The (Past) Dark Horse Project — Volume 1 - Page 11

Valentine · Jan 11th, 2012, 6:02:11 PM

*** Your rank in Standard OU is 200/48701 [1308 points / 38 battles]!

God damn, 1300 is only top 200 ;~;
I'll be there soon enough C: Sharpedo and Toxicroak still working wonders

Been seeing a lot of sun teams recently

2sly4u · Jan 11th, 2012, 6:43:17 PM

Question for those more experienced in BW: Who are some good teammates for a Wobbuffet/Scarftar/Acrobatics Gliscor core? I've got Weather and VolTurn covered pretty well; weather starters are beaten by Wobbuffet/Tyranitar from the wicked Tickle/Pursuit combo (how has that not become more popular?), and Wobb does a decent job of breaking up VolTurn. Right now I'm using Landorus, Ferrothorn, and Heatran, and they've been solid but unspectacular. I'm not looking for a full-on rate, just some quick tips.

Stif247 · Jan 11th, 2012, 7:23:51 PM

My team has been doing pretty well peaking around 1649 but i am having HUGE problems with rain teams which are all over the ladder at this rank, so please if anyone could help me it would be greatly appreciated. Also i will add that i am very weak to calm mind/TR reuniclus. Have recently tried thunder on my latios pretty much just to troll rain teams and it seems a little effective.

Latios (M) @ Expert Belt
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Psyshock
- Surf
- Hidden Power [Fire]Thunder?
- Draco Meteor

Scizor (M) @ Choice Band
Trait: Technician
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Bullet Punch
- U-turn
- Superpower
- Pursuit

Mew @ Leftovers
Trait: Synchronize
EVs: 252 HP / 148 Def / 108 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Taunt
- Ice Beam
- Will-O-Wisp
- Softboiled

Tentacruel (M) @ Leftovers
Trait: Rain Dish
EVs: 252 HP / 236 Def / 20 SDef
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Toxic Spikes
- Rapid Spin
- Scald
- Protect

Dragonite (M) @ Leftovers
Trait: Multiscale
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- ExtremeSpeed
- Dragon Claw
- Fire Punch
- Dragon Dance

Heatran (F) @ Air Balloon
Trait: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 SAtk / 4 SDef / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Fire Blast
- Earth Power
- Hidden Power [Grass]
- Stealth Rock

LuckOverSkill · Jan 11th, 2012, 8:05:15 PM

I'm not at 1102, and this ladder keeps being...weird

Scarf Gyarados, Scarf Azelf...all sets that beat my team specifically, and I keep facing them on the ladder...

EDIT: some +23/+24 battles without random things...I won them all, now I'm at 1211

Even though the 2 things I'm using aren't really...being that useful, and surprisingly Cobalion is the one doing better of the 2

Vemane · Jan 11th, 2012, 9:34:54 PM

Just hit 1300 with my tornadus team :D

(20:32:40) *** Your rank in Standard OU is 204/48380 [1300 points / 142 battles]!

Gotta love using unexpected things, especially good unexpected things.

I either completely win though, or I completely lose. (like 6-0...) I can't pinpoint the teams that do that to me but I will attempt to

ala · Jan 12th, 2012, 3:12:13 AM

Pokemon Online Username: dunkaroo
Hall of Fame Standing: Made it :o
Dark Horse Pokemon Currently Working With: Kingdra/Toxicroak
Current Ladder Standing: 1356

Proof:

...

I'm going to continue with this team to see if I can get higher, it's quite fun to use :D

Here is the team if anyone is interested:

...

I might make Latios scarfed because I have trouble with Dragon Dance Dnite/Haxorus and a ton of trouble with Volcarona. I think that'd solve those issues nicely.

**Pocket** · Jan 12th, 2012, 3:52:41 AM

Stif, I don't see the need to go max HP on Dragonite without Roost. I would definitely like more Speed on Dragonite to outpace at least ScarfTar after a Dragon Dance (192 Spe EVs).

If you are having trouble with Rain, one simple fix can be Scarfing your Latios. That way, Latios can revenge dangerous Rain Sweepers, such as Starmie and Jolteon. It also comes in handy against Sun and HO teams. If you want solid coverage against Water-type, try specially defensive Gastrodon over Dragonite or SR Celebi over Heatran.

Celebi @ Leftovers | Natural Cure
Modest | 252 HP / 104 SpA / 128 SpD / 24 Spe
Giga Drain / Leaf Storm | Hidden Power [Fire] | Thunder Wave | Stealth Rock

Note: SpA EVs just enough to OHKO CB Scizor (after Rocks) and 2HKO 252 HP / 168 SDef Ferrothorn

I feel like your team has enough resistances to Psychic to play around OTR Reuniclus; you also have Mew and now Trick Scarf Latios to deal with Calm Mind Reuniclus. You could however make your Scizor a specially bulky SDer (248 HP / 40 Atk / 220 SpD, Adamant Nature) to better deal with not only Reuniclus, but Gengar, Choiced Latios, and Calm Mind Jirachi.

Jcpdragonx · Jan 12th, 2012, 5:34:55 AM

Pokemon Online Username: Latios Amigos
Hall of Fame Standing: -
Dark Horse Pokemon Currently Working With: Darmanitan / Tangrowth / Slowking / Donphan
Current Ladder Standing: 1000 > 1371

its a sun team, i tried Charizard which was was so damn strong but it died so fast, even with spin support. Politoad stops it cold which was gey. so i ditched that team

CS Darmanitan
Defensive Tang (Regen)
2 attacks Slack Off Dtail mixed wall Slowking
Standard Donphan

Sgt. Fuckface · Jan 12th, 2012, 9:12:01 AM

Pokemon Online Username:Roger Mason Jr Penis
Hall of Fame Standing:nope
Dark Horse Pokemon Currently Working With:Mew
Current Ladder Standing:n/a

lampeskaerm2 · Jan 12th, 2012, 3:18:11 PM

I - FINALLY - reached top-100 with Spinda, and I am so proud of doing that!
First, I used Spinda as a useful sweeper in a TR-team (peaked #120), but after a loosing-streak of 10 I realised, that it could be an important part in setting up a Dragonite sweep. (Some people don't realise that Spinda is an awesome Ferrothorn, Bulkytran and SlowTar-check..)

Proof:

...

Peaked #98 (1356 points) so far under the alt onlyusemySPINDA

Here is the set I was using on my Dragonite-team:

Spinda (F) @ Fist Plate
Trait: Contrary
EVs: 80 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def / 172 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Superpower
- Frustration
- Substitute
- Toxic

Superpower is the move that will be picked 90% of the time, which is why I use the Fist Plate. Frustration + Superpower grant some coverage and make use of Spinda's STAB. I sub when I see a Ttar or Ferrothon and hope for a thunderwave, sr or whatever. Toxic is mostly for the annoying ghosts that tend to come in and wall Spinda. (I know that I can't do anything to Gengar).

Here follows a link to a battle that shows how I most of the time use Spinda (yes, the stupid thing gets a kill):

...

Stif247 · Jan 12th, 2012, 3:52:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fat Pocket

Stif, I don't see the need to go max HP on Dragonite without Roost. I would definitely like more Speed on Dragonite to outpace at least ScarfTar after a Dragon Dance (192 Spe EVs).

If you are having trouble with Rain, one simple fix can be Scarfing your Latios. That way, Latios can revenge dangerous Rain Sweepers, such as Starmie and Jolteon. It also comes in handy against Sun and HO teams. If you want solid coverage against Water-type, try specially defensive Gastrodon over Dragonite or SR Celebi over Heatran.

Celebi @ Leftovers | Natural Cure
Modest | 252 HP / 104 SpA / 128 SpD / 24 Spe
Giga Drain / Leaf Storm | Hidden Power [Fire] | Thunder Wave | Stealth Rock

Note: SpA EVs just enough to OHKO CB Scizor (after Rocks) and 2HKO 252 HP / 168 SDef Ferrothorn

I feel like your team has enough resistances to Psychic to play around OTR Reuniclus; you also have Mew and now Trick Scarf Latios to deal with Calm Mind Reuniclus. You could however make your Scizor a specially bulky SDer (248 HP / 40 Atk / 220 SpD, Adamant Nature) to better deal with not only Reuniclus, but Gengar, Choiced Latios, and Calm Mind Jirachi.

Thanks alot man the scraf latios really helps me against rain teams.

Anchormon92 · Jan 12th, 2012, 4:26:53 PM

Pokemon Online Username: Anchormon
Hall of Fame Standing: None
Dark Horse Pokemon Currently Working With: Sigilyph
Current Ladder Standing: 1161

Standard Cosmic Power Sigilyph. Trying to modify Solum's Core to make up for the lack of Garchomp.

I've been using Scizor in place of Garchomp, and so far, it's doing a nice job. I'm still quite new to OU, so I'm still getting used to exactly what specific threats do (I know what they do in theory, but making plans in practice takes some time). I went up to almost 1200 in about a half hour, which I think is pretty good having never played OU before. I've since leveled off around 1150, but that's to be expected. Hopefully this team has what it takes to go all the way!

***Birkal**** · Jan 12th, 2012, 5:14:19 PM

Wow.

As of today, the Dark Horse Project has over 100 Registered Participants, and that number is still climbing! Within this time span of ten days, we've seen a plethora of Dark Horse Pokemon on the ladders, from the mighty sun sweeper Venusaur to the underdog Spinda, who's usage percentage in December was at about 0.023%. We've currently dealt with 15 Dark Horse Pokemon that have reached the Top 100 in Smogon's competitive OU ladder. I can't even begin to describe how proud I am of you guys.

I was re-reading through Smogon's Philosophy yesterday, when I stumbled upon something that I believe heavily relates to this project. Check it out:

Quote:

It should be noted, however, that the player who uses a lesser Pokémon and still attains victory consistently is rewarded with the utmost respect—so a player who values his or her "favorites" should consider investing the knowledge of Smogon into the lesser Pokémon.

In my opinion, the Dark Horse Project pertains considerably to this quote. In this project, we're seeking to learn more about "lesser Pokemon" and how to use them within OU. As a result, we're also giving players who can master Dark Horse Pokemon respect through the Hall of Fame! I hope that as this project continues in the future that we can keep this mentality in our minds.

I'm going to be asking some questions soon to cultivate more discussion to both Hall of Famers and those still laddering. I feel that this project has a lot of potential to share information and knowledge for the betterment of Dark Horse Pokemon. If anyone has any questions or comments they'd like to raise, now (and any time) is the perfect chance!

All Registered Participants, again, thank you for all of your dedicated work. Keep on laddering; we've still got work to do! And for those of you who aren't registered, why aren't you? We're always looking to add more users who desire to learn about the lesser-known beauties of OU. Thanks for considering!

jessifer · Jan 12th, 2012, 6:09:38 PM

I'm not really doing so well. Here's my current team. Any suggestions on how to improve it?

Ninetales (F) @ Leftovers
Trait: Drought
EVs: 252 HP / 100 SDef / 136 Spd
Calm Nature (+SDef, -Atk)
- Flamethrower
- Will-O-Wisp
- Substitute
- Roar

~Provides sun support for my team
~Flamethrower for STAB, Will-o-wisp to burn, Roar to phaze
~Subsitute helps to burn/phaze troublesome pokemon

Lilligant (F) @ Leftovers
Trait: Chlorophyll
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Quiver Dance
- Sleep Powder
- Giga Drain
- Hidden Power [Fire]

~My dark horse pokemon
~Quiver Dance sweeper
~Okay coverage, still walled by many pokes
~Sleep powder is quite useful

Dragonite (M) @ Leftovers
Trait: Multiscale
EVs: 252 HP / 44 Atk / 212 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Dragon Dance
- Dragon Claw
- Fire Punch
- Roost

~Bulky DD set
~Good coverage
~Nice synergy with the rest of my team

Wobbuffet (M) @ Leftovers
Trait: Shadow Tag
EVs: 28 HP / 252 Def / 228 SDef
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Encore
- Mirror Coat
- Counter
- Safeguard

~Kills opposing weather starters and other troublesome pokes
~Encore helps set up my sweepers

Heatran (M) @ Leftovers
Trait: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SDef
Calm Nature (+SDef, -Atk)
- Stealth Rock
- Roar
- Protect
- Lava Plume

~Great wall in the sun
~Steel type
~Sets up SR and phazes

Starmie @ Life Orb
Trait: Illuminate
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Rapid Spin
- Recover
- Thunderbolt
- Ice Beam

~Offensive spinner
~Boltbeam since I can't really use Water STAB in the sun.

**Pocket** · Jan 12th, 2012, 6:15:53 PM

^ Just a quick note to those posting teams for help; it would be immensely more meaningful if you provide descriptions as to WHY you have the Pokemon on your line-up, WHAT the general purpose of the team is, HOW each Pokemon contributes to the team's goal, and any notable weakness that you have identified. Makes it a lot easier to lend a hand

It doesn't have to be in-depth material like RMT, but some explanation would go a long way in letting people understand what you're trying to accomplish with your team.

ssbbm · Jan 12th, 2012, 9:24:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fat Pocket

and any notable weakness that you have identified.

this. please. [:

also jessifer, trying running a more defensive starmie like 252 hp / 252 speed with lefties. you could also try running something like lum dd dragonite seeing as your current set doesn't really make use of rapid spin support as well as it could!

Master of the Six Kings · Jan 13th, 2012, 3:30:12 AM

Going to go with Ludicolo. Going to blow brains out if continue with King and Zelf, though they are both amazing pokes <3 Updated thing

Vein · Jan 13th, 2012, 3:36:01 AM

Sighs.. Almost there with Milotic. Went up to rank# 233 and lost 3 straight and down to #1058. I have 200+ games already with her since this project started. Will try again later...

Skore · Jan 13th, 2012, 5:46:47 PM

Okay So I tried to make Gallade work, but he's just not giving me what I need, or maybe I need to learn more about the meta to use him effectively. I didn't even break 1100 with him and after trying multiple variations of him, Banded, Scarfed, Sub/Dance 2 attacks, Baton Passing him boosts - he's still too frail and weak to take me to the Hall of Fame at this point in time. I'm going to try something else and maybe come back to him once I improve myself.

So to that end I've picked one of my favorite defensive pokemon:

Slowbro (F) @ Leftovers
Trait: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SDef
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Scald
- Ice Beam
- Yawn
- Flamethrower

Edit: Okay, already I feel much more comfortable with this guy and I like what he brings to the table. Only move I'm not sure about is Yawn. I think my team may be better served by toxic or a paralysis move:

...

The team's goal is rather simple, get lots of hazards down and shuffle as many mons as possible over them with Whirlwind and Roar. If anyone tries to mess with the plan, destroy them quick with Scizor or Landorus, or mess them up with Trick. Rotom-H was taken to give me a hard hitting fire move but so far my problem has been rain teams so I may end up going with a Choice Specced Rotom-C as it destroys most lead Politoed with a Choiced Leaf Storm or a regular Rotom I'm painfully aware I lack a spin-blocker -so far I haven't really needed one but I'm sure that changes once you ladder up a bit.
Also, having Landorus focus on Special Attacks has taken people by surprise as I Focus Blast through their physical walls, but I may opt for Life Orb as opposed to Choice Specs and try some ideas I have in that direction. I miss having a Blissey with Wish and Heal Bell that was part of an earlier incarnation of the team but I needed Rotom to stop some others in their tracks with Trick and Will-O-Wisp

**AccidentalGreed** · Jan 14th, 2012, 2:46:46 AM

Updated my post, and here's the result:

1377

You know, for everything my team went through in one day (such as hax and being cleaned off by a...Focus Sash Aerodactyl), I'm sure proud of it for managing to hold itself in the metagame. This team is also the first time I've seriously considered using Slowbro as a support Pokemon, although it's not my Dark Horse to boast about.

The team that got me through this week

Most of my losses are due to carelessness and apathy towards the game (I have other stuff to look at during battles), so I'm not entirely sure of potential weaknesses in my team. Anybody that can identify weaknesses will have my thanks.

muramusaw8 · Jan 14th, 2012, 4:57:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fat AccidentalGreed

snip

Nothing here can shrug off Electric attacks, so Rotom-A, Jolteon, etc will be troublesome. I suppose Scrafty and Virizion could also be annoying to face if Jirachi and Togekiss are weakened.

Jonathan · Jan 14th, 2012, 12:00:28 PM

When I still played (haven't since last June now) I got to #1 on the OU ladder using both Parasect and Sharpedo. Good times...

...

Jcpdragonx · Jan 15th, 2012, 8:00:50 PM

(11:14:18) *** Your rank in Standard OU is 79/48655 [1371 points / 54 battles]!

Darmanitan was probably the MVP. Pretty much every Pokemon on this team pulled their weight.

Hall of Fame Registration Form
Pokemon Online Username: Jcpdragonx (latios amigos was laddering alt)
Dark Horse Pokemon: Darmanitan, Slowking, Tangrowth, Donphan* (since its max of 3 ill leave Donphan out)
Screenshot of Top 100 Ladder Ranking:

...

Dark Horse Pokemon Complete Set:

...

Full team

...

Charge · Jan 16th, 2012, 1:36:35 AM

Team

I am having huge, huge trouble with strong Physical attackers. There just isn't any safe-switch ins to that Haxorus / Terrakion. It's really troublesome. And I am hovering within the 1100 benchmark. Not rising, but dropping. Which is depressing.

ala · Jan 16th, 2012, 3:00:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fat Matthew

Not sure if you want any advice but I think that DD Rest Outrage Waterfall Kingdra is a lot better than the current version you have. Sure, Outrage confusion can kinda be a bitch, but rain boosted Waterfall (or even something as simple as +2 Waterfall) can cause massive trouble for anything that doesn't resist it. The idea would simply be get rid of the opponents Ferrothorn then set up to the best of your ability. It was a great set last generation -- so I'm kind of interested to see how it does this generation.

But maybe I'm just spit ballin' here!

Yeah I use Hydro Pump mainly for Forretress and Skarmory because I really hate them. This set has been working out pretty nicely, and I use Kingdra midgame so if he dies I don't really care. I'll try it out sometime though, it seems like a cool set too! Thanks :)

Also I managed to increase my hall of fame rank with a new account:

Pokemon Online Username: XxMuffinzxX
Dark Horse Pokemon Currently Working With: Kingdra/Toxicroak
Current Ladder Standing: 1433

Proof:

...

Team:

...

As you can see, I changed some movesets around to make the team more offensive, and it's been working out quite well. I changed Latios to a scarfer and it really keeps all of the threats to my team in check. Jirachi's set is weird, I know, but I swear it works! Outspeeds and KOs all Gliscor and does massive damage to Ttar, Bulky waters and Skarmory as well. The surprise factor often lets me rip through teams more easily, making way for my sweepers. I changed up Croak as well to the standard SD set as it adds more punch, and the extra speed is a huge help as well, outspeeding adamant Dragonite, Mamoswine and some Gliscor.

The main threats to this team now are bulky grass types like Celebi and Ferro. I usually end up just wearing them down with my own Celebi (who I usually have to sac) and revenge with Croak for Ferro and Kingdra/Latios for Celebi.

I was hoping to get 1450 but I got haxed and dropped 30 points lol, so this will do for now. I'll probably go back to it again since this is such a fun team to play with and it's one of my better teams tbh lol.

Jan 11th, 2012, 7:23:51 PM	#253
Stif247 Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 21	My team has been doing pretty well peaking around 1649 but i am having HUGE problems with rain teams which are all over the ladder at this rank, so please if anyone could help me it would be greatly appreciated. Also i will add that i am very weak to calm mind/TR reuniclus. Have recently tried thunder on my latios pretty much just to troll rain teams and it seems a little effective. Latios (M) @ Expert Belt Trait: Levitate EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk) - Psyshock - Surf - Hidden Power [Fire]Thunder? - Draco Meteor Scizor (M) @ Choice Band Trait: Technician EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Spd Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk) - Bullet Punch - U-turn - Superpower - Pursuit Mew @ Leftovers Trait: Synchronize EVs: 252 HP / 148 Def / 108 Spd Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk) - Taunt - Ice Beam - Will-O-Wisp - Softboiled Tentacruel (M) @ Leftovers Trait: Rain Dish EVs: 252 HP / 236 Def / 20 SDef Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk) - Toxic Spikes - Rapid Spin - Scald - Protect Dragonite (M) @ Leftovers Trait: Multiscale EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk) - ExtremeSpeed - Dragon Claw - Fire Punch - Dragon Dance Heatran (F) @ Air Balloon Trait: Flash Fire EVs: 252 SAtk / 4 SDef / 252 Spd Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk) - Fire Blast - Earth Power - Hidden Power [Grass] - Stealth Rock __________________ stif247 or stif24-7 on PO Peaks: 900ish UU 1350 OU 336 Ubers Shuckle+maxhp/spdef+sandstrom=power over 9000!! Last edited by Stif247; Jan 11th, 2012 at 10:46:45 PM.

Jan 11th, 2012, 8:05:15 PM	#254
LuckOverSkill Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 390	I'm not at 1102, and this ladder keeps being...weird Scarf Gyarados, Scarf Azelf...all sets that beat my team specifically, and I keep facing them on the ladder... EDIT: some +23/+24 battles without random things...I won them all, now I'm at 1211 Even though the 2 things I'm using aren't really...being that useful, and surprisingly Cobalion is the one doing better of the 2 __________________ Luck>Skill—Patron of virtue, Rome's best champion, / Successful in the battles that he fights Last edited by LuckOverSkill; Jan 11th, 2012 at 8:42:49 PM.

Jan 12th, 2012, 3:12:13 AM	#256
ala a Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 3,967 mercinary	Pokemon Online Username: dunkaroo Hall of Fame Standing: Made it :o Dark Horse Pokemon Currently Working With: Kingdra/Toxicroak Current Ladder Standing: 1356 Proof: ... I'm going to continue with this team to see if I can get higher, it's quite fun to use :D Here is the team if anyone is interested: ... (Politoed) (F) @ Choice Scarf Trait: Drizzle EVs: 4 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk) - Surf - Ice Beam - Hidden Power [Grass] - Perish Song (Kingdra) (F) @ Lum Berry Trait: Sniper EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd Naughty Nature (+Atk, -SDef) - Dragon Dance - Waterfall - Outrage - Hydro Pump (Celebi) @ Leftovers Trait: Natural Cure EVs: 76 HP / 252 SAtk / 180 Spd Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk) - Nasty Plot - Giga Drain - Psychic - Earth Power (Latios) (M) @ Choice Specs Trait: Levitate EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk) - Draco Meteor - Surf - Psyshock - Trick (Jirachi) @ Leftovers Trait: Serene Grace EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SDef Calm Nature (+SDef, -Atk) - Stealth Rock - Wish - Thunder - Iron Head (Toxicroak) (F) @ Black Sludge Trait: Dry Skin EVs: 244 HP / 252 Atk / 12 Spd Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk) - Substitute - Bulk Up - Drain Punch - Sucker Punch I might make Latios scarfed because I have trouble with Dragon Dance Dnite/Haxorus and a ton of trouble with Volcarona. I think that'd solve those issues nicely.

Jan 12th, 2012, 3:52:41 AM	#257
Pocket Bakuman ;< Moderator Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 7,181 Bergenfield	Stif, I don't see the need to go max HP on Dragonite without Roost. I would definitely like more Speed on Dragonite to outpace at least ScarfTar after a Dragon Dance (192 Spe EVs). If you are having trouble with Rain, one simple fix can be Scarfing your Latios. That way, Latios can revenge dangerous Rain Sweepers, such as Starmie and Jolteon. It also comes in handy against Sun and HO teams. If you want solid coverage against Water-type, try specially defensive Gastrodon over Dragonite or SR Celebi over Heatran. Celebi @ Leftovers \| Natural Cure Modest \| 252 HP / 104 SpA / 128 SpD / 24 Spe Giga Drain / Leaf Storm \| Hidden Power [Fire] \| Thunder Wave \| Stealth Rock Note: SpA EVs just enough to OHKO CB Scizor (after Rocks) and 2HKO 252 HP / 168 SDef Ferrothorn I feel like your team has enough resistances to Psychic to play around OTR Reuniclus; you also have Mew and now Trick Scarf Latios to deal with Calm Mind Reuniclus. You could however make your Scizor a specially bulky SDer (248 HP / 40 Atk / 220 SpD, Adamant Nature) to better deal with not only Reuniclus, but Gengar, Choiced Latios, and Calm Mind Jirachi. __________________ Dark Horse Project: Conquer the Ladder! \| Word of Wisdom for Trainers \| Smogon Doubles: Let's Make It Official! Last edited by Pocket; Jan 12th, 2012 at 5:05:46 AM.

Jan 12th, 2012, 5:34:55 AM	#258
Jcpdragonx Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 309 Australia	Pokemon Online Username: Latios Amigos Hall of Fame Standing: - Dark Horse Pokemon Currently Working With: Darmanitan / Tangrowth / Slowking / Donphan Current Ladder Standing: 1000 > 1371 its a sun team, i tried Charizard which was was so damn strong but it died so fast, even with spin support. Politoad stops it cold which was gey. so i ditched that team CS Darmanitan Defensive Tang (Regen) 2 attacks Slack Off Dtail mixed wall Slowking Standard Donphan __________________ Last edited by Jcpdragonx; Jan 15th, 2012 at 8:08:25 PM.

Jan 11th, 2012, 6:02:11 PM	#251
Valentine Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 234 vive y deja vivir	*** Your rank in Standard OU is 200/48701 [1308 points / 38 battles]! God damn, 1300 is only top 200 ;~; I'll be there soon enough C: Sharpedo and Toxicroak still working wonders Been seeing a lot of sun teams recently

Jan 11th, 2012, 6:43:17 PM	#252
2sly4u Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 535 I'm comfy and easy to wear.	Question for those more experienced in BW: Who are some good teammates for a Wobbuffet/Scarftar/Acrobatics Gliscor core? I've got Weather and VolTurn covered pretty well; weather starters are beaten by Wobbuffet/Tyranitar from the wicked Tickle/Pursuit combo (how has that not become more popular?), and Wobb does a decent job of breaking up VolTurn. Right now I'm using Landorus, Ferrothorn, and Heatran, and they've been solid but unspectacular. I'm not looking for a full-on rate, just some quick tips.

Jan 11th, 2012, 9:34:54 PM	#255
Vemane Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 354	Just hit 1300 with my tornadus team :D (20:32:40) *** Your rank in Standard OU is 204/48380 [1300 points / 142 battles]! Gotta love using unexpected things, especially good unexpected things. I either completely win though, or I completely lose. (like 6-0...) I can't pinpoint the teams that do that to me but I will attempt to

Jan 12th, 2012, 9:12:01 AM	#259
Sgt. Fuckface Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 20	Pokemon Online Username:Roger Mason Jr Penis Hall of Fame Standing:nope Dark Horse Pokemon Currently Working With:Mew Current Ladder Standing:n/a __________________ Highest OU: #7 as bobalob Last edited by Sgt. Fuckface; Jan 14th, 2012 at 7:02:47 AM.

Jan 12th, 2012, 3:18:11 PM	#260
lampeskaerm2 Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 12	I - FINALLY - reached top-100 with Spinda, and I am so proud of doing that! First, I used Spinda as a useful sweeper in a TR-team (peaked #120), but after a loosing-streak of 10 I realised, that it could be an important part in setting up a Dragonite sweep. (Some people don't realise that Spinda is an awesome Ferrothorn, Bulkytran and SlowTar-check..) Proof: ... Peaked #98 (1356 points) so far under the alt onlyusemySPINDA Here is the set I was using on my Dragonite-team: Spinda (F) @ Fist Plate Trait: Contrary EVs: 80 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def / 172 Spd Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk) - Superpower - Frustration - Substitute - Toxic Superpower is the move that will be picked 90% of the time, which is why I use the Fist Plate. Frustration + Superpower grant some coverage and make use of Spinda's STAB. I sub when I see a Ttar or Ferrothon and hope for a thunderwave, sr or whatever. Toxic is mostly for the annoying ghosts that tend to come in and wall Spinda. (I know that I can't do anything to Gengar). Here follows a link to a battle that shows how I most of the time use Spinda (yes, the stupid thing gets a kill): ... http://pokemon.aesoft.org/replay-sag...-2012-at-19h49 Last edited by lampeskaerm2; Jan 12th, 2012 at 3:36:14 PM.

Jan 12th, 2012, 4:26:53 PM	#262
Anchormon92 Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 35	Pokemon Online Username: Anchormon Hall of Fame Standing: None Dark Horse Pokemon Currently Working With: Sigilyph Current Ladder Standing: 1161 Standard Cosmic Power Sigilyph. Trying to modify Solum's Core to make up for the lack of Garchomp. I've been using Scizor in place of Garchomp, and so far, it's doing a nice job. I'm still quite new to OU, so I'm still getting used to exactly what specific threats do (I know what they do in theory, but making plans in practice takes some time). I went up to almost 1200 in about a half hour, which I think is pretty good having never played OU before. I've since leveled off around 1150, but that's to be expected. Hopefully this team has what it takes to go all the way! __________________ OU Peak: 1197, 644/48591 NU Peak: 1211, 34/3276 Last edited by Anchormon92; Jan 13th, 2012 at 1:31:01 AM. Reason: Update

Jan 12th, 2012, 6:09:38 PM	#264
jessifer Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 271 A magical place~	I'm not really doing so well. Here's my current team. Any suggestions on how to improve it? Ninetales (F) @ Leftovers Trait: Drought EVs: 252 HP / 100 SDef / 136 Spd Calm Nature (+SDef, -Atk) - Flamethrower - Will-O-Wisp - Substitute - Roar ~Provides sun support for my team ~Flamethrower for STAB, Will-o-wisp to burn, Roar to phaze ~Subsitute helps to burn/phaze troublesome pokemon Lilligant (F) @ Leftovers Trait: Chlorophyll EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk) - Quiver Dance - Sleep Powder - Giga Drain - Hidden Power [Fire] ~My dark horse pokemon ~Quiver Dance sweeper ~Okay coverage, still walled by many pokes ~Sleep powder is quite useful Dragonite (M) @ Leftovers Trait: Multiscale EVs: 252 HP / 44 Atk / 212 Spd Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk) - Dragon Dance - Dragon Claw - Fire Punch - Roost ~Bulky DD set ~Good coverage ~Nice synergy with the rest of my team Wobbuffet (M) @ Leftovers Trait: Shadow Tag EVs: 28 HP / 252 Def / 228 SDef Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk) - Encore - Mirror Coat - Counter - Safeguard ~Kills opposing weather starters and other troublesome pokes ~Encore helps set up my sweepers Heatran (M) @ Leftovers Trait: Flash Fire EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SDef Calm Nature (+SDef, -Atk) - Stealth Rock - Roar - Protect - Lava Plume ~Great wall in the sun ~Steel type ~Sets up SR and phazes Starmie @ Life Orb Trait: Illuminate EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk) - Rapid Spin - Recover - Thunderbolt - Ice Beam ~Offensive spinner ~Boltbeam since I can't really use Water STAB in the sun. __________________ RMTs: Sun-OU RMT * Rain-Ubers RMT * Hazards-OU RMT Art Thread Last edited by jessifer; Jan 12th, 2012 at 6:31:09 PM.

Jan 12th, 2012, 6:15:53 PM	#265
Pocket Bakuman ;< Moderator Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 7,181 Bergenfield	^ Just a quick note to those posting teams for help; it would be immensely more meaningful if you provide descriptions as to WHY you have the Pokemon on your line-up, WHAT the general purpose of the team is, HOW each Pokemon contributes to the team's goal, and any notable weakness that you have identified. Makes it a lot easier to lend a hand It doesn't have to be in-depth material like RMT, but some explanation would go a long way in letting people understand what you're trying to accomplish with your team. __________________ Dark Horse Project: Conquer the Ladder! \| Word of Wisdom for Trainers \| Smogon Doubles: Let's Make It Official! Last edited by Pocket; Jan 12th, 2012 at 6:41:27 PM.

Jan 13th, 2012, 3:30:12 AM	#267
Master of the Six Kings Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 791 Where soccer is the correct terminology and bacon isn't dishonest	Going to go with Ludicolo. Going to blow brains out if continue with King and Zelf, though they are both amazing pokes <3 Updated thing

Jan 13th, 2012, 3:36:01 AM	#268
Vein Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 1,153 Pinas	Sighs.. Almost there with Milotic. Went up to rank# 233 and lost 3 straight and down to #1058. I have 200+ games already with her since this project started. Will try again later... __________________ Knicks and knees just don't get along, and until mankind learns to play basketball without using the knees, the Knicks will never win that elusive championship.

Jan 13th, 2012, 5:46:47 PM	#269
Skore Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 340 Oz. No, not Australia. Fucking Oz!	Okay So I tried to make Gallade work, but he's just not giving me what I need, or maybe I need to learn more about the meta to use him effectively. I didn't even break 1100 with him and after trying multiple variations of him, Banded, Scarfed, Sub/Dance 2 attacks, Baton Passing him boosts - he's still too frail and weak to take me to the Hall of Fame at this point in time. I'm going to try something else and maybe come back to him once I improve myself. So to that end I've picked one of my favorite defensive pokemon: Slowbro (F) @ Leftovers Trait: Regenerator EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SDef Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk) - Scald - Ice Beam - Yawn - Flamethrower Edit: Okay, already I feel much more comfortable with this guy and I like what he brings to the table. Only move I'm not sure about is Yawn. I think my team may be better served by toxic or a paralysis move: ... Slowbro (F) @ Leftovers Trait: Regenerator EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SDef Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk) - Scald - Ice Beam - Flamethrower - Yawn Scizor (F) @ Choice Band Trait: Technician EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk) - Bullet Punch - Superpower - U-turn - Pursuit Landorus (M) @ Choice Specs Trait: Sand Force EVs: 252 SAtk / 4 SDef / 252 Spd Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk) - U-turn - Earth Power - Focus Blast - Hidden Power [Ice] Rotom-H @ Choice Specs Trait: Levitate EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk) - Overheat - Trick - Volt Switch - Will-O-Wisp Skarmory (M) @ Leftovers Trait: Sturdy EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SDef Careful Nature (+SDef, -SAtk) - Spikes - Roost - Whirlwind - Brave Bird Donphan (M) @ Leftovers Trait: Sturdy EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def Impish Nature (+Def, -SAtk) - Roar - Earthquake - Rapid Spin - Stealth Rock The team's goal is rather simple, get lots of hazards down and shuffle as many mons as possible over them with Whirlwind and Roar. If anyone tries to mess with the plan, destroy them quick with Scizor or Landorus, or mess them up with Trick. Rotom-H was taken to give me a hard hitting fire move but so far my problem has been rain teams so I may end up going with a Choice Specced Rotom-C as it destroys most lead Politoed with a Choiced Leaf Storm or a regular Rotom I'm painfully aware I lack a spin-blocker -so far I haven't really needed one but I'm sure that changes once you ladder up a bit. Also, having Landorus focus on Special Attacks has taken people by surprise as I Focus Blast through their physical walls, but I may opt for Life Orb as opposed to Choice Specs and try some ideas I have in that direction. I miss having a Blissey with Wish and Heal Bell that was part of an earlier incarnation of the team but I needed Rotom to stop some others in their tracks with Trick and Will-O-Wisp __________________ B/W FC: 2193 9707 7179 I use legal hacks. Still learning, throw whatever you got at me. Last edited by Skore; Jan 13th, 2012 at 8:17:24 PM.

Jan 14th, 2012, 2:46:46 AM	#270
AccidentalGreed I'll bite off your kneecaps if I ever see a super long post or wall of text. Seriously. Moderator Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 2,035 California	Updated my post, and here's the result: 1377 You know, for everything my team went through in one day (such as hax and being cleaned off by a...Focus Sash Aerodactyl), I'm sure proud of it for managing to hold itself in the metagame. This team is also the first time I've seriously considered using Slowbro as a support Pokemon, although it's not my Dark Horse to boast about. The team that got me through this week Surt (Heatran) (F) @ Air Balloon Trait: Flash Fire EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk) - Sunny Day - Fire Blast - SolarBeam - Earth Power Kin-Ki (Hitmontop) (M) @ Lum Berry Trait: Intimidate EVs: 252 HP / 140 Atk / 116 Def Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk) - Rapid Spin - Hi Jump Kick - Foresight - Sucker Punch Ares (Dragonite) (M) @ Choice Band Trait: Multiscale EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk) - Outrage - Fire Punch - ExtremeSpeed - Brick Break Mahakala (Slowbro) (M) @ Leftovers Trait: Regenerator EVs: 252 HP / 228 Def / 28 Spd Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk) - Thunder Wave - Scald - Ice Beam - Fire Blast Isis (Togekiss) (F) @ Leftovers Trait: Serene Grace EVs: 232 HP / 24 SAtk / 252 Spd Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk) - Nasty Plot - Roost - Heal Bell - Air Slash Pixie (Jirachi) @ Leftovers Trait: Serene Grace EVs: 252 HP / 168 Atk / 88 Spd Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk) - Substitute - Body Slam - Iron Head - Fire Punch Most of my losses are due to carelessness and apathy towards the game (I have other stuff to look at during battles), so I'm not entirely sure of potential weaknesses in my team. Anybody that can identify weaknesses will have my thanks. __________________

Jan 14th, 2012, 12:00:28 PM	#272
Jonathan Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 612	When I still played (haven't since last June now) I got to #1 on the OU ladder using both Parasect and Sharpedo. Good times... ... I'm also bubbles at #7. Yes I used to play way too much. __________________ What, you don't think Lanturn can 6-0 a team of Blissey, Latias, Rotom-h, Swampert, Jirachi, and Foretress? Visit my profile for the log or check out the analysis! Diamond FC: 1376 4713 5893 My Trade Thread Last edited by Jonathan; Jan 14th, 2012 at 12:14:39 PM.

Jan 15th, 2012, 8:00:50 PM	#273
Jcpdragonx Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 309 Australia	(11:14:18) * Your rank in Standard OU is 79/48655 [1371 points / 54 battles]! Darmanitan was probably the MVP. Pretty much every Pokemon on this team pulled their weight. Hall of Fame Registration Form** Pokemon Online Username: Jcpdragonx (latios amigos was laddering alt) Dark Horse Pokemon: Darmanitan, Slowking, Tangrowth, Donphan* (since its max of 3 ill leave Donphan out) Screenshot of Top 100 Ladder Ranking: ... Dark Horse Pokemon Complete Set: ... Tangrowth (M) @ Leftovers Trait: Regenerator EVs: 252 HP / 176 Def / 80 SDef Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk) - Giga Drain - Hidden Power [Ice] - Leech Seed - Sleep Powder Darmanitan (M) @ Choice Scarf Trait: Sheer Force EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk) - Flare Blitz - U-turn - Superpower - Rock Slide Slowking (M) @ Leftovers Trait: Regenerator EVs: 252 HP / 80 Def / 176 SDef Sassy Nature (+SDef, -Spd) - Psyshock - Fire Blast - Dragon Tail - Slack Off Full team ... Ninetales (F) @ Leftovers Trait: Drought EVs: 252 HP / 96 Def / 36 SAtk / 112 SDef / 12 Spd Calm Nature (+SDef, -Atk) - Flamethrower - Will-O-Wisp - SolarBeam - Hidden Power [Ground] Dragonite (F) @ Leftovers Trait: Multiscale EVs: 252 HP / 60 Atk / 196 Spd Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk) - Dragon Dance - Roost - Outrage - Earthquake Darmanitan (M) @ Choice Scarf Trait: Sheer Force EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk) - Flare Blitz - U-turn - Superpower - Rock Slide Slowking (M) @ Leftovers Trait: Regenerator EVs: 252 HP / 80 Def / 176 SDef Sassy Nature (+SDef, -Spd) - Psyshock - Fire Blast - Dragon Tail - Slack Off Donphan (M) @ Leftovers Trait: Sturdy EVs: 252 HP / 216 Atk / 40 Def Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk) - Stealth Rock - Rapid Spin - Earthquake - Ice Shard Tangrowth (M) @ Leftovers Trait: Regenerator EVs: 252 HP / 176 Def / 80 SDef Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk) - Giga Drain - Hidden Power [Ice] - Leech Seed - Sleep Powder __________________ Last edited by Jcpdragonx; Jan 15th, 2012 at 8:11:59 PM.

Jan 16th, 2012, 1:36:35 AM	#274
Charge Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 137	Team Politoed (F) @ Leftovers Trait: Drizzle EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spd Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk) - Scald - Ice Beam - Perish Song - Toxic Bulky Toed. Rain support is crucial for Feraligatr. Chose the bulky version due to the bulk and anti-stall / setup. Jirachi @ Leftovers Trait: Serene Grace EVs: 252 HP / 224 SDef / 32 Spd Careful Nature (+SDef, -SAtk) - Iron Head - Thunder - Wish - Stealth Rock I need a SpD pivot that works well in the rain and can actually take those DMs from Latios / Latias / whatever. I always need a status spreader because crippling Pokemons with paralyse is always helpful. Feraligatr (F) @ Life Orb Trait: Torrent EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk) - Swords Dance - Aqua Jet - Crunch - Superpower My Dark Horse Mon. Not much to say. Aqua Jet is the key here. After Torrent, +2 from SD and under rain, good luck to everybody. Latias (F) @ Life Orb Trait: Levitate EVs: 152 HP / 176 SAtk / 180 Spd Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk) - Draco Meteor - Surf - Hidden Power [Fire] - Refresh I realized I have trouble with Volt Switches. So Latias is a very good counter to them. Tricking Scarf over to her isn't a problem. Not TOO huge of a problem, anyway. I tried this variant of Latias as it is unexpected and it works out great. Problem is that it dies too fast. With Recover, I will get wreck by status. With Refresh, I die too fast without Wish support. Virizion @ Leftovers Trait: Justified EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk) - Calm Mind - Giga Drain - Focus Blast - Hidden Power [Ice] Suggested by Pocket to have another Water / Electric counter. Helps with most SpA attackers. Froslass (F) @ Leftovers Trait: Snow Cloak EVs: 252 HP / 4 SAtk / 252 Spd Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk) - Spikes - Taunt - Destiny Bond - Ice Beam Another Dark horse. Brings down at least 1 Pokemon per game if played correctly. I am having huge, huge trouble with strong Physical attackers. There just isn't any safe-switch ins to that Haxorus / Terrakion. It's really troublesome. And I am hovering within the 1100 benchmark. Not rising, but dropping. Which is depressing. __________________ (19:34:22) Digidestined bitches: hugendugen sounds like man with large genitals. Just saying. (19:34:27) +elDino: tru dat