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Old Apr 15th, 2012, 9:40:36 AM   #92
Harsha
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Taking Alakazam! This had a lot of the stuff it needed already, so I basically just emphasized current threats more (ScarfMoxieMence) and fleshed it out a bit.

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<p>Alakazam generally has to rely on its high Special Attack and Speed to beat down most of its threats; consequently, Pokemon that can either sponge hits from Alakazam or outspeed it have a good chance of beating it down. Some dedicated specially-based walls, such as Blissey and Chansey, cannot effectively beat Alakazam due to Psyshock's effect of hitting the opponent's Defense instead of its Special Defense. However, walls that resist Alakazam's STAB and have the bulk to switch in to Life Orb-boosted Focus Blasts do well, especially Jirachi and to a lesser extent, Bronzong. Jirachi can threaten to set up a Calm Mind or paralyze either Alakazam or its teammate that switches in, and Bronzong can simply hit hard with Gyro Ball. Speaking of paralysis, it is a great way to take Alakazam out of commision. If one is able to paralyze Alakazam, it loses out on its biggest asset, its humungous base 120 Speed.</p>

<p>Rather than walling Alakazam, the easiest way to combat it would be revenge killing it due to its frail defenses. While this may seem tough to accomplish, especially considering the high base Speed of Alakazam, most common Choice Scarf users outspeed it. Choice Scarf Rotom-W, Landorus, Terrakion, Latios, Hydreigon, Salamence, Politoed, and Jirachi will all outspeed and either OHKO or 2HKO Alakazam with ease. Additionally, using priority moves is an easy way to keep the moustached magician in check, as it can rarely survive a strong attack. Choice Band users such as Scizor, Dragonite, Metagross, and Azumarill can easily dispatch Alakazam, though they will not enjoy being hit themselves if Alakazam carries a Focus Sash.</p>

<p>Pokemon that are immune to Alakazam's main coverage moves, Psyshock and Focus Blast, can usually take Alakazam down. Sableye and Spiritomb can both sponge a Shadow Ball and KO it back with their Dark-type STAB moves. Should Alakazam choose to carry Psychic instead of Psyshock, Blissey and Chansey, among other specially-based walls such as Gastrodon, will be able to sponge hits and recover off damage, eventually stalling Alakazam out, or simply KOing it. However, they cannot effectively beat Calm Mind sets, so one must be wary of accidentally sending out setup fodder.</p>
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Last edited by Harsha; Apr 15th, 2012 at 2:18:41 PM.
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