Updating Standard Zacian V — The Definitive Best Way to Play the Best Deck

[cardimg name=”Zacian V” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”138″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]

In Standard, the deck to beat is [card name=”Zacian V” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”138″ c=”name”][/card]. It was predicted to be as much going into the Oceania International Championships and it didn’t disappoint. The most recent Standard major at Malmö, Sweden proved once again that this deck needs to be prepared for with three of the four semi-final slots taken by the deck.

One question remains: What is the best way to play this now famous deck? Take the Malmö Regionals for example, all three versions of the deck in the semifinals played different Supporter and Energy cards. So what is the absolute best way to play this deck? I believe Tord Reklev’s take on the deck is the strongest—it’s fitting as he won the event overall. However, I will qualify this with some banter on the merit of [card name=”Guzma and Hala” set=”Cosmic Eclipse” no=”193″ c=”name”][/card], the major ideological difference in most lists. In the beginning of Standard with Sword & Shield, I started with a speedy list for Zacian V, playing [card name=”Acro Bike” set=”Celestial Storm” no=”123″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Order Pad” set=”Ultra Prism” no=”131″ c=”name”][/card] at one point. The goal here was to get a first turn [card name=”Arceus and Dialga and Palkia-GX” set=”Cosmic Eclipse” no=”156″ c=”name”][/card] using Altered Creation GX via [card name=”Energy Switch” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”162″ c=”name”][/card]. Later, I tried a [card name=”Rainbow Brush” set=”Celestial Storm” no=”141″ c=”name”][/card] version with [card name=”Tapu Koko Prism Star” set=”Team Up” no=”51″ c=”name”][/card] to get that extra Energy into play for the turn. All of these concepts (I tried [card name=”Rayquaza-GX” set=”Celestial Storm” no=”109″ c=”name”][/card] too) weren’t without merit, but a more steady version of the deck is better especially in the late game. With Energy Switch strategies, you would run out of steam and be stuck with Energy Switch late game. There are games where you will start first and not be able to Altered Creation GX on your first turn either. At this point, much of the trouble I went through in deck-building was worthless and I steered away from these ideas.

Interluding this turbo concept and the modernized versions we’ve seen from this past weekend, slower lists with [card name=”Mallow and Lana” set=”Cosmic Eclipse” no=”198″ c=”name”][/card] surfaced, but these themselves have proven to be a waste. These decks can consistently “settle” for the second turn Altered Creation GX while hoping to go first and play the Prize trade to win the game. When your strategy ought to be Prize-based, you should not waste deck slots on healing cards that will not bear fruit in many of your matchups, especially in matches where you’ll be trading one-hit Knock Outs. The biggest thing to keep in mind when building Zacian V / Arceus and Dialga and Palkia-GX is to keep it simple. Play cards that are good all game, not only for turns one or two, but play enough Supporters or Item-based draw cards to stabilize after a [card name=”Reset Stamp” set=”Unified Minds” no=”206″ c=”name”][/card] or a lull in the middle of the game.

Tord Reklev’s list takes all these things into account and polishes them, freeing a few slots for tech cards. The main culprit of the shift to his list is removing Guzma and Hala. This card is not great in the deck and only helps a bit on the first or second turn. Beyond that you will get almost no value and that spot will be mostly wasted. The super turbo list I had for this deck used [card name=”Energy Spinner” set=”Unbroken Bonds” no=”170″ c=”name”][/card], as does Reklev’s. This card is great because it sets up an Altered Creation GX if you’re playing second and using it. One copy will get you the Energy you need to use your GX attack and the other in reserve to discard for [card name=”Metal Saucer” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”170″ c=”name”][/card]. Here’s his list which is public. I’m going to take the liberty of explaining it as well as singling out cards you can cut out to tech the deck to your liking.

Tord Reklev’s Arceus and Dialga and Palkia-GX / Zacian V

[decklist name=”.” amt=”60″ caption=”” cname=”Zacian V” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”138″][pokemon amt=”13″]4x [card name=”Zacian V” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”138″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Jirachi” set=”Team Up” no=”99″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Dedenne-GX” set=”Unbroken Bonds” no=”57″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Arceus and Dialga and Palkia-GX” set=”Cosmic Eclipse” no=”156″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Oranguru” set=”Ultra Prism” no=”114″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Oranguru” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”148″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”37″]4x [card name=”Professor’s Research” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”178″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]2x [card name=”Marnie” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”169″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”2″][/card]4x [card name=”Switch” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”183″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Quick Ball” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”179″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Metal Saucer” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”170″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Custom Catcher” set=”Lost Thunder” no=”171″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Acro Bike” set=”Celestial Storm” no=”123″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]2x [card name=”Metal Frying Pan” set=”Forbidden Light” no=”112″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Escape Board” set=”Ultra Prism” no=”122″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Energy Spinner” set=”Unbroken Bonds” no=”170″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Cherish Ball” set=”Unified Minds” no=”191″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Great Catcher” set=”Cosmic Eclipse” no=”192″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]2x [card name=”Shrine of Punishment” set=”Celestial Storm” no=”143″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card][/trainers][energy amt=”10″]8x [card name=”Metal Energy” set=”Evolutions” no=”98″ c=”deck2″ amt=”8″][/card]2x [card name=”Water Energy” set=”Evolutions” no=”93″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card][/energy][/decklist][premium]

Four Zacian V

This is the best way to be consistent. What’s better than having a first turn [card name=”Quick Ball” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”179″ c=”name”][/card] to get [card name=”Zacian V” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”138″ c=”name”][/card]? Opening a Zacian V itself in your opening hand of course! You want to draw it early and often so you can get the illustrious turn one Intrepid Sword while going first. This is the best advantage you can get as this deck when playing first; it’s the absolute most you can do.

One Oranguru

Using [card name=”Oranguru” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”148″ c=”name”][/card]’s Primate Wisdom Ability saves [card name=”Custom Catcher” set=”Lost Thunder” no=”171″ c=”name”][/card] for later and lets you dig deeper with [card name=”Dedenne-GX” set=”Unbroken Bonds” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] or [card name=”Professor’s Research” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”178″ c=”name”][/card]. In many games, you need a single gust effect to take your last couple Prizes so saving Custom Catcher is very important. The extra draw can be useful as well. Yes it’s only one, but that extra reach can make the difference when digging for something. Lastly, you can put a Metal Energy on top and use Intrepid Sword—that’s pretty sweet.

Two Marnie

[cardimg name=”Marnie” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”169″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]

Alright fine, [card name=”Marnie” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”169″ c=”name”][/card] is solid and your main out to beating [card name=”Blacephalon” set=”Unbroken Bonds” no=”32″ c=”name”][/card]. The matchup would be super rough without it, but now you can put the big hand they’ve been collecting onto the bottom of their deck. This greatly improves the matchup and gives you a chance to win it. Marnie can be useful to disrupt an opponent in other situations too. On top of all of this, it’s important to maintain a decent number of Supporters and Marnie accomplishes the same ideal as [card name=”Reset Stamp” set=”Unified Minds” no=”206″ c=”name”][/card] ought to while remaining a draw Supporter for yourself anyway. This is a great card in this deck and I tip my hat to those that determined this before me. I think Marnie is best placed in Zacian V decks, I don’t believe any other deck makes as good of use of it. Marnie coupled with Intrepid Sword to draw some extra cards to bail you out of a tight spot is paramount, other decks can’t do that. This deck doesn’t need much once you have an attacker built up — you can manage if a Marnie backfires on you.

Four Acro Bike and Two Cherish Ball

The highlight of this specific list. [card name=”Acro Bike” set=”Celestial Storm” no=”123″ c=”name”][/card] gets Metal Energy in the discard pile and thins the deck. These increases your odds for a turn two Altered Creation GX. They’re great late game as well, it’s the best Item draw in Standard. Increasing your Altered Creation GX odds and thinning your deck better is the advantage you have in even matchups like the mirror. [card name=”Cherish Ball” set=”Unified Minds” no=”191″ c=”name”][/card] instead of [card name=”Tag Call” set=”Cosmic Eclipse” no=”206″ c=”name”][/card] gets you Dedenne-GX in addition to [card name=”Arceus and Dialga and Palkia-GX” set=”Cosmic Eclipse” no=”156″ c=”name”][/card], that little consistency boost will help you. With these six cards, this list does not brick hands very often!

Two Metal Frying Pan

The addition of [card name=”Metal Frying Pan” set=”Forbidden Light” no=”112″ c=”name”][/card] is primarily for the [card name=”Mewtwo and Mew-GX” set=”Unified Minds” no=”71″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Pikachu and Zekrom-GX” set=”Team Up” no=”33″ c=”name”][/card] matchups. Both of these decks will struggle immensely to one-shot your Zacian V with the damage reduction. Metal Frying Pan also helps against [card name=”Welder” set=”Unbroken Bonds” no=”189″ c=”name”][/card] Toolbox decks that typically use [card name=”Heatran-GX” set=”Unified Minds” no=”25″ c=”name”][/card] early to score one-hit Knock Outs with Weakness. These aren’t included to prolong the game by any means, they’re included to avoid one-shots that some decks can hit if you don’t play Metal Frying Pan. Without it, you’ll lose the inherit advantage you have in many matchups.

Two Energy Spinner

These thin the deck further and find all you need to use Altered Creation GX as soon as possible. You don’t need a ton of Energy in this deck to win the game. The idea here is that you’d be playing twelve Energy without them. [card name=”Energy Spinner” set=”Unbroken Bonds” no=”170″ c=”name”][/card] lets you cut two of those with the potential to get three of the remaining ten at once on your first turn while playing second. At worst, they’re a “third and fourth” Water Energy without having to play more than two copies.

Two Shrine of Punishment

A more reliable [card name=”Vitality Band” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”185″ c=”name”][/card] with the same idea in mind. With [card name=”Shrine of Punishment” set=”Celestial Storm” no=”143″ c=”name”][/card], Mewtwo and Mew-GX is 10 damage away from a one-shot using Zacian V (without [card name=”Big Charm” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”158″ c=”name”][/card] attached) after Altered Creation GX. If Shrine of Punishment stays in play you potentially avoid the Big Charm problem altogether. Zacian V’s Brave Blade deals 240 damage to a Pikachu and Zekrom-GX after the boost and if Big Charm is attached to Pikachu and Zekrom-GX, you can use Shrine of Punishment to the same effect. The upside of Shrine of Punishment dealing more damage is too much to pass up. Is there some downside with your own Pokemon-GX? Sure, but the additional offensive output for your Zacian V is worth it.

Arceus and Dialga and Palkia-GX / Zacian V Deck Skeleton and Options

[decklist name=”.” amt=”55″ caption=”” cname=”Zacian V” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”138″][pokemon amt=”9″]3x [card name=”Zacian V” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”138″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Jirachi” set=”Team Up” no=”99″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Arceus and Dialga and Palkia-GX” set=”Cosmic Eclipse” no=”156″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Dedenne-GX” set=”Unbroken Bonds” no=”195″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Oranguru” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”148″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”36″]4x [card name=”Professor’s Research” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”178″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]2x [card name=”Marnie” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”169″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”2″][/card]4x [card name=”Switch” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”183″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Quick Ball” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”179″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Metal Saucer” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”170″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Custom Catcher” set=”Lost Thunder” no=”171″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Acro Bike” set=”Celestial Storm” no=”123″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]2x [card name=”Metal Frying Pan” set=”Forbidden Light” no=”112″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Energy Spinner” set=”Unbroken Bonds” no=”170″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Cherish Ball” set=”Unified Minds” no=”191″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Great Catcher” set=”Cosmic Eclipse” no=”192″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Escape Board” set=”Ultra Prism” no=”122″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]2x [card name=”Shrine of Punishment” set=”Celestial Storm” no=”143″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card][/trainers][energy amt=”10″]8x [card name=”Metal Energy” set=”Evolutions” no=”98″ c=”deck2″ amt=”8″][/card]2x [card name=”Water Energy” set=”Evolutions” no=”93″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card][/energy][/decklist] 

This is a pretty neatly clipped 55 card selection. Starting [card name=”Jirachi” set=”Team Up” no=”99″ c=”name”][/card] isn’t paramount, nor is having two [card name=”Escape Board” set=”Ultra Prism” no=”122″ c=”name”][/card] as one will have the same effect (provided you find it at an opportune time). Obviously these shavings aren’t exactly ideal, but they’re spaces you could free if you want to play a list with more options. [card name=”Dedenne-GX” set=”Unbroken Bonds” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] falls into the same category for the most part, although I would hesitate to replace it with anything other than a direct consistency option like another Supporter. The fourth Zacian V isn’t necessary itself but it’s one of my favorite inclusions because it is so important to the deck. Finally, the [card name=”Oranguru” set=”Ultra Prism” no=”114″ c=”name”][/card] with Resource Management can go. It’s in here for another mill option, as a way to recover [card name=”Custom Catcher” set=”Lost Thunder” no=”171″ c=”name”][/card] and use them more than the prescribed two pairings. This way, you can all but guarantee you’ll be able to take all your Prizes. About five spaces for techs is a healthy enough amount. For the most part I wouldn’t mess with the Trainer lineup as it is what made this list so successful.

Absol

Messing up opposing Jirachi with Escape Board is great in this format. If you want [card name=”Malamar” set=”Forbidden Light” no=”51″ c=”name”][/card] insurance for some reason, [card name=”Absol” set=”Team Up” no=”88″ c=”name”][/card] is your card. Absol won’t win games on its own but it can influence your opponent’s plays due to their newfound lack of mobility. This could lead them into a situation where they need to hit one additional card off a [card name=”Professor’s Research” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”178″ c=”name”][/card] (maybe a [card name=”Switch” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”183″ c=”name”][/card]) and if they miss they will fall behind and lose. The card is okay, but your Bench space can be a bit tight.

Galarian Zigzagoon

Adding [card name=”Galarian Zigzagoon” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”117″ c=”name”][/card] gives extra damage output that you can control with its Ability-based buff. [card name=”Quick Ball” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”179″ c=”name”][/card] can fetch this in a jiff so it’s easy to pull off. It’s a one-time use and does take a valuable Bench slot, so there’s some hesitation here as well much like with Absol. Getting a surprise one-hit Knock Out thanks to the 10 damage can catch an opponent by surprise. The thing about Shrine of Punishment is that Pokemon knocked out by damage counters won’t give you an extra Prize if you used Altered Creation GX. Using Galarian Zigzagoon’s Headbutt Tantrum Ability, you can control when to get that damage in play so you do indeed get your extra Prize.

Guzma & Hala, Tag Call, and Aurora Energy

This combination does get you the pieces to use Altered Creation GX. The space commitment is a lot though, you’ll be wanting two [card name=”Guzma and Hala” set=”Cosmic Eclipse” no=”193″ c=”name”][/card], at least two [card name=”Tag Call” set=”Cosmic Eclipse” no=”206″ c=”name”][/card], and at least two [card name=”Aurora Energy” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”186″ c=”name”][/card] (or a [card name=”Unit Energy GFW” set=”Ultra Prism” no=”137″ c=”name”][/card]). Two [card name=”Energy Spinner” set=”Unbroken Bonds” no=”170″ c=”name”][/card] does this package’s job better, It’s faster, takes less space, and are Item cards. [card name=”Cherish Ball” set=”Unified Minds” no=”191″ c=”name”][/card] is good in the deck in general, giving you another way to find Dedenne-GX which Tag Call does not do. Guzma and Hala can be hard to find the cards to discard with too. This deck usually plays everything, then dumps the rest with Professor’s Research or Dedechange. On the flip side, Guzma and Hala helps fetch a tech Stadium like [card name=”Lysandre Labs” set=”Forbidden Light” no=”111″ c=”name”][/card], but two Shrine of Punishment is better so there’s no need to murk the Stadium lineup.

Marshadow

You can put Shrine of Punishment into play in the same turn even with a Chaotic Swell out after using [card name=”Marshadow” set=”Unbroken Bonds” no=”81″ c=”name”][/card]’s Resetting Hole. The debilitating Chaotic Swell is no longer a problem with this searchable Basic Pokemon.

Mawile-GX

This card is two-fold. [card name=”Mawile-GX” set=”Unified Minds” no=”141″ c=”name”][/card]’s Captivating Wink can fill an opponent’s Bench, preventing them from using Dedenne-GX. This is a counter to Blacephalon decks that might be holding two Prize Pokemon in hand in this matchup or any other deck that emulates the same counterplay strategy. Putting a Dedenne-GX onto your opponent’s Bench is the big ticket seller with this card but that doesn’t happen all the time. Wily Bite is a cute way to deal some solid damage for two Energy.

Mew

Bench Barrier [card name=”Mew” set=”Unbroken Bonds” no=”76″ c=”name”][/card] improves your [card name=”Pikachu and Zekrom-GX” set=”Team Up” no=”33″ c=”name”][/card] matchup. It is worth playing if you’re struggling with the deck or expect a ton of it.

Mimikyu

Shadow Box [card name=”Mimikyu” set=”Cosmic Eclipse” no=”97″ c=”name”][/card] is worth if [card name=”Mewtwo and Mew-GX” set=”Unified Minds” no=”71″ c=”name”][/card] is super big for you or a struggle point.

Matchups

Blacephalon: Slightly Unfavorable

[cardimg name=”Blacephalon” set=”Unbroken Bonds” no=”32″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]

Your big carry here is [card name=”Marnie” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”169″ c=”name”][/card] and there’s not a whole lot to it. Try to use Altered Creation GX as soon as possible and hope your [card name=”Arceus and Dialga and Palkia-GX” set=”Cosmic Eclipse” no=”156″ c=”name”][/card] isn’t one-shot in return. Immediately after this turn if you use Marnie and take a Knock Out, I can comfortably say you’ll be favored. If your opponent manages to one-shot your Tag Team Pokemon-GX right away, that’s going to be tough. [card name=”Lucky Egg” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”167″ c=”name”][/card] can be an issue but with Marnie you sink a ton of your opponent’s good cards onto the bottom of their deck. [card name=”Phione” set=”Cosmic Eclipse” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] helps move a Lucky Egg holder to the Bench. [card name=”Beast Bringer” set=”Unbroken Bonds” no=”164″ c=”name”][/card] will influence the matchup further in your opponent’s favor if they use it to Knock Out your three Prize Pokemon-GX for four Prizes instead. Beast Bringer, used effectively, will put the Prize trade out of your favor for good. If they miss the Knock Out after you use Altered Creation GX, you should win unless Beast Bringer rears its ugly head. [card name=”Reset Stamp” set=”Unified Minds” no=”206″ c=”name”][/card] is decent in this matchup. However, you’ll want two to use them consistently and they’re not great in most other matchups. I would be nervous to face this matchup in an event!

Cinccino Mill: Even

This matchup is winnable but much depends on the luck of [card name=”Bellelba and Brycen-Man” set=”Cosmic Eclipse” no=”186″ c=”name”][/card] discards. If a [card name=”Custom Catcher” set=”Lost Thunder” no=”171″ c=”name”][/card] gets discarded you will probably lose the game. But if your opponent mills one of their own [card name=”Lillie’s Poké Doll” set=”Cosmic Eclipse” no=”197″ c=”name”][/card], then you might get a free Knock Out on a real Pokemon for some Prizes. Phione would be a solid tech in this matchup, but [card name=”Oranguru” set=”Ultra Prism” no=”114″ c=”name”][/card] with Resource Management is a surefire way to lock this one up. You get repeated access to Custom Catcher and you only need to take three Knock Outs to take all six of your Prizes after Altered Creation GX.

Mewtwo and Mew-GX / Welder: Slightly Favorable

Go for your Altered Creation GX with one Energy. 260 damage with [card name=”Zacian V” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”138″ c=”name”][/card]’s Brave Blade coupled with [card name=”Shrine of Punishment” set=”Celestial Storm” no=”143″ c=”name”][/card] will rock this matchup quickly if your opponent whiffs [card name=”Big Charm” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”158″ c=”name”][/card]. It’s a lot of pressure and hard to get Big Charm on all of their Mewtwo and Mew-GX. If this matchup troubles you to a concerning degree you can add Shadow Box [card name=”Mimikyu” set=”Cosmic Eclipse” no=”97″ c=”name”][/card] to further increase your winning percentage, but this it’s already positive.

Pikachu and Zekrom-GX: Slightly Favorable

You do need to boost your Altered Creation GX attack here. If you don’t, [card name=”Tapu Koko V” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”72″ c=”name”][/card] will walk all over you! After the GX attack, you should usually be able to take a hit so you get a chance to use Arceus and Dialga and Palkia-GX’s Ultimate Ray. Setup two Zacian V and aggressively work to eliminate any hope for your opponent using Pikachu and Zekrom-GX’s Tag Bolt GX to catch up on Prizes. You should be able to Knock Out a Tag Team Pokemon-GX for four Prizes and you only need one more Knock Out to win. Depending on their list this can change a bit, if they have Big Charm, Lysandre Labs, or a Galarian Zigzagoon. [card name=”Metal Frying Pan” set=”Forbidden Light” no=”112″ c=”name”][/card] is in this list to shore up the matchup further and increase your survivability, making it all the more likely that your opponent whiffs a one-hit Knock Out in response to your first Zacian V. Remember, you can easily one-shot two Prize Pokemon here if you must. That means if you see two [card name=”Dedenne-GX” set=”Unbroken Bonds” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card], you should probably go after them. Be wary of your opponent’s possible win conditions. If you see a Tag Bolt GX for game, try to stop it.

Zacian V / Arceus and Dialga and Palkia-GX: Even

The mirror is usually decided by who uses Altered Creation GX for the boost first. It ensures that two Zacian V will win someone the game, so going first in this matchup is very important. Besides going first, you do need to use the Altered Creation GX with the boost on your coming second turn. If you miss, you’ll probably be on the rear foot immediately. There’s little leverage swinging here unless you play [card name=”Wait and See Hammer” set=”Lost Thunder” no=”192″ c=”name”][/card], another reasonable tech for this deck. If you get the Wait and See Hammer playing second, you can eliminate the advantage your opponent gained by going first. This is a bit of an awkward battle of fast components. I don’t like this mirror match and think it’s mostly devoid of skill. [card name=”Acro Bike” set=”Celestial Storm” no=”123″ c=”name”][/card] is a bit of a nice touch; you can recover from [card name=”Reset Stamp” set=”Unified Minds” no=”206″ c=”name”][/card] and maybe you’ll get a second chance with a Marnie. Who knows, you might get lucky!

Conclusion

Okay folks I’m outta here. I’ll be off to Toronto, Ontario this weekend for another Regionals and this time I think I’ll be playing this deck or [card name=”Pikachu and Zekrom-GX” set=”Team Up” no=”33″ c=”name”][/card]. I’ve tested a wonky control build a little as well much like Sander Wojcik’s build from the recent Swedish Regionals. Maybe I’ll take a risk on that, we’ll see. Hit me up in the Subscribers’ Hideout with any questions you might have and please, take care and good luck!

Peace,

–Caleb

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