(Quality Control) Scrafty (Choice Band) [QC 0/3]

[EonADS]

Been testing this set for the last couple days, and it's been excellent. I really think it deserves a set.


http://www.smogon.com/bw/pokemon/scrafty

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Hi-Jump Kick
move 2: Crunch
move 3: Ice Punch / Stone Edge
move 4: Drain Punch / Zen Headbutt
item: Choice Band
ability: Intimidate
nature: Adamant
evs: 236 HP / 252 Atk / 20 Spe

Why this set deserves to be on-site:

- Scrafty's excellent dual STABs, decent Attack, and natural bulk make it a prime candidate for a bulky CB set.
- The Attack boost provided by Choice Band makes Scrafty an immediate offensive threat, rather than forcing it to set up.
- Careful prediction with this set allows Scrafty to deal heavy damage to most of its counters as they switch in.
- Surprise value, of course. Since most players will expect Scrafty to set up and thus switch to a counter or a fast Scarfer (or something like Crobat, which outspeeds +1 DD Scrafty), depending on what set they believe it is, Scrafty can land a hard hit immediately and potentially remove a threat from the game entirely.
- Intimidate supports the entire team, while also aiding Scrafty's bulk.


[SET COMMENTS]

- Solid bulk and good defensive typing allows Scrafty many switch-in opportunities.
- Use Scrafty to punch holes in the opposing team or weaken bulky defensive Pokemon. It's essentially a tank buster.
- Hi-Jump Kick is Scrafty's most powerful STAB move, and it deals a lot of damage with a Choice Band behind it. Be careful about using it if there are Ghost-types on the opposing team, however.
- Crunch is a more stable STAB that gives near-perfect coverage with Fighting-type STAB.
- The last two slots are variable. Scrafty can run Ice Punch to deal heavy damage to Flying-types (particularly Gligar, though you cannot 2HKO it because it is faster and has Roost) and Roserade, or it can run Stone Edge, which allows for an OHKO on Crobat and both Offensive and SubRoost Zapdos after Stealth Rock.
- Drain Punch goes in the last slot because it allows Scrafty to heal off some damage, which is always useful. Zen Headbutt can be used over Drain Punch if you want coverage against Poison-types as well as opposing Fighting-types (particularly Heracross, which it OHKO's after SR). This is best paired with Stone Edge, as Roserade will be covered by Zen Headbutt.
- Using Choice Band Scrafty to its fullest extent requires a lot of prediction. It's not a set for amateurs. If you aren't confident in your ability to out-predict your opponent, give this set a pass.


[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

-The given EV spread outpaces minimum speed Base 60's while maximizing attack and bulk with what is left.
- A spread of 32 Hp / 252 Atk / 224 Spe with an Adamant nature is possible if you want to 2HKO Gligar with Ice Punch, but it drastically reduces Scrafty's bulk and thus cuts down on both its longevity and its switch-in opportunities.

- Really loves entry hazard support; Frosslass is a great partner for laying down Spikes because it is immune to Fighting, and also lures in Dark-type attacks for Scrafty to take. Roserade and Qwilfish are also excellent partners for similar reasons. Roserade draws in Psychic-type attacks and resists Fighting, though it is also weak to Flying-type moves, which could cause problems. Qwilfish also resists Fighting-type moves while drawing in Psychic-types, and it has Intimidate as well, making them a good physically-defensive pair.
- Many Stealth Rock setters, such as Swampert and Bronzong, also pair well with Scrafty. This is good, because Stealth Rock really helps Scrafty deal with many of its usual counters (Heracross, Togekiss, and Zapdos, to name a few).
- Pokemon that enjoy the removal of tanks like Snorlax, Slowbro, and Empoleon make excellent Scrafty partners. Victini is a prime example; Arcanine, Chandelure, Suicune, Kingdra, and Raikou are others.
- Scrafty appreciates Wish and Heal Bell support, though Heal Bell is more important. Togekiss can provide both.
- Zapdos is good as both an offensive partner and a defensive one, as it resists both Flying- and Fighting-type attacks and greatly enjoys the removal of Snorlax.

- Not many other move options.
- Head Smash is an option over Ice Punch or Stone Edge. It can OHKO Togekiss outright, and even Physically-defensive Zapdos after SR, but the recoil can severely damage Scrafty. Head Smash also OHKOs the standard Choice Scarf Heracross after SR, though Zen Headbutt is stronger.