Four Surprising Top Tier 2 Decks

Hello to all PokeBeach readers! Here is Gabriel Semedo once again with another Pokemon TCG article. This time, I’m going to continue my last article about my top four Standard format deck lists, but I’m going to go one step further and talk about decks that are not part of that little group of four decks that I wrote about. Every now and then, decks outside of the competitive metagame can pull off a huge surprise and win a major tournament like a Regional Championship.

Decks like [card name=”Vikavolt V” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”60″ c=”name”][/card] / [card name=”Aerodactyl VSTAR” set=”Lost Origin” no=”93″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Arceus VSTAR” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”123″ c=”name”][/card] / [card name=”Flying Pikachu VMAX” set=”Celebrations” no=”7″ c=”name”][/card], and Arceus VSTAR / [card name=”Duraludon VMAX” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”123″ c=”name”][/card] are competitive decks that are not very popular, but in my opinion are very good against the rest of the Standard format metagame. It can be said that all of these decks have slightly more pronounced disadvantages and advantages against certain metagame decks today. For example, An Arceus VSTAR / Duraludon VMAX deck in theory has a competitive advantage when going up against [card name=”Lugia VSTAR” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”139″ c=”name”][/card], but it can suffer a lot against an opponent playing Lost Box, especially if it is a Lost Box deck that includes [card name=”Giratina VSTAR” set=”Lost Origin” no=”131″ c=”name”][/card] (thankfully this variant is not very popular in the current Standard format)

In today’s article, I’ve spotlighted four Tier 2 decks that may still be able to surprise your opponent in the current Standard format. These decks can take a shock win due a shift in the metagame or simply because they have the potential to excel given the right opportunity. The reason I believe all four decks can win a Regional or International Championships is because they have good or balanced matchups against the four best decks in the Standard format, which are Lugia VSTAR, Lost Box, [card name=”Mew VMAX” set=”Fusion Strike” no=”114″ c=”name”][/card], and Regis.

Arceus VSTAR / Duraludon VMAX Deck List

[decklist name=”Arceus Duraludon” amt=”60″ caption=”” cname=”Duraludon VMAX” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”123″][pokemon amt=”12″]2x [card name=”Arceus VSTAR” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”123″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]4x [card name=”Arceus V” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”122″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Duraludon VMAX” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”123″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]3x [card name=”Duraludon V” set=”Champion’s Path” no=”47″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”34″]4x [card name=”Professor’s Research” set=”Celebrations” no=”24″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]2x [card name=”Marnie” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”169″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Serena” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”193″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Boss’s Orders” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”154″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”2″][/card]4x [card name=”Pokégear 3.0″ set=”Unbroken Bonds” no=”182″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Quick Ball” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”179″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Ultra Ball” set=”Dark Explorers” no=”102″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Hyper Potion” set=”Champion’s Path” no=”54″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Evolution Incense” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”163″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Switch” set=”Black and White” no=”104″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Escape Rope” set=”Burning Shadows” no=”114″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Big Parasol” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”157″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]4x [card name=”Crystal Cave” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”144″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card][/trainers][energy amt=”14″]6x [card name=”Metal Energy” set=”Black and White” no=”112″ c=”deck2″ amt=”6″][/card]4x [card name=”Fighting Energy” set=”EX Ruby and Sapphire” no=”105″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Double Turbo Energy” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”151″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card][/energy][/decklist][cardimg name=”Duraludon VMAX” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”220″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]

Arceus VSTAR / Duraludon VMAX is a very good deck and I would say it is one of the easiest decks to play in the entire format. If you are a player who is out of time to train for a major tournament or you are not that into competitive play, then I highly recommend this deck for you. But if you are already an experienced player and you are able to train regularly, I would also recommend this deck for you! Just because Arceus VSTAR / Duraludon VMAX is an easy deck to play with a straightforward game plan, it doesn’t mean it’s a bad deck. The truth is that this deck works very well in the current metagame, has finished well in many major tournaments around the world, and ends up being underestimated by many good players. Duraludon VMAX’s Ability alone causes a lot of problems for three of the top four decks in the format, as Mew VMAX, Lugia VSTAR, and Regis crucially rely on Special Energy to power them up.

Against Lugia VSTAR, the only Pokemon that is able to easily take a Knock Out on your beefy Duraludon VMAX is the Amazing Rare [card name=”Yveltal” set=”Shining Fates” no=”46″ c=”name”][/card], and many times after you manage to get rid of Yveltal, the victory is yours. Attach a copy of [card name=”Big Parasol” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”157″ c=”name”][/card] to protect Duraludon VMAX from Yveltal’s Amazing Destruction attack — it is very important to get this Tool attached to Duraludon VMAX as soon as possible. If you try to setup two Duraludon VMAX on the board, the Lugia VSTAR player’s greatest chance of winning is if they can quickly take a Knock Out on two Pokemon V. This way, they only need to attack with Yveltal once to Knock Out Duraludon VMAX and win the match.

Against Regis, the opponent’s main threat is using [card name=”Regigigas” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”130″ c=”name”][/card] with [card name=”Choice Belt” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”135″ c=”name”][/card] to increase its attack to a whopping 330 damage, taking a one hit Knock Out on your Duraludon VMAX only if they are able to play [card name=”Path to the Peak” set=”Chilling Reign” no=”148″ c=”name”][/card] before announcing their attack. In fact, the Regis deck can only deal damage to your Duraludon as long they have Path to the Peak in play. All versions of the Regi deck pack four copies of that Stadium, so this matchup becomes very focused on the Stadium war. To disrupt your opponent, play [card name=”Marnie” set=”Champion’s Path” no=”56″ c=”name”][/card] whenever they play [card name=”Professor’s Research” set=”Celebrations” no=”23″ c=”name”][/card] or after they take a Knock Out on any of your Pokemon. The idea is to always leave the opponent’s hand with as few cards as possible, and try to take away a possible Path to the Peak play next turn if they have it in their hand.

Against Mew VMAX, there are versions where the matchup is more relaxed and others where the game becomes more complicated. The traditional version with [card name=”Meloetta” set=”Fusion Strike” no=”124″ c=”name”][/card] is more easier to play against nowadays for Arceus VSTAR / Duraludon VMAX because it does not contain any Basic Energy cards, plus most Mew VMAX players have opted to remove [card name=”Echoing Horn” set=”Chilling Reign” no=”136″ c=”name”][/card] from their decks. The version of Mew VMAX without Meloetta will only cause problems if it includes plenty of Path to the Peak and [card name=”Lost Vacuum” set=”Lost Origin” no=”162″ c=”name”][/card], because if they manage to get that Stadium into play, Mew VMAX can deal tons of damage. Even in the worst case scenario however, this is still a winnable matchup.

Arceus VSTAR / Duraludon VMAX is a deck that depends on the metagame, there’s no other way around it. As you can see, this list is tight and most of the space is aimed at adding consistency to the deck. Because this deck doesn’t play any [card name=”Crobat V” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”104″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Bibarel” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”121″ c=”name”][/card], or any other type of Pokemon that offers draw power, the only way to improve consistency without offering easy Prizes for your opponent is to invest in Trainer cards. If you feel that the metagame has forgotten Duraludon VMAX a bit, then that is the best time to use this deck, but if you feel that the metagame is well prepared to face the big skyscraper, then you should consider another deck.

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Galarian Weezing Deck List

[decklist name=”Galarian Weezing / Techs” amt=”60″ caption=”” cname=”Crobat V” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”104″][pokemon amt=”16″]3x [card name=”Galarian Weezing” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”113″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]4x [card name=”Koffing” set=”Shining Fates” no=”41″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]1x [card name=”Flying Pikachu VMAX” set=”Celebrations” no=”7″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]2x [card name=”Flying Pikachu V” set=”Celebrations” no=”6″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Aerodactyl VSTAR” set=”Lost Origin” no=”93″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]2x [card name=”Aerodactyl V” set=”Lost Origin” no=”92″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Yveltal” set=”Celebrations” no=”19″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Drapion V” set=”Lost Origin” no=”118″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Crobat V” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”104″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”33″]4x [card name=”Marnie” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”169″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Professor’s Research” set=”Celebrations” no=”24″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Serena” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”164″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”2″][/card]4x [card name=”Quick Ball” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”179″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Ultra Ball” set=”Dark Explorers” no=”102″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Switch” set=”Black and White” no=”104″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Pokégear 3.0″ set=”Unbroken Bonds” no=”182″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Evolution Incense” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”163″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Energy Loto” set=”Guardians Rising” no=”122″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Air Balloon” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”156″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Big Parasol” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”157″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”2″][/card]3x [card name=”Path to the Peak” set=”Chilling Reign” no=”148″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card][/trainers][energy amt=”11″]4x [card name=”Hiding Darkness Energy” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”175″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Double Turbo Energy” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”151″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Aurora Energy” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”186″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card][/energy][/decklist] 

Of all the [card name=”Galarian Weezing” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”113″ c=”name”][/card] decks I’ve seen, this list used by Attar Ricco to make it to the Indonesian Regional League Top 8 was the one I liked the most by far. The whole deck is a great anti-meta build against the four main decks. But take note that it is a dangerous pick if you feel that you won’t face as many [card name=”Lugia VSTAR” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”139″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Mew VMAX” set=”Fusion Strike” no=”114″ c=”name”][/card], Lost Box, or Regis, because the deck isn’t really strong on its own.

Galarian Weezing is the perfect Pokemon to stop the most powerful Abilities that the Pokemon TCG has ever seen. However, its low HP makes its Ability only a temporary form of disruption as it is very difficult to keep Galarian Weezing in the Active Spot for a long time if your opponent is able to attack. Because of this, the deck accepts that Galarian Weezing won’t last long, and aims to prepare two of the best anti-meta Pokemon in the game: [card name=”Aerodactyl VSTAR” set=”Lost Origin” no=”93″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Flying Pikachu VMAX” set=”Celebrations” no=”7″ c=”name”][/card].

Aerodactyl VSTAR has been one of the most solid ways to beat Lugia VSTAR if you manage to win the coin flip, that’s because you can can pull off the Ancient Star VSTAR attack and disable your opponent’s Pokemon Abilities, making them unable to use Lugia VSTAR’s Summing Star VSTAR Power to pull out two [card name=”Archeops” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”147″ c=”name”][/card] from their discard pile – the key to their entire deck. Flying Pikachu VMAX is a wonderful answer to beating both Regis and Lost Box.

The list does not play Bibarel, and only has one Crobat V to speed up the setup or make complex moves that demand a lot of cards. The idea is to slow down the opponent’s game so that they become as slow as you to get the ball rolling. Galarian Weezing’s Ability will slow the match down, as the opponent in theory won’t be able to use Abilities. With match timing controlled for your deck’s playstyle, you’re aiming to set up the right Pokemon for a of the four matchups. Aerodactyl VSTAR for Lugia VSTAR, Flying Pikachu VMAX for Lost Box and Regis, and [card name=”Drapion V” set=”Lost Origin” no=”118″ c=”name”][/card] against Mew VMAX.

The surprise effect and the metagame focused on only four decks favor this deck as a good choice. I see room for changes in this list, so it’s possible to have a deck list that is even better suited to the current metagame.

Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR / Inteleon Deck List

[decklist name=”Palkia / Inteleon / Techs” amt=”60″ caption=”” cname=”Drapion V” set=”Lost Origin” no=”118″][pokemon amt=”19″]2x [card name=”Origin Form Palkia VSTAR” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”208″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Origin Forme Palkia V” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”39″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Inteleon” set=”Chilling Reign” no=”43″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Inteleon” set=”Shining Fates” no=”SV027″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]3x [card name=”Drizzile” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”56″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]4x [card name=”Sobble” set=”Chilling Reign” no=”41″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]1x [card name=”Radiant Greninja” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”46″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Articuno” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”36″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Galarian Zigzagoon” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”117″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Eiscue” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”47″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Drapion V” set=”Lost Origin” no=”118″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”32″]4x [card name=”Irida” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”147″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]2x [card name=”Raihan” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”152″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Marnie” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”169″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Serena” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”164″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Boss’s Orders” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”154″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Roxanne” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”150″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]3x [card name=”Quick Ball” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”179″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]3x [card name=”Capacious Bucket” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”156″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]3x [card name=”Scoop Up Net” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”165″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Level Ball” set=”Ancient Origins” no=”76″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Evolution Incense” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”163″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Battle VIP Pass” set=”Fusion Strike” no=”225″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Ultra Ball” set=”Dark Explorers” no=”102″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Hisuian Heavy Ball” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”146″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Rare Candy” set=”EX Sandstorm” no=”88″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Ordinary Rod” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”171″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Pal Pad” set=”Ultra Prism” no=”132″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Choice Belt” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”135″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Temple of Sinnoh” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”155″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Path to the Peak” set=”Chilling Reign” no=”148″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/trainers][energy amt=”9″]7x [card name=”Water Energy” set=”Evolutions” no=”93″ c=”deck2″ amt=”7″][/card]2x [card name=”Wash Water Energy” set=”Vivid Voltage” no=”165″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card][/energy][/decklist][cardimg name=”Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”40″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]

This is a deck that constantly reinvents itself to stay competitive. Before the arrival of Lost Box (and later Lugia VSTAR), [card name=”Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”40″ c=”name”][/card] was by far the best deck in format due to its consistency and ability to take quick and easy Knock Outs against other Pokemon V, but now the metagame has very good answers to deal with both [card name=”Sobble” set=”Chilling Reign” no=”41″ c=”name”][/card] and Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR. Previously, the main objective of the deck was to attack using Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR as soon as possible and pick up your six Prizes quickly; now the gameplay is totally different because the focus is on single Prize Pokemon and less on Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR.

Against Lugia VSTAR, the deck has a series of resources to try to stop their incredible strength. The tried but true [card name=”Marnie” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”169″ c=”name”][/card] plus [card name=”Path to the Peak” set=”Chilling Reign” no=”148″ c=”name”][/card] combo is best to use when your opponent hasn’t manage to pull any Archeops to the Bench yet, because with this combo you force the opponent to play [card name=”Pumpkaboo” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”76″ c=”name”][/card] down or else they are unable to use their VSTAR Power and lose the game.

Another combo that you can pull off at end of the game is [card name=”Roxanne” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”150″ c=”name”][/card] plus [card name=”Temple of Sinnoh” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”155″ c=”name”][/card]. With that Stadium on the field, the opponent cannot attack with their main attackers, [card name=”Radiant Charizard” set=”Pokemon GO” no=”11″ c=”name”][/card] and Amazing Rare [card name=”Yveltal” set=”Shining Fates” no=”46″ c=”name”][/card]. This updated Origin Forme Palkia deck also includes [card name=”Articuno” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”36″ c=”name”][/card] to paralyze the opponent’s Pokémon and hope that it has no way to retreat.

Against Lost Box, [card name=”Eiscue” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”47″ c=”name”][/card] is your main Pokémon, but it is far from guaranteeing victory for you. In this matchup, you need to setup Quick Shooting [card name=”Inteleon” set=”Chilling Reign” no=”43″ c=”name”][/card], because that way you can do multiple Knock Outs in a single turn. One of the best moves you can make in this match is taking a Knock Out on [card name=”Manaphy” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”41″ c=”name”][/card] with the Quick Shooting Ability, and then attacking with [card name=”Radiant Greninja” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”46″ c=”name”][/card] to buy up to three Prizes in one turn. Remember to attach your [card name=”Wash Water Energy” set=”Vivid Voltage” no=”165″ c=”name”][/card] onto the Eiscue, because without that Energy card, the opponent’s [card name=”Sableye” set=”Lost Origin” no=”70″ c=”name”][/card] can drop damage counters and Knock Out your Eiscue.

Against the Regis, Eiscue is also your main Pokémon. This time, you will need to setup two Quick Shooting Inteleon on your Bench. The opponent will probably take a Knock Out on Eiscue with [card name=”Escape Rope” set=”Battle Styles” no=”125″ c=”name”][/card] plus [card name=”Boss’s Orders” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”132″ c=”name”][/card], because if they don’t have those cards, they will have to deal with a Pokemon that cannot be damaged by Basic Pokemon. But if the opponent has cards to deal with Eiscue, you need to speed up the game because dealing only 70 damage is very little. It will definitely give the opponent enough time to find the cards they need to win. With the Quick Shooting Inteleon on the Bench, you can speed up Knock Outs or try to take multiple Knock Outs with Radiant Greninja.

Against Mew VMAX, the gameplay is simple: play normally and try to take at least three Prizes without Drapion V. When the opponent eventually uses Mew VMAX to attack, that is your cue to play Drapion V to pick up the remaining three Prizes and secure the victory. Whenever you play Drapion V, the Mew VMAX player is practically obliged to Knock Out your Drapion V with [card name=”Lost City” set=”Lost Origin” no=”161″ c=”name”][/card] on the field so that your Drapion V goes to the Lost Zone and you cannot use it again. With that in mind, never play Drapion V on the field if you’re not going to take Knock Out against your opponent’s Mew VMAX in the same turn, otherwise you’ll lose that Pokemon and give away two free Prizes to your opponent.

Lost Zone Giratina VSTAR Deck List

[decklist name=”Lost Giratina” amt=”60″ caption=”” cname=”Lumineon V” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”40″][pokemon amt=”17″]4x [card name=”Comfey” set=”Lost Origin” no=”79″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]2x [card name=”Cramorant” set=”Lost Origin” no=”50″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Radiant Greninja” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”46″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Manaphy” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”41″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Sableye” set=”Lost Origin” no=”70″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Drapion V” set=”Lost Origin” no=”118″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]3x [card name=”Giratina VSTAR” set=”Lost Origin” no=”131″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]3x [card name=”Giratina V” set=”Lost Origin” no=”130″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]1x [card name=”Lumineon V” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”40″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”32″]4x [card name=”Colress’s Experiment” set=”Lost Origin” no=”190″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]2x [card name=”Boss’s Orders” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”154″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Roxanne” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”150″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”2″][/card]4x [card name=”Battle VIP Pass” set=”Fusion Strike” no=”225″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Scoop Up Net” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”165″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Mirage Gate” set=”Lost Origin” no=”163″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Ordinary Rod” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”171″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Escape Rope” set=”Burning Shadows” no=”114″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Switch” set=”Black and White” no=”104″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Quick Ball” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”179″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Ultra Ball” set=”Fates Collide” no=”113″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]3x [card name=”Temple of Sinnoh” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”155″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card][/trainers][energy amt=”11″]4x [card name=”Psychic Energy” set=”EX Ruby and Sapphire” no=”107″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Water Energy” set=”EX Ruby and Sapphire” no=”106″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Grass Energy” set=”EX Ruby and Sapphire” no=”104″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card][/energy][/decklist][cardimg name=”Giratina VSTAR” set=”Lost Origin” no=”212″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]

And to close out the four decks that are out of Tier 1 but that can win a major tournament in my opinion, it is the classic Lost Box [card name=”Giratina VSTAR” set=”Lost Origin” no=”131″ c=”name”][/card] deck. This is considered the most traditional version of Lost Box, but currently it has not been the best option because Giratina VSTAR ends up being a very easy target for the opponent and cannot utilize its full potential. Before you can attack with Giratina VSTAR, the opponent is already using [card name=”Serena” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”164″ c=”name”][/card] or Boss’s Orders to take a Knock Out on your Giratina VSTAR. The version of Lost Box with Giratina VSTAR is an example where the deck seems to be wonderful in theory, but has flaws that can only really be noticed in practice.

However, the reason I believe this deck is able to win a major tournament is exact opposite of why I think the other three decks I’ve described in detail above — the [card name=”Duraludon VMAX” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”123″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Galarian Weezing” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”113″ c=”name”][/card], and Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR deck lists were developed with the current metagame in mind, especially in beating the four main decks in the format. But Lost Zone Giratina VSTAR is a deck that can do well in a competition where the metagame is full of anti meta decks. Yes, Lost Zone Giratina VSTAR is an excellent option to beat decks that beat the top four decks in the format. This change can be noticed more as the metagame becomes more well known and stabilized.

But that doesn’t mean that Lost Zone Giratina VSTAR has bad matchups against the main decks of the format. On the contrary, they are all well balanced matchups in my opinion. Having a balanced matchup against all four decks is a problem, but the more your gameplay improves with the deck, the better those results are in your favor.

Against Lugia VSTAR, the idea is to setup Giratina VSTAR as soon as possible while trying to pick up as many Prize cards as you can. At the end of the game, that’s when you disrupt your opponent with Roxanne plus Temple of Sinnoh. Unlike the versions of Lost Box with Lightning-type attackers, this version depends on Giratina VSTAR so your opponent will have a difficult time taking Knock Outs. For example, it is not as easy for them to use [card name=”Stoutland V” set=”Battle Styles” no=”117″ c=”name”][/card] to take additional Prize cards. In this deck, you play three copies of Temple of Sinnoh and this Stadium can be even more impactful than one Lightning-type attacker.

Lost Zone Giratina VSTAR’s worst matchup is probably the Regis. The most solid attacker is [card name=”Giratina V” set=”Lost Origin” no=”130″ c=”name”][/card], as this Pokemon can Knock Out one of the Regis and not get Knocked Out in return. The idea is to try and pick up as many Prize cards as possible so that at the end of the game you can disrupt your opponent using Roxanne with Temple of Sinnoh.

Against Mew VMAX, you have the easiest matchup of the top four deck, just take a Knock Out on Mew VMAX with Drapion V and another Mew VMAX using Giratina VSTAR’s Star Requiem VSTAR attack.

Against Lost Box, the matchup is slightly unfavorable because the opponent has more options for single Prize  Pokemon attackers,  while you are practically forced to use Giratina VSTAR in the matchup to deal with their single Prize Pokemon.

Lost Zone Giratina VSTAR excels in other matchups outside these four and gets rid of situations like Item Lock and Ability Lock way better compared to a Lost Box without Giratina VSTAR. Giratina V’s first attack is perfect for dealing with situations where the opponent tries to disrupt you with Item Lock through [card name=”Vikavolt V” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”60″ c=”name”][/card] or Ability Lock with Galarian Weezing, because even under any form of lock, Giratina V’s first attack allows you to look at the top four cards from the top of your deck, keep two and send the remaining two cards to the Lost Zone, helping your other Lost Zone Pokemon like [card name=”Cramorant” set=”Lost Origin” no=”50″ c=”name”][/card] and Sableye later. [card name=”Arceus VSTAR” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”123″ c=”name”][/card] and Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR decks will also find it difficult to beat Lost Zone Giratina VSTAR.

Final Thoughts

There are only four great decks that make up Tier 1 of the current Standard format, but there are several decks today that can be considered Tier 2, These decks that are weaker than the popular Lost Box, Lugia VSTAR, Mew VMAX, and Regis that dominate tournaments, but they can stand out or finish in the Top 8 with a little luck. In fact, if you think about it, there could be more than 20 decks that makes up Tier 2. Even an [card name=”Origin Forme Dialga VSTAR” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”114″ c=”name”][/card] Turbo deck could be considered a deck that may pull off a shock win. What makes one Pokemon deck better than another? This is due to details or answers that are a little more suited to a certain metagame compared to another deck.

The constant change in the current metagame and the factor of having several decks with similar strengths, means that a competitive player has to be able to make time to test various decks and matchups all the time, often choosing other decks to do well in a major competition. Sometimes, a fresh perspective or a new concept for a Tier 2 deck can elevate it to be a top contender against Tier 1 decks. Many changes in the game are subtle, and it takes a keen eye and awareness to detect them.

That’s all for today guys, I hope you enjoyed the article, and see you next time!

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