Politoed (Update)

[Overview]

<p>Politoed is often overlooked in UU, faced with rivals such as Milotic, Slowbro, and Blastoise. Whats sets Politoed apart from common UU Water-types is its ability, Water Absorb, and more useful support moves such as Encore, Haze, and Hypnosis. On one hand, Politoed has excellent Special Defense, high HP, and decent typing; and on the other, its impressive Special Attack, along with a good offensive movepool turns it into a dangerous attacker. The downside of using Politoed is its below average Speed, and lack of recovery outside of Rest and Water Absorb.</p>

[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Surf
move 2: Encore
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Ice Beam / Protect / Refresh
item: Leftovers
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

[Set Comments]

<p>This set takes advantage of Politoed's great defenses and dangerous support moves; by using a combination of Encore and Toxic to mess up the opponent's strategy. Although Politoed isn't the fastest Encore user, it has enough Speed to outrun common walls and slower set-up sweepers such as Spiritomb, Clefable, and Registeel and Toxic to add residual damage to your opponent's Pokemon.; while it also utilizes Toxic to wear down the opponent with increasing poison damage. Surf is essential STAB, also giving Politoed something to do should it be Taunted; while Ice Beam is listed to damage Grass-types like Venusaur who resist Surf, and are immune to Toxic. Protect may also be used in the fourth slot, stalling the opponent while recovering from Leftovers, and increasing their torture from poison. Finally, Refresh is helpful as it can remove damaging status like poison or a burn.</p>

[Additional Comments]

<p>This set is designed to stick around for some time, so max HP and Special Defense is the best choice; 384 HP and 328 Special Defense is nothing to scoff at. As for the item choice, you may decide to use a Lum Berry to block status a single time; . This is best used when Politoed is without Refresh, ; Otherwise, it would be a waste.</p>

<p>Entry hazards are especially helpful as Encore and Toxic will cause a lot of switches; this will cause a lot of additional damage to opponents fearing status. Stealth Rock is the most dangerous, causing some pokemon to lose half their health; . Donphan is an excellent option to set it up as it becomes a lure for bulky Water-types, and has Assurance to hit Ghost-types who switch in. Toxic Spikes are up next, and with two layers, increasing poison damage will cripple the likes of Milotic, Chansey, and Spiritomb; . These are best set up by Drapion or Qwilfish, both having high Speed and access to Taunt. Finally, Spikes are also dangerous depending on how many you've set up, three layers can prove devastating; . Cloyster is a fine choice for this with its massive Defense and access to Explosion. When using entry hazards, a spin blocker is essential to keeping them on the field, making bulky Ghost-types like Spiritomb an excellent partner.</p>

<p>Set up sweepers can take advantage of an opponent locked onto a weak or resisted attack, especially those who become dangerous after a single boost. Dragon Dance Altaria is an excellent choice as it can switch into Grass-types, and it also has an immunity to Earthquake to take advantage of; . another excellent option is Nasty Plot Mismagius, too, is an excellent option, having immunities to Ground-, Fighting-, and Normal-type attacks. You may also take advantage of abilities to set up with; . For example, Flash Fire Houndoom will always cause a switch if the opponent is locked onto a Fire-type attack, giving it a free turn to set up. Volt Absorb Lanturn is another good choice, and it can set up with Charge Beam.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Surf / Hydro Pump
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Hidden Power Grass
move 4: Focus Blast / Psychic
item: Choice Specs
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Modest
evs: 84 HP / 252 SpA / 172 Spe

[Set Comments]

<p>This set is played offensively, using Politoed's base 90 Special Attack, and Choice Specs to cause a lot of damage. Surf and Hydro Pump are both reliable STAB, although it's a choice between power of accuracy; Surf having perfect accuracy, and Hydro Pump being more powerful; . Hydro Pump will always score an 2HKO on defensive Clefable, while Surf misses out. Ice Beam is used to hit Grass-types such as Venusaur, while Hidden Power Grass is used to beat Water-types like Lanturn, Quagsire, and Milotic. In the last slot, Focus Blast can 2HKO Registeel and Clefable, while Psychic deals more damage to Poison- and Fighting-types like Toxicroak.</p>

[Additional Comments]

<p>This Politoed runs enough Speed to outrun positive base 50 Pokemon such as Aggron, and neutral max Speed Torterra; . Max Special Attack turns Polited into a dangerous threat, and the remaining 84 EVs are placed into HP, giving Politoed extra bulk. Alternatively, you may decide to invest extra into Speed and run 252 EVs, outrunning Ludicolo outside of rain, and tying with other base 70s.</p>

<p>As this set requires a lot of prediction, it's better kept to late-game sweeping; and you should also consider adding a scout Pokemon to your team to aid prediction. Scyther with U-turn is a good example as it causes a lot of switches, while it escapes to another teammate; other options include Swellow, Ambipom, and Moltres. Another way to scout the opponent's team is to use a dry Baton Passer (one without stat boosts or Substitutes),. Good options include Ambipom, Scyther, and Espeon.</p>

<p>As Because this set is completely special-based, Chansey is a troublesome Pokemon; . With her huge HP and decent Special Defense she walls Politoed, even if it fires of powerful Focus Blasts. To get past Chansey, you may carry Dugtrio on your team; with its ability, Arena Trap, Chansey is unable to escape while you hit her with STAB Earthquake. Alternatively, you may use a strong Fighting-type such as Blaziken or Hariyama to take her out. As much as Chansey is an awful nemesis to special sweepers, for Politoed she becomes an excellent teammate; , taking on bulky Water-types such as Milotic, and Grass-types like Venusaur. Bulky Water-types are difficult to break through, making Toxic Spikes an excellent option to wear them down; Qwilfish and Nidoqueen are excellent pokemon to set them up. Finally, Venusaur is an excellent way to break through bulky Water-types with its powerful Leaf Storm, and crippling Sleep Powder.</p>

[Team Options]

<p>As Politoed doesn't have recovery outside of Rest and Water Absorb, so you'll want to gain as much HP back through Politoed's ability as possible. A lure for Water-type attacks is a good option as you can switch in Politoed and resore its health. Rhyperior, Moltres, Donphan, and Steelix are all excellent lures; and Donphan also makes an excellent Rapid Spinner, removing any entry hazards, especially Toxic Spikes which are deadly.</p>

<p>Grass-types also make great partners as they share great defensive synergy with Politoed, being able to switch into Electric- and Grass-type attacks, while Politoed can switch into Fire-type moves aimed at them. Venusaur is an excellent choice as it has great defenses, powerful STAB moves, Sleep Powder, and the ability to take on bulky Water-types with ease. Sceptile is another good choice as it can set up Leech Seed, and set up fast Substitutes against the opponent; Politoed appreciates the health recovered from Leech Seed. On the other hand, Politoed has trouble getting past Grass-types as well, making Fire-types a great addition to your team. Moltres is one of the best choices for this role due to massive Special Attack and Speed, along with powerful STAB moves; though however, Rapid Spin support is essential to its success as it loses half of its health upon switching into Stealth Rock. Blaziken is another good choice if you wish to go down the physical or mixed route, pounding the opponent with Superpower or Flare Blitz.</p>

<p>As Politoed is a specially-based Pokemon, Chansey is an obstacle. Fighting-types such as Blaziken, Hariyama, and Hitmontop are good partners as they can KO her with their STAB moves; Blaziken may also act as a lure by going mixed, firing of special attacks, then hitting her with Superpower. Taunt Mismagius is another option, setting up Nasty Plot while her attempt to use Seismic Toss will fail. After three boosts from Nasty Plot, Mismagius can 2HKO Chansey with Hidden Power Fighting. Finally, Dugtrio makes an outstanding partner for Politoed as it can defeat most Electric-types like Magneton, while trapping Chansey with Arena Trap and finishing her off with STAB Earthquake.</p>

[Optional Changes]

<p>Politoed may remedy its lack of recovery with Rest and Sleep Talk, though it's unreliable. Perish Song is an interesting option for Politoed as it forces many switches, racking up damage from entry hazards, while it always beats the opponent's last Pokemon one on one. Whirlpool may be used alongside Perish Song to trap the opponent, but it's accuracy and reliablity becomes an issue as you have no guarantee it'll last the three turns you need. Haze is another great choice as it can erase any stat boosts the opponent has accumulated, and with good defenses like Politoed, it isn't hard to pull off. Now there are the physical options; Politoed has access to Belly Drum, though it lacks the Speed to use it effectively, and it also lacks dual STAB, making Poliwrath a better user of this move. It may be tempting to run a completely physical set of Earthquake, Waterfall, Return, and Bounce, but again Politoed lacks dual STAB, and its Attack isn't overly impressive.</p>

[Counters]

<p>As a special attacker, Chansey and Clefable can take on most sets with their huge HP, and good Special Defense, and access to recovery moves; then they can proceed with Seismic Toss and status moves, which slowly drain Politoed. Lanturn is another good counter as it can switch into most of its attacks, and threaten Politoed with Thunderbolt, though Toxic and Hidden Power Grass are troublesome. Uxie and Grumpig can set up against special sets as Politoed is unable to hit them super effectively; (they can also status Politoed with Thunder Wave or Toxic as well). Grass-types such as Venusaur and Sceptile can take on Politoed with their resistance to Water-type attacks, powerful STAB moves in Leaf Storm and Power Whip, Leech Seed to drain Politoed, and Venusaur has Sleep Powder to shut it down temporarily.</p>

<p>Politoed is often overlooked in UU, as it is faced with rivals such as Milotic, Slowbro, and Blastoise. What sets Politoed apart from common UU Water-types are its ability, Water Absorb, and more useful support moves, including such as Encore, Haze, and Hypnosis. On one hand, Politoed has excellent Special Defense, high HP, and decent typing, and even poses a decent offensive threat; on the other, its impressive Special Attack, along with a good offensive movepool, turns it into a dangerous attacker. [these statements don't really oppose one another, so the use of 'on one hand...on the other' isn't really appropriate here] The downside of using Politoed is its below average Speed and lack of recovery outside of Rest and Water Absorb. If you can provide it adequate support, Politoed can become an effective addition to your team.</p>

[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Surf
move 2: Encore
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Ice Beam / Protect / Refresh
item: Leftovers
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set takes advantage of Politoed's great defenses and dangerous support moves by using a combination of Encore and Toxic to mess up the opponent's strategy. Although Politoed isn't the fastest Encore user, it has enough Speed to outrun common walls and slower set-up sweepers, such as Spiritomb, Clefable, and Registeel, and Toxic to inflict residual damage on your opponent's Pokemon. Surf is the essential STAB move, and also gives Politoed something to do should it be Taunted, while Ice Beam is used to damage Grass-types like Venusaur who resist Surf and are immune to Toxic. Protect may also be used in the fourth slot, stalling the opponent while recovering from Leftovers, and increasing their torture from Toxic while also recovering damage with Leftovers. Finally, Refresh is helpful, as it can remove damaging status like poison or a burn.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>This set is designed to stick around for some time, so maximizing HP and Special Defense is the best way to go for the EV spread; a beast sporting 384 HP and 328 Special Defense is nothing to scoff at. As for the item choice, Politoed can also decide to use a Lum Berry to block status a single time. This is best used when Politoed is without Refresh; otherwise, it would be a waste.</p>

<p>Entry hazards are especially helpful, as Encore and Toxic will cause a lot of switches; this will add a lot of residual damage to the opponent's team fearing status. Stealth Rock is the most dangerous entry hazard, hitting all Pokemon and even causing some Pokemon to lose half their health upon switching in. Donphan is an excellent option to set it up, as it also serves as a lure for bulky Water-types and has Assurance to hit Ghost-types who switch in. Toxic Spikes are up next, and with two layers, increasing poison damage will cripple the likes of Milotic, Chansey, and Spiritomb. These are best set up by Drapion or Qwilfish, who both have high Speed and access to Taunt. Finally, Spikes are also dangerous, depending on how many layers you've set up; three layers can prove devastating. Cloyster is a fine choice for this with its massive Defense and access to Explosion. When using entry hazards, a spin blocker is essential for keeping them on the field, making bulky Ghost-types like Spiritomb an excellent partners.</p>

<p>Set up sweepers can take advantage of an opponent locked into a weak or resisted attack, especially those who become dangerous after a single boost. Dragon Dance Altaria is an excellent choice, as it can switch into Grass-types and has an immunity to Earthquake to take advantage of. Nasty Plot Mismagius, too, is an excellent option, boasting immunities to Ground-, Fighting-, and Normal-type attacks. You may also take advantage of abilities to set up with. For example, Flash Fire Other Pokemon can take advantage of their abilities to set up on Encored attacks; Houndoom can easily set up on opponents locked into will always cause a switch if the opponent is locked onto a Fire-type attacks, giving it a free turn to set up. and Volt Absorb SubCharge Lanturn can start boosting on Electric-type attacks is another good choice, and it can set up with Charge Beam.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Surf / Hydro Pump
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Hidden Power Grass
move 4: Focus Blast / Psychic
item: Choice Specs
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Modest
evs: 84 HP / 252 SpA / 172 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set is played offensively, using Politoed's base 90 Special Attack and Choice Specs to cause a lot of damage. Surf and Hydro Pump are both reliable STAB moves, so choosing between them is a choice between power and accuracy. Hydro Pump will always score an 2HKO on defensive Clefable, while Surf misses out. Ice Beam is used to hit Grass-types such as Venusaur, while Hidden Power Grass is used to smash Water-types like Lanturn, Quagsire, and Milotic. In the last slot, Focus Blast can 2HKO Registeel and Clefable, while Psychic deals more damage to Poison- and Fighting-types like Toxicroak.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>This Politoed runs enough Speed to outrun positive-natured base 50 Pokemon such as Aggron, and neutral-natured max Speed Torterra. Max Special Attack turns Politoed into a dangerous threat, and the remaining 84 EVs are placed into HP, giving Politoed extra bulk. Alternatively, you may decide to invest additional EVs into Speed and run 252 EVs, outrunning Ludicolo outside of rain, and tying at worst with other base 70s.

<p>As this set requires a lot of prediction, it's better kept for late-game sweeping; you should also consider adding a scout Pokemon to your team Special Attack turns Polited into a dangerous threat, and the remaining 84 EVs are placed into HP, giving Politoed extra bulk. Alternatively, you may decide to invest extra into Speed and run 252 EVs, outrunning Ludicolo outside of rain, and tying with other base 70s.</p> to aid prediction. Scyther with U-turn is a good example of a good scout, as it causes a lot of switches, while it escaping to another teammate with U-turn; other options include Swellow, Ambipom, and Moltres. Another way to scout the opponent's team is to use a dry Baton Passer (one without stat boosts or Substitutes). Good options include Ambipom, Scyther, and Espeon.</p>

<p> Because this set is completely based on special attacks, Chansey is a troublesome Pokemon. With its huge HP and decent Special Defense, it walls Politoed comfortably, even if Politoed tries to nail it with fires of a powerful Focus Blast. To get past Chansey, you may carry Dugtrio on your team; with its ability, Arena Trap, Chansey is unable to escape while Dugtrio demolishes it with STAB Earthquake or Beat Up. Alternatively, you may use a strong Fighting-type such as Blaziken or Hariyama to take it out. As much as Chansey is an awful nemesis to special sweepers, for Politoed it becomes an excellent teammate, taking on bulky Water-types such as Milotic and Grass-types like Venusaur. Bulky Water-types are difficult to break through, making Toxic Spikes an excellent option to wear them down; Qwilfish and Nidoqueen are excellent pokemon to set them up. Finally, Venusaur is an excellent way to break through bulky Water-types, with its powerful Leaf Storm and cripplingSleep Powder.</p>

[Team Options]

<p>Politoed doesn't have recovery outside of Rest and Water Absorb, so you'll want to gain as much HP back through Politoed's ability as possible. A lure for Water-type attacks is a good option, as you can Politoed can easily switch in Politoed and restore its health. Rhyperior, Moltres, Donphan, and Steelix are all excellent lures; Donphan also makes an excellent Rapid Spinner.</p>

<p>Grass-types also make great partners, as they share great defensive synergy with Politoed, being able to switch into Electric- and Grass-type attacks, while Politoed can easily take switch into Fire-type hits moves aimed at them. Venusaur is an excellent choice, as it has great defenses, powerful STAB moves, access to Sleep Powder, and the ability to take on bulky Water-types with ease. Sceptile is another good choice, as it can set up Leech Seed, and set up fast Substitutes against the opponent; Politoed appreciates the health recovered from Leech Seed. On the other hand, Politoed has trouble getting past Grass-types as well, making Fire-types a great additions to your team. Moltres is one of the best choices for this role due to massive Special Attack, and decent Speed, along with and powerful STAB moves; however, Rapid Spin support is essential to Moltres's success, as it loses half of its health upon switching into Stealth Rock. Blaziken is another good choice if you wish to go down the physical or mixed route, pounding the opponent with Superpower or Flare Blitz.</p>

<p>As Politoed is a specially-based Pokemon, Chansey is an obstacle. Fighting-types such as Blaziken, Hariyama, and Hitmontop are good partners, as they can KO it with their STAB moves; Blaziken may also act as a mixed wallbreaker to get rid of bulky Water-types by going mixed, firing of special attacks, then hitting her with Superpower. Taunt Mismagius is another option, setting up easily with Nasty Plot since Chansey cannot touch it with Seismic Toss attempt to use Seismic Toss will fail. After three boosts from Nasty Plot, Mismagius can 2HKO Chansey with Hidden Power Fighting. Finally, Dugtrio makes an outstanding partner for Politoed, as it can defeat most Electric-types like Magneton, while trapping Chansey with Arena Trap and finishing her off with STAB Earthquake or Beat Up.</p>

[Optional Changes]

<p>Politoed may remedy its lack of recovery with Rest and Sleep Talk, though it's unreliable. Perish Song is an interesting option for Politoed, as it forces many switches, racking up damage from entry hazards, while it always beats and acting as a win condition against the opponent's last Pokemon one on one. Whirlpool may be used alongside Perish Song to trap the opponent, but it's accuracy and reliablity becomes an issue, as you have no guarantee it'll last the three turns you need. Haze is another great choice to erase any stat boosts the opponent has accumulated, and, with good defenses like Politoed's, it isn't hard to pull off. Now there are the physical options; Politoed has access to Belly Drum, though it lacks the Speed to use it effectively, and it also lacks dual STAB, making Poliwrath a better user of this move. It may be tempting to run a completely physical set of Earthquake, Waterfall, Return, and Bounce, but again Politoed lacks dual STAB, and its Attack isn't particularly impressive.</p>

[Counters]

<p>As a special attacker, Chansey and Clefable can take on most sets with their huge HP, good Special Defense, and access to recovery moves. Lanturn is another good counter, as it can switch into most of its attacks and threaten Politoed with Thunderbolt, though Toxic and Hidden Power Grass are troublesome. Uxie and Grumpig can set up against special sets, as Politoed is unable to hit them super effectively (they can also inflict status on Politoed with Thunder Wave or Toxic as well). Grass-types such as Venusaur and Sceptile can take on Politoed, with their resistance to Water-type attacks, powerful STAB moves in Leaf Storm and Power Whip, and Leech Seed to drain Politoed's HP; and Venusaur even has Sleep Powder to shut Politoed down temporarily.</p>

[Overview]
<p>Politoed is often overlooked in UU, as it is faced with rivals such as Milotic, Slowbro, and Blastoise. What sets Politoed apart from common UU Water-types are its ability, Water Absorb, and useful support moves, including Encore, Haze, and Hypnosis. Politoed has excellent Special Defense, high HP, and decent typing, and even poses a decent offensive threat can even pose as a powerful offensive threat; thanks to its impressive Special Attack, and along with a good offensive movepool, turns it into a dangerous attacker. movepool. The downside of using Politoed is its below average Speed and lack of recovery outside of Rest and Water Absorb. If you provide it with adequate support, Politoed can become an effective addition to your team.</p>

[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Surf
move 2: Encore
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Ice Beam / Protect / Refresh
item: Leftovers
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set takes advantage of Politoed's great defenses and dangerous support moves by using a combination of Encore and Toxic to mess up the opponent's strategy. Although Politoed isn't the fastest Encore user, it has enough Speed to outrun common walls and slower set-up sweepers, such as Spiritomb, Clefable, and Registeel, and Toxic to inflict residual damage on your opponent's Pokemon. Surf is the essential STAB move, and also gives Politoed something to do should it be Taunted allows Politoed to retain some usefulness after it is struck by Taunt, while Ice Beam is used to damage Grass-types like Venusaur who resist Surf and are immune to Toxic. Protect may also be used in the fourth slot, stalling the opponent and increasing their torture from Toxic while also recovering damage with Leftovers. Finally, Refresh is helpful, as it can remove damaging status like poison or burn.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>This set is designed to stick around for some time, so maximizing HP and Special Defense is the best way to go for the EV spread; a beast Pokemon sporting 384 HP and 328 Special Defense is nothing to scoff at. As for the item choice, Politoed can also decide to use Lum Berry to block status a single time. This is best used when Politoed is without Refresh; otherwise, it would be a waste.</p>

<p>Entry hazards are especially helpful, as Encore and Toxic will cause a lot of switches; this will add a lot of residual damage to the opponent's team. switches, causing the opposing Pokemon to take damage on the switch-in. Stealth Rock is the most dangerous entry hazard, hitting all Pokemon and even causing some to lose half their health upon switching in. Donphan is an excellent option to set it up, as it also serves as a lure for bulky Water-types and has Assurance to hit Ghost-types who switch in. Toxic Spikes are up next also useful alongside Politoed, and with two layers, increasing poison damage will cripple the likes of Milotic, Chansey, and Spiritomb. These are best set up by Drapion or Qwilfish, who both have high Speed and access to Taunt. Finally, Spikes are also dangerous, depending on how many layers you've set up; three layers can prove devastating to the opponent's team. Cloyster is a fine choice for this with setting up Spikes due to its massive Defense and access to Explosion. When using entry hazards, a spin blocker spinblocker is essential for keeping them on the field, making bulky Ghost-types like Spiritomb excellent partners.</p>

<p>Set up sweepers can take advantage of an opponent locked into a weak or resisted attack, especially those who become dangerous after a single boost. Dragon Dance Altaria is an excellent choice, as it can switch into Grass-types Grass-type moves aimed at Politoed, and has an immunity to Earthquake to take advantage of. Nasty Plot Mismagius, too, Mismagius is an excellent option as well, boasting immunities to Ground-, Fighting-, and Normal-type attacks. Other Pokemon can take advantage of their abilities to set up on Encored attacks; Houndoom can easily set up on opponents locked into Fire-type attacks, and while SubCharge Lanturn can start boosting on Electric-type attack.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Surf / Hydro Pump
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Hidden Power Grass
move 4: Focus Blast / Psychic
item: Choice Specs
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Modest
evs: 84 HP / 252 SpA / 172 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set is played offensively, using Politoed's base 90 Special Attack and Choice Specs to cause a lot of damage. Surf and Hydro Pump are both reliable STAB moves, so choosing between them is a choice between power and the choice between them ultimately comes down to whether you would rather have power or accuracy. Hydro Pump will always score an a 2HKO on defensive Clefable, while Surf misses out. Ice Beam is used to hit Grass-types such as Venusaur, while Hidden Power Grass is used to smash Water-types like Lanturn, Quagsire, and Milotic. In the last slot, Focus Blast can 2HKO Registeel and Clefable, while Psychic deals more damage to Poison- and Fighting-types like Toxicroak.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>This Politoed runs enough Speed to outrun positive-natured base 50 Pokemon such as Aggron and neutral-natured max Speed Torterra. Max Special Attack turns Politoed into a dangerous threat, and the remaining 84 EVs are placed into HP, giving Politoed extra bulk. Alternatively, you may decide to invest additional EVs into Speed and run 252 EVs, outrunning Ludicolo outside of rain and tying at worst with other base 70s.</p>

<p>As this set requires a lot of prediction, it's better kept used for late-game sweeping; you should also consider adding a scout Pokemon to your team to aid ease prediction. Scyther is a good example of a good an effective scout, as it causes a lot of switches while escaping to another teammate with U-turn; other options include Swellow, Ambipom, and Moltres. Another way to scout the opponent's team is to use a dry Baton Passer (one without stat boosts or Substitutes). Good options choices for this role include Ambipom, Scyther, and Espeon.</p>

<p>Because this set is completely based on special attacks, Chansey is a troublesome Pokemon. With its huge HP and decent Special Defense, it walls Politoed comfortably, even if Politoed tries to nail it with a powerful Focus Blast. To get past Chansey, you may carry Dugtrio on your team; with its ability, Arena Trap, Chansey is unable to escape while Dugtrio demolishes it with STAB Earthquake or Beat Up. Alternatively, you may use a strong Fighting-type such as Blaziken or Hariyama to take it out out Chansey. As much as Chansey is an awful nemesis to special sweepers, for Politoed it becomes it is an excellent teammate for Politoed, taking on bulky Water-types such as Milotic and Grass-types like Venusaur. Bulky Water-types are difficult to break through, making Toxic Spikes an excellent option to wear them down; Qwilfish and Nidoqueen are excellent pokemon Pokemon to set them up. Finally, Venusaur is an excellent way to break through bulky Water-types, with its powerful Leaf Storm and crippling Sleep Powder.</p>

[Team Options]

<p>Politoed doesn't have recovery outside of Rest and Water Absorb, so you'll want to gain as much HP back through Politoed's ability as possible. A lure for Water-type attacks is a good option teammate, as Politoed can easily switch in and restore its health. Rhyperior, Moltres, Donphan, and Steelix are all excellent lures; Donphan also makes an excellent Rapid Spinner.</p>

<p>Grass-types also make great partners, as they share great defensive synergy with Politoed, being able to switch into Electric- and Grass-type attacks while Politoed can easily take Fire-type hits. Venusaur is an excellent choice, as it has great defenses, powerful STAB moves, access to Sleep Powder, and the ability to take on bulky Water-types with ease. Sceptile is another good choice great option, as it can set up Leech Seed and fast Substitutes against the opponent; Politoed appreciates the health recovered from Leech Seed. On the other hand, Politoed has trouble getting past Grass-types as well, making Fire-types great additions to your team. Moltres is one of the best choices for this role due to its massive Special Attack, decent Speed, and powerful STAB moves; however, Rapid Spin support is essential to Moltres's success, as it loses half of its health upon switching into Stealth Rock. Blaziken is another good choice if you wish to go down the physical or mixed route, pounding the opponent with STAB Superpower or and Flare Blitz.</p>

<p>As Politoed is a specially-based Pokemon, Chansey is an obstacle. Fighting-types such as Blaziken, Hariyama, and Hitmontop are good partners, as they can KO it with their STAB moves; Blaziken may also act as a mixed wallbreaker to get rid of bulky Water-types. Taunt Mismagius is another option, setting up easily with Nasty Plot since Chansey cannot touch it with Seismic Toss. After three boosts from Nasty Plot, Mismagius can 2HKO Chansey with Hidden Power Fighting. Finally, Dugtrio makes an outstanding partner for Politoed, as it can defeat most Electric-types while trapping Chansey with Arena Trap and finishing her it off with STAB Earthquake or Beat Up.</p>

[Optional Changes]

<p>Politoed may remedy its lack of recovery with Rest and Sleep Talk, though it's unreliable. Perish Song is an interesting option for Politoed, as it forces many switches, racking up damage from entry hazards and acting as a win condition against the opponent's last Pokemon. Whirlpool may be used alongside Perish Song to trap the opponent, but it's accuracy and reliablity becomes an issue, as you have no guarantee it'll last the three turns you need. Haze is another great choice to erase any stat boosts the opponent has accumulated, and, with good defenses like Politoed's, it and it isn't hard to pull off due to Politoed's good defensive stats. Now there are the Politoed also has a few physical options; Politoed it has access to Belly Drum, though it lacks the Speed to use it effectively, and it also lacks dual STAB, making Poliwrath a better user of this move. It may be tempting to run a completely physical set of Earthquake, Waterfall, Return, and Bounce, but again Politoed lacks dual STAB, and its Attack isn't particularly impressive.</p>

[Counters]

<p>As a special attacker, Due to Politoed's special nature, Chansey and Clefable can take on most sets with their huge HP, good Special Defense, and access to recovery moves. Lanturn is another good counter, as it can switch into most attacks and threaten Politoed with Thunderbolt, though Toxic and Hidden Power Grass are troublesome. Uxie and Grumpig can set up against special sets, as Politoed is unable to hit them super effectively (they can also inflict status on Politoed with Thunder Wave or Toxic as well). Grass-types such as Venusaur and Sceptile can take on Politoed, with their resistance to Water-type attacks, powerful STAB moves, and Leech Seed to drain Politoed's HP; Venusaur even has Sleep Powder to shut Politoed down temporarily.</p>