VGC Ask a Simple Question, Get a Simple Answer - Mark II

**Solace*** · Aug 11th, 2012, 4:04:26 PM

Welcome to the new and improved VGC SQSA. The old one was over 2 years old, so it seemed like a good time to start with a fresh new thread. The OP will be updated when the VGC 13 rules come out to add that to the FAQ, but for now enjoy! Happy asking!

Rules
FAQ

Rules

1. DO NOT ASK ABOUT HACK CHECKS OR ROMS or any other cheating devices or illegal things.
2. Your answers should contain a brief description, unless it's a yes or no question.
3. Make sure to quote the question you're answering, otherwise it can be confusing.
4. Read all the stickies in the subforum and all the FAQ before asking questions.
5. Be polite, even if someone asks a question you think should be obvious, not everyone is as experienced with VGC as you!
6. If you need team advice, you're better off posting an RMT in the RMT Section. Remember to read all the stickies there and be sure to follow the rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is VGC?
A: The Video Game Championships, VGC for short, is Nintendo's official Pokemon video game tournament series. The matches are double battles with Pokemon autoleveled to 50 (any moves they learn after level 50 will be retained, their stats will just be adjusted to match how they would at Level 50). It is played in person on the DS at Regionals around the country, Nationals, and Worlds. The rules change yearly, however event Pokemon (Mew, Celebi, Jirachi, Deoxys, Phione, Manaphy, Shaymin, Shaymin-S, Arceus, and Victini) are always banned.

Q: Where can I get free VGC Pokemon?
A: You can find free VGC Pokemon here.

Q: Where can I learn VGC?
A: We have a tutoring program that will pick up again once the VGC 13 rules are announced. You can find that here.

Q: What's a good set for _____?
A: We have an analyses section on site, which you can find here. If you'd like to contribute, you can help out here.

Q: Are Black & White 2 Pokemon / moves / items allowed during October regionals?
A: No, these are not allowed for October, though BW2 will be legal for the rest of the season afterwards.
**NOTE: These are VGC 12 analyses**

Thadenvy · Aug 11th, 2012, 4:04:37 PM

I have a question. Generally speaking, which pokemon makes a good partner for Ferrothorn?

Golden Piloswine · Aug 11th, 2012, 4:14:02 PM

(^ I guess drizzle Politoed since it hinders fire type moves, which Ferrothron does not like)

Got two questions.

1. Is worlds LCQ open to anyone or did you have to earn and Invite to nats.
2. On a TR team, is it obvious that your runnin' TR if your team is Marowak, Zapdos, Musharna, Jellicent, Hariyama, and Registeel. If it is obvious how do I disguise it a little better.

Draco27 · Aug 11th, 2012, 4:14:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fat Thadenvy

I have a question. Generally speaking, which pokemon makes a good partner for Ferrothorn?

Jellicent is overall a great partner for ferrothorn and together as a bulky core.

Thadenvy · Aug 11th, 2012, 4:14:25 PM

Oh, okay. Thanks! I was thinking on using him as a counter against TR and weather teams, both of whom I often struggle against. I would choose TTar, but he's too frail. He often succumbs to fighting-type moves in an instant, which I don't want to worry about.

Draco27 · Aug 11th, 2012, 4:15:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fat Golden Piloswine

(^ I guess drizzle Politoed since it hinders fire type moves, which Ferrothron does not like)

Got two questions.

1. Is worlds LCQ open to anyone or did you have to earn and Invite to nats.
2. On a TR team, is it obvious that your runnin' TR if your team is Marowak, Zapdos, Musharna, Jellicent, Hariyama, and Registeel. If it is obvious how do I disguise it a little better.

1. No invites are needed for lcq

2.Pretty much hariyama and marowak are huge indications of a trick room team.

**Solace*** · Aug 11th, 2012, 4:18:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fat Golden Piloswine

(^ I guess drizzle Politoed since it hinders fire type moves, which Ferrothron does not like)

Got two questions.

1. Is worlds LCQ open to anyone or did you have to earn and Invite to nats.
2. On a TR team, is it obvious that your runnin' TR if your team is Marowak, Zapdos, Musharna, Jellicent, Hariyama, and Registeel. If it is obvious how do I disguise it a little better.

Worlds LCQ was open to anyone who could make it over to Hawaii to play.

All those Pokemon aside from Zapdos are pretty slow, making it seem like an obvious TR team. It's pretty hard to disguise a core like that unless you'd want to be making massive changes.

Golden Piloswine · Aug 11th, 2012, 4:27:35 PM

Thanks Solace, I might make some changes. Depens on how many GBU wins this team gets me.

Misdreavus · Aug 11th, 2012, 8:45:17 PM

What's a good moveset / nature / EV spread for Choice Scarf Heatran? I'm not sure what I should aim to outspeed (outspeeding base 130s require a +Spe nature and substantial EV investment).

As for the moveset, I'm thinking Heat Wave, HP Ice, Overheat, and Earth Power. Explosion is also a possibility.

**voodoo pimp** · Aug 11th, 2012, 8:50:56 PM

Aim to outspeed Scarf Abomasnow? I think that's the fastest common threat that Heatran counters.

MrDudeSaysHi · Aug 11th, 2012, 8:53:46 PM

Hey does anyone know when and were the next years tournaments are being held and where is the best place to find a group of people to train with and shoot of ideas and other stuff with

Misdreavus · Aug 11th, 2012, 9:14:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fat voodoo pimp

Aim to outspeed Scarf Abomasnow? I think that's the fastest common threat that Heatran counters.

Thanks for the suggestion. That's 132 HP / 252 SpA / 124 Spe if Timid, or 44 HP / 252 SpA / 212 Spe if Modest. Which do you think would be better - the bulkier one (Timid), or the more powerful one (Modest)? Also, was the moveset I suggested good? I'm guessing that Explosion isn't really worth it (please correct me if I'm wrong).

ultimatedra · Aug 11th, 2012, 9:17:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fat MrDudeSaysHi

Hey does anyone know when and were the next years tournaments are being held and where is the best place to find a group of people to train with and shoot of ideas and other stuff with

Regionals will be this fall, winter, and spring - few locations have been confirmed. Salt Lake City, UT is in April I can tell you right now (and there won't be any others in the west for spring)

Nationals will most likely be late june/early july - same location as the last few years.

Worlds '13 has not had it's location announced yet (tomorrow evening) - it will be mid-august as always.

**voodoo pimp** · Aug 11th, 2012, 9:21:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fat MrDudeSaysHi

Hey does anyone know when and were the next years tournaments are being held and where is the best place to find a group of people to train with and shoot of ideas and other stuff with

This is all the information we have so far, I think http://nuggetbridge.com/news/vgc-13-...egional-dates/
In addition to this forum, you can also practice on Pokémon Online.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fat Misdreavus

Thanks for the suggestion. That's 132 HP / 252 SpA / 124 Spe if Timid, or 44 HP / 252 SpA / 212 Spe if Modest. Which do you think would be better - the bulkier one (Timid), or the more powerful one (Modest)? Also, was the moveset I suggested good? I'm guessing that Explosion isn't really worth it (please correct me if I'm wrong).

I'd go Modest, it's only 11 fewer HP and you want to make that Heat Wave as strong as possible.

PkmRngrBrad · Aug 12th, 2012, 7:33:36 AM

I bred a DW Lickitung to pass down cloud nine, gave it eviolite and bred til I got the IV's to set it up for a Steel Hidden Power. He is kinda my anti-t-tar and with his STAB'ed Round attack, hes been able to really help me learn against some walls and dragon types, but I am wondering if it is too small of a niche to keep on a viable team? he doesnt really fit in on a weather team, and he never seems to last that long lol so far thou it has had a bit of shock value thou, but I am really unwary about the long term staying power she lacks, any suggestions?

Drifblim · Aug 12th, 2012, 10:12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fat PkmRngrBrad

I bred a DW Lickitung to pass down cloud nine, gave it eviolite and bred til I got the IV's to set it up for a Steel Hidden Power. He is kinda my anti-t-tar and with his STAB'ed Round attack, hes been able to really help me learn against some walls and dragon types, but I am wondering if it is too small of a niche to keep on a viable team? he doesnt really fit in on a weather team, and he never seems to last that long lol so far thou it has had a bit of shock value thou, but I am really unwary about the long term staying power she lacks, any suggestions?

Don't use HP Steel, just don't. It covers nothing else relevant, all the stuff it can hit is weak to something else in Licki's movepool. What moveset and EV spread are you using?

**voodoo pimp** · Aug 12th, 2012, 12:25:51 PM

Lickitung learns Power Whip, Earthquake, Brick Break, Hammer Arm, and Aqua Tail (plus Muddy Water and HP Fighting if you really want to use a special move, but its physical movepool is much better overall), all of which are much better options against Tyranitar and the metagame in general. HP Steel is always terrible, anything that might actually want to use it has a better option available.

Chilebowl · Aug 12th, 2012, 11:14:26 PM

I have a question but idk if I'll get the kind of response I'm looking for: Why can't Ray be beaten when it matters most?

lol But here's one that you guys might be able to answer:
Is there any word of where Worlds 2013 will be held at yet?

The Knights of Wario Land · Aug 12th, 2012, 11:23:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fat Chilebowl

lol But here's one that you guys might be able to answer:
Is there any word of where Worlds 2013 will be held at yet?

We're discussing that here.

PkmRngrBrad · Aug 12th, 2012, 11:28:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fat Drifblim

Don't use HP Steel, just don't. It covers nothing else relevant, all the stuff it can hit is weak to something else in Licki's movepool. What moveset and EV spread are you using?

My Licki's got HP 70 Steel, Round, Earthquake to compliment my gravity, and blizzard.
He's been Ev trained 196 HP / 236 SPA / 78 ATK,

The HP steel has done pretty good damage for me but I am definitely re thinking it now,
and with the eviolite boost to his defenses I have been pretty happy with it.

Should I switch round for Powerwhip, or keep it and ditch the Hidden power and replace it with a water type attack or power whip?

**voodoo pimp** · Aug 12th, 2012, 11:54:02 PM

Honestly, Round isn't a very good choice either. You'd probably see a significant damage improvement if you switched to Return/Body Slam and focused the EVs more into Attack. And Power Whip would hit Tyranitar much harder either way, as well as dealing with Politoed and other Water-types.

PkmRngrBrad · Aug 13th, 2012, 12:24:15 AM

Okay, that makes sense, should I put 252 to ATk 62 SPA and stick with 196 hp and go with STAB-Return STAB -bodyslam power whip, and use blizzard instead of earthquake (again for my gravity compliment)

Ive been told before why Gravity is more of a gimmick than a real strategy, but I am still kinda attached to it for now lol

**voodoo pimp** · Aug 13th, 2012, 12:35:49 AM

I've tried a few different Gravity teams (both singles and doubles), and honestly the only one that was very successful was the sun team that abused 100% accurate Sleep Powders. The bonuses it gives just aren't really worth the setup turn compared to other field effects.

Edit: actually, I also did pretty well with a Gravity/Zap Cannon/Blizzard Porygon2, but the rest of the team didn't really rely on it at all so I wouldn't count that.

PkmRngrBrad · Aug 13th, 2012, 1:09:33 AM

I only have GBU doubles access to practice with, but so far with my latest team im at 14W-6L-8DC
its a rain gravity team, and the 100% accurate blizzards and earthquakes have been nice. Ive ditched almost all of my entry hazzards for more variety in attack types, and using more STAB bonuses
What would you recommend for his hp ev's?

No. 1 Machop Fan · Aug 13th, 2012, 1:50:55 AM

I've asked this every year past and I'm going to ask it again: Will Australia be invited to the next VGC World Championships?

Aug 11th, 2012, 4:04:26 PM	#1
Solace* i was born to save the doctor Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 1,973 i love #thatPOWER Mentor	VGC Ask a Simple Question, Get a Simple Answer - Mark II Welcome to the new and improved VGC SQSA. The old one was over 2 years old, so it seemed like a good time to start with a fresh new thread. The OP will be updated when the VGC 13 rules come out to add that to the FAQ, but for now enjoy! Happy asking! Rules FAQ Rules 1. DO NOT ASK ABOUT HACK CHECKS OR ROMS or any other cheating devices or illegal things. 2. Your answers should contain a brief description, unless it's a yes or no question. 3. Make sure to quote the question you're answering, otherwise it can be confusing. 4. Read all the stickies in the subforum and all the FAQ before asking questions. 5. Be polite, even if someone asks a question you think should be obvious, not everyone is as experienced with VGC as you! 6. If you need team advice, you're better off posting an RMT in the RMT Section. Remember to read all the stickies there and be sure to follow the rules. Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is VGC? A: The Video Game Championships, VGC for short, is Nintendo's official Pokemon video game tournament series. The matches are double battles with Pokemon autoleveled to 50 (any moves they learn after level 50 will be retained, their stats will just be adjusted to match how they would at Level 50). It is played in person on the DS at Regionals around the country, Nationals, and Worlds. The rules change yearly, however event Pokemon (Mew, Celebi, Jirachi, Deoxys, Phione, Manaphy, Shaymin, Shaymin-S, Arceus, and Victini) are always banned. Q: Where can I get free VGC Pokemon? A: You can find free VGC Pokemon here. Q: Where can I learn VGC? A: We have a tutoring program that will pick up again once the VGC 13 rules are announced. You can find that here. Q: What's a good set for _____? A: We have an analyses section on site, which you can find here. If you'd like to contribute, you can help out here. Q: Are Black & White 2 Pokemon / moves / items allowed during October regionals? A: No, these are not allowed for October, though BW2 will be legal for the rest of the season afterwards. NOTE: These are VGC 12 analyses __________________ when ppl are like ‘the new pokemon are so unoriginal and dumb’ im like?? ? ? celebi was a flying onion Last edited by Solace; Sep 22nd, 2012 at 11:59:39 AM.

Aug 11th, 2012, 4:14:02 PM	#3
Golden Piloswine Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 422 Pittsburgh	(^ I guess drizzle Politoed since it hinders fire type moves, which Ferrothron does not like) Got two questions. 1. Is worlds LCQ open to anyone or did you have to earn and Invite to nats. 2. On a TR team, is it obvious that your runnin' TR if your team is Marowak, Zapdos, Musharna, Jellicent, Hariyama, and Registeel. If it is obvious how do I disguise it a little better. __________________ How do-you feel -about chocolate? Originally Posted by Fat jumpluff Also, I love chocolate... My "The Smog" Article \| ✞ I am proud to be close with Jesus Christ ✞

Aug 11th, 2012, 4:14:25 PM	#5
Thadenvy Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 70 Houston, TX	Oh, okay. Thanks! I was thinking on using him as a counter against TR and weather teams, both of whom I often struggle against. I would choose TTar, but he's too frail. He often succumbs to fighting-type moves in an instant, which I don't want to worry about. Last edited by Thadenvy; Aug 11th, 2012 at 4:16:46 PM. Reason: details

Aug 11th, 2012, 4:27:35 PM	#8
Golden Piloswine Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 422 Pittsburgh	Thanks Solace, I might make some changes. Depens on how many GBU wins this team gets me. __________________ How do-you feel -about chocolate? Originally Posted by Fat jumpluff Also, I love chocolate... My "The Smog" Article \| ✞ I am proud to be close with Jesus Christ ✞

Aug 11th, 2012, 8:45:17 PM	#9
Misdreavus Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 1,210 Orlando, FL	What's a good moveset / nature / EV spread for Choice Scarf Heatran? I'm not sure what I should aim to outspeed (outspeeding base 130s require a +Spe nature and substantial EV investment). As for the moveset, I'm thinking Heat Wave, HP Ice, Overheat, and Earth Power. Explosion is also a possibility. __________________ My other Rotom is a washing machine.

Aug 11th, 2012, 4:04:37 PM	#2
Thadenvy Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 70 Houston, TX	I have a question. Generally speaking, which pokemon makes a good partner for Ferrothorn?

Aug 11th, 2012, 8:50:56 PM	#10
voodoo pimp Apply directly to the forehead Moderator Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 2,964	Aim to outspeed Scarf Abomasnow? I think that's the fastest common threat that Heatran counters. __________________ Check out Smogon's new Doubles metagame! White FC: 4126-4421-4056 Black 2 FC: 3311-0920-4475 My Pokécheck Pokémon RNG is kind of like firing a gun. Why shoot blindly in every direction until you're lucky enough to hit the target when you can just take the time to aim properly and hit it with one shot?

Aug 11th, 2012, 8:53:46 PM	#11
MrDudeSaysHi Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 1	Hey does anyone know when and were the next years tournaments are being held and where is the best place to find a group of people to train with and shoot of ideas and other stuff with

Aug 12th, 2012, 7:33:36 AM	#15
PkmRngrBrad Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 71 Alberta, Canada	I bred a DW Lickitung to pass down cloud nine, gave it eviolite and bred til I got the IV's to set it up for a Steel Hidden Power. He is kinda my anti-t-tar and with his STAB'ed Round attack, hes been able to really help me learn against some walls and dragon types, but I am wondering if it is too small of a niche to keep on a viable team? he doesnt really fit in on a weather team, and he never seems to last that long lol so far thou it has had a bit of shock value thou, but I am really unwary about the long term staying power she lacks, any suggestions?

Aug 12th, 2012, 12:25:51 PM	#17
voodoo pimp Apply directly to the forehead Moderator Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 2,964	Lickitung learns Power Whip, Earthquake, Brick Break, Hammer Arm, and Aqua Tail (plus Muddy Water and HP Fighting if you really want to use a special move, but its physical movepool is much better overall), all of which are much better options against Tyranitar and the metagame in general. HP Steel is always terrible, anything that might actually want to use it has a better option available. __________________ Check out Smogon's new Doubles metagame! White FC: 4126-4421-4056 Black 2 FC: 3311-0920-4475 My Pokécheck Pokémon RNG is kind of like firing a gun. Why shoot blindly in every direction until you're lucky enough to hit the target when you can just take the time to aim properly and hit it with one shot?

Aug 12th, 2012, 11:14:26 PM	#18
Chilebowl Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 127 New York City	I have a question but idk if I'll get the kind of response I'm looking for: Why can't Ray be beaten when it matters most? lol But here's one that you guys might be able to answer: Is there any word of where Worlds 2013 will be held at yet? __________________ Philly VGC Spring 2012 5th place Newark VGC 2011 Participant Newark VGC 2010 Top 32 Philly VGC 2009 Participant NYC VGS 2008 Participant

Aug 12th, 2012, 11:54:02 PM	#21
voodoo pimp Apply directly to the forehead Moderator Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 2,964	Honestly, Round isn't a very good choice either. You'd probably see a significant damage improvement if you switched to Return/Body Slam and focused the EVs more into Attack. And Power Whip would hit Tyranitar much harder either way, as well as dealing with Politoed and other Water-types. __________________ Check out Smogon's new Doubles metagame! White FC: 4126-4421-4056 Black 2 FC: 3311-0920-4475 My Pokécheck Pokémon RNG is kind of like firing a gun. Why shoot blindly in every direction until you're lucky enough to hit the target when you can just take the time to aim properly and hit it with one shot?

Aug 13th, 2012, 12:24:15 AM	#22
PkmRngrBrad Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 71 Alberta, Canada	Okay, that makes sense, should I put 252 to ATk 62 SPA and stick with 196 hp and go with STAB-Return STAB -bodyslam power whip, and use blizzard instead of earthquake (again for my gravity compliment) Ive been told before why Gravity is more of a gimmick than a real strategy, but I am still kinda attached to it for now lol

Aug 13th, 2012, 12:35:49 AM	#23
voodoo pimp Apply directly to the forehead Moderator Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 2,964	I've tried a few different Gravity teams (both singles and doubles), and honestly the only one that was very successful was the sun team that abused 100% accurate Sleep Powders. The bonuses it gives just aren't really worth the setup turn compared to other field effects. Edit: actually, I also did pretty well with a Gravity/Zap Cannon/Blizzard Porygon2, but the rest of the team didn't really rely on it at all so I wouldn't count that. __________________ Check out Smogon's new Doubles metagame! White FC: 4126-4421-4056 Black 2 FC: 3311-0920-4475 My Pokécheck Pokémon RNG is kind of like firing a gun. Why shoot blindly in every direction until you're lucky enough to hit the target when you can just take the time to aim properly and hit it with one shot?

Aug 13th, 2012, 1:09:33 AM	#24
PkmRngrBrad Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 71 Alberta, Canada	I only have GBU doubles access to practice with, but so far with my latest team im at 14W-6L-8DC its a rain gravity team, and the 100% accurate blizzards and earthquakes have been nice. Ive ditched almost all of my entry hazzards for more variety in attack types, and using more STAB bonuses What would you recommend for his hp ev's?

Aug 13th, 2012, 1:50:55 AM	#25
No. 1 Machop Fan Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 218 Victoria, Australia	I've asked this every year past and I'm going to ask it again: Will Australia be invited to the next VGC World Championships? __________________ I peaked at rank 19 in Dream World OU on our PO server using nothing but gimmicks. js If you're a Bionicle fan and you want Bionicle to come back, join the Smogon branch of the Bring Back Bionicle Club. If you would like Australia to join the Pokémon World VGC in the future, sign my petition.