The Play for VA — A Look at the Standard Metagame
Hey PokeBeach readers! It’s Jimmy back at you with an article on the Standard format! My previous two articles were on the Expanded format, which I do not enjoy very much, so I am excited to finally talk about the Standard format again! A lot has changed when it comes to the decks and deck lists that are being played in Standard, which means I have quite a bit to talk about today. Without any further delay, sit back, relax, and read all about Standard! To kick things off, let’s take a look at my League Cup experiences over the past few weekends.
League Cup #1 – Chantilly, VA
[decklist name=”Mega Mewtwo” amt=”60″ caption=”” cname=”M Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”64″][pokemon amt=”13″]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=”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=”36″]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=”Supreme Victors” no=”140″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Ultra Ball” set=”Fates Collide” no=”113″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Mewtwo Spirit Link” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”144″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Mega Turbo” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”86″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Float Stone” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”137″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/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=”Shrine of Memories” set=”Primal Clash” no=”139″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Parallel City” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”145″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” 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 Energy” set=”Evolutions” no=”90″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card][/energy][/decklist]
Card Choices
One Wobbufett
[cardimg name=”Wobbuffet” set=”Radiant Collection 2″ no=”RC11″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]
This card gives you something to do on your first turn. Just putting it Active is pretty good in a lot of matchups, especially against [card name=”Decidueye-GX” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”12″ c=”name”][/card] / [card name=”Vileplume” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”3″ c=”name”][/card] and Volcanion.
Potential Inclusions
Hex Maniac
I would definitely add a copy of this to the deck. It helps make up for potentially prizing the [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] and helps a bunch against [card name=”Decidueye-GX” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”12″ c=”name”][/card] / [card name=”Vileplume” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”3″ c=”name”][/card].
A Second Parallel City
I would remove a [card name=”Shrine of Memories” set=”Primal Clash” no=”139″ c=”name”][/card] for this if you expect to play against a lot of [card name=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”76″ c=”name”][/card].
1-1 Espeon-GX Line
I would try to include this if Decidueye-GX / Vileplume is not prevalent in the metagame because that would allow for a few spots to open up.
How My Rounds Went
Round 1: Yveltal / Garbodor Win (1-0)
Round 2: Tauros-GX / Giratina-EX / Garbodor / Hammers Win (2-0)
Round 3: Xerneas BREAK / Mega Gardevoir Win (3-0)
Round 4: Mega Gardevoir ID (3-0-1)
Round 5: Espeon-GX / Wobbuffet ID (3-0-2)
Top 8: Turbo Dark Loss (3-1-2)
League Cup #2 – Glen Burnie, MD
[decklist name=”Gardy” 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=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY71″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Dragonite-EX” set=”Evolutions” no=”72″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Rattata” set=”Evolutions” no=”66″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Hawlucha” set=”Steam Siege” no=”97″ 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=”N” set=”Noble Victories” no=”92″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”78″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Brock’s Grit” set=”Evolutions” no=”74″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]4x [card name=”VS Seeker” set=”Supreme Victors” no=”140″ 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]4x [card name=”Trainers’ Mail” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”92″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]2x [card name=”Mega Turbo” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”86″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Fairy Drop” set=”Fates Collide” no=”99″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Switch” set=”Evolutions” no=”88″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Escape Rope” set=”Primal Clash” no=”127″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Super Rod” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”149″ c=”deck2″ 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]
How My Rounds Went
Round 1: Yveltal / Garbodor Win (1-0)
Round 2: Tauros-GX / Giratina-EX / Garbodor Win (2-0)
Round 3: Xerneas BREAK / Mega Gardevoir Win (3-0)
Round 4: Mega Gardevoir ID (3-0-1)
Round 5: Espeon-GX ID (3-0-2)
Top 8: Turbo Dark Loss (3-1-2)
League Cup #3 – Reading, PA
[decklist name=”DarkTina” amt=”60″ caption=”” cname=”Darkrai-EX” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”74″][pokemon amt=”11″]3x [card name=”Darkrai-EX” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”74″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Giratina-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”57″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Yveltal” set=”Steam Siege” no=”65″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Shaymin-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”77″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Salamence-EX” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY170″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Hoopa-EX” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY71″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”35″]4x [card name=”Professor Sycamore” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”107″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”N” set=”Black and White Black Star Promos” no=”BW100″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”78″ 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=”Supreme Victors” no=”140″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Trainers’ Mail” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”92″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Max Elixir” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”102″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Ultra Ball” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”93″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]2x [card name=”Exp. Share” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”118″ 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]1x [card name=”Switch” set=”Evolutions” no=”88″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]2x [card name=”Parallel City” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”145″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” 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 Dragon Energy” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”97″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card][/energy][/decklist]
Card Choices
Four Trainers’ Mail
[cardimg name=”Double Dragon Energy” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”97″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]
This deck is extremely aggressive, so I don’t see why anyone ever plays less than four of these. It allows for extra consistency in the early game, in terms of getting a Supporter and [card name=”Max Elixir” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”102″ c=”name”][/card]. In addition to this, it makes it easier to find [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”78″ c=”name”][/card] in the mid to late game.
Potential Inclusions
Hex Maniac
The only reason I did not play this card was because I did not expect anyone to play Volcanion, and I ended up being correct. I would absolutely remove a baby [card name=”Yveltal” set=”Steam Siege” no=”65″ c=”name”][/card] for this for future events with this deck.
How My Rounds Went
Round 1: Espeon-GX / Wobbuffet Win (1-0)
Round 2: Gyarados Win (2-0)
Round 3: Mega Gardevoir Win (3-0)
Round 4: Primal Groudon / Carbink BREAK / Wobbuffet Loss (3-1)
Round 5: Mega Scizor Win (4-1)
Round 6: Turbo Dark ID (4-1-1)
Top 8: Lycanroc-GX / Carbink BREAK Win (5-1-1)
Top 4: Darakrai-EX / Giratina-EX Win (6-1-1)
Finals: Mega Gardevoir Win (7-1-1)
League Cup #4 – Abingdon, MD
[decklist name=”Mega Gardevoir” 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=”Dragonite-EX” set=”Evolutions” no=”72″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Hoopa-EX” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY71″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Rattata” set=”Evolutions” no=”66″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Hawlucha” set=”Steam Siege” no=”97″ 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=”N” set=”Dark Explorers” no=”96″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”78″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Karen” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY177″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]4x [card name=”VS Seeker” set=”Supreme Victors” no=”140″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Ultra Ball” set=”Fates Collide” no=”113″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Gardevoir Spirit Link” set=”Steam Siege” no=”101″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Trainers’ Mail” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”92″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]2x [card name=”Mega Turbo” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”86″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Fairy Drop” set=”Fates Collide” no=”99″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Switch” set=”Evolutions” no=”88″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Escape Rope” set=”Primal Clash” no=”127″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Super Rod” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”149″ c=”deck2″ 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]
How My Rounds Went
This tournament was best of three with a 45 minute time limit. As you can imagine, a lot of ties occurred. It allowed for nine points to end up being guaranteed safe heading into the final round of swiss.
Round 1: Decidueye-GX / Vileplume Win (1-0)
Round 2: Decidueye-GX / Vileplume Tie (1-0-1)
Round 3: Turbo Dark Tie (1-0-2)
Round 4: Decidueye-GX / Vileplume Win (2-0-2)
Round 5: Lycanroc-GX / Carbink BREAK ID (2-0-3)
Top 8: Turbo Dark Win (3-0-3)
Top 4: Decidueye-GX / Vileplume Loss (3-1-3)
League Cup #5 – California, MD
[decklist name=”aaa” amt=”60″ caption=”aaa” 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=”Rattata” set=”Evolutions” no=”66″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Hawlucha” set=”Steam Siege” no=”97″ 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=”N” set=”Fates Collide” no=”105″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”78″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Brock’s Grit” set=”Evolutions” no=”74″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]4x [card name=”VS Seeker” set=”Supreme Victors” no=”140″ 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=”Primal Clash” no=”130″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Trainers’ Mail” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”92″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/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=”Switch” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”132″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Escape Rope” set=”Primal Clash” no=”127″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Super Rod” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”149″ c=”deck2″ 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]
Card Choices
Three Hex Maniac
[cardimg name=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]
This is the best card to end your turn one with in pretty much every matchup. It is also crucial against [card name=”Decidueye-GX” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”12″ c=”name”][/card] / [card name=”Vileplume” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”3″ c=”name”][/card] and Volcanion.
Brock’s Grit
This card is kinda clunky sometimes, but I really like the safety net it provides. I essentially can’t run out of Energy or Pokemon with this in my deck due to [card name=”VS Seeker” set=”Supreme Victors” no=”140″ c=”name”][/card]. However, as long as I don’t end up having to discard my [card name=”Super Rod” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”149″ c=”name”][/card], I have found that I rarely use this card.
One Switch, One Escape Rope
A lot of people ask me why I only played two switch cards, and I tell all of these people the same thing. You usually only need a switch effect on turn two, and it is very easy to just dig through the deck to find one of them. After that, all the heavy Retreat Pokemon will never stay on the Bench thanks to Despair Ray.
Two Mega Turbo
This might sound low, but it is just enough. It is easy to dig through the deck and find these if needed, and I usually only find myself needing one of these each game.
Potential Inclusions
A Second Super Rod
How My Rounds Went
Round 1: Yveltal / Garbodor Win (1-0)
Round 2: Volcanion Win (2-0)
Round 3: Mega Mewtwo / Garbodor Win (3-0)
Round 4: Turbo Dark ID (3-0-1)
Round 5: Decidueye-GX / Glaceon-EX / Jolteon-EX / Vileplume ID (3-0-2)
Top 8: Decidueye-GX / Glaceon-EX / Jolteon-EX / Vileplume Win (4-0-2)
Top 4: Volcanion Win
Finals: Mega Rayquaza / Jolteon-EX Win
[premium]
Brazil Internationals
I went into Brazil fully prepared to play the [card name=”M Gardevoir-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”79″ c=”name”][/card] deck I had used at several League Cups. After arriving in Brazil, I heard that Mega Rayquaza was a deck that a lot of the locals loved to play, which made me switch decks. A few other Americans and I decided to play this deck list that was based around Michael’s Utah List.
[decklist name=”Brazil Lapras” 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=”44″]4x [card name=”N” set=”Noble Victories” no=”92″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Team Flare Grunt” set=”Generations” no=”73″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Team Skull Grunt” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”133″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”78″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Professor Sycamore” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”107″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Judge” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”143″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Delinquent” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”98″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Olympia” set=”Generations” no=”66″ 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=”VS Seeker” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”110″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Max Elixir” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”102″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Crushing Hammer” set=”Emerging Powers” no=”92″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Fighting Fury Belt” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”99″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]3x [card name=”Nest Ball” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”123″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Switch” set=”Evolutions” no=”88″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Enhanced Hammer” set=”Dark Explorers” no=”94″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Float Stone” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”137″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Super Rod” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”149″ 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=”11″]11x [card name=”Water Energy” set=”Evolutions” no=”93″ c=”deck2″ amt=”11″][/card][/energy][/decklist]
Card Choices
Four Max Elixir
I felt these were needed in order to beat Volcanion decks, and I was definitely right about that. Not having [card name=”Puzzle of Time” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”109″ c=”name”][/card] did feel awkward though, so I might include those instead of Max Elixir in future events.
Team Rocket’s Handiwork
The main goal of this deck is to run the opponent out of resources and then deck them out, which makes this silly card a perfect inclusion.
Potential Inclusions
Puzzle of Time
This card gives the deck a much better late game. I often had Max Elixir in my hand that were pretty useless and found myself wishing they were Puzzle of Time.
The Other Powerful Decks
These are decks that proved themselves at Brazil and Utah, and have been solid in my testing. These are the deck lists I would play for each archetype.
Yveltal / Garbodor
[decklist name=”Yveltal/Garbodor” amt=”60″ caption=”” cname=”Yveltal-EX” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY08″][pokemon amt=”11″]4x [card name=”Yveltal-EX” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY08″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/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=”Hoopa-EX” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY71″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Mewtwo” set=”Evolutions” no=”51″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”36″]4x [card name=”Professor Sycamore” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”107″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”N” set=”Noble Victories” no=”92″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”78″ 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=”Supreme Victors” no=”140″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Ultra Ball” set=”Dark Explorers” no=”102″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Trainers’ Mail” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”92″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Float Stone” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”137″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Max Elixir” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”102″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]2x [card name=”Fighting Fury Belt” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”99″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/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=”13″]9x [card name=”Darkness Energy” set=”Evolutions” no=”97″ c=”deck2″ amt=”9″][/card]4x [card name=”Double Colorless Energy” set=”Evolutions” no=”90″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card][/energy][/decklist]
Card Choices
One Mewtwo
This card makes the [card name=”M Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”64″ c=”name”][/card] matchup much easier. Without it, the opponent can generally just build up a sizable Mega Mewtwo and Knock Out [card name=”Yveltal-EX” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY08″ c=”name”][/card] without any real risk of dying in return. This card completely changes the matchup because it makes the opponent scared to overcommit. This makes it easy to just Y Cyclone and then Evil Ball to trade favorably in almost all situations.
2-1 Garbodor Line
This has been my favorite Garbodor line all season, and it definitely doesn’t change here. Not running the second copy of [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] allows for the inclusion of [card name=”Super Rod” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”149″ c=”name”][/card]. This is strictly better as long as the one Garbodor is not prized, which usually isn’t the end of the world either way.
Olympia
I know that in the past I have strongly argued against the inclusion, but I really like it in the new version of Yveltal / Garbodor, especially in the current metagame. This allows the deck to have an answer to [card name=”Lapras-GX” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”35″ c=”name”][/card]’s Ice Beam and prevents a Pokemon from being trapped Active in the [card name=”Decidueye-GX” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”12″ c=”name”][/card] / [card name=”Vileplume” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”3″ c=”name”][/card] matchup.
Potential Inclusions
Enhanced Hammer
The issue with this card is that it gets in the way of the deck’s smooth feeling, as it doesn’t really have any situational cards in it. However, if your local meta consists of Special Energy reliant decks, adding one or two copies would not be a bad idea.
Turbo Dark
[decklist name=”TurboDark” amt=”60″ caption=””undefined][pokemon amt=”9″]4x [card name=”Darkrai-EX” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”74″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]2x [card name=”Yveltal” set=”Steam Siege” no=”65″ 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=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY71″ 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=”Dark Explorers” no=”96″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”78″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ 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=”Supreme Victors” no=”140″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Ultra Ball” set=”Dark Explorers” no=”102″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Trainers’ Mail” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”92″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Max Elixir” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”102″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]2x [card name=”Fighting Fury Belt” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”99″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Exp. Share” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”118″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Escape Rope” set=”Primal Clash” no=”127″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Switch” set=”Evolutions” no=”88″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Enhanced Hammer” set=”Dark Explorers” no=”94″ 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]
Card Choices
Two Hex Maniac
This card is very powerful against the current metagame. On the first turn, this card can completely shut down any of the aggressive decks in the format that rely on [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]. In addition to this, it is the difference between winning and losing to Volcanion.
Enhanced Hammer
While this might seem like a random inclusion, I really like having it in the deck for certain matchups. This card can be very good against [card name=”Decidueye-GX” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”12″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”M Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”64″ c=”name”][/card], and [card name=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”76″ c=”name”][/card] decks.
Potential Inclusions
A Third Exp. Share
This card is crucial in this deck, but you don’t ever need three of them on the board. The third copy would mostly just be for the purpose of ensuring that they make it onto the field early enough.
A Third Lysandre
This is mostly just for consistency purposes and the [card name=”Decidueye-GX” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”12″ c=”name”][/card] / [card name=”Vileplume” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”3″ c=”name”][/card] matchup.
Volcanion
[decklist name=”Volcanion” amt=”60″ caption=”” cname=”Volcanion-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”107″][pokemon amt=”10″]4x [card name=”Volcanion-EX” set=”Steam Siege” no=”107″ 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=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY71″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”38″]4x [card name=”Professor Sycamore” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”107″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”N” set=”Noble Victories” no=”92″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”78″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Pokémon Ranger” set=”Steam Siege” no=”104″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Olympia” set=”Generations” no=”66″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Fisherman” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”136″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]4x [card name=”VS Seeker” set=”Supreme Victors” no=”140″ 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=”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]2x [card name=”Energy Retrieval” set=”Evolutions” no=”77″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Escape Rope” set=”Primal Clash” no=”127″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Scorched Earth” set=”Primal Clash” no=”138″ 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]
Card Choices
Pokemon Ranger
While this card does help deal with certain annoying effects, such as Flash Ray or Chaos Wheel, this card is used more for the purpose of being able to Volcanic Heat two turns in a row. I have found this card to be very useful when games run long and resources are running low.
Potential Inclusions
A Fourth Trainers’ Mail
I am a huge fan of four [card name=”Trainers’ Mail” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”92″ c=”name”][/card] in decks right now. It adds for a consistency boost in the early game, extends your reach in the mid to late game, and can allow for some pretty explosive starts when wanted.
Mega Mewtwo
The biggest issue with this deck is the consistency factor. It has pretty good matchups across the board against the main decks at the moment, but it can struggle to setup which lets it lose to anything. I always here people say “If you draw well with Mega Mewtwo, it is the best deck” and I have to agree. However, I do not agree with the lengths some people are going in an attempt to make it more consistent, such as cutting [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card]. Cutting Garbodor not only makes a lot of your matchups significantly worse, but it doesn’t even help the consistency of the deck very much. Cutting Garbodor forces the deck to play two [card name=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ c=”name”][/card], which takes up two of the three slots you gain from removing Garbodor. In addition to this, the deck still needs three [card name=”Float Stone” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”137″ c=”name”][/card] due to [card name=”Wobbuffet” set=”Radiant Collection 2″ no=”RC11″ c=”name”][/card] and Hoopa-EX, so cutting those seem like a very bad idea too.
[decklist name=”Mewtwo” amt=”60″ caption=”” cname=”M Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”64″][pokemon amt=”13″]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=”Wobbuffet” set=”Radiant Collection 2″ no=”RC11″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Hoopa-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”36″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”36″]4x [card name=”Professor Sycamore” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”107″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”N” set=”Noble Victories” no=”92″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”78″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]4x [card name=”VS Seeker” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”110″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Ultra Ball” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”135″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Mewtwo Spirit Link” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”144″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Mega Turbo” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”86″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Trainers’ Mail” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”92″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]3x [card name=”Float Stone” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”137″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/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 Energy” set=”Evolutions” no=”90″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card][/energy][/decklist]
Card Choices
Wobbuffet and Hex Maniac
These cards are both to beat [card name=”Decidueye-GX” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”12″ c=”name”][/card] / [card name=”Vileplume” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”3″ c=”name”][/card]. Having both of these really gives that deck a tough time as you can really slow it down and give yourself several turns of being able to play Items, especially in combination with [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card]. Both of these cards can be very useful in other matchups too, as they can slow pretty much any deck down and help to make up for the 2-1 Garbodor line.
Potential Inclusions
A Second Parallel City
This card is great to have on the first turn of the game, as it can really limit the opponent’s options. In addition to this, the card is amazing against [card name=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”76″ c=”name”][/card] decks. The only reason why it isn’t already in the deck is because of space issues.
Mega Rayquaza
[decklist name=”Mega Ray” amt=”60″ caption=”” cname=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”76″][pokemon amt=”16″]3x [card name=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”76″ 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=”36″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Dragonite-EX” set=”Evolutions” no=”72″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Manaphy-EX” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”32″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Oranguru” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”113″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”36″]3x [card name=”Professor Sycamore” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”107″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”78″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”N” set=”Dark Explorers” no=”96″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Skyla” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”148″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]4x [card name=”VS Seeker” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”110″ 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=”Trainers’ Mail” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”92″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Rayquaza Spirit Link” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”87″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/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 Energy” set=”Evolutions” no=”90″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Water Energy” set=”Evolutions” no=”93″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card][/energy][/decklist]
Card Choices
Manaphy-EX and Water Energy
[cardimg name=”Water Energy” set=”EX Holon Phantoms” no=”107″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]
This is the version I have found to be best against [card name=”Decidueye-GX” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”12″ c=”name”][/card] / [card name=”Vileplume” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”3″ c=”name”][/card], which is definitely the deck to beat at the moment. It prevents any hefty retreaters from being trapped Active, which is the most common way to lose the matchup.
Oranguru
This helps to play around [card name=”N” set=”Fates Collide” no=”105″ c=”name”][/card] and can provide some clutch draw support. You almost always want a full Bench, so why not include a useful Bench sitter like this?
Skyla
In most decks, [card name=”Skyla” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”148″ c=”name”][/card] is a very weak turn one play. With Rayquaza, it means you can go get an [card name=”Ultra Ball” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”135″ c=”name”][/card] and have a very strong turn one. Later in the game, Skyla can grab that crucial piece missing for a KO, such as [card name=”Rayquaza Spirit Link” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”87″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Sky Field” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”89″ c=”name”][/card], or [card name=”Mega Turbo” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”86″ c=”name”][/card].
Potential Inclusions
Volcanion-EX and Fire Energy
This makes it easier to use [card name=”Mega Turbo” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”86″ c=”name”][/card], but takes away the nice free Retreat option that [card name=”Manaphy-EX” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”32″ c=”name”][/card] provides. I would consider this change if I did not expect to play against a lot of [card name=”Decidueye-GX” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”12″ c=”name”][/card] / [card name=”Vileplume” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”3″ c=”name”][/card].
VA Talk – If You Can’t Beat ’em, Join ’em
Heading into VA, I think it is very clear that [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 the deck to beat. It has an incredible amount of consistency, and once it sets up it is quite difficult to beat. The “counters” to the deck can almost always be worked around, other than Lapras and decks with a large amount of [card name=”Wobbuffet” set=”Radiant Collection 2″ no=”RC11″ c=”name”][/card]. This is why Decidueye-GX / Vileplume is the deck I will be playing with the most this week heading into VA, and is definitely one of my top choices.
[decklist name=”Decidueye-GX/Vileplume” 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=”Meowth” set=”Fates Collide” no=”74″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”29″]4x [card name=”Professor Sycamore” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”107″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”N” set=”Noble Victories” no=”92″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/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]4x [card name=”Level Ball” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”76″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Trainers’ Mail” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”92″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]2x [card name=”Revitalizer” set=”Generations” no=”70″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Float Stone” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”137″ 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=”7″]4x [card name=”Double Colorless Energy” set=”Evolutions” no=”90″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Grass Energy” set=”Evolutions” no=”91″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card][/energy][/decklist]
Card Choices
Meowth
[card name=”Meowth” set=”Fates Collide” no=”74″ c=”name”][/card] can allow for some insane comebacks to be made with this deck. At the end of the game, if you are able to trap a useless Pokemon Active and start attacking with Meowth, you can pretty much win a game no matter how bad it was looking. Meowth shines against [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] decks and Volcanion.
A Fourth Level Ball
I really like taking the max consistency approach with this deck, which is why I chose to include this.
Potential Inclusions
A Third Lysandre
This card works really well in this deck, but I have found it to be overkill. You usually Hollow Hunt back for them anyways, which allows the deck to use more than two [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”78″ c=”name”][/card] each game as it is. In addition to this, adding this card clogs up your hand in the early game, which is something I really don’t like to have happen with this deck.
Beedrill-EX
I would remove [card name=”Meowth” set=”Fates Collide” no=”74″ c=”name”][/card] for this card if you expect a large amount of Garbodor decks.
Tauros-GX
One of the [card name=”Lugia-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”68″ c=”name”][/card] could be removed for this card. I am on the fence about it currently. Lugia is a better attacker of course, but [card name=”Tauros-GX” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”100″ c=”name”][/card] can help to eliminate a big threat if they are unable to OHKO it. However, Tauros does have a GX attack so you won’t be able to use Mad Bull and Hollow Hunt every game, which can cause some awkward plays to occur.
Standard Format Matchup Analysis
Mega Mewtwo Versus Vileplume / Decidueye-GX
[cardimg name=”Beedrill-EX” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY157″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]
This is Mega Mewtwo’s closest matchup. [card name=”M Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”64″ c=”name”][/card] lists have some answers for [card name=”Vileplume” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”3″ c=”name”][/card], but an early Vileplume can still be pretty deadly. If it can access it, Mewtwo has a [card name=”Wobbuffet” set=”Radiant Collection 2″ no=”RC11″ c=”name”][/card] for the early game, to slow down the Decidueye deck unless [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”78″ c=”name”][/card] is found. It then transitions into attacking with Mega Mewtwo while Ability locking with [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card]. [card name=”Beedrill-EX” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY157″ c=”name”][/card] can cause some huge problems for Mega Mewtwo decks, despite the inclusion of [card name=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ c=”name”][/card]. Unless Hex Maniac is already in hand ready to go the turn that Garbodor gets pulled Active by [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”78″ c=”name”][/card], shortly before Beedrill removes the Tool, things can get rough. Having Hex Maniac also requires the Mewtwo player to have a [card name=”Float Stone” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”137″ c=”name”][/card] ready to attach as well, so it’s not the easiest thing in the world to pull off. In some games, this Beedrill situation doesn’t even occur because it also isn’t very easy for Decidueye to find Beedrill, an Energy, and a Lysandre while Mega Mewtwo is applying a ton of pressure.
Mega Mewtwo Versus Volcanion
This is a matchup that has always been favored for [card name=”M Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”64″ c=”name”][/card]. Despite only having a 2-1 [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] line, the new Mewtwo lists are even stronger against Volcanion decks than before due to the inclusion of [card name=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Wobbuffet” set=”Radiant Collection 2″ no=”RC11″ c=”name”][/card]. Wobbuffet can now be used in the early game to prevent a baby [card name=”Volcanion” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY145″ c=”name”][/card] from applying a lot of pressure, which can sometimes allow the Mewtwo player to simply wait for [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”78″ c=”name”][/card] and take down a [card name=”Volcanion-EX” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY173″ c=”name”][/card]. Volcanion’s goal should be removing Garbodor from the field, but this isn’t exactly an easy task. With [card name=”Super Rod” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”149″ c=”name”][/card] in the deck, this will usually mean that two Volcanion-EX will need to be spent Knocking Out two Garbodor. At this point, the Mega Mewtwo player has already won. The key here is to Knock Out at least one [card name=”Trubbish” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”56″ c=”name”][/card] with baby Volcanion because then even if Garbodor hits the field the following turn, it can’t be evolved the turn Super Rod is played. This situation is the point of the game where a Hex Maniac from the Mewtwo player can ensure a win.
Mega Mewtwo Versus Turbo Dark
I definitely feel like this matchup is looked at incorrectly by a lot of players, so I will try my best to be as in-depth as possible. In my experience, Mega Mewtwo is significantly favored against Turbo Dark. Not only can Mega Mewtwo just go nuts and attach a ton of Energy to one [card name=”M Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”64″ c=”name”][/card] in order to OHKO a Darkrai-EX without fear of a return KO, but it also has the option of Damage Change. Damage Change is important because it flops the attack trades in your favor. Here is a good example of this: A Mega Mewtwo takes a Knock Out, an opposing [card name=”Darkrai-EX” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”74″ c=”name”][/card] uses Dark Pulse to deal some damage, then Mewtwo Player can simply drop [card name=”Shrine of Memories” set=”Primal Clash” no=”139″ c=”name”][/card] and use Damage Change. This makes the trades extremely favorable for Mega Mewtwo, especially if a Lysandre was found on the turn where Damage Change was occurring.
Mega Mewtwo Versus Mega Rayquaza
This is definitely favored for Mega Mewtwo. [card name=”M Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”64″ c=”name”][/card] can one shot [card name=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”76″ c=”name”][/card] with ease, and has the support of [card name=”Garbodor” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Parallel City” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”145″ c=”name”][/card] to prevent much of an opposing fight. There are some games where Mega Rayquqza just starts really well and pressures Mega Mewtwo out of the game, but I find those games to be pretty rare. This matchup gets easier for Mewtwo the higher its Parallel City count is.
Mega Mewtwo Versus Mega Mewtwo
This matchup is a little trickier than people expect. I feel this matchup is often thought of as who can keep returning Knock Outs, I definitely feel like the early game is much more than that. I often see people on turn two simply attack the Active, no matter what it is, which is definitely not something I would recommend doing. If you are about to hit into something with a [card name=”Float Stone” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”137″ c=”name”][/card] attached that is literally there to absorb the hit, chances are that damage will almost always be irrelevant. This then gives the opponent a chance to attack into, or even Knock Out your [card name=”M Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”64″ c=”name”][/card]. This not only puts them ahead in the “Mewtwo War”, but it gives them the first two Prizes. In these situations, I would recommend just attaching to Bench guys to protect your Energy attachments and prepare return KOs. Taking the first Prize is less important than managing your resources well, so I would definitely keep that in mind in the first couple of turns.
Mega Mewtwo Versus Lapras-GX
[cardimg name=”Lapras-GX” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”35″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]
I think this matchup is slightly favored for [card name=”M Mewtwo-EX” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”64″ c=”name”][/card], but all of the games are usually extremely close. Lapras is obviously trying to run the Mega Mewtwo player out of resources and then deck them out, as it tries to do in pretty much any matchup. Going in on a huge Mewtwo and trying to one shot Lapras-GX is definitely not the strategy I would recommend attempting, as Ice Beam GX will heavily punish that strategy. The best way I have found to approach it is to just go for two hits and conserve Energy and other important resources as much as possible.
Vileplume / Decidueye-GX Versus Vileplume / Decidueye-GX
This is the matchup I enjoy the least when playing [card name=”Decidueye-GX” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”12″ c=”name”][/card] / [card name=”Vileplume” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”3″ c=”name”][/card], because I feel as it usually involves the smallest amount of skill. The player who goes first and gets to setup a bit and drop down Vileplume has a significant advantage. Even if the player going first finds no Vileplume, that usually means they have a strong board with a few [card name=”Dartrix” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”10″ c=”name”][/card] and Decidueye. Games also occur where the player going first doesn’t find [card name=”Forest of Giant Plants” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”74″ c=”name”][/card] and has an incredibly weak setup. None of this is any decision making or anything like that, it’s draw based, which is why I say this matchup is pretty unskillful.
Vileplume / Decidueye-GX Versus Volcanion
Despite the general public’s opinion that Volcanion is a heavy favorite in this matchup, I think it is much closer than that. I would put the percentage on this matchup at an even 50%. An early [card name=”Vileplume” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”3″ c=”name”][/card] in this matchup hurts Volcanion almost as much as it would any other deck. If naked [card name=”Volcanion-EX” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY173″ c=”name”][/card] or [card name=”Hoopa-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”36″ c=”name”][/card] are left hanging around on the Bench, an easy win condition of using [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”78″ c=”name”][/card] to bring one Active and repeatedly attacking their threats with [card name=”Meowth” set=”Fates Collide” no=”74″ c=”name”][/card] can be reached. In a different fashion, even if the Volcanion player has a Volcanion-EX attacking, a [card name=”Lugia-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”68″ c=”name”][/card] can just KO it over the course of one or two turns and Volcanion sometimes fails to setup another Volcanion-EX in time for it to matter. Volcanion can struggle quite a bit to find enough Fire Energy to OHKO a Lugia-EX through the use of Steam Up, which is what makes it such a threat in this matchup.
Vileplume / Decidueye-GX Versus Turbo Dark
This matchup is heavily favored for [card name=”Decidueye-GX” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”12″ c=”name”][/card] / [card name=”Vileplume” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”3″ c=”name”][/card]. Item-lock is insanely powerful against Turbo Dark, and both [card name=”Lugia-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”68″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Decidueye-GX” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”12″ c=”name”][/card] in combination with Feather Arrows trade very well with [card name=”Darkrai-EX” set=”BREAKpoint” no=”74″ c=”name”][/card]’s limited damage output. Another thing to keep in mind in this matchup is the fact that the Decidueye player can very easily use [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”78″ c=”name”][/card] to trap something like a [card name=”Hoopa-EX” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”36″ c=”name”][/card] Active once Vileplume is on the field. This gives the Decidueye player a few turns to attach Energy and use Feather Arrow to weaken opposing Darkrai-EX.
Vileplume / Decidueye-GX Versus Mega Rayquaza
I feel as if people think this matchup is a lot easier for [card name=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”76″ c=”name”][/card] than it actually is. During testing, I found myself breaking even in this matchup, despite the many tools at Rayquaza’s disposal. I will mention that the Water version has an even matchup, and all of the others are unfavored in my opinion. This is because the Water version can usually prevent hefty Bench sitters from being trapped Active, while the other versions are extremely vulnerable to that strategy. [card name=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ c=”name”][/card] is definitely a very good card against Decidueye, but I have found the game to come down to the turns where Sky Field and a full Bench is needed for the Mega Rayquqza deck to OHKO Decidueye. If the Rayquaza player is able to do this one or two times during the game, they should be able to take the win, but it isn’t the easiest task to perform.
Volcanion Versus Turbo Dark
[cardimg name=”Silent Lab” set=”Primal Clash” no=”140″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]
The new Turbo Dark lists honestly give Volcanion quite a bit of trouble, as they are running two [card name=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ c=”name”][/card], two [card name=”Silent Lab” set=”Primal Clash” no=”140″ c=”name”][/card], and a [card name=”Parallel City” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”145″ c=”name”][/card]. However, if the Volcanion deck is running [card name=”Salamence-EX” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY170″ c=”name”][/card], the matchup becomes quite favorable for Volcanion. Salamence is a beast in the early game and is very hard to deal with for Turbo Dark. In games where Salamence-EX is not in the picture, Turbo Dark just needs to get Energy on the board and then start using Hex Maniac or Silent Lab to prevent the Darkrai-EX from getting Knocked Out in one attack.
Volcanion Versus Mega Rayquaza
This is another matchup where [card name=”Salamence-EX” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY170″ c=”name”][/card] can be a huge help, and is honestly the difference between winning and losing in this case. Even with Salamence-EX, it is quite difficult for Volcanion to deal with several turns where they are under [card name=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ c=”name”][/card] after the Active Pokemon gets killed in one shot. The best way for Volcanion to win is to try to use baby [card name=”Volcanion” set=”XY Black Star Promos” no=”XY145″ c=”name”][/card] to kill a [card name=”Shaymin-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”77″ c=”name”][/card]. That way, they have a chance to win the Prize-trade despite Hex Maniac, especially if Salamence-EX is in the deck. The goal here would then be to [card name=”Lysandre” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”78″ c=”name”][/card] another Shaymin-EX whenever a Hex Maniac comes down and KOs it with Volcanic Heat, and then the [card name=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”76″ c=”name”][/card] just needs to be KOd whenever a Hex maniac isn’t played. Mega Rayquaza’s goal should just be to use Lysandre or Hex Maniac pretty much every turn. Lysandre around the baby Volcanion and Hex Maniac whenever a Pokemon-EX is already Active.
Turbo Dark Versus Mega Rayquaza
The new Turbo Dark list also has a much better chance against [card name=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”76″ c=”name”][/card] than previous lists. It now has two copies of [card name=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ c=”name”][/card] and two copies of [card name=”Silent Lab” set=”Primal Clash” no=”140″ c=”name”][/card] to really slow down Rayquaza. In addition to this, the tech [card name=”Parallel City” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”145″ c=”name”][/card] in combination with [card name=”N” set=”Fates Collide” no=”105″ c=”name”][/card] can really cause issues for Rayquaza in the late game. If Turbo Dark is using [card name=”Enhanced Hammer” set=”Phantom Forces” no=”94″ c=”name”][/card] or [card name=”Team Flare Grunt” set=”Generations” no=”73″ c=”name”][/card], those cards can be very solid against Mega Rayquaza too, especially if used in sync with each other. Using baby [card name=”Yveltal” set=”Steam Siege” no=”65″ c=”name”][/card] as a seventh Prize is always something I try to do in this matchup, as it can help improve your board state, makes [card name=”N” set=”Fates Collide” no=”105″ c=”name”][/card] stronger, and doesn’t help the Rayquaza player get any closer to winning.
Turbo Dark Versus Lapras-GX
Baby [card name=”Yveltal” set=”Steam Siege” no=”65″ c=”name”][/card] is a key to success in this matchup, as it helps keep Energy on the board and forces a Blizzard Burn out of Lapras, which isn’t exactly ideal. [card name=”Lapras-GX” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”35″ c=”name”][/card] will never take six Prizes in this matchup, so it will focus on the goal of deck out the entire match. This means that playing carefully as the Turbo Dark player is definitely something that needs to happen. Recklessly overextending can be a very easy way to lose. Ice Beam GX into Blizzard Burn on a Darkrai is something that Lapras should attempt to do every game, so the Darkrai side of things should be prepared for that with some sort of switch effect.
Mega Rayquaza Versus Mega Rayquaza
[cardimg name=”M Rayquaza-EX” set=”Roaring Skies” no=”76″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]
Im not a huge fan of mirror matches most of the time, as a lot of them are not very skillful, and this one is no exception. It just comes down to who can consistently use Emerald Break and [card name=”Hex Maniac” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”75″ c=”name”][/card] in the early game. The person who gets the first KO on a Pokemon-EX will usually take the game.
Mega Rayquaza Versus Lapras-GX
This matchup is trickier than you might expect, as Lapras can pretty easily deck the Rayquaza player out. Rayquaza doesn’t really want to burn through its deck and discard a bunch of resources, because it can get pretty punished by the disruption cards at Lapras’ disposal.
Lapras-GX Versus Lapras-GX
One of the least fun matchups in the history of Pokemon. In my experience, this matchup almost always ends in deck out. I hate to say it, but this matchup is pretty unskillful. Deck building can play a large role in the matchup, as one player lacking [card name=”Team Rocket’s Handiwork” set=”Fates Collide” no=”112″ c=”name”][/card] or having [card name=”Super Rod” set=”BREAKthrough” no=”149″ c=”name”][/card] instead of [card name=”Energy Recycler” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”72″ c=”name”][/card] can lead to a significant skew.
Conclusion
That concludes my in-depth review of the Standard format! I hope you guys can use this guide to figure out a play for VA. If any of you happen to be there, feel free to come up and say hi! I am super excited for the event and have been playing a lot in order to prepare for it, but have been having trouble deciding on a deck. Anyways, that’s all for now readers but I will be back later this month to talk about Standard some more!
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