Alakazam (Special Attacker Revamp)

[Tokyo Tom]

GP [2/2] - Weebl / The Dutch Plumberjack

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Psychic / Psyshock
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Shadow Ball / Signal Beam
move 4: Encore / Thunder Wave
item: Focus Sash / Life Orb
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Alakazam only needs one set to wreak havoc, and here it is. Sitting at a great Speed tier with a high Special Attack stat and impeccable coverage, Alakazam is a challenge to face. The choice in item depends on your team's needs; while the combination of Magic Guard and Focus Sash makes Alakazam a premier revenge killer by allowing it to avoid entry hazard and residual damage, Life Orb allows Alakazam to hit like a truck without fearing recoil.</p>

<p>Psychic hits many targets for solid damage. However, Psyshock can be used to hit various Pokemon, such as Chansey, Volcarona, Calm Mind Keldeo, and Terrakion in the sand, harder. Focus Blast gives Alakazam coverage on Steel- and Dark-types and most notably the ability to outspeed and OHKO Choice Scarf Tyranitar. The third slot is dedicated towards coverage for opposing Psychic-types. Shadow Ball is preferred, as it also hits Ghost-types such as Jellicent hard, but Signal Beam allows Alakazam to deal massive damage to Celebi. Alakazam's fourth moveslot should usually be dedicated towards a supporting option. Encore allows Alakazam to prevent opposing Pokemon from setting up or grant itself and its teammates free turns, while Thunder Wave gives Alakazam an all-around general utility move to hit foes such as Choice Scarf Jirachi or a last-ditch move to use against setup sweepers such as Volcarona, Gyarados, and Dragonite.</p>

[ADDITIONAL SET COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs recommended are fairly straightforward, maximizing Alakazam's Speed and Special Attack to make it a formidable foe. The Timid nature is important; it allows Alakazam to outspeed a plethora of Pokemon that it can threaten including Keldeo, Terrakion, Gengar, Latios, Starmie, and Choice Scarf Tyranitar. There is almost no reason to invest in bulk, as with its pitiful defenses, Alakazam will usually be brought down to its Focus Sash regardless of investment.</p>

<p>Alakazam has a very wide movepool, and thus it has many other options it can use. Hidden Power Ice allows Alakazam to revenge kill Dragon-types such as Dragonite and Salamence and hits Ground-types such as Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Gliscor hard. Hidden Power Fire can roast Scizor and Jirachi, two of the most common Alakazam switch-ins, and deal massive damage to Ferrothorn and Forretress. Charge Beam gives Alakazam a high chance to obtain a Special Attack boost when finishing off weakened foes, making it even more threatening to the opposing team.</p>

<p>As for support options, Alakazam can use Taunt to prevent opposing Pokemon, most notably Chansey, from healing. If using Life Orb, Substitute can be used against Pokemon Alakazam can scare out, easing prediction and providing Alakazam a form of protection against revenge killers. Calm Mind gives Alakazam some extra power to muscle past bulky Pokemon such as Gastrodon, Jellicent, and specially defensive Skarmory. Finally, Psych Up in tandem with Focus Sash and Psyshock is a gimmicky option but allows Alakazam to turn the tables on a boosted Volcarona.</p>

<p>Alakazam, like all other offensive Pokemon, appreciates entry hazard support to weaken foes. As such, Pokemon such as Skarmory and Ferrothorn are good teammates, as both are capable of setting up Spikes. Garchomp can set up Stealth Rock to support Alakazam, as well as checking Scizor and Jirachi, two very common switch-ins to Alakazam. Jellicent can spinblock for Alakazam's team while spreading burns and checking Scizor and Jirachi. Gengar shares many checks and counters with Alakazam and can lure and cripple these Pokemon with Will-O-Wisp. Finally, Skarmory can check and set up Spikes on Scizor and Jirachi, as well as a plethora of Choice Scarf users that threaten Alakazam, such as Garchomp and Landorus-T.</p>


Checks and Counters

<p>Life Orb Alakazam is the harder variant to switch into, but due to its low bulk it is easily taken out by priority or Choice Scarf users. Focus Sash Alakazam can be more difficult to dispatch, as it will always require two separate hits to KO it. Choice Scarf Garchomp and Choice Scarf Jirachi deserve special mentions because they can easily KO both variants with Dual Chop and by causing a flinch with Iron Head, respectively. Aside from these, Alakazam's biggest enemies are those it cannot 2HKO; specially defensive Jirachi, specially defensive Skarmory, Latias, and Gastrodon can take any two attacks from Focus Sash Alakazam and proceed to KO it. Scizor and Forretress are good checks provided Alakazam lacks Hidden Power Fire. Weavile not only outspeeds Alakazam but can also trap it with Pursuit, KOing Alakazam even if it stays in. Sableye and Spiritomb can reliably beat Alakazam due to their immunities to Alakazam's STAB move and second strongest attack, Focus Blast.</p>

 

[BKC]

I love Calm Mind, it is incredibly dangerous; it utterly destroys balance staples like Gastro/Jelli/Cele/cutesy SDef Skarm that rely on just barely healing off its attacks (who can be also neutered by a surprise Taunt, this also screws with things like SDef Rachi and Scizor), plus something like a ScarfToed will have a harder time RKing it. Charge Beam could work in a similar vein for when you're finishing off a weakened Gyara/Skarm. Psych Up with Psyshock turns the tables on any boosted Volcarona. Recover can work in some situations. Thunder Wave is never bad and can open up a teammate.

Also worth mentioning that Psyshock OHKOes full health Keldeo/Terrakion less than 50% of the time

 

[Jirachee]

honestly I don't think Calm Mind is very good but it can be surprising I guess. Worth giving an AC mention, but nothing more.

Thunder Wave absolutely needs a larger place in the analysis, it's one of the best fourth slot moves Zammer can run. Owning Scarf Jirach on the switch, ruining Volcarona sweeps, and just general Thundurus-esque paralysis help is godly. Maybe not worth a slash, but it needs to be in set comments at least.

I don't think Recover is worth mentioning, but Taunt definitely is good. Nothing owns Chansey more than it, and it's one of the few mons that give zammer hella trouble.

Also I think Encore should be the first slash, HP Ice mostly is a team support option. You don't need HP Ice at all if you have another fast Ice attack on your team (ie an Ice Beam ScarfTar or Starmie) in which case you should always run Encore. It's not very useful coverage to get past anything except for like Dragonite I guess. And the rare SDef Gliscor.

I think you should put more emphasis on how good Alakazam is with Garchomp. I personally think it's the most potent combo in all of BW OU at the moment. Also Jellicent is an amazing teammate, spreads burns like no other, counters Scizor and Scarf Rachi, blocks Rapid Spin.

I agree that Psychic is better in general, but Psyshock does have a few uses, most notably hitting CM Keldeo harder which can be really useful for teams that don't have a dedicated Keldeo counter (think for example, their answer is a Gastrodon without Toxic). Also I think Psyshock is way better with HP Ice, otherwise you get countered by pdef Gliscor which I mean like wow

 

[Weebl]

check

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Psychic / Psyshock
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Shadow Ball / Signal Beam
move 4: Encore / Thunder Wave
item: Focus Sash / Life Orb
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Alakazam only needs one set to wreak havoc, and here it is. Sitting at a great Speed tier with a high Special Attack stat and impeccable coverage, Alakazam is a challenge to face. The choice in item depends on your team's' (move apostrophe; yes, it's *correct* either way, but this is way more standard and there's no reason to make it plural teams') needs; while the combination of Magic Guard and Focus Sash makes Alakazam a premier revenge killer by avoiding allowing it to avoid entry hazards (it's avoiding entry hazard damage, not the entry hazards themselves--minor thing) (alternatively, word it as "...allowing it to avoid damage from entry hazards and residual damage," but doing it like that is a bit clunky imo) and residual damage, Life Orb allows Alakazam to hit like a truck without fearing recoil.</p>

<p>Psychic is typically Alakazam's STAB move of choice, hitting hits many targets for solid amounts of damage. However, Psyshock can be used to hit various Pokemon, such as Chansey, Volcarona, Calm Mind Keldeo and Terrakion in the sand, harder. Focus Blast gives Alakazam coverage on Steel- and Dark-types, (RC) and most notably giving Alakazam the ability to outspeed and OHKO Choice Scarf Tyranitar. The third slot is dedicated towards coverage for opposing Psychic-types. Shadow Ball is preferred, as it also hits Ghost-types such as Jellicent hard, but Signal Beam allows Alakazam to deal massive damage to Celebi. Alakazam's fourth moveslot should usually be dedicated towards a supporting option. Encore allows Alakazam to prevent opposing Pokemon from setting up, or grant itself and its teammates free turns, while Thunder Wave gives Alakazam an all-around general utility move to hit foes such as Choice Scarf Jirachi, or a last-ditch move to use against set-(remove hyphen)up sweepers such as Volcarona, Gyarados, and Dragonite.</p>

[ADDITIONAL SET COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs recommended are fairly straightforward, maximizing Alakazam's Speed and Special Attack to make it a formidable foe. The Timid nature is important; this it (you don't have to change this) allows Alakazam to outspeed a plethora of Pokemon that it should be able to can (idk why it might not be able to threaten those 'mons) threaten including Keldeo, Terrakion, Gengar, Latios, Starmie, and Choice Scarf Tyranitar. There is almost no reason to invest in bulk, (AC) as with his its pitiful defenses, Alakazam will usually (less wordy) is more or less going to be brought down to his its Focus Sash regardless of investment.</p>

<p>Alakazam has a very wide movepool, and thus has many (you could also just cut the "it can use in its moveset" or even just the "in its moveset")other options it can use in its move set moveset. Hidden Power Ice allows Alakazam to revenge kill Dragon-types such as Dragonite and Salamence, while also hitting and also hits Ground-types such as Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Gliscor hard. Hidden Power Fire can roast Scizor and Jirachi, two of the most popular common (subective change) Alakazam switch-ins, as well as dealing massive damage to Ferrothorn and Forretress. Charge Beam allows Alakazam to obtain a Special Attack boost when finishing off weakened Pokemon, making it even more threatening to the opposing team.</p>

<p>As for support options, Alakazam can use Taunt to prevent opposing Pokemon, most notably Chansey, from healing. If using Life Orb, Substitute can be used against Pokemon Alakazam can scare out, easing prediction and providing it Alakazam a form of protection against revenge killers. Calm Mind gives Alakazam some extra power to muscle past bulky Pokemon such as Gastrodon, Jellicent, and specially defensive Skarmory. Finally, Psych Up in tandem with Focus Sash and Psyshock is a gimmicky option but allows Alakazam to turn the tables on a boosted Volcarona or certain Calm Mind sweepers (such as?).</p>

<p>Alakazam, like all other offensive Pokemon, appreciates entry hazard support to weaken opponents foes. As such, Pokemon such as Skarmory and Ferrothorn are good teammates, (AC) as both are capable of setting of up Spikes. Garchomp can set up Stealth Rock to support Alakazam, as well as checking Scizor and Jirachi, two very of the most common Alakazam switch-ins to Alakazam (reword, because you've used this phrasing). Jellicent can spin block spinblock for Alakazam's team while spreading burns and also checking Scizor and Jirachi. Gengar shares many checks and counters with Alakazam, (RC) and can lure and cripple these Pokemon with Will-O-Wisp. Finally, the aforementioned Skarmory can check and set up Spikes (i'm assuming) on Scizor and Jirachi, and as well as a plethora of Choice Scarf users who that threaten Alakazam, such as Garchomp and Landorus-T.</p>


Checks and Counters

<p>Life Orb Alakazam is the harder variant to switch into, but due to its low bulk it is easily taken out by priority or Choice Scarf users. Focus Sash Alakazam can be more difficult to dispatch, as it will always require two separate hits to KO it. Choice Scarf Garchomp and Choice Scarf Jirachi deserve special mentions because they can easily KO both variants with Dual Chop and via flinching by causing a flinch with Iron Head, (AC) respectively. Aside from these, Alakazam's biggest enemies are those he it cannot 2HKO.(RC); (ASC) Pokemon such as specially defensive Jirachi, specially defensive Skarmory, Latias, and Gastrodon can take any two attacks from Focus Sash Alakazam and proceed to KO him it. Scizor and Forretress are good checks provided Alakazam lacks Hidden Power Fire. Weavile not only outspeeds Alakazam, (RC) but can also trap him it with Pursuit, KOing Alakazam even if he it stays in. Sableye and Spiritomb are two Pokemon that can reliably beat Alakazam, due to their immunities to Alakazam's STAB and second-(remove hyphen)strongest attack, Focus Blast.</p>

GP 1/2 baby

 

[Lumari]

upholding the tradition i guess, placeholdering

remove
add (Capitalize)
(comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)

alakazam

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Psychic / Psyshock
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Shadow Ball / Signal Beam
move 4: Encore / Thunder Wave
item: Focus Sash / Life Orb
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Alakazam only needs one set to wreak havoc, and here it is. Sitting at a great Speed tier with a high Special Attack stat and impeccable coverage, Alakazam is a challenge to face. The choice in item depends on your team's needs; while the combination of Magic Guard and Focus Sash makes Alakazam a premier revenge killer by allowing it to avoid entry hazard and residual damage, Life Orb allows Alakazam to hit like a truck without fearing recoil.</p>

<p>Psychic hits many targets for solid damage. However, Psyshock can be used to hit various Pokemon, such as Chansey, Volcarona, Calm Mind Keldeo, (AC) and Terrakion in the sand, harder. Focus Blast gives Alakazam coverage on Steel- and Dark-types and most notably the ability to outspeed and OHKO Choice Scarf Tyranitar. The third slot is dedicated towards coverage for opposing Psychic-types. Shadow Ball is preferred, as it also hits Ghost-types such as Jellicent hard, but Signal Beam allows Alakazam to deal massive damage to Celebi. Alakazam's fourth moveslot should usually be dedicated towards a supporting option. Encore allows Alakazam to prevent opposing Pokemon from setting up (RC) or grant itself and its teammates free turns, while Thunder Wave gives Alakazam an all-around general utility move to hit foes such as Choice Scarf Jirachi (RC) or a last-ditch move to use against setup sweepers such as Volcarona, Gyarados, and Dragonite.</p>

[ADDITIONAL SET COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs recommended are fairly straightforward, maximizing Alakazam's Speed and Special Attack to make it a formidable foe. The Timid nature is important; it allows Alakazam to outspeed a plethora of Pokemon that it can threaten including Keldeo, Terrakion, Gengar, Latios, Starmie, and Choice Scarf Tyranitar. There is almost no reason to invest in bulk, as with its pitiful defenses, Alakazam will usually be brought down to its Focus Sash regardless of investment.</p>

<p>Alakazam has a very wide movepool, and thus it has many other options it can use. Hidden Power Ice allows Alakazam to revenge kill Dragon-types such as Dragonite and Salamence and also hits Ground-types such as Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Gliscor hard. Hidden Power Fire can roast Scizor and Jirachi, two of the most common Alakazam switch-ins, as well as dealing and deal massive damage to Ferrothorn and Forretress. Charge Beam allows Alakazam to potentially obtain a Special Attack boost when finishing off weakened Pokemon, making it even more threatening to the opposing team.</p>

<p>As for support options, Alakazam can use Taunt to prevent opposing Pokemon, most notably Chansey, from healing. If using Life Orb, Substitute can be used against Pokemon Alakazam can scare out, easing prediction and providing Alakazam a form of protection against revenge killers. Calm Mind gives Alakazam some extra power to muscle past bulky Pokemon such as Gastrodon, Jellicent, and specially defensive Skarmory. Finally, Psych Up in tandem with Focus Sash and Psyshock is a gimmicky option but allows Alakazam to turn the tables on a boosted Volcarona.</p>

<p>Alakazam, like all other offensive Pokemon, appreciates entry hazard support to weaken foes. As such, Pokemon such as Skarmory and Ferrothorn are good teammates, as both are capable of setting up Spikes. Garchomp can set up Stealth Rock to support Alakazam, as well as checking Scizor and Jirachi, two very common switch-ins to Alakazam. Jellicent can spinblock for Alakazam's team while spreading burns and also checking Scizor and Jirachi. Gengar shares many checks and counters with Alakazam and can lure and cripple these Pokemon with Will-O-Wisp. Finally, Skarmory can check and set up Spikes on Scizor and Jirachi, as well as a plethora of Choice Scarf users that threaten Alakazam, such as Garchomp and Landorus-T.</p>


Checks and Counters

<p>Life Orb Alakazam is the harder variant to switch into, but due to its low bulk it is easily taken out by priority or Choice Scarf users. Focus Sash Alakazam can be more difficult to dispatch, as it will always require two separate hits to KO it. Choice Scarf Garchomp and Choice Scarf Jirachi deserve special mentions because they can easily KO both variants with Dual Chop and by causing a flinch with Iron Head, respectively. Aside from these, Alakazam's biggest enemies are those it cannot 2HKO; specially defensive Jirachi, specially defensive Skarmory, Latias, and Gastrodon can take any two attacks from Focus Sash Alakazam and proceed to KO it. Scizor and Forretress are good checks provided Alakazam lacks Hidden Power Fire. Weavile not only outspeeds Alakazam but can also trap it with Pursuit, KOing Alakazam even if he it stays in. Sableye and Spiritomb can reliably beat Alakazam (RC) due to their immunities to Alakazam's STAB move and second strongest attack, Focus Blast.</p>

GP 2/2

 

[Tokyo Tom]

uploaded #TOP #HEISMAN

where are you now player haters