63 Problems But a Deck Check Ain’t One — Eight Potent Plays for Virginia
Welcome back to the ‘Beach, trainers. Darkrai-EX
Overview
I covered this guy in my last article here, so I don’t want to bore you too much with more rhetoric as to why it’s a great play, day in, and day out. The deck is just simple, speedy, and has even or better matchups against nearly everything! I expect [card name=”Darkrai-EX” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”74″ c=”name”][/card] to have a fantastic showing wherever it pops up going forward.
Why I’d Play It
- Naturally an extremely strong deck that can beat anything, even Fighting type decks (I once took down two of them back to back in the quarterfinals and finals of a League Cup event)
- Simple to pick up and play
- Very solid array of matchups across the board
Why I’d Avoid It
- Avoiding weird hands, like two [card name=”Silent Lab” set=”Primal Clash” no=”140″ c=”name”][/card] along with a [card name=”Professor Sycamore” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”107″ c=”name”][/card] against a [card name=”Volcanion” set=”Steam Siege” no=”25″ c=”name”][/card] deck, is an accepted luck factor while playing the deck
- Getting [card name=”Max Elixir” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”102″ c=”name”][/card] drops to work is crucial
- Hitting for OHKOs after a few turns is needed to compete with some of the bigger Mega Pokemon decks
Deck List (Courtesy of Kenny Britton)
[decklist name=”null” amt=”60″ caption=”” cname=”Darkrai-EX” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”74″][pokemon amt=”9″]4x [card name=”Darkrai-EX” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”74″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]2x [card name=”Yveltal” set=”XY” no=”78″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Shaymin-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”77″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Hoopa-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”36″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”39″]4x [card name=”Professor Sycamore” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”107″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”N” set=”Fates Collide” no=”105″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”78″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Team Flare Grunt” set=”Generations” no=”73″ 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=”Sun and Moon” no=”135″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Max Elixir” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”102″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Exp. Share” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”118″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]3x [card name=”Trainers’ Mail” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”92″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Escape Rope” set=”Primal Clash” no=”127″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Fighting Fury Belt” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”99″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Enhanced Hammer” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”94″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Float Stone” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”137″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]2x [card name=”Silent Lab” set=”Primal Clash” no=”140″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Parallel City” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”145″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/trainers][energy amt=”12″]12x [card name=”Darkness Energy” set=”Evolutions” no=”97″ c=”deck2″ amt=”12″][/card][/energy][/decklist]
Matchups
Darkrai-EX | Even
Whoever does more damage quicker will generally win, although [card name=”Exp. Share” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”118″ c=”name”][/card] usage is important, too. Most lists have begun to play three of them, so it’s never been more important to beat your opponent to the punch when getting these down into play. Be wary of [card name=”Parallel City” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”145″ c=”name”][/card], since your opponent could drop it at any time, and if you haven’t placed your Energy on just three Pokemon on your Bench, you might be forced to discard some [card name=”Darkness Energy” set=”Evolutions” no=”97″ c=”name”][/card] and in the process, limit your damage output.
[cardimg name=”Exp. Share” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”118″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]
Decidueye-GX / Vileplume | Even
Hopefully you win the coin flip, and in that case, try not to leave any big Retreat Pokemon stranded without a [card name=”Float Stone” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”137″ c=”name”][/card], or Energy, on your Bench. This will remove a “win condition” where your opponent uses a [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”78″ c=”name”][/card] to move one of those brutes into your Active and continually uses Feather Arrow drops on your Benched Pokemon, while avoiding attacking your Active Pokemon. A simple stream of damage in the low 100’s will generally be enough to win against this deck. A turn one Vileplume from your opponent might mean a quick loss though.
Lapras-GX | Favorable
[card name=”Lapras-GX” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”35″ c=”name”][/card] is a super slow deck, and it relies on rendering an opposing player’s deck “useless”, after clearing the field of Energy, and with that, attackers. When you face off with this deck, it is ideal to get an [card name=”Yveltal” set=”XY” no=”78″ c=”name”][/card] out with a [card name=”Float Stone” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”137″ c=”name”][/card] on it, and just two [card name=”Darkrai-EX” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”74″ c=”name”][/card] on your Bench. Loading up your field and then chipping away at Lapras-GX attackers is ideal. Yveltal will recover Energy with its Oblivion Wing attack, and since your deck plays [card name=”Escape Rope” set=”Primal Clash” no=”127″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Switch” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”132″ c=”name”][/card], most likely, and with those, you can escape the Paralysis that Ice Beam GX inflicts. If you don’t over-bench Pokemon, you should be fine. Just keep your Energy safe and the rest will fall into place.
M Gardevoir-EX | Slightly Unfavorable
[card name=”M Gardevoir-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”79″ c=”name”][/card]’s Resistance is extremely problematic, and to make things worse, a Gardevoir player can now swing for OHKOs if he or she plays [card name=”Professor Kukui” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”128″ c=”name”][/card], which I think all lists should be. Your best bet to taking wins comes from a [card name=”Silent Lab” set=”Primal Clash” no=”140″ c=”name”][/card] drop in combination with [card name=”N” set=”Fates Collide” no=”105″ c=”name”][/card], and hoping your opponent doesn’t draw a way out of it. With that, you can buy more time to get more Darkness Energy into play, and eventually creep towards one-hit Knock Out numbers.
M Mewtwo-EX | Slightly Favorable
Contrasting to the last matchup I talked about, this time, your own Resistance throws your opponent through a loop. You are effectively going to be 2HKOing each other in the early game, and towards the end, you’re going to be with the advantage since your numbers should be far greater and you’ll be taking down [card name=”M Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”64″ c=”name”][/card] in one attack.
M Rayquaza-EX | Even
Stadium cards will be extremely important for both players, here. Your [card name=”Parallel City” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”145″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Silent Lab” set=”Primal Clash” no=”140″ c=”name”][/card] will be huge, since they stop [card name=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”76″ c=”name”][/card] from taking OHKOs, which is the main reason that Ray can win.
Volcanion | Slightly Favorable
[card name=”Silent Lab” set=”Primal Clash” no=”140″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ c=”name”][/card] are going to be your go-tos, and if you’re unable to find them at the right times, or your opponent has a counter, you’ll be in for a tough time.
Yveltal | Favorable
This deck is the main reason that [card name=”Darkrai-EX” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”74″ c=”name”][/card] decks burst onto the scene, as Yveltal struggles greatly with the pressure of powerful Dark Pulse attacks. Evil Ball will almost never take OHKOs, and it is obvious that the whole point of Darkrai is to do the opposite, and take Prizes as quickly as possible with huge attacks.
Decidueye-GX / Vileplume
Overview
[cardimg name=”Decidueye-GX” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”12″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]
Item-lock, powerful attacks, this deck has it all, and then some. However, all of this comes with a price, and for some players, that tag comes in a little too high for the risk to pay off. [card name=”Decidueye-GX” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”12″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Vileplume” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”3″ c=”name”][/card] are both some big Stage 2 Pokemon, and the inconsistencies that come along with setting them both up can be tragic, sometimes. Aside from that, though, this deck is probably the “best deck in the format”, and is well deserving of the title after its repeated successes all around the globe in big events.
Why I’d Play It
- Item-lock kills off a lot of the format from the first turn of the game onwards
- It’s a very fun and oppressive deck to play
- Hollow Hunt GX as an attack can make up for sloppy decisions or bad luck when having to make choices in discarding cards
Why I’d Avoid It
- Prone to inconsistent starts, you are playing two Stage 2 Pokemon, so that’s expected sometimes
- When you don’t get the turn one Vileplume, your opponent can sometimes overwhelm you, and you also are susceptible to [card name=”Trubbish” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”56″ c=”name”][/card] with [card name=”Float Stone” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”137″ c=”name”][/card] plays
- [card name=”Wobbuffet” set=”Radiant Collection 2″ no=”RC11″ c=”name”][/card] starts, or turn one [card name=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ c=”name”][/card] drops can completely stop you in your tracks, and force you into awkward situations where you cannot set up effectively
Deck List (Courtesy of Aaron Tarbell)
[decklist name=”null” amt=”60″ caption=”” cname=”Decidueye-GX” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”12″][pokemon amt=”24″]4x [card name=”Decidueye-GX” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”12″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Dartrix” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”10″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Rowlet” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”9″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]2x [card name=”Vileplume” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”3″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Gloom” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”2″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Oddish” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”1″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]3x [card name=”Shaymin-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”77″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Lugia-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”68″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Mewtwo” set=”Evolutions” no=”51″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”28″]4x [card name=”Professor Sycamore” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”107″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”N” set=”Fates Collide” no=”105″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]2x [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”78″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”2″][/card]4x [card name=”Ultra Ball” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”135″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Level Ball” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”76″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]3x [card name=”Trainers’ Mail” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”92″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Float Stone” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”137″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Revitalizer” set=”Generations” no=”70″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”2″][/card]4x [card name=”Forest of Giant Plants” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”74″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card][/trainers][energy amt=”8″]4x [card name=”Grass Energy” set=”Evolutions” no=”91″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Double Colorless” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”136″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card][/energy][/decklist]
Matchups
Darkrai-EX | Slightly Favorable
Decidueye-GX / Vileplume | Even
Could I say whoever goes first through a loudspeaker? That’s pretty much how this matchup goes, unless someone doesn’t get a turn one [card name=”Vileplume” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”3″ c=”name”][/card], or the opposite player has a super lucky hand. Regardless, this is generally pretty one sided to a certain player.
Lapras-GX | Slightly Unfavorable
[card name=”Lapras-GX” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”35″ c=”name”][/card] decks were built during the initial hype of Decidueye-GX / Vileplume, so your opponent will be playing tons and tons of Energy hate. These cards make this matchup very rough, especially [card name=”Team Skull Grunt” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”133″ c=”name”][/card]. Initially you would think that using Hollow Hunt GX would save the day to recover Energy, but immediately after you use the attack, a Lapras player will Team Skull Grunt away two of those precious Energy cards. Additionally, with three or four [card name=”Team Flare Grunt” set=”Generations” no=”73″ c=”name”][/card], your Energy on the field won’t be safe, either. You can steal games with Vileplume, catching them with a dead hand, or just applying enough pressure with OHKOs, but that scenario is generally unlikely.
M Gardevoir-EX | Slightly Favorable
Tabbing pretty much any Mega Pokemon deck with a “slightly favorable” assessment is fair. Those decks rely heavily on Item cards, most notably, Spirit Links. Without those, your opponent will have to spend many turns without attacking, and you’ll be able to go nuts with Feather Arrow drops and powerful attacks. However, many Gardevoir players have upped their [card name=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ c=”name”][/card] count as high as three. With this being the case, sometimes, if your opponent goes first, he or she can stop you in your tracks and make it hard to set up by dropping a Hex. This matchup can go either way, but often you should be on top.
M Mewtwo-EX | Even
[cardimg name=”Beedrill-EX” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY157″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]
Most [card name=”M Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”64″ c=”name”][/card] decks are playing [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card], and if they’re not, then they’re playing [card name=”Wobbuffet” set=”Radiant Collection 2″ no=”RC11″ c=”name”][/card]. Better yet, sometimes, they’re playing both! This spells trouble for a deck that’s completely dependent on using Abilities to generate offense, and that’s why this matchup is difficult. If your opponent goes first, then you’re probably going to lose. However, playing first, a quick [card name=”Vileplume” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”3″ c=”name”][/card] generally locks them out of the game, regardless of any other circumstances. There is very subtle maneuverability even when your opponent gets a Garbodor out, depending on if you play a [card name=”Beedrill-EX” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY157″ c=”name”][/card] to remove the Garbodor’s Tool card, and get your Abilities back. Overall, this boils down to a matchup fifty-fifty in nature.
M Rayquaza-EX | Slightly Favorable
While [card name=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”76″ c=”name”][/card] can take a [card name=”Decidueye-GX” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”12″ c=”name”][/card] out in one hit with a full Bench of eight and an Emerald Break, it will struggle to really do anything under Item-lock. Even with Hex Maniac, it will be hard to set up since Hex Maniac stops a Rayquaza player from using his or her own [card name=”Hoopa-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”36″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Shaymin-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”77″ c=”name”][/card]. As the same with the Gardevoir matchup, a Ray player can sometimes get you just by going first and destroying your setup by preventing you from using Set Up. Once the game gets going in ideal situations, your opponent will struggle to do much of anything, and the biggest problem will be refilling the Bench after you play a counter Stadium in that of [card name=”Forest of Giant Plants” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”74″ c=”name”][/card]. Ray is a deck that’s always been incredibly weak to Item-lock decks, and this matchup is no different.
Volcanion | Slightly Favorable
Don’t let Weakness fool you, Decidueye-GX / Vileplume is still very strong against Volcanion decks. While Fire Pokemon usually scorch Grass ones, a Volcanion player usually must bench multiple [card name=”Volcanion-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”26″ c=”name”][/card], and sometimes he or she might even play down a [card name=”Hoopa-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”36″ c=”name”][/card]. These Pokemon have hefty Retreat Costs, and when you use a [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”78″ c=”name”][/card], you can drag one up that has no Energy attached and go to town with Feather Arrow drops on your opponent’s Benched Pokemon. This doesn’t always happen though, of course, and those are the sorts of games you lose. Overall, [card name=”Lugia-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”68″ c=”name”][/card] can also serve as a fantastic option that isn’t smacked with an annoying Weakness and Vileplume is incredible against Volcanion decks. Decidueye’s Feather Arrow damage supplements it all and makes for a strong game plan.
Yveltal | Even
Here you have another matchup against a [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] deck, and that’s trouble for you, as always. Some Yveltal decks have started to play [card name=”Wobbuffet” set=”Radiant Collection 2″ no=”RC11″ c=”name”][/card], which is always a bother, but otherwise, you’re just going to be crossing your fingers that your opponent doesn’t get a [card name=”Trubbish” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”56″ c=”name”][/card] down on the first turn with a [card name=”Float Stone” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”137″ c=”name”][/card], provided he or she even goes first. Getting a turn one Vileplume on your own turn is imperative, and if you can avoid Garbodor, or KO it, your attacks and Feather Arrow damage output will be far too much for an Yveltal deck to handle. This one can go both ways, of course, with Garbodor being an option in the mix.
[premium]
Lapras-GX
Overview
[cardimg name=”Wailord-EX” set=”Primal Clash” no=”38″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]
A Water giant, an attacking [card name=”Wailord-EX” set=”Primal Clash” no=”38″ c=”name”][/card]! There’s lots to love when it comes to this deck and its surge into the metagame, and while I’m not personally a fan, I do like that we have a viable disruption deck available. [card name=”Lapras-GX” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”35″ c=”name”][/card] repeatedly uses Collect to draw three cards, and builds up a big hand with a variety of options. Along with [card name=”Rough Seas” set=”Primal Clash” no=”137″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Fighting Fury Belt” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”99″ c=”name”][/card], a 230 HP Lapras-GX can withstand plenty of hits, and force your opponent to spend a lot of resources to get things going his or her way. Lapras-GX’s GX attack, Ice Beam GX, continues to force your opponent’s hand, and since most decks nowadays don’t play switching cards, that can mean serious trouble for most of the format.
Why I’d Play It
- Does extremely well against inexperienced, lesser skilled players
- Interesting and thought provoking to play
- Strong disruption options with [card name=”Delinquent” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”98″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Team Flare Grunt” set=”Generations” no=”73″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Team Skull Grunt” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”133″ c=”name”][/card], and the like
Why I’d Avoid It
- Can struggle against OHKOs coming from decks like [card name=”M Gardevoir-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”79″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”76″ c=”name”][/card], and obviously, [card name=”Vespiquen” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”10″ c=”name”][/card]
- If your opponent attacks with one Energy, then it’ll be difficult to effectively lock him or her out of the game
- Without finding more Lapras-GX for your Bench, or a Water Energy, you can fall victim to a quick win from your opponent via Bench-out
Deck List (Courtesy of Eric Gansman)
[decklist name=”null” amt=”60″ caption=”” cname=”Lapras-GX” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”35″][pokemon amt=”5″]4x [card name=”Lapras-GX” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”35″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]1x [card name=”Wobbuffet” set=”Radiant Collection 2″ no=”RC11″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”45″]4x [card name=”N” set=”Fates Collide” no=”105″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Team Flare Grunt” set=”Generations” no=”73″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]2x [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”78″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Team Skull Grunt” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”133″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Delinquent” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”98″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/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=”Professor Kukui” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”128″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Skyla” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”148″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Team Rocket’s Handiwork” set=”Fates Collide” no=”112″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]4x [card name=”Crushing Hammer” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”115″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Puzzle of Time” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”109″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”VS Seeker” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”109″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Fighting Fury Belt” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”99″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Enhanced Hammer” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”94″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Nest Ball” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”123″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Energy Recycler” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”72″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Professor’s Letter” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”146″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Switch” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”132″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Float Stone” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”137″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]4x [card name=”Rough Seas” set=”Primal Clash” no=”137″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card][/trainers][energy amt=”10″]10x [card name=”Water Energy” set=”Evolutions” no=”93″ c=”deck2″ amt=”10″][/card][/energy][/decklist]
Matchups
Darkrai-EX | Unfavorable
Decidueye-GX / Vileplume | Slightly Favorable
Lapras-GX | Even
This matchup is super tedious, and drawn out. Playing a [card name=”Team Rocket’s Handiwork” set=”Fates Collide” no=”112″ c=”name”][/card] will get things sped up, and to be honest, neither player is likely to be doing very much attacking. Some Lapras-GX decks have decided to run [card name=”Energy Recycler” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”72″ c=”name”][/card] instead of [card name=”Super Rod” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”149″ c=”name”][/card], and that card is sure to make a difference in a matchup where the losing player is more than likely going to lose via deck out. Like I said earlier, it’s unlikely than many attacks will be fired off, and those attacks are likely to just be one or two Ice Beam GX attacks, and maybe a Blizzard Burn here or there. This is probably not going to be a match decided by Prize cards, as I said earlier, since [card name=”Team Flare Grunt” set=”Generations” no=”73″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Crushing Hammer” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”115″ c=”name”][/card] drops will make it nearly impossible to follow the standard path to victory.
M Gardevoir-EX | Slightly Unfavorable
[card name=”M Gardevoir-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”79″ c=”name”][/card] should run smoothly for this matchup to float the way it usually does, but often, a Garde player can fill the Bench, and have a [card name=”Rattata” set=”Evolutions” no=”66″ c=”name”][/card] somewhere in that to remove a [card name=”Fighting Fury Belt” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”99″ c=”name”][/card] from a Lapras-GX, and do a total of 190 after pitching every Benched Pokemon. [card name=”Professor Kukui” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”128″ c=”name”][/card] can make this even more easy, but not everyone plays that card. Regardless, either way is acceptable. A Lapras-GX deck relies on slowly whittling away at an opponent, and then attacking, but Gardevoir is different since it can get all the Energy it needs to attack in a single turn with help from [card name=”Mega Turbo” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”86″ c=”name”][/card] and an attachment from the hand. Lapras-GX can sometimes get a win with an Ice Beam GX that removes the last possible attacker useless on a Gardevoir player’s board.
M Mewtwo-EX | Slightly Unfavorable
Like with Gardevoir, a [card name=”M Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”64″ c=”name”][/card] player can afford to take it slow, and build up a huge attacker. Likewise, a turn two Psychic Infinity will almost always get a Lapras-GX into 2HKO range, and stop a potential Ice Beam GX. That’s basically the name of the game for a Mewtwo player, avoid Ice Beam, if you can do that, you’ll have time to get a huge Psychic Infinity going that can Knock Out any Lapras-GX in one attack. [card name=”Mega Turbo” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”86″ c=”name”][/card] is going to be the bane of your existence, and try as you may, Mewtwo is probably going to get loaded up and knocking your critters down.
M Rayquaza-EX | Slightly Unfavorable
[cardimg name=”Sky Field” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”89″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]
Jeez, these Mega Pokemon don’t let up! [card name=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”76″ c=”name”][/card], unfortunately for you, is no different. A [card name=”Sky Field” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”89″ c=”name”][/card] full Bench Emerald Break attack will be taking down your poor Lapras in one hit, even with a Fighting Fury Belt! Your only hope is to play down your [card name=”Rough Seas” set=”Primal Clash” no=”137″ c=”name”][/card], or use [card name=”Delinquent” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”98″ c=”name”][/card], and hope your opponent can’t refill the Bench, and to take out those annoying Energy cards and hope your opponent also doesn’t have a Mega Turbo, as well as a [card name=”Double Colorless” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”136″ c=”name”][/card]. Team Skull Grunt can absolutely catch them off guard, if given the opportunity to use it, so be on the lookout for the option. If your opponent is playing a [card name=”Puzzle of Time” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”109″ c=”name”][/card] variant of Ray, you’re in for an even worse time, however.
Volcanion | Unfavorable
Woah, this is unfavorable? I guess I was fooled at first, too, but don’t let it deceive you. Volcanion is a deck that can swing for 230 damage repeatedly every turn once it gets a [card name=”Volcanion-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”26″ c=”name”][/card] powered up with a Fighting Fury Belt, and that just so happens to be the magic number to OHKO a Lapras-EX. That’s indicative of what I’m about to say here, and that’s that you won’t be attacking nearly as quickly as your opponent. In fact, Volcanion-EX will probably have a chance to take a OHKO on the Lapras-GX you’re powering up before you even have a chance to do anything! Overall, this is a pretty bad matchup, Weakness aside.
Yveltal | Favorable
This is one of your easier matchups, since Yveltal decks generally don’t have a good way of getting back lost Energy, and the best part of it all is that Yveltal’s attacks usually do so little damage that you can just heal it all off in time with [card name=”Rough Seas” set=”Primal Clash” no=”137″ c=”name”][/card]! This buys you more time to keep chipping away at them and exhausting resources. Not much else to be said here, other than if your opponent ever has a big attacking threat that you can just Ice Beam GX it, and put him or her back to square one.
M Gardevoir-EX
Overview
Once you get going, this deck has an unstoppable draw engine. Despair Ray goes in with OHKOs, and [card name=”Rattata” set=”Evolutions” no=”66″ c=”name”][/card] can ensure those Knock Outs against big Basic decks that would normally survive with a [card name=”Fighting Fury Belt” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”99″ c=”name”][/card] bolstering a Pokemon’s HP count. It comes with a few downsides, which you’ll read about in a minute.
Why I’d Play It
- Amazingly consistent once you’re set up
- Can Knock Out almost anything with Rattata and [card name=”Professor Kukui” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”128″ c=”name”][/card] in one attack
- Removes win conditions from an opponent by discarding two Prize Pokemon like [card name=”Hoopa-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”36″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Shaymin-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”77″ c=”name”][/card]
Why I’d Avoid It
- Inconsistent in the beginning of a game, it can be hard to set up
- Late game [card name=”N” set=”Fates Collide” no=”105″ c=”name”][/card] drops can destroy your board position and make it hard to seal up a win
- The deck’s bad matchups aren’t very maneuverable, and you basically must accept the potential losses
Deck List
[decklist name=”null” amt=”60″ caption=”” cname=”M Gardevoir-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”79″][pokemon amt=”16″]3x [card name=”M Gardevoir-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”79″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]3x [card name=”Gardevoir-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”78″ 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=”36″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Dragonite-EX” set=”Evolutions” no=”72″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Hawlucha” set=”Steam Siege” no=”97″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Rattata” set=”Evolutions” no=”66″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”37″]3x [card name=”Professor Sycamore” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”107″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]3x [card name=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”78″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”N” set=”Fates Collide” no=”105″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Karen” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY177″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Professor Kukui” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”128″ 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=”Sun and Moon” no=”135″ 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=”Roaring Skies” no=”92″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Fairy Drop” set=”Fates Collide” no=”99″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Mega Turbo” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”86″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Escape Rope” set=”Primal Clash” no=”127″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Switch” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”132″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Super Rod” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”149″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]3x [card name=”Sky Field” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”89″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card][/trainers][energy amt=”7″]7x [card name=”Fairy Energy” set=”Evolutions” no=”99″ c=”deck2″ amt=”7″][/card][/energy][/decklist]
Matchups
Darkrai-EX | Slightly Favorable
Decidueye-GX / Vileplume | Slightly Unfavorable
Lapras-GX | Favorable
M Gardevoir-EX | Even
[card name=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ c=”name”][/card], Hex Maniac, that’s all I should say about this one. Using Hex to your advantage is crucial, and whoever goes first and gets to drop a Maniac to end his or her turn will be at a huge advantage.
M Mewtwo-EX | Extremely Favorable
Do I really need to explain this one? [card name=”M Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”64″ c=”name”][/card] has a glaring Weakness to the Psychic type, which Gardevoir just so happens to be. One Despair Ray, and you’ll be sitting pretty.
M Rayquaza-EX | Extremely Unfavorable
Hex, question mark? Playing a Hex Maniac when you go first, and continuing to do so for most of the rest of the game is your only real hope at winning against [card name=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”76″ c=”name”][/card]. Emerald Break completely out trades you, and you’ll never be able to take OHKOs of your own, at that.
Volcanion | Favorable
Despair Ray with a full Bench and use of [card name=”Rattata” set=”Evolutions” no=”66″ c=”name”][/card] are just enough to take a OHKO, and if you can couple that with a [card name=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ c=”name”][/card], the game will be just about over. From there, you can continue one-hitting [card name=”Volcanion-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”26″ c=”name”][/card], and taking the remaining Prizes you have to secure a victory.
Yveltal | Slightly Favorable
[cardimg name=”Fairy Drop” set=”Fates Collide” no=”99″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]
If you’re still playing [card name=”Fairy Drop” set=”Fates Collide” no=”99″ c=”name”][/card], you’ll be just fine. [card name=”Yveltal” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”94″ c=”name”][/card]’s Fright Night is always annoying against Mega Pokemon decks, but with [card name=”Fairy Drop” set=”Fates Collide” no=”99″ c=”name”][/card], you can pretty much offset its Pitch-Black Spear attack and avoid any potential 2HKOs from your opponent. Even if you’re two-hitting your opponent yourself, you’re in great shape to win, since your Resistance to Darkness makes it difficult for your opponent to do as much as you’re doing.
M Mewtwo-EX
Overview
A huge Mega Pokemon attacker with a defensive side when you play [card name=”Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”62″ c=”name”][/card], and [card name=”Shrine of Memories” set=”Primal Clash” no=”139″ c=”name”][/card]. Psychic Infinity is such a powerful attack that it outright overpowers most decks. Mewtwo is kind of the bane of many deck’s existences, and takes one truly bad matchup in [card name=”M Gardevoir-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”79″ c=”name”][/card].
Why I’d Play It
- Can beat just about anything
- Insanely powerful attacks, which is the main selling point
- Who doesn’t like focusing on one attacker and just putting all your eggs in one basket sometimes?
Why I’d Avoid It
- Inconsistent early game, much like with most Mega Pokemon decks that play Spirit Links
- Not very much room to outplay an opponent, most gameplay is just building up more attackers with Energy
- Late game [card name=”N” set=”Fates Collide” no=”105″ c=”name”][/card] drops, in combination with a Knock Out, can be fatal, since you require many Energy to take KOs in lots of cases
Deck List
[decklist name=”null” amt=”60″ caption=”” cname=”M Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”64″][pokemon amt=”15″]3x [card name=”M Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”64″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]3x [card name=”Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”62″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]1x [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]2x [card name=”Trubbish” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”56″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Shaymin-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”77″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Espeon-GX” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”61″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Eevee” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”101″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Hoopa-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”36″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Wobbuffet” set=”Radiant Collection 2″ no=”RC11″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”34″]4x [card name=”Professor Sycamore” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”107″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”N” set=”Fates Collide” no=”105″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”78″ c=”deck2″ 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=”Sun and Moon” no=”135″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Mega Turbo” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”86″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Mewtwo Spirit Link” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”144″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Float Stone” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”137″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Trainers’ Mail” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”92″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Super Rod” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”149″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]2x [card name=”Shrine of Memories” set=”Primal Clash” no=”139″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Parallel City” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”145″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/trainers][energy amt=”11″]7x [card name=”Psychic Energy” set=”Evolutions” no=”95″ c=”deck2″ amt=”7″][/card]4x [card name=”Double Colorless” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”136″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card][/energy][/decklist]
Matchups
Darkrai-EX | Slightly Unfavorable
Decidueye-GX / Vileplume | Even
Lapras-GX | Slightly Favorable
M Gardevoir-EX | Extremely Unfavorable
M Mewtwo-EX | Even
[cardimg name=”Espeon-GX” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”61″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]
This matchup is interesting, and for the most part, is greatly favored to the player that takes the first Knock Out. Most lists play [card name=”Espeon-GX” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”61″ c=”name”][/card] now, and assuming both players have Espeon, you’ll be evenly matched. So, like I said, take the first Prizes, and you’ll be on your way to victory. Also, don’t count [card name=”Trubbish” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”56″ c=”name”][/card] and its Acid Spray out as a viable attacking option, no joke!
M Rayquaza-EX | Favorable
“[card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Parallel City” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”145″ c=”name”][/card], N, Psychic Infinity for 220 and a Knock Out.” Yes, that’s usually what happens at some point in this matchup, and when that happens, Mega Ray is done for. Aside from that, I’ve even won games that I didn’t get Garbodor out in, which I think is even more of a testament to how good of a matchup this is for Mewtwo.
Volcanion | Favorable
Garbodor once again is fantastic in this matchup, and Psychic Infinity does very well against a deck that uses three Energy to attack on its main attacker. Once you have Garb out, your opponent will have to two-hit you, and you’ll be taking a Prize or two every turn; he or she will not be winning the game.
Yveltal | Slightly Favorable
[card name=”Yveltal” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”94″ c=”name”][/card] will be your only obvious weakness, as its Ability will pose a problem, as well the damage from Pitch-Black Spear. No matter, since if you can address an Yveltal before it becomes a problem, you’ll have no trouble at all taking huge Knock Outs on fat [card name=”Yveltal-EX” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY150″ c=”name”][/card] later in the game with Psychic Infinity.
M Rayquaza-EX
Overview
Fragile, but fire when it works, that’s a good way to put a wrap on this deck. [card name=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”76″ c=”name”][/card] can clock out at 240 damage with a single Emerald Break attack, but things like [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Parallel City” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”145″ c=”name”][/card], and even [card name=”Silent Lab” set=”Primal Clash” no=”140″ c=”name”][/card] will stop you from having the best chances of making it a win with that game plan. Regardless, this deck is a force to be reckoned with, and has great appeal to players that like to focus on a strong attack, similarly to a deck like Night March.
Why I’d Play It
- Biggest upside of any deck in my opinion, will either win, or flop entirely
- Extremely simple to play, just load your Bench, and attack for lots of damage
- Fun I would say, filling your Bench with [card name=”Sky Field” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”89″ c=”name”][/card] is something a lot of players tend to like
Why I’d Avoid It
- Boom or bust as far as gameplay, and matchups go
- Fear of Garbodor, Parallel City, and Silent Lab
- Inconsistent when you decide to brick, and have bad luck, there’s generally no coming back from it with this deck
Deck List
[decklist name=”null” amt=”60″ caption=”” cname=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”76″][pokemon amt=”17″]2x [card name=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”76″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”98″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/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=”36″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Dragonite-EX” set=”Evolutions” no=”72″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Volcanion-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”26″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Genesect-EX” set=”Fates Collide” no=”64″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Oranguru” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”113″ 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=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”78″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”N” set=”Fates Collide” no=”105″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Olympia” set=”Generations” no=”66″ 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=”Sun and Moon” no=”135″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Trainers’ Mail” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”92″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Mega Turbo” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”86″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]3x [card name=”Rayquaza Spirit Link” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”87″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Float Stone” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”137″ 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″]4x [card name=”Double Colorless” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”136″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Fire Energy” set=”Evolutions” no=”92″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card][/energy][/decklist]
Matchups
Darkrai-EX | Even
Decidueye-GX / Vileplume | Slightly Unfavorable
Lapras-GX | Slightly Favorable
M Gardevoir-EX | Extremely Favorable
M Mewtwo-EX | Unfavorable
M Rayquaza-EX | Even
[cardimg name=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]
[card name=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ c=”name”][/card], just like with the [card name=”M Gardevoir-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”79″ c=”name”][/card] mirror, is a big part of the game plan. Going first with a Hex is huge. Other than that, just hope your opponent can’t chain M Rayquaza-EX, or you’ll be losing if you can’t take the first Knock Out.
Volcanion | Favorable
Emerald Break for a Knock Out and a Hex Maniac play is just about all you need to secure a win at some point. Even if it takes you a little bit to get there, you’ll be just fine.
Yveltal | Slightly Unfavorable
Just like how Mewtwo beats you, Yveltal does some of the same things with [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Parallel City” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”145″ c=”name”][/card]. There’s never many options when you’re strapped out of a Bench, and your damage output is shot to go along with it.
Volcanion
Overview
Volcanion is extremely consistent, but too linear for my taste. It’s a great deck, and whenever I call it down for the count, it seems to win a big event. It doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, that’s for sure, so it’s worth talking about. Steam Up makes your attacks reach unheralded numbers, never seen before, and with its own built in Energy acceleration from Power Heater on [card name=”Volcanion” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY145″ c=”name”][/card], this deck has it all.
Why I’d Play It
- Amongst the most consistent decks in the format, a single [card name=”Hoopa-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”36″ c=”name”][/card] can get you just about everything you need in a game
- Energy acceleration from Power Heater and [card name=”Max Elixir” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”102″ c=”name”][/card]
- Simple decisions, and capitalizes better than any deck on a slow start from an opponent
Why I’d Avoid It
- [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Silent Lab” set=”Primal Clash” no=”140″ c=”name”][/card] shut you down, down to the point where it’s nearly impossible to beat most of the top tiered decks
- If you don’t get out two or three powered up [card name=”Volcanion-EX” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY173″ c=”name”][/card], you’ll run out of attackers and struggle to beat many of the decks that trade better than you in the format
- Weird matchups, where a lot are very unfavorable, and others are greatly in your own favor
Deck List (Courtesy of Mike Newey)
[decklist name=”null” amt=”60″ caption=”” cname=”Volcanion-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”26″][pokemon amt=”10″]4x [card name=”Volcanion-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”26″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Volcanion” set=”Steam Siege” no=”25″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Shaymin-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”77″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Hoopa-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”36″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”38″]4x [card name=”Professor Sycamore” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”107″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]2x [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”78″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”N” set=”Fates Collide” no=”105″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Fisherman” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”136″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Olympia” set=”Generations” no=”66″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Pokémon Ranger” set=”Steam Siege” no=”104″ 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=”Sun and Moon” no=”135″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Max Elixir” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”102″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Trainers’ Mail” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”92″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Energy Retrieval” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”116″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Escape Rope” set=”Primal Clash” no=”127″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Fighting Fury Belt” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”99″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Float Stone” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”137″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Enhanced Hammer” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”94″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]2x [card name=”Scorched Earth” set=”Fates Collide” no=”110″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Parallel City” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”145″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/trainers][energy amt=”12″]12x [card name=”Fire Energy” set=”Evolutions” no=”92″ c=”deck2″ amt=”12″][/card][/energy][/decklist]
Matchups
Darkrai-EX | Slightly Unfavorable
Decidueye-GX / Vileplume | Slightly Unfavorable
Lapras-GX | Favorable
M Gardevoir-EX | Unfavorable
M Mewtwo-EX | Unfavorable
M Rayquaza-EX | Unfavorable
Volcanion | Even
[cardimg name=”Volcanion-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”26″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]
Volcanion mirror matches are weird, since [card name=”Volcanion-EX” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY173″ c=”name”][/card] is both Fire and Water types, Knock Outs are never a problem. Generally, whoever gets the first Volcanic Heat Knock Out on an opposing Volcanion-EX wins, but [card name=”Max Elixir” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”102″ c=”name”][/card] success rates have everything to do with how simple this can be. Whoever has luck on his or her side usually will have the easier time. While being aggressive out of the gate can be good, being safer with Power Heater can have its merit, too. The only problem with that, though, is that your opponent will have many opportunities to get a [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”78″ c=”name”][/card] and pull up one of the attackers you were building before you have the chance to even use it.
Yveltal | Unfavorable
In late December, or early January, I tried just about everything to help this matchup get just a little better, and I just couldn’t do it. At first, [card name=”Enhanced Hammer” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”94″ c=”name”][/card] seemed like a great solution, preventing Yveltal from even attacking, and going from there, but in the end, Garbodor stopping Steam Up was just an impossible wall to hurdle.
Yveltal
Overview
The old faithful deck for many players around the globe, except for seemingly me. This deck is said to win games just from attaching Energy sometimes, but I’d beg to differ. Regardless of my own personal negative bias directed towards the deck, Yveltal somehow manages to win games repeatedly, so it’s always worth a shout out on any format preview discussion. Evil Ball and Y Cyclone are amazing attacks, and when you pair them with some non-EX/GX supporting attackers like [card name=”Jirachi” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY67″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Mewtwo” set=”Evolutions” no=”51″ c=”name”][/card], and [card name=”Yveltal” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”94″ c=”name”][/card], you have a winning combo that can strategically pick the right attacks in the moment, and score victories.
Why I’d Play It
- Deep strategic gameplay, choosing the right Pokemon to target on the Bench, and setting up big turns with Prizes
- Many big tournament runs by a variety of players this season, showing that anyone with the right amount of experience can do well with it
- While I may disagree, it can beat just about anything if given the chance
Why I’d Avoid It
- Its attacks simply don’t stack up with those of many other decks out there right now
- Most players still choose decks for an event with Yveltal in mind, since it had such a strangling death grip on the format earlier in the Standard season
- Too slow in a quick format
Deck List
[decklist name=”null” amt=”60″ caption=”” cname=”Yveltal-EX” set=”XY” no=”79″][pokemon amt=”12″]3x [card name=”Yveltal-EX” set=”XY” no=”79″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Trubbish” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”56″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Yveltal” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”94″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Shaymin-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”77″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Mewtwo” set=”Evolutions” no=”51″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”34″]4x [card name=”Professor Sycamore” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”107″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]2x [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”78″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”N” set=”Fates Collide” no=”105″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Olympia” set=”Generations” no=”66″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Professor Kukui” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”128″ 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=”Sun and Moon” no=”135″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Max Elixir” set=”BREAKpoint” 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=”Float Stone” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”137″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]3x [card name=”Trainers’ Mail” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”92″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]1x [card name=”Super Rod” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”149″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]2x [card name=”Parallel City” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”145″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card][/trainers][energy amt=”14″]10x [card name=”Darkness Energy” set=”Evolutions” no=”97″ c=”deck2″ amt=”10″][/card]4x [card name=”Double Colorless” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”136″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card][/energy][/decklist]
Matchups
Darkrai-EX | Unfavorable
Decidueye-GX / Vileplume | Even
Lapras-GX | Unfavorable
M Gardevoir-EX | Slightly Unfavorable
M Mewtwo-EX | Slightly Unfavorable
M Rayquaza-EX | Slightly Favorable
Volcanion | Favorable
Yveltal | Even
[cardimg name=”Yveltal” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”94″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]
This is one of the coolest mirror matches out there, and can go in many different directions. Much of it depends on the count of Yveltal each player is using, and how he or she uses those non-EX attackers. Pitch-Black Spear sets up a lot of math with Evil Ball, and Fright Night can stop the use of [card name=”Fighting Fury Belt” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”99″ c=”name”][/card]. My favorite way to play the matchup is to simply be aggressive with [card name=”Yveltal-EX” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY150″ c=”name”][/card] in the early game, and eventually use an [card name=”Yveltal” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”94″ c=”name”][/card]’s Pitch-Black Spear to clean everything up towards the end. So much comes into play in this one, things like [card name=”Parallel City” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”145″ c=”name”][/card] Bench limitations, [card name=”Enhanced Hammer” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”94″ c=”name”][/card], and much more. It’s as even as it gets on paper, but much of the result must do with the skill level of each player.
Conclusion
Alrighty folks, that’s all I have for you today. Have fun tinkering around with the decks, and deck lists for the builds I’ve discussed today in this article. Going forward, especially for Virginia Regionals, I think [card name=”Decidueye-GX” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”12″ c=”name”][/card] / [card name=”Vileplume” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”3″ c=”name”][/card] is one of the most well positioned decks, and it has the means to beat just about anything. Following just behind, [card name=”Darkrai-EX” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”74″ c=”name”][/card] is a close second, and has many of the same things that make it a super well-rounded deck that can hold its own all around. The rest of the decks I’ve mentioned today, and one that I didn’t, [card name=”Vespiquen” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”10″ c=”name”][/card], are all solid plays and are more the kind of decks that I would consider a “metacall”. If the field seems right for any of them, then play it, and have fun doing it!
See y’all next time, thanks for hanging out, and reading.
~Caleb
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