Trekking Shoes is the Future – Decks that Go Fast

Hello everyone! EUIC as the first major post-rotation tournament is fast approaching. As of writing this, I leave tomorrow and still have lots of testing to do! There are lots of interesting new ideas and speculation for this new format, and several online tournaments have already taken place. Today I will share two decks that I have been working on. Both have been very strong and consistent in testing so far, and they are quite fun to play. Let’s get into it.

Miraidon ex

In my last article I said that [card name=”Miraidon ex” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”81″ c=”name”][/card] was overrated and Tier 2 at best. Although Tier 2 isn’t that bad, this inspired me to work on the archetype and see what I could do with it. I thought about how the main thing that was special about Miraidon ex is its ability to get a turn 1 attack. I figured that if I made a list that could consistently get the turn 1 attack, it could make for a powerful deck that plays to the archetype’s strengths. I started with a list that was all gas and no brakes. I had [card name=”Switching Cups” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”162″ c=”name”][/card] to combo with [card name=”Electric Generator” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”170″ c=”name”][/card], and the rest of the list was built for speed. I ended up having to change a few cards to make the deck a little more balanced, but it is still fast and consistent. Unfortunately, Switching Cups did not quite make the cut, though I maintain that the idea has merit. Here is my current list.

[decklist name=”miraidon deez” amt=”60″ caption=”” cname=”Lumineon V” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”40″][pokemon amt=”12″]2x [card name=”Miraidon ex” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”81″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]3x [card name=”Regieleki VMAX” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”58″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]3x [card name=”Regieleki V” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”57″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Raikou V” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”48″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Radiant Greninja” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”46″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Lumineon V” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”40″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”34″]4x [card name=”Serena” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”164″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Professor’s Research” set=”Shining Fates” no=”60″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]1x [card name=”Roxanne” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”150″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]4x [card name=”Ultra Ball” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”196″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Nest Ball” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”181″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Electric Generator” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”170″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Escape Rope” set=”Battle Styles” no=”125″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]3x [card name=”Trekking Shoes” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”156″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]1x [card name=”Hisuian Heavy Ball” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”146″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]2x [card name=”Exp. Share” set=”Battle Styles” no=”126″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Forest Seal Stone” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”156″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Beach Court” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”167″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card][/trainers][energy amt=”14″]14x [card name=”Lightning Energy” set=”Crown Zenith” no=”155″ c=”deck2″ amt=”14″][/card][/energy][/decklist][cardimg name=”Miraidon ex” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”253″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]

The list follows the basic concept of the typical Miraidon ex deck. Attack with powerful Lightning-type Pokemon and boost damage with [card name=”Regieleki VMAX” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”58″ c=”name”][/card]’s Transistor Ability. I’ve found that the Regieleki VMAX line has some nice utility attacks that I end up using from time to time. [card name=”Regieleki V” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card]’s Switching Bolt can KO low-HP Pokemon such as [card name=”Sableye” set=”Lost Origin” no=”70″ c=”name”][/card] or Pokemon with a Weakness to Lightning-type such as [card name=”Lumineon V” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”40″ c=”name”][/card], thanks to Regieleki VMAX’s damage boost. Sometimes getting a KO for just one Energy is quite helpful. Switching Bolt can also pivot into a disposable sacrifice like [card name=”Radiant Greninja” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”46″ c=”name”][/card], or a damage sponge such as Regieleki VMAX. Lightning Wall is a bit more expensive, but is very useful in some situations, such as when you expect to be attacked by single-Prize Pokemon or anything that can’t deal 300 damage. Similarly, attacking with Regieleki VMAX itself can be good when you need that extra HP.

The preferred attacker for this deck is [card name=”Raikou V” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”48″ c=”name”][/card] because its attack is relatively inexpensive. To attack on turn 1, you only need to hit one Energy off [card name=”Electric Generator” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”170″ c=”name”][/card]. Its damage output is the same as Miraidon ex’s if the opponent has a full Bench, which is often the case in this format. However, if your opponent tries to play around Lightning Rondo, you can still easily attack with Miraidon ex. In most games, you end up using both Raikou V for attacking. Raikou V is a tempo monster.

The list started with a third Miraidon ex, which is useful for early-game consistency. However, three copies is excessive, since I found that you don’t attack with Miraidon ex all that often. I usually ended up with one or two extra Miraidon ex, which were rather useless. The only real benefit to having a bunch of Miraidon ex is increasing the odds of starting with it in your opening hand, which is desirable. However, the spaces are better spent elsewhere.

[premium]

It is mind-boggling to me that most lists do not play Radiant Greninja. This Pokemon is an efficient way to repurpose those extra Energy you end up with in your hand, and the draw effect is incredibly strong. Although there isn’t a way for this deck to recover those discarded Energy cards, the list has so much extra Energy that it doesn’t matter. The list naturally plays a lot of Lightning Energy for Electric Generator. Radiant Greninja not only does not interfere with that, but also helps with hitting your combos turn after turn thanks to its draw power. [card name=”Lumineon V” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”40″ c=”name”][/card] is simply included due to its synergy with [card name=”Ultra Ball” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”196″ c=”name”][/card], creating five extra outs to your Supporter of choice on any given turn.

Where this list starts to get questionable is the addition of [card name=”Roxanne” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”150″ c=”name”][/card]. More testing is required for a few reasons. First, to see if Roxanne is impactful enough in the Lost Box matchup to warrant its inclusion. You have some tricks to deal with Lost Box, but it can be an uphill battle (especially if they have [card name=”Galarian Zapdos V” set=”Chilling Reign” no=”80″ c=”name”][/card]). Second, to see if [card name=”Klefki” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”96″ c=”name”][/card] is impactful enough in the Lost Box matchup. Klefki is common in current Miraidon ex lists, but it is actively detrimental for the deck overall. Starting with Klefki is a disaster because it shuts off your Abilities and takes up a precious spot on your Bench. It’s hard for me to justify playing such a counter-productive card in the deck, which is why I prefer Roxanne.

Four copies of [card name=”Serena” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”164″ c=”name”][/card] is important for the deck to win Prize trades, especially against the likes of [card name=”Mew VMAX” set=”Fusion Strike” no=”114″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Lugia VSTAR” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”139″ c=”name”][/card] decks. The ability to use Serena every turn is extremely strong, allowing you to maintain your tempo from the turn 1 attack and limiting the opponent’s options to play around your deck. I started with three copies of Serena, but added a fourth copy because it was too important. Concealed Cards and Fleet Footed provide recurring draw power, which complements the deck’s natural ability to thin itself and allows you to use your Supporter for gusting every turn instead of drawing.

That said, Serena’s draw effect is useful, especially in single Prize matchups. You can draw cards without getting rid of resources such as Roxanne or your Regieleki VMAX, which is flexibility that [card name=”Professor’s Research” set=”Celebrations” no=”23″ c=”name”][/card] does not offer. So far, it has been much better than playing Boss’s Orders. You never need to use Boss’s Orders to bring up an opponent’s single Prize Pokemon, though sometimes it would be nice to be able to gust up an opposing Miraidon ex. Professor’s Research is almost always needed on turn 1 (when going second) to hit your combo. It is much better than Serena when it comes to drawing cards, and is to be used on nearly every turn when you don’t need to gust.

Ultra Ball, [card name=”Nest Ball” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”181″ c=”name”][/card], and Electric Generator are key cards for consistency and thinning. [card name=”Escape Rope” set=”Battle Styles” no=”125″ c=”name”][/card] is the switch card of choice because the soft gust effect is useful in so many situations. Sometimes it is a suitable replacement for Serena, allowing you to use Professor’s Research for the turn. It is often good against Lugia VSTAR or Mew VMAX on turn 1, allowing you to get two Prize cards if they only have juicy targets on the Bench. Escape Rope can also circumvent opposing Klefki. [card name=”Trekking Shoes” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”156″ c=”name”][/card] thins and effectively lets you play with a smaller deck, which makes the turn 1 (and subsequent) attack more consistent. I would like to play another copy of Trekking Shoes, but I cannot find the space for it.

After realizing how reliant I was on Electric Generator, I’ve added [card name=”Exp. Share” set=”Battle Styles” no=”126″ c=”name”][/card] to this list. Although Electric Generator is fairly consistent with 14 Lightning Energy in the deck, you don’t want to rely on it every single turn. Exp. Share smooths out games and ensures that you don’t run out of gas, which could otherwise be a big issue. [card name=”Forest Seal Stone” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”156″ c=”name”][/card] is just a broken card, and it really needs no explanation.

Another useful card in this deck is [card name=”Hisuian Heavy Ball” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”146″ c=”name”][/card]. This pseudo-Pokemon search card helps because all of the Basic Pokemon are run in their lowest-possible counts. Any Pokemon being stuck in your Prizes, besides maybe one Miraidon ex, can be problematic. Hisuian Heavy Ball is relatively consistent because this deck sees so many cards, and retrieves otherwise inaccessible resources. Both copies of Raikou V and the Radiant Greninja are used almost every game. Many games require all three Regieleki V and / or the sole Lumineon V as well.

So far, the deck is fast, consistent, and nicely balanced. I am somewhat happy with this Miraidon ex deck list. But this format is still brand new, so there’s always room for improvement or innovation. Perhaps there are still changes to be made with the list.

Miraidon ex Matchups

Lost Box

[cardimg name=”Regieleki VMAX” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”58″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]

This matchup depends on their list. Against the [card name=”Sky Seal Stone” set=”Crown Zenith” no=”143″ c=”name”][/card] version, you need to play around that card by carefully choosing when (and when not to) evolve into [card name=”Regieleki VMAX” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”58″ c=”name”][/card]. In general, you delay the evolution because you don’t need the extra damage. However, if they attack with [card name=”Dragonite V” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”191″ c=”name”][/card], you do need to attack with the damage boost from the Transistor Ability to KO it. If possible, keep several [card name=”Regieleki V” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card] on the Bench. If they try to drop six damage counters each on two Regieleki V with [card name=”Sableye” set=”Lost Origin” no=”70″ c=”name”][/card] to set up for Dragonite V’s 250 damage with Sky Seal Stone, evolve an undamaged Regieleki V. This is a slow process for them because they have to get ten cards in the Lost Zone for Sableye, then use Dragonite V to force you to evolve into the Regieleki VMAX, then use [card name=”Klara” set=”Chilling Reign” no=”145″ c=”name”][/card] to pick up Dragonite V from their dicard pile, and then finally use [card name=”Boss’s Orders” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”132″ c=”name”][/card]. If you can delay the Regieleki VMAX evolution until you absolutely need to, you can take away their Sky Seal Stone advantage.

Take a look at the overall board state and determine when you can evolve without getting punished. Transistor also sometimes enables sneaky plays with Switching Bolt or Lightning Wall. This is the only matchup where I’m sure going second is correct. You can take away their free 110 damage with [card name=”Cramorant” set=”Lost Origin” no=”50″ c=”name”][/card] and take a quick Prize card before they get to do anything. Oftentimes, Lightning Wall is the best attack to use, but it is quite expensive. [card name=”Raikou V” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”48″ c=”name”][/card] is easier and more accessible, so you sometimes just go with that.

The trump card in this matchup is [card name=”Roxanne” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”150″ c=”name”][/card], which can be used very late in the game to disrupt their game-winning combo. Roxanne isn’t always available on demand, but it should be reasonably consistent thanks to Lumineon V and the deck’s natural ability to thin. If you find yourself behind, try to time the Roxanne when it will be most effective. This is often on your second-to-last turn. If you use Roxanne too early, it gives them an opportunity to draw out of it. You want to use Roxanne on the turn where they have to hit a big combo to win, which is nearly impossible off two cards.

Gardevoir ex

Just like with Lost Box, try to play around Sky Seal Stone by not evolving into Regieleki VMAX. However, you can do so in board states when you won’t get punished, when you need the extra damage, or when you are playing Roxanne to make the Sky Seal combo unlikely. Since [card name=”Gardevoir ex” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”86″ c=”name”][/card] places damage counters on its own attackers, Lightning Wall is often the best choice to take out an attacking [card name=”Gardevoir” set=”Chilling Reign” no=”61″ c=”name”][/card]. I think going first in this matchup is correct, but I am not 100% sure. Gardevoir can’t really do anything on turn 1, and you get an extra Energy to attach to Regieleki for Lightning Wall.

The [card name=”Mewtwo V-UNION” set=”Sword and Shield Black Star Promos” no=”SWSH161 ” c=”name”][/card] version of Gardevoir ex is much more threatening to Miraidon ex. Triple Transistor lets Miraidon ex one-shot the Mewtwo V-UNION, but setting up all three Regieleki VMAX might be too much of an ask. You have to evolve all three before Mewtwo V-UNION comes out, or else your opponent will use Boss’s Orders to KO your Regieleki V. Regardless, this is probably the best strategy you can go for.

Lugia VSTAR

This matchup is very much a flow chart. [card name=”Lugia VSTAR” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”139″ c=”name”][/card] has to set up perfectly with two [card name=”Lugia V” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”138″ c=”name”][/card] on turn 1 and an attacking [card name=”Stonjourner” set=”Battle Styles” no=”84″ c=”name”][/card] on Turn 2. Furthermore, they must not start with [card name=”Tyranitar V” set=”Battle Styles” no=”97″ c=”name”][/card] or [card name=”Lumineon V” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”40″ c=”name”][/card], and they must set up without using Luminous Sign. These are demanding conditions for Lugia VSTAR, and if it fails any of them, Miraidon ex will win by simply blitzing attacks. However, if Lugia VSTAR fulfills these conditions, it will probably win, as Miraidon ex will be forced to KO Stonjourner, which puts Lugia VSTAR ahead in the Prize race. Raikou V can reliably KO a Lugia V on turn 1 (when going second), and it can also pick off Lugia VSTAR and Lumineon V for more Prize cards. However, since Stonjourner is a single Prize attacker that easily OHKO’s the entire Miraidon ex deck, it makes for quite the obstacle. Worth noting is that Regieleki VMAX’s Ability is needed to one-shot Tyranitar V. Again, I think going first is correct here, but I’m not entirely sure.

Mew VMAX

This matchup might also be somewhat of a flow chart, but it is a matchup I haven’t played as much. The idea is to go 2-2-2, winning the game in three attacks. It is fairly easy to get a two-Prize KO on turn 1 against [card name=”Mew VMAX” set=”Fusion Strike” no=”114″ c=”name”][/card], which leads to a favorable position. However, if they are using the [card name=”Meloetta” set=”Fusion Strike” no=”124″ c=”name”][/card] version, they can go first and play down two single Prize Pokemon on turn 1. Alternatively, they can just draw the nuts and get a turn 1 KO while going second. Either of these scenarios are undesirable. Either version of the deck can use [card name=”Path to the Peak” set=”Chilling Reign” no=”148″ c=”name”][/card] to disrupt Miraidon ex, so you should save your [card name=”Beach Court” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”167″ c=”name”][/card] to use as Path counters.

Turbo Lost Box

[decklist name=”turbo deez” amt=”60″ caption=”” cname=”Comfey” set=”Lost Origin” no=”79″][pokemon amt=”11″]4x [card name=”Comfey” set=”Lost Origin” no=”79″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]2x [card name=”Dragonite V” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”191″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Raikou V” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”48″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]2x [card name=”Sableye” set=”Lost Origin” no=”70″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Manaphy” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”41″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Radiant Greninja” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”46″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”41″]4x [card name=”Colress’s Experiment” set=”Lost Origin” no=”155″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]2x [card name=”Boss’s Orders” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”154″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Klara” set=”Chilling Reign” no=”145″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]4x [card name=”Battle VIP Pass” set=”Fusion Strike” no=”225″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Nest Ball” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”181″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Trekking Shoes” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”156″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Switch Cart” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”154″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Escape Rope” set=”Battle Styles” no=”125″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Mirage Gate” set=”Lost Origin” no=”163″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Lost Vacuum” set=”Lost Origin” no=”162″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Forest Seal Stone” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”156″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Energy Recycler” set=”Guardians Rising” no=”123″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Hisuian Heavy Ball” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”146″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]2x [card name=”PokéStop” set=”Pokemon GO” no=”68″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”2″][/card][/trainers][energy amt=”8″]4x [card name=”Water Energy” set=”Crown Zenith” no=”154″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]2x [card name=”Psychic Energy” set=”Crown Zenith” no=”156″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Lightning Energy” set=”Crown Zenith” no=”155″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card][/energy][/decklist][cardimg name=”Sableye” set=”Lost Origin” no=”70″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]

This deck is absolutely nuts and I love it. There have been several Lost Box lists similar to this going around, but they all make one critical error: playing [card name=”Beach Court” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”167″ c=”name”][/card] over [card name=”PokéStop” set=”Pokemon GO” no=”68″ c=”name”][/card]. By playing the [card name=”Forest Seal Stone” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”156″ c=”name”][/card] version of Lost Box, you are committed to going full turbo and getting the turn 1 attack. If you don’t, then there’s nothing special about your deck; there’s no competitive advantage. Not only is this list built to consistently get the turn 1 [card name=”Mirage Gate” set=”Lost Origin” no=”163″ c=”name”][/card], which is insane power and tempo, but this naturally lets you get the turn 2 [card name=”Sableye” set=”Lost Origin” no=”70″ c=”name”][/card]! PokeStop is much better suited for speed, but Beach Court is better for the midrange or Sky Seal versions of Lost Box. Beach Court is just so ineffective here.

Naturally, you choose to go second against any deck capable of attacking you on turn 1. However, against decks that aren’t, I do not know if going first or second is better. Going first lets you get some extra cards in the Lost Zone, but going second lets you attack and apply pressure before your opponent can use a Supporter to help set up (or using [card name=”Judge” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”176″ c=”name”][/card] to disrupt you). I would choose to go first, but I could be wrong. This deck does not play [card name=”Cramorant” set=”Lost Origin” no=”50″ c=”name”][/card] because it uses a much stronger attacker on turn 1: being [card name=”Raikou V” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”48″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Dragonite V” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”191″ c=”name”][/card], or [card name=”Radiant Greninja” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”46″ c=”name”][/card] depending on the situation. Past that, you can choose between those attackers and Sableye.

There are several techs that would be useful in this deck. [card name=”Drapion V” set=”Lost Origin” no=”118″ c=”name”][/card] would be extremely strong against [card name=”Mew VMAX” set=”Fusion Strike” no=”114″ c=”name”][/card] as well as the [card name=”Gardevoir ex” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”86″ c=”name”][/card] variant running [card name=”Mewtwo V-UNION” set=”Sword and Shield Black Star Promos” no=”SWSH159 ” c=”name”][/card]. [card name=”Choice Belt” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”135″ c=”name”][/card] would let Dragonite V hit several numbers, such as taking a KO on [card name=”Lugia VSTAR” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”139″ c=”name”][/card] or [card name=”Tyranitar V” set=”Battle Styles” no=”97″ c=”name”][/card] (with [card name=”V Guard Energy” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”169″ c=”name”][/card] attached). Choice Belt would also help against Mewtwo V-UNION, as it takes a little bit of damage from Gardevoir ex. [card name=”Hawlucha” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”118″ c=”name”][/card] would similarly be strong against Tyranitar V, and it would also be good in mirror, but lacks the utility against Mewtwo. [card name=”Mawile” set=”Lost Origin” no=”71″ c=”name”][/card] would enforce a lose-lose situation against Gardevoir ex. You could either trap Manaphy or destroy them with Radiant Greninja. Mawile also punishes Lugia VSTAR players that use [card name=”Radiant Tsareena” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”16″ c=”name”][/card], allowing you to potentially go with a Radiant Greninja into Sableye play.

The card I would probably like the most is actually a second Raikou V for consistency, as well as strength against Lugia VSTAR. I’ve been waffling between second Dragonite V and second Raikou V, but it would be nice to have both. Regular [card name=”Switch” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”194″ c=”name”][/card] would also be useful for consistency and utility.

Turbo Lost Box Matchups

Mirror

Mirror is mirror. This list lacks the techs for the matchup, but more than makes up for it by being better and faster. You’ll usually get the first Sableye. You can also catch them with a turn 1 Radiant Greninja if they don’t get [card name=”Manaphy” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”41″ c=”name”][/card] or don’t expect it. Lost Box lists are a bit clunky and inconsistent these days, and this turbo list will punish them hard. The mirror strategies are similar to pre-rotation. By dividing your damage counters seven to five with Sableye, you can take out Manaphy and threaten a Radiant Greninja play. Even if they hit [card name=”Switch Cart” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”154″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Klara” set=”Chilling Reign” no=”145″ c=”name”][/card] for Manaphy, a follow-up Sableye can still take two Prizes and threaten another Radiant Greninja attacj. For this reason, getting the first Sableye attack is so strong in mirror. The absence of [card name=”Scoop Up Net” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”165″ c=”name”][/card] is a double-edged sword, so don’t be too reckless with how you play down Pokemon and use Switch Carts.

Gardevoir ex

This is a good matchup thanks to your snipe attackers. However, the Mewtwo V-UNION version will destroy you if you don’t have a tech for it. If you’re worried about Mewtwo V-UNION, several of the aforementioned techs will easily swing the matchup.

Lugia VSTAR

Lugia VSTAR is a good matchup thanks to Raikou V and Dragonite V offering insane tempo swings. If they set up fast, you need to be careful with resources and put together some Sableye plays here and there. However, like most matchups, go fast, hit hard, and hope it works out.

Mew VMAX

The idea for the Mew VMAX matchup is to go 2-2-2. Hopefully you pick up a two Prize KO on your first attacking turn. Past that, you need at least one Boss’s Orders to KO one of their [card name=”Genesect V” set=”Fusion Strike” no=”185″ c=”name”][/card] or [card name=”Mew V” set=”Fusion Strike” no=”113″ c=”name”][/card] for another two Prizes. For the remaining two Prizes, you can use another Boss’s Orders or simply attack with Sableye twice. The Sableye route is usually easier.

Conclusion

[cardimg name=”Raikou V” set=”Crown Zenith GG” no=”GG41″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]

The ability to consistently attack on turn 1 with something as powerful as Raikou V is absolutely insane in the new format. Many of the current Standard format decks are clunky and not very smooth, but these two decks are the polar opposite. Although they sacrifice some versatility, their speed and power are unparalleled. Drawing a million cards and taking a KO on turn 1 is very fun. It’s hard to say which of the two are better, and it may just come down to matchups and how the meta shapes up. One thing that is nice about the Lost Zone deck is that it has [card name=”Sableye” set=”Lost Origin” no=”70″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Radiant Greninja” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”46″ c=”name”][/card] as single Prize attackers. This allows you to get some free damage and slow the game down a little bit. If [card name=”Miraidon ex” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”81″ c=”name”][/card] misses a beat, it has plenty of two Prize targets in play. One way or another, games with Miraidon ex are not going to last very long. Turbo Lost Box can afford to whiff something, if that makes sense. After all, even if you whiff a turn 1 attack, you’re still a normal Tier 1 deck at worst.

One card that both decks share is [card name=”Trekking Shoes” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”156″ c=”name”][/card]. It’s such a simple card but it’s very strong and important for hitting those turn 1 combos. By playing a smaller deck, you naturally have more consistency and outs to combo pieces. I think Trekking Shoes is criminally underrated at the moment, so I hope it catches on!

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