing at all. Almost every deck in Orlando’s Top 8 has a strong counter to [card name=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”105″ c=”name”][/card].

[card name=”Greninja” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”40″ c=”name”][/card] was countered heavily by the prevalence of [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card]. Travis Nunlist wrote about a [card name=”Greninja” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY24″ c=”name”][/card] deck that could hang with the Mega Pokemon / [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] decks by playing heavy counts of [card name=”Faded Town” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”73″ c=”name”][/card]. Faded Town obviously doesn’t help much versus [card name=”Darkrai-EX” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”118″ c=”name”][/card] / [card name=”Giratina-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”93″ c=”name”][/card] / [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card], so these Greninja decks didn’t make it far in day two and a lot of them didn’t make day two at all.

There have been some results from tournaments in Europe, such as Dortmund and Liverpool. The only big takeaway that I took from these tournaments was the success of a rogue [card name=”Giratina-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”93″ c=”name”][/card] / [card name=”Crushing Hammer” set=”Legendary Treasures” no=”111″ c=”name”][/card] / [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card]. This deck made Top 8 at Liverpool and revealed itself to be a possible deck to look out for at Fort Wayne.

Here’s my take on a tier list for Fort Wayne.

My Tier List

Tier 1

• [card name=”M Gardevoir-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”79″ c=”name”][/card]
• [card name=”Darkrai-EX” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”118″ c=”name”][/card] / [card name=”Giratina-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”93″ c=”name”][/card] / [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card]
• [card name=”Yveltal-EX” set=”XY” no=”144″ c=”name”][/card] / [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card]
• [card name=”Xerneas” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”107″ c=”name”][/card]
• [card name=”Vileplume” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”3″ c=”name”][/card] / Walls

Tier 2

• [card name=”Volcanion-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”107″ c=”name”][/card]
• [card name=”M Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”160″ c=”name”][/card]
• [card name=”Greninja” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”40″ c=”name”][/card]
• [card name=”Giratina-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”93″ c=”name”][/card] / [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card]
• [card name=”M Scizor-EX” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”120″ c=”name”][/card]
• [card name=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”105″ c=”name”][/card]

Tier 3

• [card name=”Vespiquen” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”10″ c=”name”][/card] / [card name=”Yanmega” set=”Steam Siege” no=”7″ c=”name”][/card]
• [card name=”Houndoom-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”21″ c=”name”][/card]
• [card name=”Xerneas BREAK” set=”Steam Siege” no=”82″ c=”name”][/card]
• Everything else

The Dragonite-EX Effect

[card name=”Sky Field” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”89″ c=”name”][/card] decks, such as [card name=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”105″ c=”name”][/card], Rainbow Road ([card name=”Xerneas” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”107″ c=”name”][/card]), and [card name=”M Gardevoir-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”112″ c=”name”][/card] have been played a bit in the pre-Evolutions metagame. However, these decks have always had recovery issues with the amount of [card name=”Parallel City” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”145″ c=”name”][/card] there is in the game right now. These decks gain bonuses to their damage output with more Pokemon on the Bench, whether its just sheer number of Pokemon ([card name=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”105″ c=”name”][/card]), types of Pokemon ([card name=”Xerneas” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”107″ c=”name”][/card]), or number of Pokemon to discard ([card name=”M Gardevoir-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”79″ c=”name”][/card]), these decks get hurt by there being less Pokemon on the Bench or in the deck.

[card name=”Dragonite-EX” set=”Evolutions” no=”106″ c=”name”][/card]’s Ability allows for some pretty great recovery options when paired with [card name=”Hoopa-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”89″ c=”name”][/card]. [card name=”Dragonite-EX” set=”Evolutions” no=”106″ c=”name”][/card] counts as a Pokemon on your Bench as well to bolster your damage output. One thing to really consider is when these [card name=”Dragonite-EX” set=”Evolutions” no=”106″ c=”name”][/card] get discarded they can’t recover each other, and a deck that relies on these for recovery options should probably run copies of [card name=”Buddy-Buddy Rescue” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”135″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Super Rod” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”149″ c=”name”][/card], or a recover Supporter such as [card name=”Karen” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY177″ c=”name”][/card] or [card name=”Brock’s Grit” set=”Evolutions” no=”107″ c=”name”][/card]. Redundancy was something I had stressed to me a lot in my Navy days, Pokemon is no different since a lot of crazy things can happen in a game. How often have you had to discard your lone [card name=”Super Rod” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”149″ c=”name”][/card] early in the game? We do everything we can to prevent these things from happening, but [card name=”Sky Field” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”89″ c=”name”][/card] decks absolutely need more options for recovery.

[cardimg name=”Dragonite-EX” set=”Evolutions” no=”106″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]

[card name=”Super Rod” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”149″ c=”name”][/card] and recovery Supporters turn cards such as [card name=”Dragonite-EX” set=”Evolutions” no=”72″ c=”name”][/card] into force multipliers since we can shuffle back in a couple of [card name=”Dragonite-EX” set=”Evolutions” no=”106″ c=”name”][/card] and grab up to four Basic Pokemon. The last thing I’m going to discuss with [card name=”Dragonite-EX” set=”Evolutions” no=”106″ c=”name”][/card] is that it lets you reuse come-into-play effects pretty easily. [card name=”Dragonite-EX” set=”Evolutions” no=”106″ c=”name”][/card] instantly becomes an [card name=”Absol” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”40″ c=”name”][/card], or a [card name=”Shaymin-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”106″ c=”name”][/card], or a [card name=”Hawlucha” set=”Steam Siege” no=”97″ c=”name”][/card].

Karen and Brock’s Grit

These are two extra recovery cards that have come out. We know a bit about [card name=”Karen” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY177″ c=”name”][/card] already, but [card name=”Brock’s Grit” set=”Evolutions” no=”107″ c=”name”][/card] will find its way in many decks simply because of its versatility. The option to recover both Basic Energy cards and Pokemon with the same Supporter is a big deal to decks that used to run multiple copies of [card name=”Super Rod” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”149″ c=”name”][/card] to keep up with [card name=”Parallel City” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”145″ c=”name”][/card] drops.

[card name=”Karen” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY177″ c=”name”][/card] serves a double purpose in that it really hurts [card name=”Vespiquen” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”10″ c=”name”][/card] decks. They haven’t been around lately, but some may still find their way into the early rounds of Fort Wayne Regionals. Vespiquen isn’t terrible, don’t get me wrong, but [card name=”Karen” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY177″ c=”name”][/card] is a card that some decks play, and I believe without [card name=”Battle Compressor” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”92″ c=”name”][/card], it’s nearly impossible for Vespiquen to recover from getting hit with a couple of [card name=”Karen” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY177″ c=”name”][/card] plays.

Most players I’ve spoken to have taken more of a liking to [card name=”Brock’s Grit” set=”Evolutions” no=”107″ c=”name”][/card], but both cards are really good and should be played based on your personal preferences.

The Garbodor plus Parallel City Problem

A lot of players argue against [card name=”Sky Field” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”89″ c=”name”][/card] decks strictly because of this play. This counters our [card name=”Dragonite-EX” set=”Evolutions” no=”72″ c=”name”][/card] and our [card name=”Shaymin-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”77″ c=”name”][/card] and makes it really hard to recover after getting a Bench dropped to three. Obviously, this hurts our decks a lot, especially the first two decks I’m going to talk about. The third deck, it doesn’t hurt all that much.

This combination hurts so much because it usually means that we need to respond with some recovery cards in addition to drawing the Pokemon we need to refill our Bench. [card name=”Dragonite-EX” set=”Evolutions” no=”72″ c=”name”][/card] provides some immediate recovery and is our typical response to a [card name=”Parallel City” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”145″ c=”name”][/card] play. With [card name=”Garbodor” set=”Legendary Treasures” no=”68″ c=”name”][/card] out, we lose that option. I generally will focus on the opponent’s [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] to remove it from the game. These decks typically play down only one [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] in a game, it’s a little difficult for them to get two. It’s also pretty rare that they get a [card name=”Trubbish” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”56″ c=”name”][/card] down turn one, in addition to the rest of their set up. They also rarely play [card name=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ c=”name”][/card] in addition to Garbodor, so removing their [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] essentially gives you free reign to use your Abilities almost the entire game. This allows you to recover and KO Pokemon at will.

Your opponent can get out more [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] throughout the game or you won’t get the chance to KO [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] early, I get that. But these decks can still recover and cope with this. In the past, [card name=”Parallel City” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”145″ c=”name”][/card] alone made things dicey, and now we have [card name=”Dragonite-EX” set=”Evolutions” no=”72″ c=”name”][/card] as a weapon, requiring decks to get out [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] to really hinder [card name=”Sky Field” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”89″ c=”name”][/card] decks.

M Rayquaza-EX

I believe that [card name=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”105″ c=”name”][/card] can bounce back quickly from being countered as heavily as it did in Orlando. Decks such as [card name=”M Gardevoir-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”79″ c=”name”][/card] get countered pretty heavily by it, and Gardevoir will be incredibly popular. In addition to this, [card name=”Dragonite-EX” set=”Evolutions” no=”106″ c=”name”][/card] pushes the deck more by giving it the ability to recover from [card name=”Parallel City” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”145″ c=”name”][/card] plays quickly and relatively easily

[card name=”Giratina-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card]’s Chaos Wheel plus a [card name=”Parallel City” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”145″ c=”name”][/card] drop still counters this deck hard. The [card name=”Giratina-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”93″ c=”name”][/card] can’t even be damaged by M Rayquaza-EX, and even if it is, it will only be hit by 90 or so damage. No amount of [card name=”Pokémon Ranger” set=”Steam Siege” no=”104″ c=”name”][/card] will really help against this combination.

Here’s my current list for [card name=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”105″ c=”name”][/card] that I’ve been testing.

[premium]

[decklist name=”raykooza” amt=”60″ caption=”” cname=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”105″][pokemon amt=”17″]3x [card name=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”105″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]3x [card name=”Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”75″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]4x [card name=”Shaymin-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”77″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]2x [card name=”Hoopa-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”89″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Dragonite-EX” set=”Evolutions” no=”106″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Magearna-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”110″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Jirachi” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY67″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Magearna” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY165″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”35″]2x [card name=”Professor Sycamore” set=”Steam Siege” no=”114″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”N” set=”Noble Victories” no=”92″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Flashfire” no=”104″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Brock’s Grit” set=”Evolutions” no=”107″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Pokémon Ranger” set=”Steam Siege” no=”113″ 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=”Plasma Freeze” no=”122″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Trainers’ Mail” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”100″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]3x [card name=”Mega Turbo” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”86″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]3x [card name=”Float Stone” set=”Plasma Freeze” no=”99″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]3x [card name=”Rayquaza Spirit Link” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”87″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]1x [card name=”Super Rod” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”149″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]4x [card name=”Sky Field” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”89″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card][/trainers][energy amt=”8″]4x [card name=”Metal Energy” set=”Evolutions” no=”98″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Double Colorless Energy” set=”Fates Collide” no=”114″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card][/energy][/decklist] 

I’ll breakdown some card choices and exclusions.

Card Explanations

No Puzzle of Time

Most [card name=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”105″ c=”name”][/card] decks I see on the net are sporting four copies of [card name=”Puzzle of Time” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”109″ c=”name”][/card]. I’ve found it to be really unnecessary and just clunky. This deck sports plenty of recovery. I’ve never been a fan of it in [card name=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”105″ c=”name”][/card] before, and I won’t change my tune now, that’s for sure.

Two Hoopa-EX, Two Dragonite-EX

Zander Bennet was a huge pioneer for the rise of [card name=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”105″ c=”name”][/card]. He always swore by playing three copies of [card name=”Hoopa-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”89″ c=”name”][/card]. I feel like it shares the same setup slot as [card name=”Dragonite-EX” set=”Evolutions” no=”106″ c=”name”][/card] does, and should share space with it now. [card name=”Dragonite-EX” set=”Evolutions” no=”72″ c=”name”][/card] essentially serves as a late game [card name=”Hoopa-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”89″ c=”name”][/card] to help you recover.

Magearna-EX

In decks that don’t have any specific typing, such as the Colorless [card name=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”105″ c=”name”][/card] deck, it is really beneficial to add in a copy of [card name=”Magearna-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”75″ c=”name”][/card] and choose Metal as your Basic Energy type. This gives you immunity to effects of attacks such as [card name=”Jirachi” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY67″ c=”name”][/card] or anything else that may crop up. It will save you in some weird situations such as a [card name=”Froakie” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”38″ c=”name”][/card]’s Bubble and will keep the offense going. It will also stop [card name=”Raticate” set=”Evolutions” no=”67″ c=”name”][/card] from Crunching off your Energy.

Promo Jirachi

[card name=”Jirachi” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY67″ c=”name”][/card] stops [card name=”Giratina-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] cold if they don’t play [card name=”Magearna-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”110″ c=”name”][/card], which almost no decks are playing. It also helps against [card name=”Vileplume” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”3″ c=”name”][/card] / Walls if they aren’t able to get their [card name=”Magearna-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”110″ c=”name”][/card] out.

[cardimg name=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”105″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]

Magearna

Rainbow Road is not a kind matchup for this deck, and [card name=”Magearna” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY165″ c=”name”][/card] is a really good counter to it. You have a one to one Prize exchange possible with [card name=”Magearna” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY165″ c=”name”][/card], which wasn’t possible before. This is also reusable with [card name=”Super Rod” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”149″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Dragonite-EX” set=”Evolutions” no=”72″ c=”name”][/card].

Two Hex Maniac

[card name=”Giratina-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”93″ c=”name”][/card] is everywhere. We need to draw into these early and draw into them often to put damage down against [card name=”Giratina-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] decks. Two Hex Maniac has an added benefit of stopping [card name=”Greninja” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”40″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Volcanion-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”26″ c=”name”][/card] decks cold.

Two Lysandre

This can easily be one [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Flashfire” no=”104″ c=”name”][/card], but I like having two in a deck that is meant to apply big damage to particular Pokemon. It also helps you out a bunch against [card name=”Vileplume” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”3″ c=”name”][/card] / Walls, which I expect to be popular. With no [card name=”Battle Compressor” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”92″ c=”name”][/card], drawing into this card early and discarding a copy could make a huge difference late game when you just need the [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Flashfire” no=”104″ c=”name”][/card] for the win.

Three Rayquaza Spirit Link

Since you can simply evolve turn one if you’re going first to close your turn, hitting these isn’t as important as it is for other Mega decks. You also draw through almost half of your deck turn one, so you easily draw into one or two of these and that’s all you need.

Matchups

M Gardevoir-EX 70 – 30

This is a highly favorable matchup. Both decks play [card name=”Sky Field” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”89″ c=”name”][/card], so there won’t be a hinderance to your offense. [card name=”M Gardevoir-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”112″ c=”name”][/card] cannot OHKO your [card name=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”105″ c=”name”][/card], while your [card name=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”76″ c=”name”][/card] will OHKO them with ease. Their only hope is picking off your [card name=”Shaymin-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”77″ c=”name”][/card] to take quick Prizes. Don’t dead draw and this matchup shouldn’t be a challenge at all.

Darkrai-EX / Giratina-EX / Garbodor 40 – 60

This isn’t a great matchup, but it is doable. A big factor in this matchup is the Chaos Wheel plus [card name=”Parallel City” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”145″ c=”name”][/card] play I mentioned earlier. You’re almost done for if they pull that off. Luckily, you have an option in [card name=”Jirachi” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY67″ c=”name”][/card] to make them think a little. You may be able to take out the [card name=”Giratina-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] play away from them if you drop your [card name=”Jirachi” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY67″ c=”name”][/card] the moment you can attack with it. Be wary of them using [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”78″ c=”name”][/card] to bring up [card name=”Jirachi” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY67″ c=”name”][/card] from the Bench to KO it. With a limited Bench, it will be hard to recover [card name=”Jirachi” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY67″ c=”name”][/card] with [card name=”Dragonite-EX” set=”Evolutions” no=”72″ c=”name”][/card]. If they’re forced to attack with [card name=”Darkrai-EX” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”118″ c=”name”][/card] alone, this shouldn’t be too difficult since you can OHKO their Pokemon-EX easily.

Xerneas (Rainbow Road) 50 – 50

[card name=”Magearna” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY165″ c=”name”][/card] is huge here, as is the fact that you can attack turn one. This matchup is a momentum war, trying to make one side flinch. [card name=”Xerneas” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”107″ c=”name”][/card]’ recovery isn’t the greatest, so using [card name=”Magearna” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY165″ c=”name”][/card], which only takes a single Energy attachment to attack is a huge advantage for [card name=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”105″ c=”name”][/card]. Be wary any [card name=”Galvantula” set=”Steam Siege” no=”42″ c=”name”][/card] they might play. They can snipe your Benched [card name=”Shaymin-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”77″ c=”name”][/card] and if they can string two attacks and take four Prizes in one turn, you’re done for.

Yveltal / Garbodor 60 – 40

[card name=”Yveltal” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”94″ c=”name”][/card] can be troublesome early, but you can handle this matchup similar to the [card name=”Darkrai-EX” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”74″ c=”name”][/card] / [card name=”Giratina-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] / [card name=”Garbodor” set=”Legendary Treasures” no=”68″ c=”name”][/card] matchup, except they cannot Chaos Wheel and lock a [card name=”Parallel City” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”145″ c=”name”][/card] into play. [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] can really stifle your recovery options, and Knocking Out the [card name=”Garbodor” set=”Legendary Treasures” no=”68″ c=”name”][/card] is the correct strategy in this matchup. If they fail to get a [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] out, just expect to roll over them as you collect Pokemon-EX KOs in one hit while they struggle to 2HKO you.

Vileplume / Walls 40 – 60

This is a tough matchup if they get a turn one [card name=”Vileplume” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”3″ c=”name”][/card]. It will be hard to respond to [card name=”Glaceon-EX” set=”Fates Collide” no=”20″ c=”name”][/card] or [card name=”Regice” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”24″ c=”name”][/card]. A copy of [card name=”Cobalion” set=”Steam Siege” no=”74″ c=”name”][/card] can make this matchup slightly better, but it won’t help that much. I’m not a fan of this matchup at all. Hope to hit your [card name=”Pokémon Ranger” set=”Steam Siege” no=”104″ c=”name”][/card] at a really good time or [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Flashfire” no=”104″ c=”name”][/card] out the [card name=”Vileplume” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”3″ c=”name”][/card] for a KO to enable your [card name=”VS Seeker” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”109″ c=”name”][/card] for [card name=”Pokémon Ranger” set=”Steam Siege” no=”104″ c=”name”][/card] or more Lysandre.

This deck has solid matchups to the majority of the format. There’s some iffy ones, like I mentioned. You should be able to blow out a lot of decks with this one.

Rainbow Road

A deck that has seen a lot of success in Europe, Rainbow Road brings a hard hitting package in a sturdy, single Prize Pokemon. This sounds like Night March, but it’s not nearly as seamless and consistent. [card name=”Xerneas” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”107″ c=”name”][/card] adds the extra benefit to being resistant to Dark type Pokemon, which right now, are incredibly popular.

Here’s my current list.

[decklist name=”rainbowroad” amt=”60″ caption=”” cname=”Xerneas” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”107″][pokemon amt=”15″]4x [card name=”Xerneas” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”107″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Shaymin-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”77″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Volcanion-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”107″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Hoopa-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”89″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Jolteon-EX” set=”Generations” no=”28″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Flygon-EX” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY61″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Umbreon-EX” set=”Fates Collide” no=”55″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Jirachi” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY67″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Carbink” set=”Fates Collide” no=”49″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”33″]4x [card name=”Professor Sycamore” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”101″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”N” set=”Noble Victories” no=”92″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Flashfire” no=”90″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”2″][/card]4x [card name=”VS Seeker” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”109″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Ultra Ball” set=”Plasma Blast” no=”90″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Max Elixir” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”102″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Float Stone” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”137″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Exp. Share” set=”Dragon Vault” no=”18″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Super Rod” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”149″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Special Charge” set=”Steam Siege” no=”105″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]4x [card name=”Sky Field” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”89″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card][/trainers][energy amt=”12″]8x [card name=”Fairy Energy” set=”Evolutions” no=”99″ c=”deck2″ amt=”8″][/card]4x [card name=”Double Colorless Energy” set=”Fates Collide” no=”114″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card][/energy][/decklist] 

This deck can run all sorts of different Pokemon since it relies on different typings. Let’s talk a bit about some choices I made in this deck.

Card Choices

Two Volcanion-EX

I know I can get away with one, but this is a big card to have in the deck, and having it be prized is pretty devastating. This adds +60 damage to your [card name=”Xerneas” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”107″ c=”name”][/card]’s attack. Of course, it’s a fat Bench sitter with its three Retreat Cost, but that’s why we play three [card name=”Float Stone” set=”Plasma Freeze” no=”99″ c=”name”][/card].

One Promo Jirachi

[card name=”Jirachi” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY67″ c=”name”][/card] helps a ton against [card name=”Giratina-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”93″ c=”name”][/card]. Although [card name=”Giratina-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] has a Weakness to Fairy, if it Knocks Out your last Pokemon with a [card name=”Double Colorless Energy” set=”Fates Collide” no=”114″ c=”name”][/card], you may need some time to attach Basic Fairy Energy to [card name=”Xerneas” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”107″ c=”name”][/card]. [card name=”Jirachi” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY67″ c=”name”][/card] does just that, and it may give you a turn to attach a [card name=”Double Colorless Energy” set=”Fates Collide” no=”114″ c=”name”][/card]. This also gives you your Metal type on the Bench. Not being able to [card name=”Hoopa-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”89″ c=”name”][/card] for it sucks, but you still can draw into it or use [card name=”Ultra Ball” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”93″ c=”name”][/card].

One Jolteon-EX

We don’t play Lightning Energy, this serves as a Lightning type that has a free Retreat Cost.

One Carbink

Most [card name=”Crushing Hammer” set=”Kalos Starter Set” no=”34″ c=”name”][/card] decks play [card name=”Garbodor” set=”Legendary Treasures” no=”68″ c=”name”][/card], but if they don’t have it out, your Basic Fairy Energy will be immune to being removed. This has very little actual use, but it may come in handy.

One Flygon-EX

The [card name=”Escape Rope” set=”Primal Clash” no=”127″ c=”name”][/card] effect will be useful against decks like [card name=”Vileplume” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”3″ c=”name”][/card] / Walls. It serves as a Dragon type, but its Ability can be really clutch given some situations such as against a [card name=”Jirachi” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY67″ c=”name”][/card] attack or a [card name=”Jolteon-EX” set=”Generations” no=”28″ c=”name”][/card]’s Flash Ray. Putting [card name=”Float Stone” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”137″ c=”name”][/card] on this is a huge priority so that you can use its Ability and then freely retreat.

[cardimg name=”Xerneas” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”107″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]

One Umbreon-EX

Its first attack comes in handy a lot, especially when you are dead drawing. [card name=”Umbreon-EX” set=”Fates Collide” no=”55″ c=”name”][/card] also serves as your Dark type.

No Dragonite-EX

We already cover the Colorless type with [card name=”Shaymin-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”77″ c=”name”][/card], and we generally want to fill the Bench only with Pokemon that can contribute to [card name=”Xerneas” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”107″ c=”name”][/card]’ damage.

Four Max Elixir

I’ve tried the version that just plays the [card name=”Exp. Share” set=”Dragon Vault” no=”18″ c=”name”][/card] but I always hated missing the [card name=”Exp. Share” set=”Dragon Vault” no=”18″ c=”name”][/card] drops and not being able to recover from an early KO. [card name=”Max Elixir” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”102″ c=”name”][/card] isn’t ideal with only eight Fairy Energy, but it’s our only option. I use [card name=”Exp. Share” set=”Dragon Vault” no=”18″ c=”name”][/card] in the deck as well, just in a more limited role. [card name=”Max Elixir” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”102″ c=”name”][/card] also allows for the turn one Rainbow Force, which is a huge way to generate momentum early. [card name=”Max Elixir” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”102″ c=”name”][/card] seems to be the way going forward for Rainbow Road decks, and I agree with that direction for these decks.

Two Exp. Share

[card name=”Exp. Share” set=”Dragon Vault” no=”18″ c=”name”][/card] is in the deck for some redundancy. I like this a lot more than [card name=”Fighting Fury Belt” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”99″ c=”name”][/card] since [card name=”Rattata” set=”Evolutions” no=”66″ c=”name”][/card] is making its way into decks. It’s hard to remove [card name=”Exp. Share” set=”Primal Clash” no=”128″ c=”name”][/card] before it becomes useful, so I left [card name=”Fighting Fury Belt” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”99″ c=”name”][/card] off for a more consistent recover option.

The rest of the choices in the deck should be pretty obvious.

Matchups

M Gardevoir-EX 70 – 30

This is similar to my breakdown of this matchup for [card name=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”105″ c=”name”][/card]. This deck just sets up quicker than [card name=”M Gardevoir-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”112″ c=”name”][/card] can. It’s collecting two Prizes at a time while [card name=”M Gardevoir-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”112″ c=”name”][/card] is only collecting one. As long as Rainbow Road can keep recovering from KOs and [card name=”N” set=”Dark Explorers” no=”96″ c=”name”][/card], this should be a piece of cake.

Darkrai-EX / Giratina-EX / Garbodor 50 – 50

[card name=”Giratina-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] is a slight issue, as is getting out [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] with a [card name=”Parallel City” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”145″ c=”name”][/card] out. That’s why I rate this matchup a 50-50, even though [card name=”Giratina-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] is weak to Fairy and [card name=”Darkrai-EX” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”74″ c=”name”][/card] is resisted by [card name=”Xerneas” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”107″ c=”name”][/card]. The little disruptive elements of [card name=”Darkrai-EX” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”74″ c=”name”][/card] / [card name=”Giratina-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”93″ c=”name”][/card] / [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] affect Rainbow Road in huge ways.

Yveltal / Garbodor 60 – 40

This is slightly favorable since this deck isn’t nearly as disruptive as the [card name=”Darkrai-EX” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”118″ c=”name”][/card] / [card name=”Giratina-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”93″ c=”name”][/card] variant. I would rate this as an even better matchup for Rainbow Road if it wasn’t for [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Parallel City” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”145″ c=”name”][/card] both being in Yveltal / Garbodor. It’s so disruptive for [card name=”Xerneas” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”107″ c=”name”][/card], but at least the [card name=”Parallel City” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”145″ c=”name”][/card] isn’t locked into play with a Chaos Wheel.

Vileplume / Walls 40 – 60

This isn’t a great matchup if you cannot get a [card name=”Float Stone” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”137″ c=”name”][/card] down on [card name=”Flygon-EX” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY61″ c=”name”][/card]. You have to be pretty lucky with hitting your [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Flashfire” no=”104″ c=”name”][/card] while under [card name=”Vileplume” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”3″ c=”name”][/card] lock, or just hope that they cannot get it out. You will be in for a pretty bad time if they get a [card name=”Jolteon-EX” set=”Generations” no=”28″ c=”name”][/card] rolling while you’re Item locked.

I like [card name=”Xerneas” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”107″ c=”name”][/card] a lot, even though it can have some consistency issues. Now onto my favorite of the three [card name=”Sky Field” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”89″ c=”name”][/card] decks.

M Gardevoir-EX

This deck is absolutely insane. I feel like it’s similar to Night March levels of good (okay, maybe not that good). This deck can Knock Out anything that isn’t a Mega Pokemon in one hit, in addition to using various tech Pokemon that have reusable effects.

Here’s my current list that I’ve been testing for the last two weeks.

[decklist name=”gardyy” amt=”60″ caption=”” cname=”M Gardevoir-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”112″][pokemon amt=”17″]3x [card name=”M Gardevoir-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”112″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]3x [card name=”Gardevoir-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”111″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]4x [card name=”Shaymin-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”77″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]2x [card name=”Hoopa-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”89″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Dragonite-EX” set=”Evolutions” no=”72″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Absol” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”40″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Rattata” set=”Evolutions” no=”66″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Magearna” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY165″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”35″]3x [card name=”Professor Sycamore” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”107″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”N” set=”Noble Victories” no=”92″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Flashfire” no=”104″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Brock’s Grit” set=”Evolutions” no=”107″ 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=”Plasma Freeze” no=”122″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Gardevoir Spirit Link” set=”Steam Siege” no=”101″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Trainers’ Mail” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”100″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]3x [card name=”Mega Turbo” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”86″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Escape Rope” set=”Plasma Storm” no=”120″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Super Rod” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”149″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]4x [card name=”Sky Field” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”89″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card][/trainers][energy amt=”8″]6x [card name=”Fairy Energy” set=”Evolutions” no=”99″ c=”deck2″ amt=”6″][/card]2x [card name=”Metal Energy” set=”Evolutions” no=”98″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card][/energy][/decklist] 

I have a lot to talk about with this list, so sit tight.

Card Explanations

3-3 M Gardevoir-EX

I used to play a 4-3 split, but I’ve found that the extra [card name=”Gardevoir-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”111″ c=”name”][/card] is just too much redundancy. Typically you attack with two [card name=”M Gardevoir-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”112″ c=”name”][/card] in a game, and we can always recover [card name=”Gardevoir-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”111″ c=”name”][/card] with [card name=”Dragonite-EX” set=”Evolutions” no=”72″ c=”name”][/card]. I also use the Steam Siege [card name=”Gardevoir-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”78″ c=”name”][/card] because I like the idea of OHKOing a [card name=”Giratina-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”93″ c=”name”][/card] with a [card name=”Double Dragon Energy” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”97″ c=”name”][/card] attached to it for just two Energy. Some players use the Life Leap [card name=”Gardevoir-EX” set=”Radiant Collection 2″ no=”RC30″ c=”name”][/card] since it has a one Energy attack.

Two Hoopa-EX, Two Dragonite-EX

Opening and closing in two different cards. One starts and one recovers. I mentioned the 2-2 split before for [card name=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”105″ c=”name”][/card]. This still holds true for this deck, and you especially need two [card name=”Dragonite-EX” set=”Evolutions” no=”106″ c=”name”][/card] because you discard so many Pokemon when trying to take OHKOs.

Four Shaymin-EX

I know some players try to play three, but four [card name=”Shaymin-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”77″ c=”name”][/card] is defintely the best. You will feel it for sure if your third one is prized and you only play three. Four just makes so much sense when you need to discard them to do substantial damage and they are your main draw power.

One Absol

[card name=”Absol” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”40″ c=”name”][/card] is bonkers in matchups where you have to two hit for KOs. Examples of these are [card name=”Darkrai-EX” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”74″ c=”name”][/card] and any Mega Pokemon attacker. You hit for some damage, usually 110, and then you [card name=”Absol” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”40″ c=”name”][/card] off three damage counters to another one of their attacking Pokemon. This sets that Pokemon up to be OHKOd later. You then take your KO against the Pokemon that you hit once, then their Pokemon with damage on it can be OHKOd. This doesn’t work against 240 HP Pokemon like [card name=”Primal Groudon-EX” set=”Primal Clash” no=”151″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Primal Kyogre-EX” set=”Primal Clash” no=”55″ c=”name”][/card], but it does work well in the mirror and against [card name=”Darkrai-EX” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”74″ c=”name”][/card].

This has an added benefit of working well against [card name=”Gyarados” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”21″ c=”name”][/card] decks. Moving over damage to clean off a [card name=”Magikarp” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY143″ c=”name”][/card] to Knock Out another will be more than just annoying to that deck. You can easily discard [card name=”Absol” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”40″ c=”name”][/card] and reuse it with [card name=”Dragonite-EX” set=”Evolutions” no=”106″ c=”name”][/card].

[cardimg name=”M Gardevoir-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”79″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]

One Magearna

This may come as a surprise, but I think that Rainbow Road’s impact on the meta means that a one-of copy (that’s reusable with [card name=”Dragonite-EX” set=”Evolutions” no=”106″ c=”name”][/card]) is necessary in this deck. This card gives you a one Prize attacker against Rainbow Road that just destroys them, and it also gives you a way to damage and possible OHKO [card name=”Regice” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”24″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Glaceon-EX” set=”Fates Collide” no=”116″ c=”name”][/card] in [card name=”Vileplume” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”3″ c=”name”][/card] / Walls.

One Rattata

Pokemon with [card name=”Fighting Fury Belt” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”99″ c=”name”][/card] are annoying and cannot be Knocked Out in one hit. This was a big factor in holding back [card name=”M Gardevoir-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”112″ c=”name”][/card] decks in the past. With those [card name=”Fighting Fury Belt” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”99″ c=”name”][/card] gone, you can secure OHKOs pretty easily. It also helps against Spirit Links or [card name=”Float Stone” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”137″ c=”name”][/card].

Two N

A lot of the lists I see for this deck play a three [card name=”Professor Sycamore” set=”XY” no=”122″ c=”name”][/card] to one [card name=”N” set=”Dark Explorers” no=”96″ c=”name”][/card] ratio of draw Supporters. I personally believe four draw Supporters is too thin. I am drawing well and not missing draws with five, even under Item-lock. Another option that I’ve heard is that people are playing [card name=”Skyla” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”122″ c=”name”][/card] in the deck instead of a third [card name=”Professor Sycamore” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”107″ c=”name”][/card]. That is also ok since it will guarantee you an [card name=”Ultra Ball” set=”Plasma Blast” no=”90″ c=”name”][/card] on turn one, which is really crucial.

Two Hex Maniac

You need to hit these against [card name=”Giratina-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”93″ c=”name”][/card], which is incredibly popular. It’s also nice to combo with [card name=”Escape Rope” set=”Primal Clash” no=”127″ c=”name”][/card] against a [card name=”Vileplume” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”3″ c=”name”][/card] / Walls deck. As mentioned previously these are also super useful against [card name=”Volcanion-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”107″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Greninja” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”40″ c=”name”][/card].

One Brock’s Grit

[card name=”Brock’s Grit” set=”Evolutions” no=”107″ c=”name”][/card] over [card name=”Karen” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY177″ c=”name”][/card] is a preference thing like I mentioned earlier. Some Pokemon, I want to keep in the discard pile, since grabbing them with [card name=”Dragonite-EX” set=”Evolutions” no=”106″ c=”name”][/card] is much easier than with [card name=”Ultra Ball” set=”Flashfire” no=”99″ c=”name”][/card] late game. It’s also nice to recover some Energy if I’m out of [card name=”Mega Turbo” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”86″ c=”name”][/card]. [card name=”Karen” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY177″ c=”name”][/card] is much better against [card name=”Vespiquen” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”10″ c=”name”][/card] decks, but it is important to remember that a lot of Vespiquen decks play [card name=”Klefki” set=”Steam Siege” no=”80″ c=”name”][/card], which you defintely don’t want your opponent recovering. The same applies to [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card]. When you KO one, you don’t want to open up your opponent to getting another one out.

Two Escape Rope

Starting with a [card name=”Hoopa-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”89″ c=”name”][/card] or [card name=”Dragonite-EX” set=”Evolutions” no=”72″ c=”name”][/card] isn’t common, but it sometimes happens. Running a fast retreat option like this will get those out of the Active spot pretty easily. It also helps against [card name=”Glaceon-EX” set=”Fates Collide” no=”116″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Regice” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”24″ c=”name”][/card].

One Super Rod

A single [card name=”Super Rod” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”149″ c=”name”][/card] seems sketchy but [card name=”Dragonite-EX” set=”Evolutions” no=”72″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Brock’s Grit” set=”Evolutions” no=”107″ c=”name”][/card] provides almost all the recovery we need. If you want to fit another, you can. Another option is [card name=”Buddy-Buddy Rescue” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”135″ c=”name”][/card] since it combos well with [card name=”Dragonite-EX” set=”Evolutions” no=”106″ c=”name”][/card].

Four Sky Field

I’ve seen lists with three, but hitting [card name=”Sky Field” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”89″ c=”name”][/card] early is crucial for an explosive start. Replacing [card name=”Parallel City” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”145″ c=”name”][/card] is also necessary if you ever want to OHKO a Pokemon-EX.

[cardimg name=”Sky Field” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”89″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]

Matchups

Darkrai-EX / Giratina-EX / Garbodor 60 – 40

I rate this is slightly favorable. It really depends on if you can Knock Out their [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card], if they manage to get it out. It also depends on if the first [card name=”Darkrai-EX” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”118″ c=”name”][/card] is two hitting you as opposed to three hitting you. The Resistance goes far for [card name=”M Gardevoir-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”112″ c=”name”][/card], but [card name=”Darkrai-EX” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”118″ c=”name”][/card]’s Resistance is also relevant in this matchup. [card name=”Absol” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”40″ c=”name”][/card] is pretty crucial to this matchup, so make sure there isn’t a [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] out to ruin your ability to use it. If [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] is out, don’t hesitate to Knock Out their [card name=”Giratina-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”93″ c=”name”][/card]. They normally have [card name=”Double Dragon Energy” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”97″ c=”name”][/card] on them, that bolster the attack power of [card name=”Darkrai-EX” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”74″ c=”name”][/card].

Yveltal / Garbodor 55 – 45

I hate giving decks a five point edge, but it’s appropriate here. [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] plus [card name=”Parallel City” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”145″ c=”name”][/card] remains a play for them, but the biggest problem is [card name=”Yveltal” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”94″ c=”name”][/card] with the Fright Night Ability. This will slow you down immensely since you have to forfeit a turn to evolve and they have the ability to Pitch-Black Spear. Use [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Flashfire” no=”104″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ c=”name”][/card], or [card name=”Escape Rope” set=”Primal Clash” no=”127″ c=”name”][/card] to get around that. [card name=”Yveltal-EX” set=”XY” no=”144″ c=”name”][/card] will struggle to take Prizes on your [card name=”M Gardevoir-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”112″ c=”name”][/card] thanks to Resistance, and you can OHKO them if they don’t have a [card name=”Fighting Fury Belt” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”99″ c=”name”][/card] attached.

Rainbow Road 50 – 50

Getting a Metal Energy down on [card name=”Magearna” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY165″ c=”name”][/card] early is key. This will give you at least a single one-to-one prize exchange with [card name=”Xerneas” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”107″ c=”name”][/card]. Use [card name=”Super Rod” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”149″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Brock’s Grit” set=”Evolutions” no=”107″ c=”name”][/card], and [card name=”Dragonite-EX” set=”Evolutions” no=”106″ c=”name”][/card] to keep reusing the [card name=”Magearna” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY165″ c=”name”][/card]. You should be able to get a couple attacks off with it in this matchup. Since they don’t attack with any other attacker than [card name=”Xerneas” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”107″ c=”name”][/card] really, that’s huge. Any [card name=”Galvantula” set=”Steam Siege” no=”42″ c=”name”][/card] play they may have is nullified with a single attack from [card name=”M Gardevoir-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”79″ c=”name”][/card].

Vileplume / Walls 60 – 40

In my testing with this deck, I’ve found this to be a favorable matchup. Their attackers have to hit you three times to KO you, giving you time to set up [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Flashfire” no=”104″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Magearna” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY165″ c=”name”][/card], and [card name=”Escape Rope” set=”Primal Clash” no=”127″ c=”name”][/card] plays. They can still make things difficult for you if they [card name=”N” set=”Noble Victories” no=”101″ c=”name”][/card] you into a garbage hand with a [card name=”Vileplume” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”3″ c=”name”][/card] out. Use [card name=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ c=”name”][/card] often and try to grab that [card name=”Magearna” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY165″ c=”name”][/card] to drop on your Bench.

[card name=”M Gardevoir-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”79″ c=”name”][/card] is overall my favorite choice of the three because of its options. This deck’s obvious hideous matchups are [card name=”M Scizor-EX” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”120″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”105″ c=”name”][/card]. [card name=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”105″ c=”name”][/card] because you can only two hit them at best, and they’re consistently OHKOing you. [card name=”M Scizor-EX” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”120″ c=”name”][/card] for Weakness obviously.

Conclusion

[card name=”Sky Field” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”89″ c=”name”][/card] decks tend to be the only decks that can hit for major damage currently. They have a huge glass jaw in that they are really hurt by [card name=”Parallel City” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”145″ c=”name”][/card]. These decks also tend to rely heavily on a huge first turn with four [card name=”Shaymin-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”106″ c=”name”][/card], so Ability-lock hurts them pretty bad. A Bench of eight is obviously a game changing mechanic, so Sky Field decks are naturally very powerful. These decks got their huge boost from Evolutions being printed, and that will be what will push these decks over the top at Fort Wayne.

I hope to see you guys in Fort Wayne. Come say hi if you see me. Make sure to check out Andrew Mahone’s article on decks that feature [card name=”Parallel City” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”145″ c=”name”][/card].  I’ll likely be playing a [card name=”Sky Field” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”89″ c=”name”][/card] deck for Fort Wayne but maybe Andrew can convince me otherwise.

~Treynor Wolfe

[/premium]