Hello everyone this will be the last post of Pokeballing on this blog site. To elaborate for everyone, I am trying to get my teammates to make a serious stab at worlds for this season (which takes place in my home country of Canada eh) so i have opened up a new blog address where hopefully you will get not only blogs from yours truly but my teammates as well.
But before I say a temporary good bye i just wanted to thank any and all of you who have read this over the time i had it. I constantly looked at my numbers and was amazed at all the page views i had, and i cant even begin to tell you how much it means to me that you all took time out of your days to read a relatively unknown Pokemon player's thoughts on this game i love so much.
I hope that you all show the same support for this new blog (which will also be titled Pokeballing cause i love the name) and let us know what you think, what you like, and what we can do to improve on your experience.
the site for the record is
http://teampokeballer.blogspot.ca/
Sunday 16 September 2012
Wednesday 8 August 2012
Pokeballing: Garchomps Coming to Get Ya
Hello boys and girls and welcome to another fun filled edition of everyones favorite (not really) blog.........POKEBALLING.
First I must say that i am sorry this article took so long to get on top of, I myself blame Kingdom Hearts 3D. Speaking of Kingdom Hearts 3D, if any of my dear readers happen to be a fan of the series I highly suggest picking this up, assuming you possess a 3DS.
Now back to the good stuff, as we draw ever so closer to the North American release of Dragons Exalted. Now I have a massive amount of decks that I wanna talk about before we shift into the new format September 1st, and this brand new set happens to play a big role in the first one.
For those of us who were playing this game during the Diamond/Pearl/Platinum era (D/P/PT), we are quite familiar with the destructive rampage that Garchomp had on that particular format. Starting with the second set in the block, Mysterious Treasures, Garchomp has been leaving a blaze of destruction in its path for a long time. Majestic Dawn brought one of the most creative forms of this card to the tcg in Garchomp Lv.X, who with its Rebirth Pokemon Power made opponents cringe at the site of massive stage 2 Pokemon brought out for free as basics. The Arrival of the SP theme of Pokemon really gave the monstrous Landshark the chance to strut its stuff when it was reinvented as Garchomp C and Garchomp C Lv.X, leaving its mark on the worlds stage in Luxchomp.
Now Dragons Exalted brings this dominating figure back into our tcg, and they even give him a new partner to destroy those who oppose his mighty rage. Garchomp/Altaria is a deck that has been ripping up Japan even placing multiple variants in the top spots of Japans Battle Carnival. The deck is so straight forward its kind of amazing that it works so well.
The Pokemon skeleton for this deck kind of looks like this
4 Gible
3 Gabite
4 Garchomp
3 Swablu
3 Altaria
3 Emolga
Garchomp – Dragon – HP140
Stage 2- Evolves from Gabite
[F] Sonic Cutter: 60 damage. Discard a Special Energy attached to the Defending Pokemon.
[W][F] Dragon Blade: 100 damage. Discard the top 2 cards from your deck.
Weakness: Dragon (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1
Gabite – Dragon – HP80
Stage 1 – Evolves from Gible
Ability: Dragon Call
Choose 1 Dragon-type Pokemon card from your deck, show it to your opponent, and put it in your hand. Shuffle your deck afterwards. You can use this Ability 1 time during your turn.
[W][F] Dragon Slice: 20 damage.
Weakness: Dragon (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1
Altaria – Dragon – HP70
Stage 1 – Evolves from Swablu
Ability: Battle Song
As long as this Pokemon is in play, your Dragon-type Pokemon’s attacks do an additional 20 damage to any Active Pokemon.
[W][M][C] Glide: 40 damage.
Weakness: Dragon (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1
Emolga – Lightning – HP70
Basic Pokemon
[C] Call for Family: Search your deck for two Basic Pokemon and put them onto your Bench. Shuffle your deck afterwards.
[L] Static Shock: 20 damage.
Weakness: Lightning (x2)
Resistance: Fighting (-20)
Retreat: 0
Now right off the bat I will be blunt the Gible and Swablu you use don't really matter, the set has two different versions of each one you can try out. At first glance this deck might look very meh to you, and i agree completely. However, when you set and look at the synergy this deck has and you see that the abilities all work together nicely. Gabites Dragon Call makes it so easy to get everything in this deck, Gabite searching for either Garchomp or Altaria allows for fast set up of this devastating deck. Altaria is the true power card in the deck even though you wont be attacking with it. Having multiple Altaria in play means that your Garchomps attacks keep getting stronger and stronger. Now lets look at Garchomp itself, it weighs in at 140 HP, with a one retreat cost and two attacks. Mach Cut does 60 for 1 Fighting Energy and discards a Special Energy card attached to your opponents active Pokemon. Doing 60 damage for one energy might not seem like a big deal but when you calculate Altarias extra 20 damage then you start to hit some big numbers. Dragonblade does a nice 100 for a water and a fighting energy with a two card discard from the top of your deck. This is a minor cost since with two Altaria that 100 turns into 140 making it easy to two shot Mewtwo and other massive EX Pokemon while they cant one shot you back. Emolga brings this deck together with its Call for Family allowing you to fill up your bench faster and its free retreat means you wont be wasting a switch or waiting for it to be knocked out to go on your offensive flurry.
I wont post a trainer skeleton for this deck, since for the most part all trainers for every deck are the same. I will however make note of some key cards that you should be running and some nice little tech ideas that might tickle your fancy. First up on the list is Level Ball, and this card is a must have in at least 3 hand down. Everything in this deck except Garchomp himself is searchable with Level Ball, so with all due respect if you don't run this card don't ever expect to win the mirror match, or most other matches. Pokemon Communication is the choice secondary searcher in this deck. Now some of you might be like but Ultra Ball is so good, and you would be right in most cases. Ultra Ball in this deck however is a bad idea, for the main reason as you don't really wanna needlessly pitch cards to the discard pile. Big Cloak would be a fun little tech for this deck as it would make your Garchomps HP rival that of EX Pokemon making him even harder to knock out. Rescue Scarf would also be something to perhaps look into, more so for your Gabites and Altarias as they will be wearing huge catcher targets on their backs.
This decks weakness to Dragon gives you a huge advantage against every deck other then Hydreigon/Darkrai. However, cards like Raikou EX can really mess you up bad since he can hit both your set up Pokemon without wasting a Pokemon Catcher. Even with these drawbacks and the obvious Catcher targeting on Gabite and Altaria, I strongly believe that this deck can be the best deck in the format.
First I must say that i am sorry this article took so long to get on top of, I myself blame Kingdom Hearts 3D. Speaking of Kingdom Hearts 3D, if any of my dear readers happen to be a fan of the series I highly suggest picking this up, assuming you possess a 3DS.
Now back to the good stuff, as we draw ever so closer to the North American release of Dragons Exalted. Now I have a massive amount of decks that I wanna talk about before we shift into the new format September 1st, and this brand new set happens to play a big role in the first one.
For those of us who were playing this game during the Diamond/Pearl/Platinum era (D/P/PT), we are quite familiar with the destructive rampage that Garchomp had on that particular format. Starting with the second set in the block, Mysterious Treasures, Garchomp has been leaving a blaze of destruction in its path for a long time. Majestic Dawn brought one of the most creative forms of this card to the tcg in Garchomp Lv.X, who with its Rebirth Pokemon Power made opponents cringe at the site of massive stage 2 Pokemon brought out for free as basics. The Arrival of the SP theme of Pokemon really gave the monstrous Landshark the chance to strut its stuff when it was reinvented as Garchomp C and Garchomp C Lv.X, leaving its mark on the worlds stage in Luxchomp.
Now Dragons Exalted brings this dominating figure back into our tcg, and they even give him a new partner to destroy those who oppose his mighty rage. Garchomp/Altaria is a deck that has been ripping up Japan even placing multiple variants in the top spots of Japans Battle Carnival. The deck is so straight forward its kind of amazing that it works so well.
The Pokemon skeleton for this deck kind of looks like this
4 Gible
3 Gabite
4 Garchomp
3 Swablu
3 Altaria
3 Emolga
Garchomp – Dragon – HP140
Stage 2- Evolves from Gabite
[F] Sonic Cutter: 60 damage. Discard a Special Energy attached to the Defending Pokemon.
[W][F] Dragon Blade: 100 damage. Discard the top 2 cards from your deck.
Weakness: Dragon (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1
Gabite – Dragon – HP80
Stage 1 – Evolves from Gible
Ability: Dragon Call
Choose 1 Dragon-type Pokemon card from your deck, show it to your opponent, and put it in your hand. Shuffle your deck afterwards. You can use this Ability 1 time during your turn.
[W][F] Dragon Slice: 20 damage.
Weakness: Dragon (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1
Altaria – Dragon – HP70
Stage 1 – Evolves from Swablu
Ability: Battle Song
As long as this Pokemon is in play, your Dragon-type Pokemon’s attacks do an additional 20 damage to any Active Pokemon.
[W][M][C] Glide: 40 damage.
Weakness: Dragon (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1
Emolga – Lightning – HP70
Basic Pokemon
[C] Call for Family: Search your deck for two Basic Pokemon and put them onto your Bench. Shuffle your deck afterwards.
[L] Static Shock: 20 damage.
Weakness: Lightning (x2)
Resistance: Fighting (-20)
Retreat: 0
Now right off the bat I will be blunt the Gible and Swablu you use don't really matter, the set has two different versions of each one you can try out. At first glance this deck might look very meh to you, and i agree completely. However, when you set and look at the synergy this deck has and you see that the abilities all work together nicely. Gabites Dragon Call makes it so easy to get everything in this deck, Gabite searching for either Garchomp or Altaria allows for fast set up of this devastating deck. Altaria is the true power card in the deck even though you wont be attacking with it. Having multiple Altaria in play means that your Garchomps attacks keep getting stronger and stronger. Now lets look at Garchomp itself, it weighs in at 140 HP, with a one retreat cost and two attacks. Mach Cut does 60 for 1 Fighting Energy and discards a Special Energy card attached to your opponents active Pokemon. Doing 60 damage for one energy might not seem like a big deal but when you calculate Altarias extra 20 damage then you start to hit some big numbers. Dragonblade does a nice 100 for a water and a fighting energy with a two card discard from the top of your deck. This is a minor cost since with two Altaria that 100 turns into 140 making it easy to two shot Mewtwo and other massive EX Pokemon while they cant one shot you back. Emolga brings this deck together with its Call for Family allowing you to fill up your bench faster and its free retreat means you wont be wasting a switch or waiting for it to be knocked out to go on your offensive flurry.
I wont post a trainer skeleton for this deck, since for the most part all trainers for every deck are the same. I will however make note of some key cards that you should be running and some nice little tech ideas that might tickle your fancy. First up on the list is Level Ball, and this card is a must have in at least 3 hand down. Everything in this deck except Garchomp himself is searchable with Level Ball, so with all due respect if you don't run this card don't ever expect to win the mirror match, or most other matches. Pokemon Communication is the choice secondary searcher in this deck. Now some of you might be like but Ultra Ball is so good, and you would be right in most cases. Ultra Ball in this deck however is a bad idea, for the main reason as you don't really wanna needlessly pitch cards to the discard pile. Big Cloak would be a fun little tech for this deck as it would make your Garchomps HP rival that of EX Pokemon making him even harder to knock out. Rescue Scarf would also be something to perhaps look into, more so for your Gabites and Altarias as they will be wearing huge catcher targets on their backs.
This decks weakness to Dragon gives you a huge advantage against every deck other then Hydreigon/Darkrai. However, cards like Raikou EX can really mess you up bad since he can hit both your set up Pokemon without wasting a Pokemon Catcher. Even with these drawbacks and the obvious Catcher targeting on Gabite and Altaria, I strongly believe that this deck can be the best deck in the format.
Sunday 29 July 2012
Pokeballing: Dragons Exalted Prerelease Part 1
Dragons Exalted Prereleases have started up today and continue next weekend, bringing another variety of new cards into our meta. This set brings a good number of great Pokemon and decks that will surely dictate how the falls BW-On format will look.
While this set lacks on the Trainer aspect of the game bringing a measly 4 trainers. Luckily for us these Trainers aren't that bad actually and most of these will see play in some decks.
Tool Scrapper – Trainer-Item
Choose up to 2 Pokemon Tool cards attached to Pokemon in play (both yours and your opponents) and discard them
You can use any number of Trainer cards during your turn.
Of the four Trainers we get this set Tool Scrapper will see the most play in the new format. So many decks run some form of Pokemon Tool whether it be Eviolite, Rocky Helmet, EXP Share, or Dark Claw. Being able to get rid of any two tools on the field is a amazing play especially if your just 20 damage short of knocking out a Pokemon equipped with Eviolite.
Rescue Scarf- Item
Pokemon Tool: Attach a Pokemon Tool to one of your Pokemon to use it. You can only attach 1 card to 1 Pokemon, and it remains attached.
If the Pokemon that this card is attached to is Knocked Out by damage from an attack, put that Pokemon back into your hand. (Discard all cards attached to that Pokemon.)
You can use any number of Goods cards during your turn.
Rescue Energy was a great card in the last format, providing you a fast easy way to get high stage support cards back onto the field easily. This great ability is back in Rescue Scarf, a Pokemon Tool that works the same way the energy did, giving you the ability to return a Stage 2 Pokemon and all its previous forms back to your hand when its Knocked Out. This is enables you to keep your attackers hitting hard and fast (have multiple Prinplups on the field to evolve the turn after your active Empoleon dies). Rescue Scarf is also great to attach to support Pokemon such as Altaria, Gabite and Eelektrik so when they are dragged out and killed you can get them right back on the field.
Devolution Spray – Trainer
Choose one of your Evolved Pokemon, then remove the top evolution card from that Pokemon. Return that Evolution card to your hand. (The Devolved Pokemon cannot evolve this turn.)
You can use any number of Trainer cards during your turn.
Devolution Spray makes its way back into the TCG after a long hiatus and now it can be better then ever. Coming into play powers(abilities) have been the key to winning games throughout the years (Uxie's Setup). However having these abilities on stage 1 or higher Pokemon can be very annoying. Devolution Spray fixes all of this by allowing you to pick those Evolution's back up to your hand and reuse those amazing Abilities again (such as this sets Ninetales). There is a deck that i wanna talk about soon that will make amazing use of this card so stay tuned.
Big Cloak – Tool
Pokemon Tool: Attach a Pokemon Tool to one of your Pokemon to use it. You can only attach 1 card to 1 Pokemon, and it remains attached.
The maximum HP of the Pokemon this card is attached to increases by 20.
You can use any number of Trainers per turn
Last on the list is Big Cloak, a Pokemon Tool that many Stage 1 and Stage 2 might want to consider taking for a Spin. Eviolite and this card have much in common, being that both give you more HP in some fashion, Eviolite lets you take less damage and Big Cloak gives you more HP. The upside to Big Cloak is that it doesnt have to be attached to a Basic Pokemon, giving hard hitting Stage 2 Pokemon more time to wreck your opponents field.
Thats all the trainers from this set, which kind of sad but oh well. Now for the Pokemon i am just gonna name off some of them as there are far to many to mention in one sitting. So for this blog i will only look at some of the interesting tech cards.
Garbodor - Psychic - HP100
Stage 1 - Evolves from Trubbish
Ability: GarboToxin
As long as this Pokemon has a Pokemon Tool card attached to it, ignore all Abilities printed on any cards in either player's field, hand, or discard pile (excluding any GarboToxins).
[P][P][C] Sludge Toss: 60 damage.
Weakness: Psychic (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 3
Your only going to be playing this card for Garbotoxin, as shutting down abilities like Dynamotor, Dragon Call and Fight Song is amazing just remember this will also shut down your abilities too.
Ninetales – Fire – HP90
Stage 1 – Evolves from Vulpix
Ability: Bright Look
You can use this ability 1 time, when you play this card from your hand to Evolve a Pokemon. Choose 1 of your opponent’s Benched Pokemon and switch it with his or her Active Pokemon.
[R] Cursed Flame: 20+ damage. Does 50 more damage for each Special Condition on the Defending Pokemon.
Weakness: Water (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1
Ladies and Gentleman its the return of Luxray GL Lv.X............'s Bright Look. Ninetales brings back a old favourite for seasoned players and a decent attack to go with it. I can see this card teching into Entei decks to allow for quick knock outs and if your opponent is burned or any other form of Special Condition then your doing some serious damage with this card.
Emolga – Lightning – HP70
Basic Pokemon
[C] Call for Family: Search your deck for two Basic Pokemon and put them onto your Bench. Shuffle your deck afterwards.
[L] Static Shock: 20 damage.
Weakness: Lightning (x2)
Resistance: Fighting (-20)
Retreat: 0
Colorless Call for Family and a free retreat make Emolga the starter of choice in the new format.
Sigilyph – Psychic – HP90
Basic Pokemon
Ability: Safeguard
Prevent all effects of attacks, including damage, done to Sigilyph by your opponent’s Pokemon-EX.
[P][C][C] Psychic: 50+ damage. Does 10 more damage for each Energy card attached to the Defending Pokemon.
Weakness: Psychic (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1
Sigilyph has seen some play in Japan (even teched into the winning Battle Carnival deck) for its ability to hit Mewtwo EX for potential massive damage and not face the Legendary Pokemon's fury if its not Knocked out. Safeguard in a format without the ability to Junk Arm for Pokemon Catcher whenever is a solid play as the chances of your opponent being able to disrupt your Safeguard is lowered greatly.
Roserade – Grass – HP90
Stage 1 – Evolves from Roselia
Ability: Le Parfum
You may use this Ability once during your turn, when you play Roserade from your hand to evolve one of your Pokemon. Search your deck for any one card and put it in your hand. Shuffle your deck afterwards.
[G][C] Tighten: 30+ damage. Flip 1 coin. If heads, this attack does 30 damage plus 20 more damage, and the Defending Pokemon is now Paralysed.
Weakness: Fire (x2)
Resistance: Water (-20)
Retreat: 1
This is the last tech card from this set I wanna talk about and it has tons of potential. This card reminds me very much of Quick Search Pidgeot from Fire Red Leaf Green in the EX series block. The ability to search for any card in your deck is massive and while unfortunately this is a coming into play power cards like Super Scoop Up and Devolution Spray help make this a possibility every turn.
This is just the tip of the iceberg and through out the week, work willing i will be posting blogs on the big Pokemon from this set as well as the EX Pokemon.
While this set lacks on the Trainer aspect of the game bringing a measly 4 trainers. Luckily for us these Trainers aren't that bad actually and most of these will see play in some decks.
Tool Scrapper – Trainer-Item
Choose up to 2 Pokemon Tool cards attached to Pokemon in play (both yours and your opponents) and discard them
You can use any number of Trainer cards during your turn.
Of the four Trainers we get this set Tool Scrapper will see the most play in the new format. So many decks run some form of Pokemon Tool whether it be Eviolite, Rocky Helmet, EXP Share, or Dark Claw. Being able to get rid of any two tools on the field is a amazing play especially if your just 20 damage short of knocking out a Pokemon equipped with Eviolite.
Rescue Scarf- Item
Pokemon Tool: Attach a Pokemon Tool to one of your Pokemon to use it. You can only attach 1 card to 1 Pokemon, and it remains attached.
If the Pokemon that this card is attached to is Knocked Out by damage from an attack, put that Pokemon back into your hand. (Discard all cards attached to that Pokemon.)
You can use any number of Goods cards during your turn.
Rescue Energy was a great card in the last format, providing you a fast easy way to get high stage support cards back onto the field easily. This great ability is back in Rescue Scarf, a Pokemon Tool that works the same way the energy did, giving you the ability to return a Stage 2 Pokemon and all its previous forms back to your hand when its Knocked Out. This is enables you to keep your attackers hitting hard and fast (have multiple Prinplups on the field to evolve the turn after your active Empoleon dies). Rescue Scarf is also great to attach to support Pokemon such as Altaria, Gabite and Eelektrik so when they are dragged out and killed you can get them right back on the field.
Devolution Spray – Trainer
Choose one of your Evolved Pokemon, then remove the top evolution card from that Pokemon. Return that Evolution card to your hand. (The Devolved Pokemon cannot evolve this turn.)
You can use any number of Trainer cards during your turn.
Devolution Spray makes its way back into the TCG after a long hiatus and now it can be better then ever. Coming into play powers(abilities) have been the key to winning games throughout the years (Uxie's Setup). However having these abilities on stage 1 or higher Pokemon can be very annoying. Devolution Spray fixes all of this by allowing you to pick those Evolution's back up to your hand and reuse those amazing Abilities again (such as this sets Ninetales). There is a deck that i wanna talk about soon that will make amazing use of this card so stay tuned.
Big Cloak – Tool
Pokemon Tool: Attach a Pokemon Tool to one of your Pokemon to use it. You can only attach 1 card to 1 Pokemon, and it remains attached.
The maximum HP of the Pokemon this card is attached to increases by 20.
You can use any number of Trainers per turn
Last on the list is Big Cloak, a Pokemon Tool that many Stage 1 and Stage 2 might want to consider taking for a Spin. Eviolite and this card have much in common, being that both give you more HP in some fashion, Eviolite lets you take less damage and Big Cloak gives you more HP. The upside to Big Cloak is that it doesnt have to be attached to a Basic Pokemon, giving hard hitting Stage 2 Pokemon more time to wreck your opponents field.
Thats all the trainers from this set, which kind of sad but oh well. Now for the Pokemon i am just gonna name off some of them as there are far to many to mention in one sitting. So for this blog i will only look at some of the interesting tech cards.
Garbodor - Psychic - HP100
Stage 1 - Evolves from Trubbish
Ability: GarboToxin
As long as this Pokemon has a Pokemon Tool card attached to it, ignore all Abilities printed on any cards in either player's field, hand, or discard pile (excluding any GarboToxins).
[P][P][C] Sludge Toss: 60 damage.
Weakness: Psychic (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 3
Your only going to be playing this card for Garbotoxin, as shutting down abilities like Dynamotor, Dragon Call and Fight Song is amazing just remember this will also shut down your abilities too.
Ninetales – Fire – HP90
Stage 1 – Evolves from Vulpix
Ability: Bright Look
You can use this ability 1 time, when you play this card from your hand to Evolve a Pokemon. Choose 1 of your opponent’s Benched Pokemon and switch it with his or her Active Pokemon.
[R] Cursed Flame: 20+ damage. Does 50 more damage for each Special Condition on the Defending Pokemon.
Weakness: Water (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1
Ladies and Gentleman its the return of Luxray GL Lv.X............'s Bright Look. Ninetales brings back a old favourite for seasoned players and a decent attack to go with it. I can see this card teching into Entei decks to allow for quick knock outs and if your opponent is burned or any other form of Special Condition then your doing some serious damage with this card.
Emolga – Lightning – HP70
Basic Pokemon
[C] Call for Family: Search your deck for two Basic Pokemon and put them onto your Bench. Shuffle your deck afterwards.
[L] Static Shock: 20 damage.
Weakness: Lightning (x2)
Resistance: Fighting (-20)
Retreat: 0
Colorless Call for Family and a free retreat make Emolga the starter of choice in the new format.
Sigilyph – Psychic – HP90
Basic Pokemon
Ability: Safeguard
Prevent all effects of attacks, including damage, done to Sigilyph by your opponent’s Pokemon-EX.
[P][C][C] Psychic: 50+ damage. Does 10 more damage for each Energy card attached to the Defending Pokemon.
Weakness: Psychic (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1
Sigilyph has seen some play in Japan (even teched into the winning Battle Carnival deck) for its ability to hit Mewtwo EX for potential massive damage and not face the Legendary Pokemon's fury if its not Knocked out. Safeguard in a format without the ability to Junk Arm for Pokemon Catcher whenever is a solid play as the chances of your opponent being able to disrupt your Safeguard is lowered greatly.
Roserade – Grass – HP90
Stage 1 – Evolves from Roselia
Ability: Le Parfum
You may use this Ability once during your turn, when you play Roserade from your hand to evolve one of your Pokemon. Search your deck for any one card and put it in your hand. Shuffle your deck afterwards.
[G][C] Tighten: 30+ damage. Flip 1 coin. If heads, this attack does 30 damage plus 20 more damage, and the Defending Pokemon is now Paralysed.
Weakness: Fire (x2)
Resistance: Water (-20)
Retreat: 1
This is the last tech card from this set I wanna talk about and it has tons of potential. This card reminds me very much of Quick Search Pidgeot from Fire Red Leaf Green in the EX series block. The ability to search for any card in your deck is massive and while unfortunately this is a coming into play power cards like Super Scoop Up and Devolution Spray help make this a possibility every turn.
This is just the tip of the iceberg and through out the week, work willing i will be posting blogs on the big Pokemon from this set as well as the EX Pokemon.
Thursday 19 July 2012
Pokeballing: The Decks of the New Format
With September fast approaching us the Pokemon TCG is about to undergo a massive meta shift. The era of fast moving dominate basic decks is about to be left behind as we shift into a more thought out format with the return of stage 2 decks. So whats this mean for current and future decks?
The loss of key searching cards like Collector and Dual Ball aim to slow us down alot and mass searching of Pokemon will be set back to Pokemon attacks like Call For Family (Emolga DRE). Decks like Zekeels will take a hit because of this as its no longer easy for them to just drop a bunch of Tynamo and other threats in one turn for few cards. With that in mind here are some decks to be on the look out for come September
Garchomp/Altaria
For those of you who don't keep up with the meta game outside of North America this deck along with Hydreigon/Darkrai EX has been ripping up Japans meta with its intense speed and hard hitting for low energy attacks. Garchomp packs a 140 hp with weakness to Dragon and one retreat, with its attacks doing 60 for a [Fi] with a special energy discard and then 100 for a [W] and a [Fi] with a minor setback of 2 of your top cards from your deck being discarded. Now that might not seem like a lot, However when you add Altaria to the mix it gets interesting. Altarias ability Battle Song increases all your Dragon Type Pokemons attacks by 20 and it stacks so with 2 Altaria on the field your Garchomp is suddenly hitting for 100 for 1 and 140 for 2. Even more broken is the fact that Gabite has the ability Dragon Call which searches your deck for any Dragon type. With its blinding speed and hard hitting attacks this deck is looking to become the Best Deck In Format (BDIF).
Hydreigon/Darkrai EX
This deck will be Garchomps main competition come September first, like it has done in Japan (This deck won Japans Nationals Equivalent, Battle Carnival). This deck operates very much like Klinklang only without the mass array of EX attackers. Hydreigon's Dark Trance ability allows for the moving of Dark Energy as often as you like (keep in mind this also means Prism and the soon to be released Blend Energy(G,R,P,D)). This means that like Klinklang you can make good use of powerful healing cards like Max Potion to keep you going. This deck also gets Energy acceleration in the form of Dark Patch, which combines very nicely with Hydreigon's attack Dragon Blast which for a [P][D][D][C] does 140 with a 2 [D] discard. Also another bonus to this deck is due to the fact it runs Blend energy you can run strong underlooked attackers like Shaymin EX. Hydreigon/Darkrai is looking to create as big of a splash in our meta as it has overseas.
Empoleon Variants
Empoleon is a deck that has been seeing play since its release in Dark Explorers and a slower format could be just what the Pokemon Doctor orders so to speak. Empoleons ability Diving Draw always allows you to have a usable hand which is a big deal in a game where one bad turn can kill you in the end. Attack Command is the definition of mass damage for low cost doing 10 for every Pokemon in play for 1 measly [W].The lighting weakness is bad right now but it might not be come September when a slower format might hinder Zekeels, However even if that deck stays popular Empoleon is often partnered up with Terrakion which counters your weakness quite nicely. I myself have been testing this deck alot and i can honestly say its a beast once it gets going.
Ninetales/ Amoonguss
I cant say for sure if this deck will be a contender or a flash in the pan,but its a interesting deck to say the least. This deck uses Amoonguss's Sporprise ability to force Confusion and Poison on your opponent then uses Ninetales attack Cursed Flame to do 20+ 50 for each special condition on the defending Pokemon for a total of 120 for one energy. The soon to be reprinted Deevolution Spray will allow you to reuse Sporprise as well as Ninetales ability Bright Look (think Luxray GL Lv.X). The fact that this entire deck is searchable by Level Ball makes it that much better. Though one must becareful since your entire deck is 90 HP Pokemon it will be very easy for your opponent to overtake you.
Darkrai Variants
Now aside from the forementioned Hydreigon/Darkai EX there are a variety of other Darkrai Variants. Darkrai/Tornadus can still hit hard and fast and given the right build can perform turn 1 donks. Hammertime Darkrai is always a threat, being able to hit fast and keep your opponent from mounting a comeback with its collection of Crushing and Enhanced Hammers. Darkrai/Groudon/Terrakion (insert whatever here cause Darkrai is just awesome) decks will always be a threat to the game and the loss of certain cards doesn't really hinder this deck at all.
Zekeels
This is perhaps the most interesting deck in this new format, for many reasons. Zekeels dominated the middle of last format and was still a force in the later half. However the loss of cards like Dual Ball and Collector I feel hurt this deck the most. Its now become harder for a Zekeels deck to put out multiple Tynamo's without missing out on setting up a secondary attacker. It will also be easier for decks to snipe off those Tynamo's if your opponent is dropping them in smaller numbers a turn.
This is just the tip of the iceberg for what September has in store for Pokemon players. This new Black and White on format is shaping up to be perhaps the most competitive format in recent history.
The loss of key searching cards like Collector and Dual Ball aim to slow us down alot and mass searching of Pokemon will be set back to Pokemon attacks like Call For Family (Emolga DRE). Decks like Zekeels will take a hit because of this as its no longer easy for them to just drop a bunch of Tynamo and other threats in one turn for few cards. With that in mind here are some decks to be on the look out for come September
Garchomp/Altaria
For those of you who don't keep up with the meta game outside of North America this deck along with Hydreigon/Darkrai EX has been ripping up Japans meta with its intense speed and hard hitting for low energy attacks. Garchomp packs a 140 hp with weakness to Dragon and one retreat, with its attacks doing 60 for a [Fi] with a special energy discard and then 100 for a [W] and a [Fi] with a minor setback of 2 of your top cards from your deck being discarded. Now that might not seem like a lot, However when you add Altaria to the mix it gets interesting. Altarias ability Battle Song increases all your Dragon Type Pokemons attacks by 20 and it stacks so with 2 Altaria on the field your Garchomp is suddenly hitting for 100 for 1 and 140 for 2. Even more broken is the fact that Gabite has the ability Dragon Call which searches your deck for any Dragon type. With its blinding speed and hard hitting attacks this deck is looking to become the Best Deck In Format (BDIF).
Hydreigon/Darkrai EX
This deck will be Garchomps main competition come September first, like it has done in Japan (This deck won Japans Nationals Equivalent, Battle Carnival). This deck operates very much like Klinklang only without the mass array of EX attackers. Hydreigon's Dark Trance ability allows for the moving of Dark Energy as often as you like (keep in mind this also means Prism and the soon to be released Blend Energy(G,R,P,D)). This means that like Klinklang you can make good use of powerful healing cards like Max Potion to keep you going. This deck also gets Energy acceleration in the form of Dark Patch, which combines very nicely with Hydreigon's attack Dragon Blast which for a [P][D][D][C] does 140 with a 2 [D] discard. Also another bonus to this deck is due to the fact it runs Blend energy you can run strong underlooked attackers like Shaymin EX. Hydreigon/Darkrai is looking to create as big of a splash in our meta as it has overseas.
Empoleon Variants
Empoleon is a deck that has been seeing play since its release in Dark Explorers and a slower format could be just what the Pokemon Doctor orders so to speak. Empoleons ability Diving Draw always allows you to have a usable hand which is a big deal in a game where one bad turn can kill you in the end. Attack Command is the definition of mass damage for low cost doing 10 for every Pokemon in play for 1 measly [W].The lighting weakness is bad right now but it might not be come September when a slower format might hinder Zekeels, However even if that deck stays popular Empoleon is often partnered up with Terrakion which counters your weakness quite nicely. I myself have been testing this deck alot and i can honestly say its a beast once it gets going.
Ninetales/ Amoonguss
I cant say for sure if this deck will be a contender or a flash in the pan,but its a interesting deck to say the least. This deck uses Amoonguss's Sporprise ability to force Confusion and Poison on your opponent then uses Ninetales attack Cursed Flame to do 20+ 50 for each special condition on the defending Pokemon for a total of 120 for one energy. The soon to be reprinted Deevolution Spray will allow you to reuse Sporprise as well as Ninetales ability Bright Look (think Luxray GL Lv.X). The fact that this entire deck is searchable by Level Ball makes it that much better. Though one must becareful since your entire deck is 90 HP Pokemon it will be very easy for your opponent to overtake you.
Darkrai Variants
Now aside from the forementioned Hydreigon/Darkai EX there are a variety of other Darkrai Variants. Darkrai/Tornadus can still hit hard and fast and given the right build can perform turn 1 donks. Hammertime Darkrai is always a threat, being able to hit fast and keep your opponent from mounting a comeback with its collection of Crushing and Enhanced Hammers. Darkrai/Groudon/Terrakion (insert whatever here cause Darkrai is just awesome) decks will always be a threat to the game and the loss of certain cards doesn't really hinder this deck at all.
Zekeels
This is perhaps the most interesting deck in this new format, for many reasons. Zekeels dominated the middle of last format and was still a force in the later half. However the loss of cards like Dual Ball and Collector I feel hurt this deck the most. Its now become harder for a Zekeels deck to put out multiple Tynamo's without missing out on setting up a secondary attacker. It will also be easier for decks to snipe off those Tynamo's if your opponent is dropping them in smaller numbers a turn.
This is just the tip of the iceberg for what September has in store for Pokemon players. This new Black and White on format is shaping up to be perhaps the most competitive format in recent history.
Thursday 12 July 2012
Pokeballing: Keldeo Be Steppin In
Hey guys sorry bout the lack of posts over the past week, my work just re opened after renovations so there hasn't been time to write bout Pokemon. Yesterday Pokebeach.com release all the spoilers from the set after Dragons Exalted, called Freeze Bolt and Cold Flare (Japans sets always have such epic titles). Like the sets from the EX era before this one Freeze Bolt and Cold Flare will release another 6 legendary EX Pokemon into the meta. Among these 6 EX Pokemon will be one that has caught my eye quickly.....Keldeo
Keldeo-EX - Water - HP170
Basic Pokemon
Ability: Step In
Once per turn (before your attack), if Keldeo-EX is on your Bench, you may switch it with your Active Pokemon
[C][C][C] Secret Sword: 50+ damage. Does 20 more damage for each [W] Energy attached to this Pokemon.
When Pokemon-EX has been Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Weakness: Grass (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 2
I love this card and when the set is released in North America I will be picking up a playset of this card. Keldeo joins Kyogre and Kyurem as one of the only EX Pokemon we have for the water type, and while Kyurem hasn't seen alot of play and Kyogre has just recently hit the spotlight thanks to National Champion John Roberts II, Keldo has a huge upside.
Looking at its stats Keldeo is very well rounded, which is what we wanna see on a card that's gonna give up 2 prizes if its knocked out. Its HP weighs in a 170 which is the standard for EX Pokemon and assures that even with weakness its gonna take a two shot to knockout Keldeo. Speaking of weakness, Keldeo is packing a amazing Grass weakness. Grass has always been a very underplayed type in the Pokemon TCG, with its last high point being the immovable Torrterrible, and with no actual heavy grass attackers thus far you can be assured your Keldeo is not going to be a easy take down. The retreat of two is very manageable when you factor in Keldeo is a Basic and can take advantage of the ever popular Skyarrow Bridge.
Keldeo comes with a very useful ability that can and will save you whenever you use it. Step In allows you to switch your benched Keldeo with your active Pokemon. This is amazing as it makes you immune to Pokemon Catcher for the most part, and forces your opponent to kill your set up Pokemon in one shot or face the wrath of Keldeo once again.
Speaking of Keldeos wrath, Secret Sword is the water version of Mad Kinesis only stronger and better. Secret Sword comes with a cost of 3 Colorless energy and does 50 plus 20 for each water energy attached to Keldeo. Now even though you can power it with any attack you clearly want to do this with water energy. With 3 water energy attached to Keldeo you will be doing a sweet 110 damage, which will two hit KO anything big in the format.
Now you might wonder how you can use this awesome attack effectively. Well right off the bat one should also look to the Freeze Bolt/Cold Flare set for Blastoise. Blastoise comes with the always nice to have Rain Dance which as we all know allows for as many water energy attachments as you like per turn. Blastoise also doubles as a good back up attacker as its Hydro Pump does 60 plus 10 for each water energy attached to him. Klinklang decks will also welcome Keldeo to the already impressive attackers the deck can use. Always keep in mind that Prism and the soon to be released Blend Energy WLFM will also count as water energy for Keldeos Secret Sword.
Keldeo EX could just be the Pokemon that Rain Dance decks need to become powerhouses in this new format that soon will be upon us. With a solid attack and a amazing ability Keldeo should be on everyones wish list when Freeze Bolt and Cold Flare land in North America in November.
Keldeo-EX - Water - HP170
Basic Pokemon
Ability: Step In
Once per turn (before your attack), if Keldeo-EX is on your Bench, you may switch it with your Active Pokemon
[C][C][C] Secret Sword: 50+ damage. Does 20 more damage for each [W] Energy attached to this Pokemon.
When Pokemon-EX has been Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Weakness: Grass (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 2
I love this card and when the set is released in North America I will be picking up a playset of this card. Keldeo joins Kyogre and Kyurem as one of the only EX Pokemon we have for the water type, and while Kyurem hasn't seen alot of play and Kyogre has just recently hit the spotlight thanks to National Champion John Roberts II, Keldo has a huge upside.
Looking at its stats Keldeo is very well rounded, which is what we wanna see on a card that's gonna give up 2 prizes if its knocked out. Its HP weighs in a 170 which is the standard for EX Pokemon and assures that even with weakness its gonna take a two shot to knockout Keldeo. Speaking of weakness, Keldeo is packing a amazing Grass weakness. Grass has always been a very underplayed type in the Pokemon TCG, with its last high point being the immovable Torrterrible, and with no actual heavy grass attackers thus far you can be assured your Keldeo is not going to be a easy take down. The retreat of two is very manageable when you factor in Keldeo is a Basic and can take advantage of the ever popular Skyarrow Bridge.
Keldeo comes with a very useful ability that can and will save you whenever you use it. Step In allows you to switch your benched Keldeo with your active Pokemon. This is amazing as it makes you immune to Pokemon Catcher for the most part, and forces your opponent to kill your set up Pokemon in one shot or face the wrath of Keldeo once again.
Speaking of Keldeos wrath, Secret Sword is the water version of Mad Kinesis only stronger and better. Secret Sword comes with a cost of 3 Colorless energy and does 50 plus 20 for each water energy attached to Keldeo. Now even though you can power it with any attack you clearly want to do this with water energy. With 3 water energy attached to Keldeo you will be doing a sweet 110 damage, which will two hit KO anything big in the format.
Now you might wonder how you can use this awesome attack effectively. Well right off the bat one should also look to the Freeze Bolt/Cold Flare set for Blastoise. Blastoise comes with the always nice to have Rain Dance which as we all know allows for as many water energy attachments as you like per turn. Blastoise also doubles as a good back up attacker as its Hydro Pump does 60 plus 10 for each water energy attached to him. Klinklang decks will also welcome Keldeo to the already impressive attackers the deck can use. Always keep in mind that Prism and the soon to be released Blend Energy WLFM will also count as water energy for Keldeos Secret Sword.
Keldeo EX could just be the Pokemon that Rain Dance decks need to become powerhouses in this new format that soon will be upon us. With a solid attack and a amazing ability Keldeo should be on everyones wish list when Freeze Bolt and Cold Flare land in North America in November.
Monday 2 July 2012
Pokeballing: Results of the 2012 Canadian Nationals
Both the Canadian and American Nationals took place over the past few days and thanks to the Pokemon community results are already being posted for Canadian Nationals
So thanks to pokegym.net here is the break down of the top 32 masters divison from the Canadian National Championships.
1. Edward Kuang (Troll)
2. Simon Luong (Darkrai)
3. Alaric McKenzie-Boone (Plume)
4. Curtis Lyon (Entei)
5. Michael Liao (Darkrai)
6. Khen Luu (Eel)
7. Adrian Loke (Darkrai)
8. Lourence Singh (Eel)
9. Simon Ford (Darkrai)
10. Kevin Lee (Darkrai)
11. Mike Martindale (Eel)
12. Matt Koo (CMT)
13. Fangda Li (CaKE)
14. Don La Rosa (Accelgor)
15. Miguel Chevez (Eel)
16. Reuben Monroy (Darkrai)
17. Morshed Reze (Eel)
18. Jean-Baptiste Montpellier (Darkrai)
19. Louis Cyr (Donphan)
20. Vik Kainth (Darkrai)
21. Matthew Beck (Eel)
22. Aiji Murai (Penguin)
23. Chris Vernier (CMT)
24. Christopher Lefrancais (Eel)
25. Joe Ferrari (Darkrai)
26. Reed Mascola (Aerodactyl)
27. Gino Conti (Eel)
28. Glenn Daze (Darkrai)
29. AJ Crosthwaite (Darkrai)
30. Greg Cresswell (Darkrai)
31. Aaron Rozbicki (Darkrai)
32. Zach Lesage (Darkrai)
Top 16:
32. Zach Lesage (Darkrai)
16. Reuben Monroy (Darkrai)
24. Christopher Lefrancais (Eel)
8. Lourence Singh (Eel)
4. Curtis Lyon (Entei)
13. Fangda Li (CaKE)
12. Matt Koo (CMT)
5. Michael Liao (Darkrai)
31. Aaron Rozbicki (Darkrai)
18. Jean-Baptiste Montpellier (Darkrai)
23. Chris Vernier (CMT)
7. Adrian Loke (Darkrai)
3. Alaric McKenzie-Boone (Plume)
14. Don La Rosa (Accelgor)
11. Mike Martindale (Eel)
27. Gino Conti (Eel)
Top 8:
32. Zach Lesage (Darkrai)
8. Lourence Singh (Eel)
4. Curtis Lyon (Entei)
12. Matt Koo (CMT)
31. Aaron Rozbicki (Darkrai)
7. Adrian Loke (Darkrai)
3. Alaric McKenzie-Boone (Plume)
11. Mike Martindale (Eel)
Top 4:
32. Zach Lesage (Darkrai)
4. Curtis Lyon (Entei)
7. Adrian Loke (Darkrai)
11. Mike Martindale (Eel)
Top 2:
4. Curtis Lyon (Entei)
11. Mike Martindale (Eel)
Winner:
4. Curtis Lyon (Entei)
I myself was a little shocked to see an Entei deck win this years Nationals, since Darkrai variants have dominated most of the overseas Nationals i expected the same thing to happen here. I have played against a Entei variant at Battle Roads Pickering so i know the deck can perform well, and clearly our National Champions build was ready for all comers this past weekend. From what i was reading on the forums yesterday this build was a quad Entei build meaning he was just running the four Entei EX. This opened him up to alot of tech and would thus enable him to be prepared for any deck he faced.
The top 32 in general was very interesting as you generally dont see alot of variations at Nationals since its such a bigger event and you play so many people. The top 32 breakdown is as follows
14 Darkrai
8 Zekeel
2 CMT
1 Troll
1 Accelgor
1 Vileplume
1 Donphan
1 CaKE
1 Entei
1 Aerodactyl
1 Empoleon
I am not shocked by this top 32, as Darkrai is quite possibly the best deck right now. The Darkrai variants that are going around right now are so solid that they cover almost every possible scenario you might find yourself in. Zekeel is still a dominate deck that can recover out of almost any situation, CMT is slowly losing steam given its poor match up with Darkrai and Zekeels
.
So thats the results of this years Nationals, I am hoping to find a detailed results for the American Nationals within a few days. A Klinklang deck took home the top spot at the U.S Nationals, so the reults of this years two big events shows that quite literally any deck can take home the top spots at any tourney if its played right.
So thanks to pokegym.net here is the break down of the top 32 masters divison from the Canadian National Championships.
1. Edward Kuang (Troll)
2. Simon Luong (Darkrai)
3. Alaric McKenzie-Boone (Plume)
4. Curtis Lyon (Entei)
5. Michael Liao (Darkrai)
6. Khen Luu (Eel)
7. Adrian Loke (Darkrai)
8. Lourence Singh (Eel)
9. Simon Ford (Darkrai)
10. Kevin Lee (Darkrai)
11. Mike Martindale (Eel)
12. Matt Koo (CMT)
13. Fangda Li (CaKE)
14. Don La Rosa (Accelgor)
15. Miguel Chevez (Eel)
16. Reuben Monroy (Darkrai)
17. Morshed Reze (Eel)
18. Jean-Baptiste Montpellier (Darkrai)
19. Louis Cyr (Donphan)
20. Vik Kainth (Darkrai)
21. Matthew Beck (Eel)
22. Aiji Murai (Penguin)
23. Chris Vernier (CMT)
24. Christopher Lefrancais (Eel)
25. Joe Ferrari (Darkrai)
26. Reed Mascola (Aerodactyl)
27. Gino Conti (Eel)
28. Glenn Daze (Darkrai)
29. AJ Crosthwaite (Darkrai)
30. Greg Cresswell (Darkrai)
31. Aaron Rozbicki (Darkrai)
32. Zach Lesage (Darkrai)
Top 16:
32. Zach Lesage (Darkrai)
16. Reuben Monroy (Darkrai)
24. Christopher Lefrancais (Eel)
8. Lourence Singh (Eel)
4. Curtis Lyon (Entei)
13. Fangda Li (CaKE)
12. Matt Koo (CMT)
5. Michael Liao (Darkrai)
31. Aaron Rozbicki (Darkrai)
18. Jean-Baptiste Montpellier (Darkrai)
23. Chris Vernier (CMT)
7. Adrian Loke (Darkrai)
3. Alaric McKenzie-Boone (Plume)
14. Don La Rosa (Accelgor)
11. Mike Martindale (Eel)
27. Gino Conti (Eel)
Top 8:
32. Zach Lesage (Darkrai)
8. Lourence Singh (Eel)
4. Curtis Lyon (Entei)
12. Matt Koo (CMT)
31. Aaron Rozbicki (Darkrai)
7. Adrian Loke (Darkrai)
3. Alaric McKenzie-Boone (Plume)
11. Mike Martindale (Eel)
Top 4:
32. Zach Lesage (Darkrai)
4. Curtis Lyon (Entei)
7. Adrian Loke (Darkrai)
11. Mike Martindale (Eel)
Top 2:
4. Curtis Lyon (Entei)
11. Mike Martindale (Eel)
Winner:
4. Curtis Lyon (Entei)
I myself was a little shocked to see an Entei deck win this years Nationals, since Darkrai variants have dominated most of the overseas Nationals i expected the same thing to happen here. I have played against a Entei variant at Battle Roads Pickering so i know the deck can perform well, and clearly our National Champions build was ready for all comers this past weekend. From what i was reading on the forums yesterday this build was a quad Entei build meaning he was just running the four Entei EX. This opened him up to alot of tech and would thus enable him to be prepared for any deck he faced.
The top 32 in general was very interesting as you generally dont see alot of variations at Nationals since its such a bigger event and you play so many people. The top 32 breakdown is as follows
14 Darkrai
8 Zekeel
2 CMT
1 Troll
1 Accelgor
1 Vileplume
1 Donphan
1 CaKE
1 Entei
1 Aerodactyl
1 Empoleon
I am not shocked by this top 32, as Darkrai is quite possibly the best deck right now. The Darkrai variants that are going around right now are so solid that they cover almost every possible scenario you might find yourself in. Zekeel is still a dominate deck that can recover out of almost any situation, CMT is slowly losing steam given its poor match up with Darkrai and Zekeels
.
So thats the results of this years Nationals, I am hoping to find a detailed results for the American Nationals within a few days. A Klinklang deck took home the top spot at the U.S Nationals, so the reults of this years two big events shows that quite literally any deck can take home the top spots at any tourney if its played right.
Thursday 28 June 2012
Pokeballing: September
As we approach the last weekend of June, September is fast approaching and thus a new format is upon us. By now every competitive player knows what this means to them, but what about the players who havent moved on to professional play yet. If you have been contemplating playing pokemon at the competitive level (Battle roads, Cities, etc.) then September 2012 is your year for sure.
This September the landscape of Pokemon TCG will change drastically. A set rotation will bring us only six sets, the smallest in the time i have been playing competitively. Not only does a smaller set mean less buying for those of use without tons of cash, but the fall also brings reprints of three powerhouse EX Pokemon.
September will mark the release of the fall tins, which this time around happen to be The Three Kings (Mewtwo EX,Darkrai EX,Rayquaza EX). Mewtwo and Darkrai are already proven powerhouses in most decks, and Rayquaza EX will also be just as dominate if used right.
So now that i have gotten your attention, how can one make the transition to a BW-On format.
1. Buy starter decks- With the exception of the Black&White and Emerging Powers Starter Decks, every set has had pretty decent Starter Decks. As i said in a earlier blog the Zekeel deck can be aquired through some Starter Decks and the Forces of Nature Collection. Now you can add on to that even more with the Mewtwo EX tin. The Dark Explorers Shadows Theme Deck can give you access to Zoroark and its brutual bash attack that when combined with the Darkrai EX tin can give you a hard hitting Dark deck.
2. Buy packs- Only having a six set rotation means less sets to choose from. In the last format if you wanted to get into a competitive play you needed so many cards from so many sets. A six set format makes getting a tournament ready deck easier and cheaper. The smaller format also means that if you dont get a card for your deck then you might get cards that other people need which you can then trade for what you need.
3. BUY THOSE TINS- I myself am aiming to buy a couple of boxes worth of these tins. The fact that a entire meta is going to have easy access to these three particular cards is amazing and a big kudos should be given to Pokemon International for the reprints.
4. Knowing what to build- This format is gonna be new for everyone and as we start testing. Some decks to be on the look out for are
Gothitelle/Gardevoir/Mewtwo
Empoleon Variants
Terrakion Variants
Zekeels
Darkrai Variants
Spend this time looking into all decks and what we have to work with. Playtesting is key to getting into the competitive portion of this game and now is the best time to experiment with the upcoming format.
This September the landscape of Pokemon TCG will change drastically. A set rotation will bring us only six sets, the smallest in the time i have been playing competitively. Not only does a smaller set mean less buying for those of use without tons of cash, but the fall also brings reprints of three powerhouse EX Pokemon.
September will mark the release of the fall tins, which this time around happen to be The Three Kings (Mewtwo EX,Darkrai EX,Rayquaza EX). Mewtwo and Darkrai are already proven powerhouses in most decks, and Rayquaza EX will also be just as dominate if used right.
So now that i have gotten your attention, how can one make the transition to a BW-On format.
1. Buy starter decks- With the exception of the Black&White and Emerging Powers Starter Decks, every set has had pretty decent Starter Decks. As i said in a earlier blog the Zekeel deck can be aquired through some Starter Decks and the Forces of Nature Collection. Now you can add on to that even more with the Mewtwo EX tin. The Dark Explorers Shadows Theme Deck can give you access to Zoroark and its brutual bash attack that when combined with the Darkrai EX tin can give you a hard hitting Dark deck.
2. Buy packs- Only having a six set rotation means less sets to choose from. In the last format if you wanted to get into a competitive play you needed so many cards from so many sets. A six set format makes getting a tournament ready deck easier and cheaper. The smaller format also means that if you dont get a card for your deck then you might get cards that other people need which you can then trade for what you need.
3. BUY THOSE TINS- I myself am aiming to buy a couple of boxes worth of these tins. The fact that a entire meta is going to have easy access to these three particular cards is amazing and a big kudos should be given to Pokemon International for the reprints.
4. Knowing what to build- This format is gonna be new for everyone and as we start testing. Some decks to be on the look out for are
Gothitelle/Gardevoir/Mewtwo
Empoleon Variants
Terrakion Variants
Zekeels
Darkrai Variants
Spend this time looking into all decks and what we have to work with. Playtesting is key to getting into the competitive portion of this game and now is the best time to experiment with the upcoming format.
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