Recently Japan had their Nationals and I must say the results were quite impressive to say the least. Before we go into this further I must apologise to the Dragon Type for my harsh words a few posts ago. In my defence I was referring to the type in our current format.
Now before you all think i am a crazy person, I should explain. You see Japan is currently in a BW-On format, putting them one format ahead of us. This changes the whole landscape of the game drastically, as cards that have defined our format are no longer a issue there.
While browsing i found another blog site that had come across information about the tournament winning deck and i gotta tell you i am in love with this deck
First off the site: http://www.propokemon.com/deck-articles/japan-national-championships-winning-deck-info
Now for the list
Pokemon: 15
3-1-3 Hydreigon
3 Darkrai EX
1 Shaymin EX
3 Sableye
1 Sigilyph
Supporters/Trainers: 31
4 Professor Juniper
4 N
3 Bianca
4 Pokemon Catcher
3 Rare Candy
2 Level Ball
2 Eviolite
3 Max Potion
3 Ultra Ball
2 Random Receiver
3 Dark Patch
Energy: 12
8 Darkness Energy
4 Blend Energy GRPD
Hydreigon – Dragon – HP150
Stage 2 – Evolves from Zweilous
Ability: Dark Trance
As often as you like during your turn (before your attack), you may move a Darkness Energy attached to 1 of your Pokemon to another of your Pokemon.
[P][D][D][C] Dragon Blast: 140 damage. Discard 2 Darkness Energy attached to this Pokemon.
Weakness: Dragon (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 3
Blend Energy GRPD – Special Energy
This card provides 1 [C] Energy. As long as this card is attached to a Pokemon, it provides either [G], [R], [P], or [D] Energy, but only 1 Energy at a time.
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
If this is the future of the game then this is a future i want to be apart of. Its fairly easy to see why this deck won the championships, and will be the best deck in the format when we eventually switch to a BW-On format. Hydreigon and Darkrai EX have a nearly perfect synergy with each other and Hydreigon itself works so well with Dark Patch its insane. Shaymin EX in this deck is the best use of the card i have seen yet, with Blend Energy and Hydreigon providing fast and easy use for it. Sigilyph is perhaps the best Mewtwo EX counter we will have being able to hit the dominate powerhouse for massive damage and being protected by its ability from taking a counter hit. Sableye allows for late game reuse of trainers that will tip the game back in your favour.
As far as Trainers go, this deck takes full advantage of the gems of the black and white format that we may overlook now. Bianca is gonna shine when we rotate because we lose so many other reliable draw/thinning cards such as PONT and Sages Training. Bianca will also be aided by the fact that the best Pokemon search card we will have is Ultra Ball, which takes three cards out of your hand. Max Potion may seem like a odd choice with so many energy hungry attackers until you realise that you can move energy off of the attacker with Dark Trance, play the Max Potion then move the energy back.
The energy line is straight forward in a format with no Special Dark Energy. Blend Energy is the best energy that non Basic Pokemon have right now and in this deck it covers all three of your different energy costs in one card. Keep in mind that when attached to a Pokemon Blend Energy can be moved with Dark Trance.
This is a strong example of what a perfect deck should do. Dark Trance and Dark Patch were made for each other and Hydreigon being a Dragon Type and not a Dark Type means that your deck doesn't auto loss to Terrakion. Dark Trance allows for some amazing combos with Max Potion and perhaps provides us with the best form of Energy Manipulation this game has ever seen. The thing I like about this deck the most is that its a strong deck with a attacking stage two, something our meta has been lacking since the summer of last year.
If Hydreigon/Darkrai EX is the future BDIF of this game then I am all for a BW-On format. This deck makes such a great use of cards that have been deceased so to speak from our format. Should we go to a BW-On rotation in September it will open not only this deck to us but some other amazing decks that have been seeing play in the land of the rising sun.
Wednesday 30 May 2012
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Pokeballing: We Three Kings
So last blog i christened 3 different Pokemon as the kings of the meta, Mewtwo EX, Darkrai EX and the soon to be released Rayquaza EX. These three cards are easily the most overpowered cards we have right now, not just for their attacks but for the amount of support they have for being basic Pokemon.
The format right now is all about big basics and these three are the behemoths of the TCG right now. Massive HP, and very effective attacks make The Three Kings of the Pokemon TCG some of the most sought after cards ever and its easy to see why.
Mewtwo EX -The Psychic King
Mewtwo EX – Psychic – HP170
Basic Pokemon
[C][C] X Ball: Does 20 damage times the number of Energy attached to each player’s Active Pokemon.
[P][P][C] Psycho Drive: 120 damage. Choose 1 Energy attached to this Pokemon and discard it.
Pokemon EX Rule: When Pokemon EX is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Weakness: Psychic (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 2
Mewtwo was first to be released in the Next Destinies set and it has been on a nearly unstoppable rampage since its release. X Ball is the most powerful splash attack (can be used in any deck) Since Garchomp C Lv.X's Dragon Rush. A attack that's only damage limit is the number of energy your willing to attach is just broken in a format that has very little that can counter it (Only Reshiram BW and Zekrom EX can really force your opponent to attach more energy to their Mewtwo to KO you).Stats wise Mewtwo weighs in at a hefty 170 HP with a weakness to a underplayed type and a resistance that can be lowered by one with Skyarrow Bridge. Mewtwos only weakness is to itself, Mew EX will be released in Dragons Exhalted but its low HP makes it a easy kill.
Darkrai EX- The Dark King
Darkrai EX – Dark – HP180
Basic Pokemon
Ability: Darkness Cloak
As long as this Pokemon is in play, all of your Pokemon with any Dark Energy attached to them have no Retreat cost.
[D][D][C] Night Spear: 90 damage. Choose 1 of your opponent’s Benched Pokemon, and this attack also does 30 damage to that Pokemon. (Don’t apply Weakness and Resistance when damaging the Bench.)
Pokemon-EX Rule: When Pokemon-EX is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Weakness: Fighting (x2)
Resistance: Psychic (-20)
Retreat: 2
I see Darkrai as more of a support unless its in its own deck, but its still a heavy hitter. Darkness Cloak is a very useful ability when you factor in cards like Prism Energy and Rainbow Energy as well as the soon to be released Blend Energy GRPD providing Dark Energy to non Dark Pokemon. Don't mistake me though on the attacking side Darkrai is no slouch either, Night Spear can be as deadly as X Ball maybe even more. If you choose to use The Dark King as a a main attacker then you be using the Dark Engine of Dark Patch and Dark Claw to hit fast and hard. Night Spear with a Dark Claw attached will be doing 110 damage to the active Pokemon (120 with Special Dark Energy) and 30 to any two Pokemon. If you can get this going fast enough you can score 3 KOs in the span of two to three turns. On the stats end of things Darkrai has a massive 180 HP with a fighting weakness, which can be countered with Tornadus or Tornadus EX. Psychic Resistance gives it a auto immunity to Mewtwo EX which is amazing since The Psychic King sees play everywhere. Retreat Cost means nothing on this card as it should always have a Dark Energy attached.
Rayquaza EX- The Dragon King
Rayquaza-EX – Dragon – HP170
Basic Pokemon
[C] Heaven’s Call: Discard the top 3 cards from your deck, and if there are any Energy cards, attach them to this Pokemon.
[R][L] Dragon Burst: 60x damage. Discard either all Fire Energy or Lightning Energy cards attached to this Pokemon. This attack does 60 damage times the number of Energy discarded in this way.
When Pokemon-EX has been Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Weakness: Dragon (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1
August brings this Pokemon's release to the TCG and its gonna be a automatic hit. Heavens Call makes Rayquaza potentially the fastest of the Three Kings possibly letting you attach multiple energy to Rayquaza a turn. Dragons Burst is easily the most broken attack in the TCG right now when you factor in that Fire and Lightning have the best form of Energy acceleration in the game right now. As far as stats go outside of HP Rayquaza has the best of the three, with its only weakness being itself (random Psychic decks could take down Mewtwo in one shot). The Retreat Cost is the best of the three since it is totally erase able with Skyarrow Bridge.
Future
If a set rotation does happen in September then we will be sitting in a very small set format at the start (ex. a B&W on format is only 6 sets). This means that you will more then likely have to run a deck with these three to be competitive. Luckily it has been announced that in the fall these three will be released in tins making them all easier to get and hopefully bringing down their value. I myself am looking forward to that potential format because these three will be accessible to everyone and should make for a very thought controlled format.
The format right now is all about big basics and these three are the behemoths of the TCG right now. Massive HP, and very effective attacks make The Three Kings of the Pokemon TCG some of the most sought after cards ever and its easy to see why.
Mewtwo EX -The Psychic King
Mewtwo EX – Psychic – HP170
Basic Pokemon
[C][C] X Ball: Does 20 damage times the number of Energy attached to each player’s Active Pokemon.
[P][P][C] Psycho Drive: 120 damage. Choose 1 Energy attached to this Pokemon and discard it.
Pokemon EX Rule: When Pokemon EX is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Weakness: Psychic (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 2
Mewtwo was first to be released in the Next Destinies set and it has been on a nearly unstoppable rampage since its release. X Ball is the most powerful splash attack (can be used in any deck) Since Garchomp C Lv.X's Dragon Rush. A attack that's only damage limit is the number of energy your willing to attach is just broken in a format that has very little that can counter it (Only Reshiram BW and Zekrom EX can really force your opponent to attach more energy to their Mewtwo to KO you).Stats wise Mewtwo weighs in at a hefty 170 HP with a weakness to a underplayed type and a resistance that can be lowered by one with Skyarrow Bridge. Mewtwos only weakness is to itself, Mew EX will be released in Dragons Exhalted but its low HP makes it a easy kill.
Darkrai EX- The Dark King
Darkrai EX – Dark – HP180
Basic Pokemon
Ability: Darkness Cloak
As long as this Pokemon is in play, all of your Pokemon with any Dark Energy attached to them have no Retreat cost.
[D][D][C] Night Spear: 90 damage. Choose 1 of your opponent’s Benched Pokemon, and this attack also does 30 damage to that Pokemon. (Don’t apply Weakness and Resistance when damaging the Bench.)
Pokemon-EX Rule: When Pokemon-EX is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Weakness: Fighting (x2)
Resistance: Psychic (-20)
Retreat: 2
I see Darkrai as more of a support unless its in its own deck, but its still a heavy hitter. Darkness Cloak is a very useful ability when you factor in cards like Prism Energy and Rainbow Energy as well as the soon to be released Blend Energy GRPD providing Dark Energy to non Dark Pokemon. Don't mistake me though on the attacking side Darkrai is no slouch either, Night Spear can be as deadly as X Ball maybe even more. If you choose to use The Dark King as a a main attacker then you be using the Dark Engine of Dark Patch and Dark Claw to hit fast and hard. Night Spear with a Dark Claw attached will be doing 110 damage to the active Pokemon (120 with Special Dark Energy) and 30 to any two Pokemon. If you can get this going fast enough you can score 3 KOs in the span of two to three turns. On the stats end of things Darkrai has a massive 180 HP with a fighting weakness, which can be countered with Tornadus or Tornadus EX. Psychic Resistance gives it a auto immunity to Mewtwo EX which is amazing since The Psychic King sees play everywhere. Retreat Cost means nothing on this card as it should always have a Dark Energy attached.
Rayquaza EX- The Dragon King
Rayquaza-EX – Dragon – HP170
Basic Pokemon
[C] Heaven’s Call: Discard the top 3 cards from your deck, and if there are any Energy cards, attach them to this Pokemon.
[R][L] Dragon Burst: 60x damage. Discard either all Fire Energy or Lightning Energy cards attached to this Pokemon. This attack does 60 damage times the number of Energy discarded in this way.
When Pokemon-EX has been Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Weakness: Dragon (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1
August brings this Pokemon's release to the TCG and its gonna be a automatic hit. Heavens Call makes Rayquaza potentially the fastest of the Three Kings possibly letting you attach multiple energy to Rayquaza a turn. Dragons Burst is easily the most broken attack in the TCG right now when you factor in that Fire and Lightning have the best form of Energy acceleration in the game right now. As far as stats go outside of HP Rayquaza has the best of the three, with its only weakness being itself (random Psychic decks could take down Mewtwo in one shot). The Retreat Cost is the best of the three since it is totally erase able with Skyarrow Bridge.
Future
If a set rotation does happen in September then we will be sitting in a very small set format at the start (ex. a B&W on format is only 6 sets). This means that you will more then likely have to run a deck with these three to be competitive. Luckily it has been announced that in the fall these three will be released in tins making them all easier to get and hopefully bringing down their value. I myself am looking forward to that potential format because these three will be accessible to everyone and should make for a very thought controlled format.
Sunday 27 May 2012
Pokeballing: The Dragons Are Coming
Early this year it was announced that a brand new Pokemon type was entering the OCG, the Dragon type. This marked the first time since Dark and Metal were released in Neo Genesis and Neo Discovery so many years ago. The Pokemon world filled up with questions, such as what was this new type gonna look like and how were they going to work a potential Dragon Type energy. Now we stand five months after the types announcement and if your like me your very underwhelmed. So far most of this amazing and exciting new Pokemon type has been very bland to say the least. Dragon Pokemon have almost always been known to be very heavy energy attackers with horrible energy requirements, and thus far this new type has only just taken them from being horrible colourless Pokemon with Colourless weakness to horrible Dragon type Pokemon with Dragon weakness.
There are a few exceptions to this revelation and now that the Dragon type is set to make a summer debut on North American shores its time to fill you in. Dragons Exhalted will be our next English set and last set before a possible set rotation in September could take us to a possible Black&White on format. According to a post on Pokebeach this set is going to include cards from the introductory Dragons Selection set in Japan and The first Dragon Era set as well.
Choose 1 Dragon-type Pokemon card from your deck, show it to your opponent, and put it in your hand. Shuffle your deck afterward. You can use this Ability 1 time during your turn.
[W][Fg] Dragon Slice: 20 damage.
Weakness: Dragon (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1
First off we don't like Gabite for Dragon Slice, we like Dragon Call. In the Dragon deck should you choose to build it this will provide the only search you will need as it will get the other 2 good dragons that this set will bring us.
2. 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
Altaria brings it Battle Song Ability allowing all our Dragons attacks to be Dark Claws. This is actually really cool and I like ability's like this that would do what a Pokemon Tool would do as now I can have a Dragon Type Dark Claw and attach a Eviolite or a EXP Share too.
1. Rayquaza-EX – Dragon – HP170
Basic Pokemon
[C] Heaven’s Call: Discard the top 3 cards from your deck, and if there are any Energy cards, attach them to this Pokemon.
[Fr][L] Dragon Burst: 60x damage. Discard either all Fire Energy or Lightning Energy cards attached to this Pokemon. This attack does 60 damage times the number of Energy discarded in this way.
When Pokemon-EX has been Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Weakness: Dragon (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1
This card along with Mewtwo EX and Darkrai EX will now be referred to by me as The Three Kings. If a set rotation does indeed happen in September then you will wanna be playing one of these three cards. Dragon Burst is almost as retarded maybe even more so then X-Ball on Mewtwo, hands down. The energy requirements are a Fire and a Lightning, two of the most popular types for energy Acceleration (Afterburner/Inferno Fandango, and Dynamotor). Skyarrow Bridge or Darkness Cloak can give this monster free retreat and just like that my mind is blown.
Unfortunately that's where this set peaks for the Dragon type, which makes me sad. Sure the stupid energy match ups can be cured by the two new energy we are getting in this set
Blend Energy WLFM – Special Energy
This card provides 1 [C] Energy. As long as this card is attached to a Pokemon, it provides either [W], [L], [F], or [M] Energy, but only 1 Energy at a time.
Blend Energy GRPD – Special Energy
This card provides 1 [C] Energy. As long as this card is attached to a Pokemon, it provides either [G], [R], [P], or [D] Energy, but only 1 Energy at a time.
In the end, however the fact that the attacks these Pokemon have do not justify the energy required makes these two cards useless as of right now.
I know I am being very negative about this and I wish I could tell you that this refreshingly new type will bring many new and exciting decks to the tcg. Unfortunately I can only hope that the set after this one can save this potential new destructive force from providing more then a Dragon King to go with our Psychic and Dark Kings.
There are a few exceptions to this revelation and now that the Dragon type is set to make a summer debut on North American shores its time to fill you in. Dragons Exhalted will be our next English set and last set before a possible set rotation in September could take us to a possible Black&White on format. According to a post on Pokebeach this set is going to include cards from the introductory Dragons Selection set in Japan and The first Dragon Era set as well.
Now for those of us who keep up with set releases in the OCG you already know whats great in this set and whats so so. For those of us who only keep up with English releases then Pokeballing is about to enlighten to the like 3 good Dragons you will wanna keep your eyes peeled for.
3. Gabite – Dragon – HP80
Stage 1 – Evolves from Gible
Ability: Dragon CallStage 1 – Evolves from Gible
Choose 1 Dragon-type Pokemon card from your deck, show it to your opponent, and put it in your hand. Shuffle your deck afterward. You can use this Ability 1 time during your turn.
[W][Fg] Dragon Slice: 20 damage.
Weakness: Dragon (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1
First off we don't like Gabite for Dragon Slice, we like Dragon Call. In the Dragon deck should you choose to build it this will provide the only search you will need as it will get the other 2 good dragons that this set will bring us.
2. 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
Altaria brings it Battle Song Ability allowing all our Dragons attacks to be Dark Claws. This is actually really cool and I like ability's like this that would do what a Pokemon Tool would do as now I can have a Dragon Type Dark Claw and attach a Eviolite or a EXP Share too.
1. Rayquaza-EX – Dragon – HP170
Basic Pokemon
[C] Heaven’s Call: Discard the top 3 cards from your deck, and if there are any Energy cards, attach them to this Pokemon.
[Fr][L] Dragon Burst: 60x damage. Discard either all Fire Energy or Lightning Energy cards attached to this Pokemon. This attack does 60 damage times the number of Energy discarded in this way.
When Pokemon-EX has been Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Weakness: Dragon (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1
This card along with Mewtwo EX and Darkrai EX will now be referred to by me as The Three Kings. If a set rotation does indeed happen in September then you will wanna be playing one of these three cards. Dragon Burst is almost as retarded maybe even more so then X-Ball on Mewtwo, hands down. The energy requirements are a Fire and a Lightning, two of the most popular types for energy Acceleration (Afterburner/Inferno Fandango, and Dynamotor). Skyarrow Bridge or Darkness Cloak can give this monster free retreat and just like that my mind is blown.
Unfortunately that's where this set peaks for the Dragon type, which makes me sad. Sure the stupid energy match ups can be cured by the two new energy we are getting in this set
Blend Energy WLFM – Special Energy
This card provides 1 [C] Energy. As long as this card is attached to a Pokemon, it provides either [W], [L], [F], or [M] Energy, but only 1 Energy at a time.
Blend Energy GRPD – Special Energy
This card provides 1 [C] Energy. As long as this card is attached to a Pokemon, it provides either [G], [R], [P], or [D] Energy, but only 1 Energy at a time.
In the end, however the fact that the attacks these Pokemon have do not justify the energy required makes these two cards useless as of right now.
I know I am being very negative about this and I wish I could tell you that this refreshingly new type will bring many new and exciting decks to the tcg. Unfortunately I can only hope that the set after this one can save this potential new destructive force from providing more then a Dragon King to go with our Psychic and Dark Kings.
Friday 25 May 2012
Pokeballing: First Local Tournament Report EVER
So it finally happened, after a year of pushing on the part of me and my teammates we finally got a Pokemon tournament going. I am hoping that this is a trend that keeps up as the time goes by because local tournaments are good practice for bigger events and provide a solid test enviroment for new deck ideas.
But enough of that lol, I wasn't originally gonna play and was gonna opt for a more judge style role. But (and yes i know you should never start a sentence with but) two people no showed so i had to jump in. I had already lent out my Raichu/Eelektrik deck and Terrakion/Landorus deck to friends for the tourney so I was stuck with my fun Cinccino deck.
We had 7 people and i found myself paired up against my team mate Mario first round.
Round 1 Mario (Zekeels)
Game 1: He had a bad start and I knew that if i was gonna beat him i had to start hitting fast and hard, especially since this deck wasn't running catcher or junk arm. I opened with a turn 2 Cinccino and started taking a early prize lead. Finally he started getting his set up going and taking prizes but with some sweet moves i was able to combine my Liepard and Cinccino to knock out his Tornadus EX. I took him to two prizes but those prizes were my other two Cinccino so i lost.
Game 2: His deck finally went off and he destroyed me lol.
0-2
Round 2 Melanie (Rain dance)
Game 1: I did what Cinccino does best I hit hard and fast and was able to keep ahead in prizes.
Game 2: Same as game one she stalls me with Neo Genesis Cleffa but i was able to keep ahead and secure the game with Liepard and Cinccino.
2-0
Round 3 Rori (Raichu/Eelektrik)
Game 1: Opening two Collectors and going first gave me this game early but once he got the Dynamotor going he was able to mount a comeback Late game Tornadus gave me a problem but with a combination of Tyrogue, and Cinccino were able to give me the game.
Game 2: He opened with a lone Pikachu and I donked him turn two when he couldn't get a basic out.
2-0
So we didn't have enough players for a top 4 so we just took a top 3 finish with Mario coming in 1st Myself coming in 2nd and Sal coming in third with his Mewtwo Lv.x Lock deck.
So all in all it was a nice first step in the right direction. I am hoping that this will keep up in the future and expand in size.
But enough of that lol, I wasn't originally gonna play and was gonna opt for a more judge style role. But (and yes i know you should never start a sentence with but) two people no showed so i had to jump in. I had already lent out my Raichu/Eelektrik deck and Terrakion/Landorus deck to friends for the tourney so I was stuck with my fun Cinccino deck.
We had 7 people and i found myself paired up against my team mate Mario first round.
Round 1 Mario (Zekeels)
Game 1: He had a bad start and I knew that if i was gonna beat him i had to start hitting fast and hard, especially since this deck wasn't running catcher or junk arm. I opened with a turn 2 Cinccino and started taking a early prize lead. Finally he started getting his set up going and taking prizes but with some sweet moves i was able to combine my Liepard and Cinccino to knock out his Tornadus EX. I took him to two prizes but those prizes were my other two Cinccino so i lost.
Game 2: His deck finally went off and he destroyed me lol.
0-2
Round 2 Melanie (Rain dance)
Game 1: I did what Cinccino does best I hit hard and fast and was able to keep ahead in prizes.
Game 2: Same as game one she stalls me with Neo Genesis Cleffa but i was able to keep ahead and secure the game with Liepard and Cinccino.
2-0
Round 3 Rori (Raichu/Eelektrik)
Game 1: Opening two Collectors and going first gave me this game early but once he got the Dynamotor going he was able to mount a comeback Late game Tornadus gave me a problem but with a combination of Tyrogue, and Cinccino were able to give me the game.
Game 2: He opened with a lone Pikachu and I donked him turn two when he couldn't get a basic out.
2-0
So we didn't have enough players for a top 4 so we just took a top 3 finish with Mario coming in 1st Myself coming in 2nd and Sal coming in third with his Mewtwo Lv.x Lock deck.
So all in all it was a nice first step in the right direction. I am hoping that this will keep up in the future and expand in size.
Saturday 19 May 2012
Pokeballing: Landorus/Terrakion
For myself the Battle Roads Spring/Summer season begins June 3rd in Kingston, Ontario. This is probably the more important of the two seasons as it gives you the best look at what your areas nationals are gonna be like meta wise. With hopefully three stops on this season for myself i have decided to play a Terrakion variant this time around.
Terrakion variants i believe will have a strong showing at this battle roads cause not only do we have Zekeels, we also will have people experimenting with Dark Pokemon. Of all the Terrakion variants we have in the format (Straight Terrakion, Landorus/Terrakion, and Troll) I am gonna run a Landorus version because i like that with the right cards it can start hitting for 80 and spreading 10 damage everywhere turn 2.
My Build
Pokemon (10)
4 Landorus
4 Terrakion
1 Cleffa
1 Shaymin (UL)
Supporter (9)
3 Sages Training
2 N
2 Professor Oaks New Theory
2 Professor Juniper
Trainer (29)
4 Junk Arm
4 Revive
4 EXP Share
3 Pokemon Catcher
3 Ultra Ball
3 Heavy Ball
3 Switch
2 Enhanced Hammer
2 Random Receiver
1 Super Rod
Energy (12)
12 Fighting
Pokemon
The Pokemon Line is very straightforward and serves a rather simple strategy. Landorus is the ideal starter for this deck as with 2 energy and either a ultra ball, junk arm, or sages training it can start swinging with Gaia Hammer turn 2. Gaia Hammer can also help to get bigger hp enemies into the 90 hp range so that Terrakion can always one shot with retaliate. Terrakion is your big beefy hitter which will also double as your Revenge Killer, doing a vicious 90 damage for 2 energy after your Landorus has done its job. Shaymin is in this deck to keep energy flowing smoothly as both Terrakion and Landorus need alot of it to attack. Cleffa just serves as a free retreat and can also be used to refresh bad hands.
Trainer/Supporter/Stadium
EXP Share is the all-star of this deck as it allows you to have some slight form of energy acceleration in a deck that wouldn't normally afford it. Being able to attach one energy from a fallen Pokemon to any Pokemon with the tool equipped can turn the tide of the game in your favour as you will always have a Pokemon with energy to attack. The Ball Engine plays a huge role in this deck as it can not only do all your searching but Ultra Ball is a good early way to put a fighting energy into the discard pile to get that crucial turn 2 Gaia Hammer going. Cards like Junk Arm, Pokemon Catcher, and Switch are pretty self explanatory. The Supporters all focus on either changing your hand, drawing extra cards, and getting what you need cause with a deck like this you cant afford to have turns where your not doing anything. Revive is the last real key card in this deck as it can recycle your stream of attackers which are already a pain to Knockout.
Energy
A all fighting energy line is required for this deck for many reasons. First off with a all basic Energy line you wont run the risk of being Lost Removered or Enhanced Hammered. Also EXP Share can only work with basic energy.
This deck has a amazing match against Zekeels and Dark Decks, However it is not hindered by any of the other decks in the format either. CMT can hold you off with Tornadus which has a fighting Resistance to both Terrakion and Landorus, however a smart player will be able to play around this. The early spread helps keep Durant Decks in the Knockout range of Retaliate, which makes that match far easier for this deck then most.
I have begun play testing with this idea and will hopefully have several videos posted on my youtube channel very shortly for you all to see. Sorry bout the lack of articles this week, work and life have gotten in the way as well as the fact that not alot goes on in between events.
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/ThePokeBaller
Terrakion variants i believe will have a strong showing at this battle roads cause not only do we have Zekeels, we also will have people experimenting with Dark Pokemon. Of all the Terrakion variants we have in the format (Straight Terrakion, Landorus/Terrakion, and Troll) I am gonna run a Landorus version because i like that with the right cards it can start hitting for 80 and spreading 10 damage everywhere turn 2.
My Build
Pokemon (10)
4 Landorus
4 Terrakion
1 Cleffa
1 Shaymin (UL)
Supporter (9)
3 Sages Training
2 N
2 Professor Oaks New Theory
2 Professor Juniper
Trainer (29)
4 Junk Arm
4 Revive
4 EXP Share
3 Pokemon Catcher
3 Ultra Ball
3 Heavy Ball
3 Switch
2 Enhanced Hammer
2 Random Receiver
1 Super Rod
Energy (12)
12 Fighting
Pokemon
The Pokemon Line is very straightforward and serves a rather simple strategy. Landorus is the ideal starter for this deck as with 2 energy and either a ultra ball, junk arm, or sages training it can start swinging with Gaia Hammer turn 2. Gaia Hammer can also help to get bigger hp enemies into the 90 hp range so that Terrakion can always one shot with retaliate. Terrakion is your big beefy hitter which will also double as your Revenge Killer, doing a vicious 90 damage for 2 energy after your Landorus has done its job. Shaymin is in this deck to keep energy flowing smoothly as both Terrakion and Landorus need alot of it to attack. Cleffa just serves as a free retreat and can also be used to refresh bad hands.
Trainer/Supporter/Stadium
EXP Share is the all-star of this deck as it allows you to have some slight form of energy acceleration in a deck that wouldn't normally afford it. Being able to attach one energy from a fallen Pokemon to any Pokemon with the tool equipped can turn the tide of the game in your favour as you will always have a Pokemon with energy to attack. The Ball Engine plays a huge role in this deck as it can not only do all your searching but Ultra Ball is a good early way to put a fighting energy into the discard pile to get that crucial turn 2 Gaia Hammer going. Cards like Junk Arm, Pokemon Catcher, and Switch are pretty self explanatory. The Supporters all focus on either changing your hand, drawing extra cards, and getting what you need cause with a deck like this you cant afford to have turns where your not doing anything. Revive is the last real key card in this deck as it can recycle your stream of attackers which are already a pain to Knockout.
Energy
A all fighting energy line is required for this deck for many reasons. First off with a all basic Energy line you wont run the risk of being Lost Removered or Enhanced Hammered. Also EXP Share can only work with basic energy.
This deck has a amazing match against Zekeels and Dark Decks, However it is not hindered by any of the other decks in the format either. CMT can hold you off with Tornadus which has a fighting Resistance to both Terrakion and Landorus, however a smart player will be able to play around this. The early spread helps keep Durant Decks in the Knockout range of Retaliate, which makes that match far easier for this deck then most.
I have begun play testing with this idea and will hopefully have several videos posted on my youtube channel very shortly for you all to see. Sorry bout the lack of articles this week, work and life have gotten in the way as well as the fact that not alot goes on in between events.
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/ThePokeBaller
Thursday 10 May 2012
Pokeballing: Pokemon Sites
Research is a very important part of keeping up on the competitive Pokemon scene. Knowing whats big in the meta you will be playing in is vital when it comes to teching out your deck. Say for example your meta is gonna be Zekeels, you would research and know to tech in Terrakion to score quick revenge kills. Pokemon websites are great for keeping up on the research element of the game, whether it be tournament reports, new sets or just cool rule changes you don't know about.
Pokebeach.com
Pokebeach is a great website for everything Pokemon not just the TCG. Pokebeach has set lists up a good two weeks or more before the release. This is amazing as some cards are removed from certain sets before its English release. Pokebeach also has a incredible forums section that not only has a deck garage to post ideas and deck lists, but also a meta deck centre. This highlights what you should be teching into your top tier decks.
Sixprizes.com
Six Prizes is a very different website from the other ones on my list today. Six Prizes is a website by the players for the players, with nothing but articles written by players for everyone to read. This includes in depth tournament reports,set analysis, and card of the day. Six Prizes also has a special underground where certain writers do more in depth reports, however this costs a fee a month.
Pokegym.net
Pokegym is very similar to Pokebeach in a few ways, though it also boasts several additional features. Pokegym is a full out forums site with card of the days, and deck garages. It also has the Pokemon Compendium, the place to go for any and all rulings questions one would have.
Thetopcut.net
The final site for this article is The Top Cut, a site ran by some of the best Pokemon players currently playing. On top of the deck articles , and set reviews, The Top Cut also does live streaming of games. This a very awesome feature and one that everyone should go and have a look at.
These are only just a few of the many sites dedicated to the Pokemon Trading Card Game. I would recommend going to these sites if you want your research for upcoming tournaments such as Battle Roads and Nationals.
Pokebeach.com
Pokebeach is a great website for everything Pokemon not just the TCG. Pokebeach has set lists up a good two weeks or more before the release. This is amazing as some cards are removed from certain sets before its English release. Pokebeach also has a incredible forums section that not only has a deck garage to post ideas and deck lists, but also a meta deck centre. This highlights what you should be teching into your top tier decks.
Sixprizes.com
Six Prizes is a very different website from the other ones on my list today. Six Prizes is a website by the players for the players, with nothing but articles written by players for everyone to read. This includes in depth tournament reports,set analysis, and card of the day. Six Prizes also has a special underground where certain writers do more in depth reports, however this costs a fee a month.
Pokegym.net
Pokegym is very similar to Pokebeach in a few ways, though it also boasts several additional features. Pokegym is a full out forums site with card of the days, and deck garages. It also has the Pokemon Compendium, the place to go for any and all rulings questions one would have.
Thetopcut.net
The final site for this article is The Top Cut, a site ran by some of the best Pokemon players currently playing. On top of the deck articles , and set reviews, The Top Cut also does live streaming of games. This a very awesome feature and one that everyone should go and have a look at.
These are only just a few of the many sites dedicated to the Pokemon Trading Card Game. I would recommend going to these sites if you want your research for upcoming tournaments such as Battle Roads and Nationals.
Sunday 6 May 2012
Pokeballing:What to Expect at Battle Roads
Spring Battle Roads have already begun in some places and are set to begin all over very shortly (check Pokemon.com for a listing near you). Seeing as this is the last event before the Nationals begin in June, this is the last chance to test decks before the big day. So far this format Electric decks have dominated the meta with Magneboar, ZPST,Eelzone, and Zekeels each showcasing dominance in the format. Dark Explorers hits stores May 8th and will give Trainers the chance to test tech in current builds and new decks all together, so what can we expect from this session of tournaments.
Zekeels
Zekrom/Eelektrik deck (Zekeels) is coming off of a dominating performance at Regionals and one should expect to see alot of them over the Battle Roads Marathon. As I have said many times before this is by far the best deck in the format hands down, being able to set up a fast paced beginning, middle and late game. Dark Explorers will bring it new tech in Raikou EX, which also gives it bench sniping capabilities. Also Ultra Ball brings the deck yet another way to get energy in the discard pile to feed the Dynamotor Engine.
CMT (Celebii/Mewtwo EX/Tornadus)
Tornadus EX could see some early play in this deck along side its regular counterpart. Being able to hit for a first turn 60 with a Skyarrow Bridge out is pretty sweet and being able to hit for 100 will make it easier to conserve your Mewtwos. Other builds may try out Prism Energy and Darkrai EX for free retreat replacing Skyarrow Bridge with other valued Trainers.
Durant
There is little doubt that Durant decks are this formats fastest set up deck. Being able to Devour turn 1 is amazing and disrupts your opponents strategy quite well. Heatmor from Dark Explorers threatens the Metal Ants reign as a tier one deck and i suspect it will catch some Durant builds by surprise. However, a return of Cobalion to the deck (I have noticed its not run as much anymore) will put the Anteater in its place as Heatmor is unable to KO Cobalion as easily as it does Durant. I honestly dont see Durant losing any popularity due to Heatmor.
Dark.Dec
This will be the very hyped decks first chance to shine, and to see if it will live up to the hype. Darkrai EX is a amazing sniper and if it is set up fast enough will keep Zekeels in check by KO'ing Tynamos before they can become Eelektriks. CMT decks will also have to fear the Nightmare Pokemon as it can knockout benched Celebii Primes in two shots. Zoroark builds will probably see the most play right now as its fast and with Dark Claw and Special Dark Energy letting it hit up to 160 (Full Bench+Darkclaw+2 Special Dark). Dark Decks will need to find a reliable counter to Terrakion as the deck can destroy everything in 1 shot
Other decks/Techs
Empoleon decks could have impressive showings with the right build (just watch out for Zekeels). Diving Draw is such a great ability for keeping your hand full of useful cards, and attack command can hit for 120 off of one energy. I could see speed builds being ideal for this deck, being similar to the Jumpluff builds of previous formats. Round has been making splashes lately and could see some play based off of surprise factor alone. Lastly, Terrakion could see a spike up in play with the release of Groudon EX as a nice backup attacker mid to late game.
This is just some of the decks that you will see at this round of Battle Roads, as the major testing phases begin. Will Zekeels stay the top deck this format or will Dark.Dec live up to its hype?
Zekeels
Zekrom/Eelektrik deck (Zekeels) is coming off of a dominating performance at Regionals and one should expect to see alot of them over the Battle Roads Marathon. As I have said many times before this is by far the best deck in the format hands down, being able to set up a fast paced beginning, middle and late game. Dark Explorers will bring it new tech in Raikou EX, which also gives it bench sniping capabilities. Also Ultra Ball brings the deck yet another way to get energy in the discard pile to feed the Dynamotor Engine.
CMT (Celebii/Mewtwo EX/Tornadus)
Tornadus EX could see some early play in this deck along side its regular counterpart. Being able to hit for a first turn 60 with a Skyarrow Bridge out is pretty sweet and being able to hit for 100 will make it easier to conserve your Mewtwos. Other builds may try out Prism Energy and Darkrai EX for free retreat replacing Skyarrow Bridge with other valued Trainers.
Durant
There is little doubt that Durant decks are this formats fastest set up deck. Being able to Devour turn 1 is amazing and disrupts your opponents strategy quite well. Heatmor from Dark Explorers threatens the Metal Ants reign as a tier one deck and i suspect it will catch some Durant builds by surprise. However, a return of Cobalion to the deck (I have noticed its not run as much anymore) will put the Anteater in its place as Heatmor is unable to KO Cobalion as easily as it does Durant. I honestly dont see Durant losing any popularity due to Heatmor.
Dark.Dec
This will be the very hyped decks first chance to shine, and to see if it will live up to the hype. Darkrai EX is a amazing sniper and if it is set up fast enough will keep Zekeels in check by KO'ing Tynamos before they can become Eelektriks. CMT decks will also have to fear the Nightmare Pokemon as it can knockout benched Celebii Primes in two shots. Zoroark builds will probably see the most play right now as its fast and with Dark Claw and Special Dark Energy letting it hit up to 160 (Full Bench+Darkclaw+2 Special Dark). Dark Decks will need to find a reliable counter to Terrakion as the deck can destroy everything in 1 shot
Other decks/Techs
Empoleon decks could have impressive showings with the right build (just watch out for Zekeels). Diving Draw is such a great ability for keeping your hand full of useful cards, and attack command can hit for 120 off of one energy. I could see speed builds being ideal for this deck, being similar to the Jumpluff builds of previous formats. Round has been making splashes lately and could see some play based off of surprise factor alone. Lastly, Terrakion could see a spike up in play with the release of Groudon EX as a nice backup attacker mid to late game.
This is just some of the decks that you will see at this round of Battle Roads, as the major testing phases begin. Will Zekeels stay the top deck this format or will Dark.Dec live up to its hype?
Wednesday 2 May 2012
Pokeballing: Deck Garage #1
So I was looking for ideas for today's blog (which i tried to write last night but couldn't do) and i decided to do some deck stuff for whats big in our format right now. With Battle Roads about to start and Nationals coming so fast its nice to know as much as we can about the decks we are going to see at these events. My first Deck Garage (pending name change lol) is gonna be on one of the fastest decks this format has to offer, CMT(Celebii/Mewtwo/Tornadus)
Deck Name:CMT
Pokemon 9/10
4 Celebii Prime
2/3 Mewtwo EX
3 Tornadus
Supporters 11
3 PONT
3 Juniper
3 N
2 Sages Training
Trainers 16
4 Junk Arm
4 Pokemon Catcher
3 Dual Ball
3 Skyarrow Bridge
1 Poke Gear 3.0
Energy 14
10 Grass
4 Double Colorless Energy
Total: 51/52 (8/9 deck slots open for other cards)
Strategy
This deck has a very fast very effective strategy, and that's to get as many energy into play using Celebii Primes Forest Breath. Mewtwo EX and Tornadus are the main attackers here as Tornadus allows you to move your Grass energy from itself onto your Mewtwo EX to increase the amount of Damage Xball can do. Depending on what your opponent is playing and their start this deck can be capable of some very fast game ending Donks or will put you so far ahead in Prizes your opponent will be struggling for the rest of the game.
Pokemon
In this very base skeleton of the deck the Pokemon are very straight forward. Celebii is only in here for its Forest Breath Pokemon Power which will let you attach another Grass energy to a benched pokemon while Celebii is active. This combines with Skyarrow Bridge very nicely as you can open Celebii attach a Double Colorless to a Benched Tornadus or Mewtwo EX then use Celebiis power to attach a Grass and then retreat for free and start scoring fast knockouts. Tornadus is a great opening attack and as long as you can keep attaching Grass energy to him every turn he will power up your benched Tornadus or Mewtwo EX. Mewtwo EX is by far the most splashable attacker we have this format and with the proper planning X Ball can do massive damage, just becareful not to get on the losing end of a Mewtwo war.
Trainers
The Trainer line is very basic for most decks, allowing you for fast set up and never having useless cards in hand. Dual Ball is a very popular choice lately and has seemingly replaced Pokemon Collector as the top Pokemon retrieval card. Dual Ball allows for Pokemon searches even if you don't draw it opening hand but get it off of one of your many draw supporters. Junk Arm is a must for every deck as reusing trainers such as Catcher, Dual Ball and any tech choices you make. The draw supporters kind of speak for themselves as they are run in every deck.
Energy
a straight energy line here as you don't need Psychic cause your never gonna use the weaker Psydrive attack on Mewtwo EX. 10 Grass will increase your chances of drawing into it opening turn to use with Celebii. Double Colorless will allow for fast first turn Mewtwo EX hits if you have to go that route.
Mewtwo or Tornadus
The big issue here is when to attack with Mewtwo EX and when to use Tornadus. From what I have seen Tornadus is usually better for the opening turns of the game. With Celebii Prime as your starter Tornadus can possibly be swinging for 80 first turn depending on your draw, while Mewtwo will only hit for 60. Tornadus also allows for getting energy onto Mewtwo EX as well with Hurricane. Mewtwo EX should mostly be your clean up attacker, and used if you are close to winning the game. Smart plays with Mewtwo EX will keep you from getting caught up in a Mewtwo war that you may or may not come out on top of. In games that i have seen Tornadus has done most of the heavy work so to speak, while Mewtwo has been used to revenge kill. A popular move is when Tornadus gets knocked out to promote Mewtwo catcher up your opponents Mewtwo and take the kill for 2 prizes.
Techs
These are some of the techs i have seen in CMT
Regigigas EX- A strong Colorless attacker splashable in here as a strong late game sweeper, good for the Zekeel match since Tornadus has a Lightning Weakness.
Shaymin UL- Its Celebration Wind Pokemon Power allows you to move all energy to a attacking Mewtwo EX to maximise the damage X Ball will do.
Smeargle- The other starter of choice for this deck, with Skyarrow Bridge you can start Smeargle use its Portrait Pokemon Power to look and use a supporter then retreat for free and start abusing Forest Breath.
Virizion NV- This is another card I have seen in this deck as tech. This card can be a early game knockout of your opponents Tynamos/Cleffa/Tyrouge without having to risk your main attackers being revenge killed. This is also a great attacker for the Terrakion match as it will hit the builds that don't run Landorus really hard.
EXP Share- Attach these to your Bench Pokemon and when a Tornadus or Mewtwo is knocked out you can attach one basic energy to each Pokemon that has a EXP Share attached to it.
Eviolite- Can be used to prevent 20 damage from being done to your Pokemon that has Eviolite attached to it. Personally if given the choice between this and EXP Share I would rather have EXP Share.
So there you have it mostly everything you need to know about CMT. This deck is incredibly fast and is capable of producing hard hitting attackers on the first turn to start taking prizes before the opponent has any time to set up.
Deck Name:CMT
Pokemon 9/10
4 Celebii Prime
2/3 Mewtwo EX
3 Tornadus
Supporters 11
3 PONT
3 Juniper
3 N
2 Sages Training
Trainers 16
4 Junk Arm
4 Pokemon Catcher
3 Dual Ball
3 Skyarrow Bridge
1 Poke Gear 3.0
Energy 14
10 Grass
4 Double Colorless Energy
Total: 51/52 (8/9 deck slots open for other cards)
Strategy
This deck has a very fast very effective strategy, and that's to get as many energy into play using Celebii Primes Forest Breath. Mewtwo EX and Tornadus are the main attackers here as Tornadus allows you to move your Grass energy from itself onto your Mewtwo EX to increase the amount of Damage Xball can do. Depending on what your opponent is playing and their start this deck can be capable of some very fast game ending Donks or will put you so far ahead in Prizes your opponent will be struggling for the rest of the game.
Pokemon
In this very base skeleton of the deck the Pokemon are very straight forward. Celebii is only in here for its Forest Breath Pokemon Power which will let you attach another Grass energy to a benched pokemon while Celebii is active. This combines with Skyarrow Bridge very nicely as you can open Celebii attach a Double Colorless to a Benched Tornadus or Mewtwo EX then use Celebiis power to attach a Grass and then retreat for free and start scoring fast knockouts. Tornadus is a great opening attack and as long as you can keep attaching Grass energy to him every turn he will power up your benched Tornadus or Mewtwo EX. Mewtwo EX is by far the most splashable attacker we have this format and with the proper planning X Ball can do massive damage, just becareful not to get on the losing end of a Mewtwo war.
Trainers
The Trainer line is very basic for most decks, allowing you for fast set up and never having useless cards in hand. Dual Ball is a very popular choice lately and has seemingly replaced Pokemon Collector as the top Pokemon retrieval card. Dual Ball allows for Pokemon searches even if you don't draw it opening hand but get it off of one of your many draw supporters. Junk Arm is a must for every deck as reusing trainers such as Catcher, Dual Ball and any tech choices you make. The draw supporters kind of speak for themselves as they are run in every deck.
Energy
a straight energy line here as you don't need Psychic cause your never gonna use the weaker Psydrive attack on Mewtwo EX. 10 Grass will increase your chances of drawing into it opening turn to use with Celebii. Double Colorless will allow for fast first turn Mewtwo EX hits if you have to go that route.
Mewtwo or Tornadus
The big issue here is when to attack with Mewtwo EX and when to use Tornadus. From what I have seen Tornadus is usually better for the opening turns of the game. With Celebii Prime as your starter Tornadus can possibly be swinging for 80 first turn depending on your draw, while Mewtwo will only hit for 60. Tornadus also allows for getting energy onto Mewtwo EX as well with Hurricane. Mewtwo EX should mostly be your clean up attacker, and used if you are close to winning the game. Smart plays with Mewtwo EX will keep you from getting caught up in a Mewtwo war that you may or may not come out on top of. In games that i have seen Tornadus has done most of the heavy work so to speak, while Mewtwo has been used to revenge kill. A popular move is when Tornadus gets knocked out to promote Mewtwo catcher up your opponents Mewtwo and take the kill for 2 prizes.
Techs
These are some of the techs i have seen in CMT
Regigigas EX- A strong Colorless attacker splashable in here as a strong late game sweeper, good for the Zekeel match since Tornadus has a Lightning Weakness.
Shaymin UL- Its Celebration Wind Pokemon Power allows you to move all energy to a attacking Mewtwo EX to maximise the damage X Ball will do.
Smeargle- The other starter of choice for this deck, with Skyarrow Bridge you can start Smeargle use its Portrait Pokemon Power to look and use a supporter then retreat for free and start abusing Forest Breath.
Virizion NV- This is another card I have seen in this deck as tech. This card can be a early game knockout of your opponents Tynamos/Cleffa/Tyrouge without having to risk your main attackers being revenge killed. This is also a great attacker for the Terrakion match as it will hit the builds that don't run Landorus really hard.
EXP Share- Attach these to your Bench Pokemon and when a Tornadus or Mewtwo is knocked out you can attach one basic energy to each Pokemon that has a EXP Share attached to it.
Eviolite- Can be used to prevent 20 damage from being done to your Pokemon that has Eviolite attached to it. Personally if given the choice between this and EXP Share I would rather have EXP Share.
So there you have it mostly everything you need to know about CMT. This deck is incredibly fast and is capable of producing hard hitting attackers on the first turn to start taking prizes before the opponent has any time to set up.
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