Ice-eyes
Simper Fi
Jynx
[pimg]124[/pimg]
[Overview]
<p>Jynx is an idiosyncratic Pokemon with a set of unique tools that give her a very effective niche in the NU tier. She sports a great Special Attack stat and sits in an excellent Speed tier, just above many common threats including Sawk, Magmortar, and Rotom-S. Her frailty may seem off-putting, but Jynx is surprisingly resilient on the special side and, while her Ice / Psychic typing is awful defensively—and weak to Stealth Rock—it gives her two fantastic STAB moves to attack with. What really makes Jynx special, though, is access to Lovely Kiss and Nasty Plot, which turn her into an offensive force capable of tearing through entire teams. The release of Jynx's Dream World ability, Dry Skin, has made her threat far more apparent, as it gives her the ability to exploit opposing bulky Water-types whilst also handling certain threats in a pinch, such as Gorebyss.</p>
[SET]
name: Substitute + Nasty Plot
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Nasty Plot
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Lovely Kiss
item: Leftovers
ability: Dry Skin
nature: Timid
evs: 8 HP / 248 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Though it requires careful play and extensive team support, when used correctly this is Jynx's most lethal set. The idea is to switch in, either on a defensive Water-type such as Alomomola or on one of the many Pokemon afraid of Ice Beam, and set up a Substitute. This lets Jynx scout for switch-ins and respond appropriately. Lovely Kiss can incapacitate incoming counters, while providing the opportunity to set up Nasty Plot. Ice Beam offers fantastic one-move coverage, and it is rare for teams to carry multiple Pokemon that can both withstand boosted hits and damage Jynx in return.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EV spread and nature are standard for a sweeper, with one minor exception. 8 HP EVs are needed to ensure that Jynx can use Substitute five times from full health (factoring in Leftovers), as well as minimizing the damage inflicted by Stealth Rock. Maximum Speed and a Timid nature are recommended in order to tie with Leafeon, Haunter, and opposing Jynx. If this is not a concern, a spread of 72 HP / 252 SpA / 184 Spe can be used, which gives a little more HP while still allowing her to outspeed Rotom-S. Calm Mind is also an option over Nasty Plot, particularly with this bulkier spread. This allows Jynx to set up on Pokemon which would otherwise break her Substitute, such as Lapras and Mesprit. The drop in power from using Calm Mind is extremely noticeable, however.</p>
<p>While the threat Jynx poses cannot be denied, there are a number of Pokemon able to prevent her sweep, especially if something else has already fallen to Lovely Kiss. Lapras shrugs off Ice Beam with its 4x resistance, and can retaliate with Thunderbolt or Avalanche. The defensive capabilities of Steel-types, particularly Probopass and Metang, make it nearly impossible for Jynx to punch through them. Fire-types also make good checks; Magmortar is notable because it is not only resistant to Ice Beam but is immune to Lovely Kiss too. Thick Fat Miltank can easily survive +2 Ice Beam even without any investment in Special Defense, and KOes in return with Body Slam. Special walls such as Lickilicky and Regirock are also capable of switching into Jynx and threatening her. Furthermore, while Substitute is usually an effective defense against revenge-killers, U-turn from Mesprit or Swellow can strip this protection away before bringing in something capable of outspeeding to threaten the KO. Volt Switch from Rotom-S or Eelektross can fulfill a similar role. Finally, entry hazards severely cut Jynx's longevity; Stealth Rock makes it very difficult to switch in repeatedly, and Toxic Spikes are utterly crippling.</p>
<p>Given the right team support, Jynx is easily capable of overcoming these problems. Rapid Spin support deals with Stealth Rock and Toxic Spikes effectively. Note, though, that neither Cryogonal nor Wartortle synergize well with Jynx. A grounded Poison-type such as Victreebel or Skuntank can absorb Toxic Spikes, but arguably the best way to combat hazards is to utilize enough offensive pressure that the opponent finds it difficult to make time to set them up. As for dealing with Jynx's counters, setting up Stealth Rock is crucial; for example, after two switch-ins, a +2 Ice Beam will always OHKO Magmortar. Regirock is an excellent choice for providing this support and finds plenty of opportunities to switch in. The paralysis support it offers is also helpful; Jynx can easily set up Substitute against an opponent crippled by Thunder Wave. Although Magmortar shares a Stealth Rock weakness with Jynx, it too is a good partner: using a Life Orb or Expert Belt set, it can lure out and badly damage the same special sponges which give Jynx trouble.</p>
[SET]
name: Offensive Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Psychic / Psyshock
move 4: Lovely Kiss / Focus Blast
item: Life Orb
ability: Dry Skin
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>While Jynx is often best served by a cautious set packing Substitute, a much more offensive variant is also viable. The extra muscle of Life Orb lets Ice Beam OHKO Misdreavus after a Nasty Plot and the impact of carrying a secondary STAB move is immediately noticeable. Psychic OHKOes previous roadblocks such as Miltank and Lapras at +2 (though Stealth Rock is needed for the latter) while also annihilating Magmortar. Without Substitute, opportunities to boost are often scarce, but Lovely Kiss can step in to fill this gap, in addition to dealing with the few walls that can take an attack. Alternatively, Focus Blast can be used in the last slot. This makes Jynx nigh unstoppable after a Nasty Plot, OHKOing Regirock, Lickilicky, and Probopass. Unfortunately, without Lovely Kiss, finding time to set up can be difficult. Psyshock is an option over Psychic, and is useful for nailing Lapras as well as hitting most Lickilicky harder, but leaves Jynx vulnerable to Ice-resistant physical walls, such as Alomomola and Miltank.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Despite being almost impossible to counter, the lack of Substitute exposes this set to faster Pokemon, such as Swellow and Choice Scarf Sawk. Potential revenge killers are often difficult to eliminate, so it is important to have a well-built team capable of sponging these powerful hits. Stealth Rock is a necessity for the set, and is relied upon for many vital KOs; Regirock and Mesprit can set it up, and both are also capable of paralyzing Choice Scarf users on the switch-in.</p>
<p>This set functions primarily as a wallbreaker, and should be partnered with Pokemon capable of abusing the holes it creates. Jynx tends to lure in and dispatch Pokemon such as Magmortar, Miltank, and Regirock, clearing the way for Choice Scarf Magmortar or a similar sweeper. Swellow and Braviary also appreciate Jynx's ability to weaken these walls, and both have access to U-turn, which can provide sorely-needed opportunities to switch Jynx in.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Ice Beam
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Lovely Kiss
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Dry Skin
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Holding a Choice Scarf, Jynx can eschew her normal role as a Nasty Plot sweeper in order to function as one of the best revenge killers in the tier. Her high Speed allows her to outrun every other common Scarf user as well as several common Speed-boosting sweepers. Despite the inability to boost, Ice Beam is still surprisingly powerful, and is excellent for late-game cleaning. Psychic hits almost everything that resists Ice Beam. Notably, Jynx can switch into Gorebyss, outspeed it even at +2, and KO with Psychic after the Shell Smash drop; the best Gorebyss can muster in return is a neutral Hidden Power Grass, which Jynx takes fairly well. Focus Blast is handy to nail walls such as Lickilicky and Regirock on the switch-in. Lovely Kiss initially seems like an odd move for a Choice user, but it can be extremely useful, allowing Jynx to take one opposing Pokemon out of action before switching out.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Energy Ball can be used to hit Gorebyss harder if Lovely Kiss or Focus Blast are deemed unnecessary, as White Herb sets can easily survive a Psychic. The move has little purpose outside this niche role, though. Trick is another option which could be chosen on either of the last two slots to cripple troublesome defensive Pokemon, especially Eviolite users. However, this not recommended because Trick is illegal with Dry Skin.</p>
<p>This set has a longer list of counters and can be taken on by pretty much anything with acceptable special bulk which isn't weak to either Psychic or Ice Beam. For example, without Nasty Plot, Jynx finds it difficult to get through Alomomola. There is also a risk of dangerous sweepers such as Absol or Mesprit setting up if Jynx is locked into Psychic. However, this set plays an entirely different role to the others. Where they require comprehensive support, Scarf Jynx is much easier to fit onto a team, providing Speed, handling Gorebyss, and being a last-ditch check to everything with Lovely Kiss.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>A Choice Specs set could be used, but Nasty Plot is generally superior. Jynx can set up Rain Dance with Damp Rock, supporting her teammates with rain and bringing the healing effect of Dry Skin into play. Sadly, her poor defenses make it difficult to switch in and Rain Dance repeatedly throughout the match, it's hard to find a spare moveslot and losing Leftovers sucks. Signal Beam is an option for hitting Absol, but the power difference compared to a neutral STAB Ice Beam is negligible. Jynx also has access to Mean Look and Perish Song, but her frailty severely hampers the effectiveness of any set utilizing them. There are other assorted support moves in Jynx's movepool too, but she lacks the necessary defenses to use these elements, namely Heal Bell, Wish, and dual screens.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Lovely Kiss and the sheer damage output make Jynx extremely difficult to counter. Arguably the best choice is Curse Lapras with Rest and Sleep Talk, which takes on any Jynx without Psyshock or Focus Blast and doesn't mind much about sleep. Mono-attacking sets with Ice Beam can be checked by almost any Fire-type, but the likes of Torkoal and Magmortar are unable to repeatedly switch into Stealth Rock without putting themselves into KO range. The only really reliable way to take on Jynx is to pack something faster and revenge her; her weakness to hazards and difficulty getting in can make this an acceptable solution, if not an ideal one. Swellow's access to U-turn and immunity to Lovely Kiss (once its Toxic Orb has activated) make it a fair candidate for the role.</p>
[pimg]124[/pimg]
[Overview]
<p>Jynx is an idiosyncratic Pokemon with a set of unique tools that give her a very effective niche in the NU tier. She sports a great Special Attack stat and sits in an excellent Speed tier, just above many common threats including Sawk, Magmortar, and Rotom-S. Her frailty may seem off-putting, but Jynx is surprisingly resilient on the special side and, while her Ice / Psychic typing is awful defensively—and weak to Stealth Rock—it gives her two fantastic STAB moves to attack with. What really makes Jynx special, though, is access to Lovely Kiss and Nasty Plot, which turn her into an offensive force capable of tearing through entire teams. The release of Jynx's Dream World ability, Dry Skin, has made her threat far more apparent, as it gives her the ability to exploit opposing bulky Water-types whilst also handling certain threats in a pinch, such as Gorebyss.</p>
[SET]
name: Substitute + Nasty Plot
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Nasty Plot
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Lovely Kiss
item: Leftovers
ability: Dry Skin
nature: Timid
evs: 8 HP / 248 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Though it requires careful play and extensive team support, when used correctly this is Jynx's most lethal set. The idea is to switch in, either on a defensive Water-type such as Alomomola or on one of the many Pokemon afraid of Ice Beam, and set up a Substitute. This lets Jynx scout for switch-ins and respond appropriately. Lovely Kiss can incapacitate incoming counters, while providing the opportunity to set up Nasty Plot. Ice Beam offers fantastic one-move coverage, and it is rare for teams to carry multiple Pokemon that can both withstand boosted hits and damage Jynx in return.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EV spread and nature are standard for a sweeper, with one minor exception. 8 HP EVs are needed to ensure that Jynx can use Substitute five times from full health (factoring in Leftovers), as well as minimizing the damage inflicted by Stealth Rock. Maximum Speed and a Timid nature are recommended in order to tie with Leafeon, Haunter, and opposing Jynx. If this is not a concern, a spread of 72 HP / 252 SpA / 184 Spe can be used, which gives a little more HP while still allowing her to outspeed Rotom-S. Calm Mind is also an option over Nasty Plot, particularly with this bulkier spread. This allows Jynx to set up on Pokemon which would otherwise break her Substitute, such as Lapras and Mesprit. The drop in power from using Calm Mind is extremely noticeable, however.</p>
<p>While the threat Jynx poses cannot be denied, there are a number of Pokemon able to prevent her sweep, especially if something else has already fallen to Lovely Kiss. Lapras shrugs off Ice Beam with its 4x resistance, and can retaliate with Thunderbolt or Avalanche. The defensive capabilities of Steel-types, particularly Probopass and Metang, make it nearly impossible for Jynx to punch through them. Fire-types also make good checks; Magmortar is notable because it is not only resistant to Ice Beam but is immune to Lovely Kiss too. Thick Fat Miltank can easily survive +2 Ice Beam even without any investment in Special Defense, and KOes in return with Body Slam. Special walls such as Lickilicky and Regirock are also capable of switching into Jynx and threatening her. Furthermore, while Substitute is usually an effective defense against revenge-killers, U-turn from Mesprit or Swellow can strip this protection away before bringing in something capable of outspeeding to threaten the KO. Volt Switch from Rotom-S or Eelektross can fulfill a similar role. Finally, entry hazards severely cut Jynx's longevity; Stealth Rock makes it very difficult to switch in repeatedly, and Toxic Spikes are utterly crippling.</p>
<p>Given the right team support, Jynx is easily capable of overcoming these problems. Rapid Spin support deals with Stealth Rock and Toxic Spikes effectively. Note, though, that neither Cryogonal nor Wartortle synergize well with Jynx. A grounded Poison-type such as Victreebel or Skuntank can absorb Toxic Spikes, but arguably the best way to combat hazards is to utilize enough offensive pressure that the opponent finds it difficult to make time to set them up. As for dealing with Jynx's counters, setting up Stealth Rock is crucial; for example, after two switch-ins, a +2 Ice Beam will always OHKO Magmortar. Regirock is an excellent choice for providing this support and finds plenty of opportunities to switch in. The paralysis support it offers is also helpful; Jynx can easily set up Substitute against an opponent crippled by Thunder Wave. Although Magmortar shares a Stealth Rock weakness with Jynx, it too is a good partner: using a Life Orb or Expert Belt set, it can lure out and badly damage the same special sponges which give Jynx trouble.</p>
[SET]
name: Offensive Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Psychic / Psyshock
move 4: Lovely Kiss / Focus Blast
item: Life Orb
ability: Dry Skin
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>While Jynx is often best served by a cautious set packing Substitute, a much more offensive variant is also viable. The extra muscle of Life Orb lets Ice Beam OHKO Misdreavus after a Nasty Plot and the impact of carrying a secondary STAB move is immediately noticeable. Psychic OHKOes previous roadblocks such as Miltank and Lapras at +2 (though Stealth Rock is needed for the latter) while also annihilating Magmortar. Without Substitute, opportunities to boost are often scarce, but Lovely Kiss can step in to fill this gap, in addition to dealing with the few walls that can take an attack. Alternatively, Focus Blast can be used in the last slot. This makes Jynx nigh unstoppable after a Nasty Plot, OHKOing Regirock, Lickilicky, and Probopass. Unfortunately, without Lovely Kiss, finding time to set up can be difficult. Psyshock is an option over Psychic, and is useful for nailing Lapras as well as hitting most Lickilicky harder, but leaves Jynx vulnerable to Ice-resistant physical walls, such as Alomomola and Miltank.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Despite being almost impossible to counter, the lack of Substitute exposes this set to faster Pokemon, such as Swellow and Choice Scarf Sawk. Potential revenge killers are often difficult to eliminate, so it is important to have a well-built team capable of sponging these powerful hits. Stealth Rock is a necessity for the set, and is relied upon for many vital KOs; Regirock and Mesprit can set it up, and both are also capable of paralyzing Choice Scarf users on the switch-in.</p>
<p>This set functions primarily as a wallbreaker, and should be partnered with Pokemon capable of abusing the holes it creates. Jynx tends to lure in and dispatch Pokemon such as Magmortar, Miltank, and Regirock, clearing the way for Choice Scarf Magmortar or a similar sweeper. Swellow and Braviary also appreciate Jynx's ability to weaken these walls, and both have access to U-turn, which can provide sorely-needed opportunities to switch Jynx in.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Ice Beam
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Lovely Kiss
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Dry Skin
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Holding a Choice Scarf, Jynx can eschew her normal role as a Nasty Plot sweeper in order to function as one of the best revenge killers in the tier. Her high Speed allows her to outrun every other common Scarf user as well as several common Speed-boosting sweepers. Despite the inability to boost, Ice Beam is still surprisingly powerful, and is excellent for late-game cleaning. Psychic hits almost everything that resists Ice Beam. Notably, Jynx can switch into Gorebyss, outspeed it even at +2, and KO with Psychic after the Shell Smash drop; the best Gorebyss can muster in return is a neutral Hidden Power Grass, which Jynx takes fairly well. Focus Blast is handy to nail walls such as Lickilicky and Regirock on the switch-in. Lovely Kiss initially seems like an odd move for a Choice user, but it can be extremely useful, allowing Jynx to take one opposing Pokemon out of action before switching out.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Energy Ball can be used to hit Gorebyss harder if Lovely Kiss or Focus Blast are deemed unnecessary, as White Herb sets can easily survive a Psychic. The move has little purpose outside this niche role, though. Trick is another option which could be chosen on either of the last two slots to cripple troublesome defensive Pokemon, especially Eviolite users. However, this not recommended because Trick is illegal with Dry Skin.</p>
<p>This set has a longer list of counters and can be taken on by pretty much anything with acceptable special bulk which isn't weak to either Psychic or Ice Beam. For example, without Nasty Plot, Jynx finds it difficult to get through Alomomola. There is also a risk of dangerous sweepers such as Absol or Mesprit setting up if Jynx is locked into Psychic. However, this set plays an entirely different role to the others. Where they require comprehensive support, Scarf Jynx is much easier to fit onto a team, providing Speed, handling Gorebyss, and being a last-ditch check to everything with Lovely Kiss.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>A Choice Specs set could be used, but Nasty Plot is generally superior. Jynx can set up Rain Dance with Damp Rock, supporting her teammates with rain and bringing the healing effect of Dry Skin into play. Sadly, her poor defenses make it difficult to switch in and Rain Dance repeatedly throughout the match, it's hard to find a spare moveslot and losing Leftovers sucks. Signal Beam is an option for hitting Absol, but the power difference compared to a neutral STAB Ice Beam is negligible. Jynx also has access to Mean Look and Perish Song, but her frailty severely hampers the effectiveness of any set utilizing them. There are other assorted support moves in Jynx's movepool too, but she lacks the necessary defenses to use these elements, namely Heal Bell, Wish, and dual screens.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Lovely Kiss and the sheer damage output make Jynx extremely difficult to counter. Arguably the best choice is Curse Lapras with Rest and Sleep Talk, which takes on any Jynx without Psyshock or Focus Blast and doesn't mind much about sleep. Mono-attacking sets with Ice Beam can be checked by almost any Fire-type, but the likes of Torkoal and Magmortar are unable to repeatedly switch into Stealth Rock without putting themselves into KO range. The only really reliable way to take on Jynx is to pack something faster and revenge her; her weakness to hazards and difficulty getting in can make this an acceptable solution, if not an ideal one. Swellow's access to U-turn and immunity to Lovely Kiss (once its Toxic Orb has activated) make it a fair candidate for the role.</p>