So it seems that the Dragon and Bug clause was not as unanimously agreed upon as I had thought. So I welcome further discussion on the matter. Currently we are allowing members of the Dragon Gym to use not only Dragon Types, but also non-Dragon Types from the Dragon Egg Group, with a similar exception made for the Bug Gym and Bug Egg Group.
Make your voice heard. Do you agree/disagree? Why? Any other options to explore?
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Rotom Insert
You may not have paid it attention, but aside from detailing how to get the secret key for the new rotom forms, the insert that came with your platinum game also gives you a code to enter here.
Thus far, with Parivir's help, we have two codes:
6TS8ORF (unlocks frost forme wallpaper)
T8A6EH7 (unlocks heat forme wallpaper)
If you got a different code with your insert, please post it in reply to this post. Something happens once all five formes have been unlocked. And while that could simply be more wallpaper, it could be something good.
Happy Platinum-ing!
Thus far, with Parivir's help, we have two codes:
6TS8ORF (unlocks frost forme wallpaper)
T8A6EH7 (unlocks heat forme wallpaper)
If you got a different code with your insert, please post it in reply to this post. Something happens once all five formes have been unlocked. And while that could simply be more wallpaper, it could be something good.
Happy Platinum-ing!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Shaymin and Regigigas
Hey everyone, I just wanted to remind you all that shaymin's event has been officially announced on pokemon.com here. Also, I believe the regigigas has also been leaked via Toys-R-Us' facebook page even though it hasn't been mentioned on pokemon.com yet. See the information about that here.
P.S. Also, please r.s.v.p. me (yea or nea) in the previous post if you're able to come over on the 21st. Thanks!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
February 21st
In the spirit of keeping the monthly thing going, I'd like to invite those who can make it to my place on the 21st. I think just about everyone's been to my place, but if anyone needs directions, just let me know. Also, like the last event, I think 4pm is a good time to begin. The table will be set up for the TCG, so if you'd like to battle or trade cards (a new set comes out just before we meet) don't forget to bring them with you! Hope to see you all then!
P.S. Don't forget, shaymin comes out the week before, so we can all see who got the best ones.
P.S. Don't forget, shaymin comes out the week before, so we can all see who got the best ones.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Shiny Grid
Lately, shinies have been a frequent topic of conversation and we'd all like to know how to be better at it. There is a grid I've seen a few times, but never really paid attention to whether I was following it. To the extent that it posts well, it looks like this:
X 4 4 4 X 4 4 4 X
4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4
4 3 2 2 2 2 2 3 4
4 3 2 1 1 1 2 3 4
X 3 2 1 U 1 2 3 X
4 3 2 1 1 1 2 3 4
4 3 2 2 2 2 2 3 4
4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4
X 4 4 4 X 4 4 4 X
Where:
U = you
1 = least safe
4 = most safe
X = patches you should avoid at all costs
X 4 4 4 X 4 4 4 X
4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4
4 3 2 2 2 2 2 3 4
4 3 2 1 1 1 2 3 4
X 3 2 1 U 1 2 3 X
4 3 2 1 1 1 2 3 4
4 3 2 2 2 2 2 3 4
4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4
X 4 4 4 X 4 4 4 X
Where:
U = you
1 = least safe
4 = most safe
X = patches you should avoid at all costs
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Smeargle Breeding
This is something I do a lot, so I figured I'd write up some of the things I've learned that help speed things along.
What is Smeargle Breeding? Smeargle Breeding is using a male Smeargle to pass on moves that may otherwise be difficult to pass. For example one time TMs, or moveset combinations that are impossible to breed otherwise. It may also be worth considering if the conventional breeding chain for the moves you are intending to pass along goes several pokemon deep.
*This assumes you are already familiar with regular breeding and breeding chains. If not, you may want to read up on that before continuing. Here are a few links: [legendary pokemon], [bulbapedia], [serebii] (there are plenty of other good resources as well).
Why Smeargle? Smeargle can learn any combination of moves imaginable (with a few exceptions such as Transform). Once he's learned these moves, a male Smeargle can pass them on, just as any male could. Thus you can have him learn virtually any moveset of egg moves and TMs you would like to pass along.
What's the Catch? Smeargle is in the Field egg group (also sometimes called Ground). The Pokemon you want to learn the moveset must also be in this group, or have a breeding chain that leads to Field. This is usually not an issue for passing on single moves. This may be tougher for passing multiple moves, since each pokemon in the chain will have to have all the moves in the intended moveset as an egg move or learnable TM. This does limit the usefulness of Smeargle breeding, but it is another option to consider when regular breeding chains won't get the job done.
Give me an example. Say hypothetically Ranger Steve calls me up, and the topic of giving a Lapras the move Avalanche comes up. I let Steve know that his options are 1) use his Avalanche TM, or 2) Smeargle Breeding. Conventional breeding will not work, since the only Pokemon that can learn Avalanche, Jynx, is always female, and thus cannot pass along the move. Steve can use his TM, and then reset and play through the game again if he ever needs another one, or have Smeargle learn Avalanche from Jynx, breed Smeargle with a Delibird, then breed a male child Delibird with a female Lapras, thus keeping his TM for a Pokemon that Smeargle Breeding will not work for.
Will Smeargle Breeding work for me? If the pokemon you want to pass moves to is in the Field egg group, then the answer is always yes. You will not need to chain, so you can pass up to four egg moves or TMs with little difficulty. If this is not the case, you will need to make sure there is a breeding chain for the moves you want to pass. This is pretty easy for one move, but the more moves you have planned, the harder they will be to chain. I find this search tool to be very useful. To start, I suggest adding Field egg group to the search, and add each move you wish to pass (check the TM and Egg option, but not the level). This will let you know if there is a simple chain (one intermediary Pokemon). If one of the resulting dual egg group Pokemon shares an Egg group with the Pokemon you wish to ultimately learn the moves, then this will be your "bridge" Pokemon. If not, remove the Field egg group condition, and see if there is a chain with the resulting Pokemon listed. When doing either, remember you will have to ignore any Pokemon that isn't the first stage of its evolution. If a Pokemon can use a TM after it evolves, but not in its first stage, it will be no use in breeding chains. Also remember to ignore Pokemon that only come in one gender (or no gender). Your end result Pokemon can be female only, but everything in the chain must come in both genders.
What do I need? You will of course need a male Smeargle. They can be caught on Rt. 212 with a PokeRadar, or Pal Parked over from a GBA version of the game. You will need to have a Pokemon that knows the move you are trying to pass on (in the case of multiple moves, the moves can be spread over multiple Pokemon). You will need a female of the pokemon you wish to learn the move(s). You may also need other female pokemon depending on whether or not you need to chain breed. Heart Scales may be needed if you need to have your Smeargle relearn sketch and you can't/don't want to level up to learn it again. The Vs. Seeker is also very helpful.
How do I get Smeargle to learn the moves I want? Sketch works by permanently learning the last move it's target used. This can be tough to time or even survive against an opponent. The easy way to ensure success is to use it on your partner in a doubles battle. Have Smeargle and a pokemon that knows the move you want to learn be in the first two slots in your party, so they both come out in a doubles battle. Then find yourself some doubles opponents. I generally use the father / daughter pair just north of Solaceon Town, since its close to where I'll be breeding anyway. Use the Vs Seeker to get them ready to fight. If your Smeargle has a lower Speed than your other pokemon (the best case), have your other pokemon use the move you want to learn (it doesn't matter who is targeted), then have the Smeargle use sketch on your other pokemon. As long as Smeargle survives until its turn, the move will be learned. If the Smeargle happens to be faster, have it use another move (either killing an opponent, or protecting is preferable) while your other pokemon uses the move you want to learn. Then have Smeargle use sketch on your other pokemon second turn. Once this move is learned you can heal up, learn sketch again via leveling or heart scale, then repeat for the next move you want to learn (if any).
Got the moves I want on my Smeargle. Now what? Now you get to breedin'! Take that Smeargle to the Day Care Center. If you don't need a breeding chain, then give them the female of the Pokemon you want to learn the move, and wait for your results. If you do need to chain, give them a female of the first Pokemon in your chain, and wait for a male child. Retrieve the parents, then enter the male child and a female of the next pokemon in the chain (you may first need to evolve the child if it is a pre-evolution such as pichu or cleffa, make sure not to lose those bred moves). Repeat this down the chain until you get to your end result pokemon.
So there you have it. Sometimes it's quick and painless, sometimes it takes a bit of work. But it's an option to consider if you're hesitant to use that TM you got from a Gym Leader, or can't seem to chain a specific moveset through normal means.
What is Smeargle Breeding? Smeargle Breeding is using a male Smeargle to pass on moves that may otherwise be difficult to pass. For example one time TMs, or moveset combinations that are impossible to breed otherwise. It may also be worth considering if the conventional breeding chain for the moves you are intending to pass along goes several pokemon deep.
*This assumes you are already familiar with regular breeding and breeding chains. If not, you may want to read up on that before continuing. Here are a few links: [legendary pokemon], [bulbapedia], [serebii] (there are plenty of other good resources as well).
Why Smeargle? Smeargle can learn any combination of moves imaginable (with a few exceptions such as Transform). Once he's learned these moves, a male Smeargle can pass them on, just as any male could. Thus you can have him learn virtually any moveset of egg moves and TMs you would like to pass along.
What's the Catch? Smeargle is in the Field egg group (also sometimes called Ground). The Pokemon you want to learn the moveset must also be in this group, or have a breeding chain that leads to Field. This is usually not an issue for passing on single moves. This may be tougher for passing multiple moves, since each pokemon in the chain will have to have all the moves in the intended moveset as an egg move or learnable TM. This does limit the usefulness of Smeargle breeding, but it is another option to consider when regular breeding chains won't get the job done.
Give me an example. Say hypothetically Ranger Steve calls me up, and the topic of giving a Lapras the move Avalanche comes up. I let Steve know that his options are 1) use his Avalanche TM, or 2) Smeargle Breeding. Conventional breeding will not work, since the only Pokemon that can learn Avalanche, Jynx, is always female, and thus cannot pass along the move. Steve can use his TM, and then reset and play through the game again if he ever needs another one, or have Smeargle learn Avalanche from Jynx, breed Smeargle with a Delibird, then breed a male child Delibird with a female Lapras, thus keeping his TM for a Pokemon that Smeargle Breeding will not work for.
Will Smeargle Breeding work for me? If the pokemon you want to pass moves to is in the Field egg group, then the answer is always yes. You will not need to chain, so you can pass up to four egg moves or TMs with little difficulty. If this is not the case, you will need to make sure there is a breeding chain for the moves you want to pass. This is pretty easy for one move, but the more moves you have planned, the harder they will be to chain. I find this search tool to be very useful. To start, I suggest adding Field egg group to the search, and add each move you wish to pass (check the TM and Egg option, but not the level). This will let you know if there is a simple chain (one intermediary Pokemon). If one of the resulting dual egg group Pokemon shares an Egg group with the Pokemon you wish to ultimately learn the moves, then this will be your "bridge" Pokemon. If not, remove the Field egg group condition, and see if there is a chain with the resulting Pokemon listed. When doing either, remember you will have to ignore any Pokemon that isn't the first stage of its evolution. If a Pokemon can use a TM after it evolves, but not in its first stage, it will be no use in breeding chains. Also remember to ignore Pokemon that only come in one gender (or no gender). Your end result Pokemon can be female only, but everything in the chain must come in both genders.
What do I need? You will of course need a male Smeargle. They can be caught on Rt. 212 with a PokeRadar, or Pal Parked over from a GBA version of the game. You will need to have a Pokemon that knows the move you are trying to pass on (in the case of multiple moves, the moves can be spread over multiple Pokemon). You will need a female of the pokemon you wish to learn the move(s). You may also need other female pokemon depending on whether or not you need to chain breed. Heart Scales may be needed if you need to have your Smeargle relearn sketch and you can't/don't want to level up to learn it again. The Vs. Seeker is also very helpful.
How do I get Smeargle to learn the moves I want? Sketch works by permanently learning the last move it's target used. This can be tough to time or even survive against an opponent. The easy way to ensure success is to use it on your partner in a doubles battle. Have Smeargle and a pokemon that knows the move you want to learn be in the first two slots in your party, so they both come out in a doubles battle. Then find yourself some doubles opponents. I generally use the father / daughter pair just north of Solaceon Town, since its close to where I'll be breeding anyway. Use the Vs Seeker to get them ready to fight. If your Smeargle has a lower Speed than your other pokemon (the best case), have your other pokemon use the move you want to learn (it doesn't matter who is targeted), then have the Smeargle use sketch on your other pokemon. As long as Smeargle survives until its turn, the move will be learned. If the Smeargle happens to be faster, have it use another move (either killing an opponent, or protecting is preferable) while your other pokemon uses the move you want to learn. Then have Smeargle use sketch on your other pokemon second turn. Once this move is learned you can heal up, learn sketch again via leveling or heart scale, then repeat for the next move you want to learn (if any).
Got the moves I want on my Smeargle. Now what? Now you get to breedin'! Take that Smeargle to the Day Care Center. If you don't need a breeding chain, then give them the female of the Pokemon you want to learn the move, and wait for your results. If you do need to chain, give them a female of the first Pokemon in your chain, and wait for a male child. Retrieve the parents, then enter the male child and a female of the next pokemon in the chain (you may first need to evolve the child if it is a pre-evolution such as pichu or cleffa, make sure not to lose those bred moves). Repeat this down the chain until you get to your end result pokemon.
So there you have it. Sometimes it's quick and painless, sometimes it takes a bit of work. But it's an option to consider if you're hesitant to use that TM you got from a Gym Leader, or can't seem to chain a specific moveset through normal means.
Friday, January 16, 2009
1/17 Meeting - Last Minute Advice
Hi folks, with regards to the meeting tomorrow at my place, a slight wrench has been thrown in the plans. Turns out Obama is speaking tomorrow in Baltimore, so it's going to be crowded as hell and some roads are going to be closed. If you're route takes you 83 South via 695, you should still be fine, but anyone coming from South Baltimore is going to have to be creative (or just take 695 to 83 South). Here's an article with road closure info, if anyone doesn't think they can make it or would like some advice on how to get here feel free to give me a call.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Listserv
A listserv has been created for ECPL members. It will be used to send notifications to ECPL members. It will be:
"A nice Pokemon related mailing list that isn't a mailing list filled with 12 year olds. This will notify blog members of up coming events and social gatherings."
"A nice Pokemon related mailing list that isn't a mailing list filled with 12 year olds. This will notify blog members of up coming events and social gatherings."
Friday, January 9, 2009
Pool League Play
The Normal Gym Leader and the Dark Gym Leader will not have league pool matches on the following Sundays:
Dec 14, 2008
Dec 21, 2008
Dec 28, 2008
Jan 04, 2009
However, they will play pool on December 27, 2008 at Fantasies Night Club after the UFC matches.
Dec 14, 2008
Dec 21, 2008
Dec 28, 2008
Jan 04, 2009
However, they will play pool on December 27, 2008 at Fantasies Night Club after the UFC matches.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Next ECPL Meeting - 1/17
Alright, after chatting with people it looks like our next meeting will be on Saturday, January 17th at my place in Baltimore. We'll be starting around 4 or so and going until whenever. As per usual, there will be battles, trading, and general video gaming. Friends are welcome, just give me a heads up if you or anyone else is coming. My e-mail is mridgaway@gmail.com, you get a hold of me there for directions as well. Hope to see you there!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Mascot
I'v mention this a few times in the past week or two, but I believe our group should have a mascot. Something to put on our cards or the blog itself. Also if I do get my web page started, I'd make a section for ECPL. How fun would it be with no images at all? Not much. I don't know, its not necessary, its just an idea I had, if not just for the fun of it.
But before I got anyone to actually do anything, I figured it would be best to get everyones opinions on exactly what it should be. Obviously a pokemon(or could it be a trainer?) but which pokemon? The best ideas I'v heard of were a Blue Kingler or a Eastern Gastrodon, any other ideas?
But there's more then that! We need to flesh out this mascot. What kind of personality would it have? Going off of the actual graph.. would it be.. Tough, Cute, Cool, Smart, or Beautiful? It would obviously need a hold item(or otherwise equiped item). It doesn't have to be the item that would be BEST for it, but just a little something extra to give it a little personality.
Shoot, for all I care our mascot could be a rainbow colored Tauros wearing a top hat and scarf, holding a cane and pocketwatch... but that seems more like something you'll see when tripping on acid.
But before I got anyone to actually do anything, I figured it would be best to get everyones opinions on exactly what it should be. Obviously a pokemon(or could it be a trainer?) but which pokemon? The best ideas I'v heard of were a Blue Kingler or a Eastern Gastrodon, any other ideas?
But there's more then that! We need to flesh out this mascot. What kind of personality would it have? Going off of the actual graph.. would it be.. Tough, Cute, Cool, Smart, or Beautiful? It would obviously need a hold item(or otherwise equiped item). It doesn't have to be the item that would be BEST for it, but just a little something extra to give it a little personality.
Shoot, for all I care our mascot could be a rainbow colored Tauros wearing a top hat and scarf, holding a cane and pocketwatch... but that seems more like something you'll see when tripping on acid.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Garchomp Debate
We've mentioned this in our online chats and when we get together, but I saw a post on a forum (psypokes.com) that makes a pretty compelling case as to why people and sites like Smogon debate his status as an Uber versus an Overused (OU) pokemon:
*sorry in advance for this post's length*
______________________________________
Lets being with some background on Garchomp; a Ground/Dragon pokemon whose ability is Sand Veil, which causes an automatic +20% Evasion in Sandstorm. These are his base stats (Garchomp is a 600 Base Stat Total pokemon)
HP:108
Attack:130
Defense:95
Special Attack:80
Special Defense: 85
Speed:102
Garchomp's most notable moves are Swords Dance, Substitute, Earthquake, Outrage, Dragon Claw, Draco Meteor, Fire Blast, Fire Fang, Crunch, and Stone Edge. All of the sets on Smogon's analysis index use a combination of 4 of the above moves.
**Why is Garchomp too broken for OU?**
Before I go any further please note that a pokemon's viability in OU has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with how good a pokemon plays in the Uber metagame. A pokemon can completely suck and be outclassed in Ubers (See regular Deoxys) and this does not matter at all. As long as a pokemon is deemed broken in the OU metagame, it'll be banned to Ubers.
A "counter" is a pokemon that takes little risk when switching into an enemy pokemon and provides an immediate threat.
There are three primary reasons why I believe Garchomp is too broken for the OU metagame and should be moved to Ubers.
1.) Garchomp's excellent movepool and STAB options allow it to beat every single one of its "counters"
2.) Garchomp's excellent defenses and only two weaknesses require Ice/Dragon move users to have a lot of stat points in order to OHKO him.
3.) Sand Veil gives Garchomp +20% evasion under Sandstorm, allowing him to beat otherwise guaranteed counters/revenge killers.
Let me explain each of these points in greater detail.
1.)
The fact that no one pokemon can safely switch into Garchomp is an understatement. Let me present to you damage calculations on how much damage an Adamant Choice Band Garchomp with 252 Attack EV's does to its so called "counters." The most common of which are pokemon with a high Defense stat that are not weak to any of it STAB moves (a counter that's weak to any of Garchomp's STAB isn't going to be a counter much longer). The most common of these pokemon are: Cresselia, Bronzong, Skarmory, Gyarados (Intimidate factored), Gliscor, Weezing, Hippowdon, Donphan, Suicune, Slowbro. The EV spreads I used were either the ones meant to counter Garchomp or the one listed first in the analysis index on Smogon's website.
Using MetalKid's online calculator:
Crunch to 20Hp/252Def Modest Cresselia 53-62%
Fire Fang to 252Hp/4Def Relaxed Bronzong 56-66%
Fire Blast to 252Hp/0SpDef Impish Skarmory 64-75%
Stone Edge to 212Hp/180Def Adamant Gyarados 62-73%
Dragon Claw to 252Hp/252Def Impish Gliscor 38-45%
Outrage to 252Hp/252Def Impish Gliscor 54-64%
Dragon Claw to 252Hp/252Def Impish Weezing 42-49%
Outrage to 252Hp/252Def Impish Weezing 62-73%
Earthquake to 252Hp/252Def Impish Hippowdon 42-49%
Outrage to 252Hp/252Def Impish Hippowdon 50-59%
Earthquake to 252Hp/252Def Impish Donphan 45-53%
Outrage to 252Hp/252Def Impish Donphan 54-63%
Earthquake to 252Hp/252Def Bold Suicune 44-52%
Outrage to 252Hp/252Def Bold Suicune 53-63%
Crunch to 252Hp/252Def Bold Slowbro 56-65%
Every single pokemon on this list gets 2hko'd by CB Chomp except for Hippowdon (Hippowdon loses to SD Chomp). The ones that are only 2hko'd by Outrage (which is important cause this means Garchomp can't switch out until it ends) are Gliscor, Weezing, Hippowdon, Donphan, Suicune. None of these pokemon are capable of OHKOing Garchomp with these spreads. This means that all the pokemon without a reliable recovery moves WILL lose because they will get 3hko'd while the try to 2hko Garchomp. That means Suicune is out. Gliscor only wins with Roost (depleting Dragon Claw's pp), Donphan has Ice Shard (and NEEDS CB) to 2hko Garchomp before it gets 3hko'd, Weezing can Will o Wisp Garchomp (pray to good that it lands).
And remember this, if you attempt to revenge kill Garchomp by sacrificing one of the above pokes to Outrage, you also pray that garchomp doesn't get confused after only two turns (which means he can switch out again.)
I hope I've illustrated just how dangerous CBchomp is. The only "counter", Hippowdon, loses to the even more popular form of Garchomp because Swords Danced Earthquake will 2hko Hippowdon before you 2hko with Ice Fang.
CBChomp isn't the only version of Garchomp one must counter, however. Keep in mind that it can SD, SubSD that abuses Sand Veil, Scarf, and Chain Chomp. I'm not gonna post any specifics about the above sets (look on the analysis index to get more details) because I'm not as familiar with them as I am with the CB version. But, these sets provide other options for Garchomp to deal with the OU metgame. Garchomp is no one trick pony.
2.)
Now for all the people who like to revenge kill out there (Completely ignoring that Garchomp has the ability to be Choice Scarfed). First you must beat 333 speed if you are sure Garchomp isn't wearing a Choice Scarf. Second, take into account Garchomp's solid defenses. If your not relying on Ice or Dragon moves to OHKO Garchomp, then good luck because you're going to need it! These are the minimum stats one needs to OHKO Garchomp with the following moves, unSTAB'd: Ice pebble, Ice Fang, Ice Punch, Hidden Power Ice, Ice Beam, Dragon Claw, Dragon Pulse (I consider these to be the most common moves for dealing with Garchomp). Additionally, this is assuming Garchomp has absolutely no defensive EV's.
693 Attack Stat to OHKO with Ice Pebble
426 Attack Stat to OHKO with Ice Fang
370 Attack Stat to OHKO with Ice Punch
361 Special Attack Stat to OHKO with Hidden Power Ice
266 Special Attack Stat to OHKO with Ice Beam
693 Attack Stat to OHKO with Dragon Claw
567 Special Attack Stat to OHKO with Dragon Pulse
If you want to add in STAB or a Choice Item, divide these numbers by 1.5 or 1.3 for Life Orb. What these numbers suggest is that unless your an Ice type pokemon or going to lock yourself into an Ice move, be prepared to use A LOT of EV's to get your attack stats to these numbers. 2hkoing Garchomp is a little trickier because A.) you have to sometimes account for leftovers, (but just divide these numbers by two) B.) if your faster than Garchomp, must be able to survive an Earthquake or Outrage C.) if your slower than Garchomp, must be able to survive three of the above moves (good luck!)
So if you want to revenge kill Garchomp, be prepared to have amazing attack and speed stats or force yourself to lock into an Ice move (the Choice items can supplement your stat needs). And even once you've met all these requirements...
3.)
Sand Veil grants Garchomp +20% Evasion for free in a Sandstorm. This means that (assuming Sandstorm to be the near-ubiquitous enviroment that it is) at least 1 out 5 times, Garchomp will get a FREE turn because your move will miss. This is also assuming your moves are 100% accurate to begin with! For all those players who attempt to incapacitate Garchomp with WoW, Hypnosis, Sleep/Stun Spore, good luck because your going to need it for those moves to land. Here's a list of how accurate moves are on Garchomp under Sandstorm:
100% accurate moves turn to 80% (Almost all the Ice moves)
95% accurate moves turn to 76% (Ice fang)
90% accurate moves turn to 72% (Draco Meteor, Toxic)
80% accurate moves turn to 64% (Hydro Pump, Fire Blast, etc)
75% accurate moves turn to 60% (Sleep/Stun Spore, WoW)
70% accurate moves turn to 56% (Hypnosis)
So even if you've taken all the necessary precautions, the most dangerous pokemon in the game has at least a 1 in 5 chance to get a completely free turn. Better hope Garchomp isn't abusing Substitute or BrightPowder, that would get insanely frustrating.
There you have it. I've outlined all my reasons for Garchomp being too broken for OU. Now for some counterarguments that I heard in the previous thread.
What about all the countless other pokemon that need more than one "counter"?
Please explain why said pokemon is as dangerous as Garchomp. Most of these double counter pokemon are either really frail or have STAB options much inferior to Garchomp. Remember that Garchomp only has two weaknesses and solid defenses. In addition, Garchomp is immune Thunder Wave and can double his attack at a moment's notice. Please point out all the reasons that another pokemon is even more broken than Garchomp.
But Garchomp is too bad for Ubers and no one will use him there!
Read the big bold thing at the start of this thread (both of them)
Salamence, Tyranitar, Dragonite, etc, are really bulky pokemon that are hard to kill and sweep good, why not ban them?
Like I said, please bring up ways in which said pokemon are superior to Garchomp. Let me give you some examples and how they are worse:
-Salamence, Dragonite, Gyarados have a Stealth Rock weakness. This is HUGE. This means that every time that said pokemon switches in, you are 1/4 of a step closer to completely eliminating them (they have to sacrifice coverage to use Roost, dont bring it up). Garchomp actually resists Stealth Rock.
-The 4 main Dragon Dancers need that boost just to outspeed many of their counters (In other words, most bulky pokemon are really slow). Garchomp's speed is already fantastic as its 2 points above all the countless Base 100 speed pokemon.
-Swords Dance is practically the perfect move to aid a fast pokemon with amazing type coverage. All the other threats wish they were as fast and could double their attack stat at a moments notice.
-Garchomp's STAB options absolutely HURT at 150bp and 180bp and are only resisted by two pokemon, Skarmory and Bronzong. This is why most Garchomp's pack fire moves for unparalled type coverage.
-Tyranitar (IMO the only other debateable poke) has five x2 weaknesses and one x4 weak and is really slow. Garchomp has one x2 weak and one x4.
Blissey [insert any pokemon] are more overcentralizing than Garchomp, why arent we banning them?
Blissey isn't broken, and neither are those other pokemon. If you want to debate this, start a thread and list all the reasons why [insert any pokemon] here is broken.
I love Garchomp!
As do I, its the best pokemon in OU. This doesn't mean he isn't broken though, we have to get rid of our biases in order to create the most balanced OU metagame.
I hoped I addressed every issue as to why I think Garchomp is not only the deadliest pokemon in OU, but too broken as well. Just so this thread doesn't die, I would like it if all people in support of my view, or holding a tournament, or whatever would sign this thread with their opinion.
And if you want to argue against me, then go right ahead
I'm looking forward to the rebuttals.
*sorry in advance for this post's length*
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Xcfrisco from Smogon Forums wrote:
Let me start by warning everyone that this thread is gonna be very tl;dr. So if you're not interested in READING EVERY SINGLE THING I SAY please don't even bother posting and stop right now and move to a different thread.Lets being with some background on Garchomp; a Ground/Dragon pokemon whose ability is Sand Veil, which causes an automatic +20% Evasion in Sandstorm. These are his base stats (Garchomp is a 600 Base Stat Total pokemon)
HP:108
Attack:130
Defense:95
Special Attack:80
Special Defense: 85
Speed:102
Garchomp's most notable moves are Swords Dance, Substitute, Earthquake, Outrage, Dragon Claw, Draco Meteor, Fire Blast, Fire Fang, Crunch, and Stone Edge. All of the sets on Smogon's analysis index use a combination of 4 of the above moves.
**Why is Garchomp too broken for OU?**
Before I go any further please note that a pokemon's viability in OU has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with how good a pokemon plays in the Uber metagame. A pokemon can completely suck and be outclassed in Ubers (See regular Deoxys) and this does not matter at all. As long as a pokemon is deemed broken in the OU metagame, it'll be banned to Ubers.
A "counter" is a pokemon that takes little risk when switching into an enemy pokemon and provides an immediate threat.
There are three primary reasons why I believe Garchomp is too broken for the OU metagame and should be moved to Ubers.
1.) Garchomp's excellent movepool and STAB options allow it to beat every single one of its "counters"
2.) Garchomp's excellent defenses and only two weaknesses require Ice/Dragon move users to have a lot of stat points in order to OHKO him.
3.) Sand Veil gives Garchomp +20% evasion under Sandstorm, allowing him to beat otherwise guaranteed counters/revenge killers.
Let me explain each of these points in greater detail.
1.)
The fact that no one pokemon can safely switch into Garchomp is an understatement. Let me present to you damage calculations on how much damage an Adamant Choice Band Garchomp with 252 Attack EV's does to its so called "counters." The most common of which are pokemon with a high Defense stat that are not weak to any of it STAB moves (a counter that's weak to any of Garchomp's STAB isn't going to be a counter much longer). The most common of these pokemon are: Cresselia, Bronzong, Skarmory, Gyarados (Intimidate factored), Gliscor, Weezing, Hippowdon, Donphan, Suicune, Slowbro. The EV spreads I used were either the ones meant to counter Garchomp or the one listed first in the analysis index on Smogon's website.
Using MetalKid's online calculator:
Crunch to 20Hp/252Def Modest Cresselia 53-62%
Fire Fang to 252Hp/4Def Relaxed Bronzong 56-66%
Fire Blast to 252Hp/0SpDef Impish Skarmory 64-75%
Stone Edge to 212Hp/180Def Adamant Gyarados 62-73%
Dragon Claw to 252Hp/252Def Impish Gliscor 38-45%
Outrage to 252Hp/252Def Impish Gliscor 54-64%
Dragon Claw to 252Hp/252Def Impish Weezing 42-49%
Outrage to 252Hp/252Def Impish Weezing 62-73%
Earthquake to 252Hp/252Def Impish Hippowdon 42-49%
Outrage to 252Hp/252Def Impish Hippowdon 50-59%
Earthquake to 252Hp/252Def Impish Donphan 45-53%
Outrage to 252Hp/252Def Impish Donphan 54-63%
Earthquake to 252Hp/252Def Bold Suicune 44-52%
Outrage to 252Hp/252Def Bold Suicune 53-63%
Crunch to 252Hp/252Def Bold Slowbro 56-65%
Every single pokemon on this list gets 2hko'd by CB Chomp except for Hippowdon (Hippowdon loses to SD Chomp). The ones that are only 2hko'd by Outrage (which is important cause this means Garchomp can't switch out until it ends) are Gliscor, Weezing, Hippowdon, Donphan, Suicune. None of these pokemon are capable of OHKOing Garchomp with these spreads. This means that all the pokemon without a reliable recovery moves WILL lose because they will get 3hko'd while the try to 2hko Garchomp. That means Suicune is out. Gliscor only wins with Roost (depleting Dragon Claw's pp), Donphan has Ice Shard (and NEEDS CB) to 2hko Garchomp before it gets 3hko'd, Weezing can Will o Wisp Garchomp (pray to good that it lands).
And remember this, if you attempt to revenge kill Garchomp by sacrificing one of the above pokes to Outrage, you also pray that garchomp doesn't get confused after only two turns (which means he can switch out again.)
I hope I've illustrated just how dangerous CBchomp is. The only "counter", Hippowdon, loses to the even more popular form of Garchomp because Swords Danced Earthquake will 2hko Hippowdon before you 2hko with Ice Fang.
CBChomp isn't the only version of Garchomp one must counter, however. Keep in mind that it can SD, SubSD that abuses Sand Veil, Scarf, and Chain Chomp. I'm not gonna post any specifics about the above sets (look on the analysis index to get more details) because I'm not as familiar with them as I am with the CB version. But, these sets provide other options for Garchomp to deal with the OU metgame. Garchomp is no one trick pony.
2.)
Now for all the people who like to revenge kill out there (Completely ignoring that Garchomp has the ability to be Choice Scarfed). First you must beat 333 speed if you are sure Garchomp isn't wearing a Choice Scarf. Second, take into account Garchomp's solid defenses. If your not relying on Ice or Dragon moves to OHKO Garchomp, then good luck because you're going to need it! These are the minimum stats one needs to OHKO Garchomp with the following moves, unSTAB'd: Ice pebble, Ice Fang, Ice Punch, Hidden Power Ice, Ice Beam, Dragon Claw, Dragon Pulse (I consider these to be the most common moves for dealing with Garchomp). Additionally, this is assuming Garchomp has absolutely no defensive EV's.
693 Attack Stat to OHKO with Ice Pebble
426 Attack Stat to OHKO with Ice Fang
370 Attack Stat to OHKO with Ice Punch
361 Special Attack Stat to OHKO with Hidden Power Ice
266 Special Attack Stat to OHKO with Ice Beam
693 Attack Stat to OHKO with Dragon Claw
567 Special Attack Stat to OHKO with Dragon Pulse
If you want to add in STAB or a Choice Item, divide these numbers by 1.5 or 1.3 for Life Orb. What these numbers suggest is that unless your an Ice type pokemon or going to lock yourself into an Ice move, be prepared to use A LOT of EV's to get your attack stats to these numbers. 2hkoing Garchomp is a little trickier because A.) you have to sometimes account for leftovers, (but just divide these numbers by two) B.) if your faster than Garchomp, must be able to survive an Earthquake or Outrage C.) if your slower than Garchomp, must be able to survive three of the above moves (good luck!)
So if you want to revenge kill Garchomp, be prepared to have amazing attack and speed stats or force yourself to lock into an Ice move (the Choice items can supplement your stat needs). And even once you've met all these requirements...
3.)
Sand Veil grants Garchomp +20% Evasion for free in a Sandstorm. This means that (assuming Sandstorm to be the near-ubiquitous enviroment that it is) at least 1 out 5 times, Garchomp will get a FREE turn because your move will miss. This is also assuming your moves are 100% accurate to begin with! For all those players who attempt to incapacitate Garchomp with WoW, Hypnosis, Sleep/Stun Spore, good luck because your going to need it for those moves to land. Here's a list of how accurate moves are on Garchomp under Sandstorm:
100% accurate moves turn to 80% (Almost all the Ice moves)
95% accurate moves turn to 76% (Ice fang)
90% accurate moves turn to 72% (Draco Meteor, Toxic)
80% accurate moves turn to 64% (Hydro Pump, Fire Blast, etc)
75% accurate moves turn to 60% (Sleep/Stun Spore, WoW)
70% accurate moves turn to 56% (Hypnosis)
So even if you've taken all the necessary precautions, the most dangerous pokemon in the game has at least a 1 in 5 chance to get a completely free turn. Better hope Garchomp isn't abusing Substitute or BrightPowder, that would get insanely frustrating.
There you have it. I've outlined all my reasons for Garchomp being too broken for OU. Now for some counterarguments that I heard in the previous thread.
What about all the countless other pokemon that need more than one "counter"?
Please explain why said pokemon is as dangerous as Garchomp. Most of these double counter pokemon are either really frail or have STAB options much inferior to Garchomp. Remember that Garchomp only has two weaknesses and solid defenses. In addition, Garchomp is immune Thunder Wave and can double his attack at a moment's notice. Please point out all the reasons that another pokemon is even more broken than Garchomp.
But Garchomp is too bad for Ubers and no one will use him there!
Read the big bold thing at the start of this thread (both of them)
Salamence, Tyranitar, Dragonite, etc, are really bulky pokemon that are hard to kill and sweep good, why not ban them?
Like I said, please bring up ways in which said pokemon are superior to Garchomp. Let me give you some examples and how they are worse:
-Salamence, Dragonite, Gyarados have a Stealth Rock weakness. This is HUGE. This means that every time that said pokemon switches in, you are 1/4 of a step closer to completely eliminating them (they have to sacrifice coverage to use Roost, dont bring it up). Garchomp actually resists Stealth Rock.
-The 4 main Dragon Dancers need that boost just to outspeed many of their counters (In other words, most bulky pokemon are really slow). Garchomp's speed is already fantastic as its 2 points above all the countless Base 100 speed pokemon.
-Swords Dance is practically the perfect move to aid a fast pokemon with amazing type coverage. All the other threats wish they were as fast and could double their attack stat at a moments notice.
-Garchomp's STAB options absolutely HURT at 150bp and 180bp and are only resisted by two pokemon, Skarmory and Bronzong. This is why most Garchomp's pack fire moves for unparalled type coverage.
-Tyranitar (IMO the only other debateable poke) has five x2 weaknesses and one x4 weak and is really slow. Garchomp has one x2 weak and one x4.
Blissey [insert any pokemon] are more overcentralizing than Garchomp, why arent we banning them?
Blissey isn't broken, and neither are those other pokemon. If you want to debate this, start a thread and list all the reasons why [insert any pokemon] here is broken.
I love Garchomp!
As do I, its the best pokemon in OU. This doesn't mean he isn't broken though, we have to get rid of our biases in order to create the most balanced OU metagame.
I hoped I addressed every issue as to why I think Garchomp is not only the deadliest pokemon in OU, but too broken as well. Just so this thread doesn't die, I would like it if all people in support of my view, or holding a tournament, or whatever would sign this thread with their opinion.
And if you want to argue against me, then go right ahead
I'm looking forward to the rebuttals.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Proof of 5th Generation?
So apparently at the end of the 12th pokemon movie, there was an image of pikachu and a blocked out pokemon. According to Bulbanews, a voice announced that the pokemon was a previously unknown electric type. In a way it's hard for me to wrap my mind around a fifth generation of pokemon when we don't even have a US release date for platinum, but it's exciting nevertheless.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Bugs Are DONE
As of this evening, my bugs are done. I've created every bug type I care to, and I'm really pleased with the team and alternates that have come out of this process. What with the varieties of speed, attack, and support types, I think it's the most balanced team I've made yet. Now I just need Platinum to come out so I can give my Scizor Bullet Punch and finish up my Helping Hand/Knock Off Shuckle, and I will be set.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
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