Kadabra [GP 2/2]

Kingler

Kingler

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LCPL Champion
[Overview]
  • A fast, frail, and strong revenge killer which can reliably revenge kill due to its ability Magic Guard and Focus Sash basically guaranteeing that it will live at least one hit.
  • Has nice Special Attack and can provide Encore and Taunt support to a team as well.
  • Faces competition from bulkier Psychic-types such as Uxie, Mesprit, and Gallade
  • Sets itself apart with said niche
[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Psychic / Psyshock
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Hidden Power Fire
move 4: Encore / Taunt
item: Focus Sash
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
  • Packs a surprising punch while having decent coverage.
  • Focus Sash is what makes the set so effective. Kadabra's Speed in conjunction with good Special Attack allows it to revenge kill a great deal of threats and still get a hit off (potentially an OHKO) on faster offensive threats that come in after (Durant).
  • Revenge kills a lot of set up sweepers such as Kabutops, Durant, -1 Def Gallade, and Omastar
  • Provides offensive teams with Encore support. Encores common moves like Substitute, recovery moves, Sucker Punch etc and gives teammates a chance to set up
  • Psyshock lets it beat Cryogonal but Psychic hits a lot of Kadabra's threats harder (Entei, Kabutops)
  • Taunt has a niche to stop set up attacks and prevents mons like Slowking from recovering or Uxie from Thunder Waving.
  • HP Fire hits Escav, Durant, Klinklang etc.
  • Shadow Ball hits Sigilyph and other Psychic- and Ghost-types

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
  • Modest is primary slash because the 2 most common pokemon that share Kadabra's base Speed are Manectric and Scyther. Kadabra is slower than both due to 30 Speed IVs from HP Fire. Scyther U-turns out and Manectric Volt Switches out so Kadabra shouldn't stay in anyway.
  • Timid allows you to outspeed Sigilyph and beat it with Shadow Ball + Encore
  • Likes to be used in conjunction with pokemon that can take advantage of Sucker Punch-locked Dark-types. Durant does this well with Hone Claws
  • Klinklang also does this well and tends to be a more conservative choice than Durant
  • Quiver Dance Lilligant appreciates Encore support and also appreciates Kadabra luring and weakening Escavalier with Hidden Power Fire.

[Other Options]
  • Life Orb can be used, but Kadabra prefers the safety net provided by Focus Sash
  • Calm Mind can be used, but Kadabra isn't nearly bulky enough to act as a setup sweeper
  • Substitute to prevent being revenge killed, but Focus Sash already does that and doing so breaks your sash .-.
  • Energy Ball hits most Dark-types harder + Kabutops / Oma but gives poor coverage otherwise
  • Dual Screens, but its still really frail through Screens...also has better things to be doing
  • Disable, but WHY ARE YOU USING THIS
  • Thunder Wave, but outclassed as a supporter by Uxie etc
  • Signal Beam, but Shadow Ball+HP fire p much covers everything it would, plus needs to hit Sigilyph harder >:|

[Checks and Counters]
  • Spiritomb takes everything it can throw at it, and can trap it with Pursuit and if it doesn't switch that turn, it will bring it down to its Sash. Non-choiced versions can then obliterate it with Shadow Sneak.
  • Multi-hit move users such as Cincinno, Rhydon, and Klinklang can break through its Sash and OHKO, the former outspeeding Kadabra and the latter two being bulky enough to take a hit.
  • Slowking takes anything due to its awesome special bulk, and can then hit it hard with Water-type STAB of choice. Regen+slack off keeps it healthy against Kadabra, but keep in mind this can be used against Slowking as Kadabra can Encore it
  • Mostly any priority will OHKO Kadabra if its Sash is broken
  • Drapion (both offensive and defensive variants) do fairly well and can Pursuit trap Kadabra.
  • Cryogonal due to its massive special bulk can take anything if it lacks Psyshock
  • Uxie has massive bulk, and can hit it with U-turn(?)
  • Mostly any Dark-type can fare well but must beware getting their Sucker Punch Encored.
[Overview]

<p>Kadabra manages to carve itself a niche in RU thanks to its ability, Magic Guard, which protects it from all indirect damage, including entry hazards. This guarantees that it will live at least one hit if it holds a Focus Sash. Combine this with its excellent Special Attack and above-average Speed and Kadabra has all the makings of a good revenge killer. It can also provide Encore support. However, Sigilyph, Mesprit, and Jynx give it competition for its role as a specially attacking Psychic-type and tend to have an advantage due to their overall superior versatility. Even so, Kadabra's Speed, Special Attack, and ability are enough to set it apart from them.</p>

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Psychic / Psyshock
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Hidden Power Fire
move 4: Encore
item: Focus Sash
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Kadabra makes a good revenge killer thanks to its Special Attack, Speed, and excellent ability in Magic Guard. Focus Sash is what makes this set so effective, as it can revenge kill Pokemon even if the opponent is faster, and if it is kept intact, it can do the same thing more than once, or harm the next switch-in with its good coverage. Examples of sweepers that fall prey to Kadabra include Kabutops, Durant, -1 Gallade, and Omastar. Psychic is the preferred option for a STAB move as it hits most threats harder, with particular reference to the physically robust Omastar and Kabutops, but Psyshock can be used to defeat more specially defensive Pokemon such as Cryogonal. For its coverage moves, Shadow Ball lets Kadabra 2HKO many of the tier's Psychic-types, such as Uxie, Mesprit, and Sigilyph, while Hidden Power Fire allows Kadabra to consistently revenge kill Durant and Escavalier. Encore gives a way for Kadabra to lock opposing threats into ineffective moves such as support moves and Sucker Punch, giving a teammate the opportunity to set up.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Modest is the primary choice for a nature as the two most common Pokemon that share Kadabra's base Speed are Manectric and Scyther, and due to the need to lower its IVs to use Hidden Power Fire, it gets outsped anyway. However, Timid is a viable option as well as it lets it beat Sigilyph 100% of the time with a combination of Shadow Ball and Encore. Kadabra pairs well with Pokemon such as Durant and Klinklang that can take advantage of Dark-types locked into Sucker Punch by setting up on them. Quiver Dance Lilligant can also utilize Encore support to set up and possibly sweep the opposing team. It also appreciates Kadabra's ability to lure in and get rid of Escavalier with Hidden Power Fire. Emboar makes for a great partner, as it is able to deal with Spiritomb and Absol, two major annoyances for Kadabra. Choice Band and mixed variants can wallbreak for Kadabra while Choice Scarf variants appreciate Kadabra's ability to revenge kill faster threats. Slow Volt Switch and U-turn users such as Lanturn and Eelektross can give it a free switch-in, making them great partners. Finally, Rhydon and Aggron can take out Mandibuzz, a great threat to Kadabra, making them decent partners. The former can set up Stealth Rock for it as well.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Life Orb is a usable option over Focus Sash, given that Kadabra's ability negates its recoil, but Kadabra prefers the safety net provided by Focus Sash, which allows it to revenge kill faster Pokemon as well. Calm Mind can be used to increase Kadabra's Special Attack to sky-high levels, but Kadabra isn't nearly bulky enough to act as a setup sweeper. Substitute prevents Kadabra from being revenge killed, but just about everything breaks Kadabra's Substitutes due to its horrible bulk and Focus Sash already does the same job. It can be used relatively effectively in conjunction with Life Orb, though. Energy Ball hits Kabutops and Omastar harder, but provides poor coverage otherwise. Dual screens can be used, but Kadabra is still very frail even with screens up and it has better things to be doing with those turns. Signal Beam hits Psychic- and Dark-types hard, but Shadow Ball along with Hidden Power Fire already covers the threats Signal Beam otherwise would, and more importantly, it misses out on Sigilyph. Trick Room can be set up reliably by Kadabra due to Focus Sash, after which it can proceed to let slower Pokemon come in under Trick Room, but it's too fast to utilize it itself. It should be noted, however, that Kadabra isn't the one that is supposed to be utilizing Trick Room, but rather a suicide setter in this case.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Spiritomb is the ultimate counter to Kadabra; it can take anything Kadabra throws at it and can proceed to bring it down to its Focus Sash, from where it can pick it off with a STAB priority move of choice. Notably, it has STAB on Pursuit and Shadow Sneak, so can limit Kadabra's options greatly. Mandibuzz is a great counter as well; it can take all of Kadabra's hits and can hit it hard with Brave Bird or Foul Play. Pokemon that use multi-hit moves, such as Cinccino, Rhydon, and Klinklang, can KO Kadabra through its Focus Sash, with the former outspeeding it and the latter two having enough bulk to take a hit from it. Slowking can take anything Kadabra throws at it with ease and can keep healthy for the entirety of the match with Slack Off and Regenerator. Most priority moves can OHKO Kadabra provided its Focus Sash is broken, most notably ExtremeSpeed from Entei and Shadow Sneak from the previously mentioned Spiritomb. Both offensive and defensive variants of Drapion do well against Kadabra, with the added benefit of being able to Pursuit trap it. Cryogonal can take anything Kadabra throws at it, provided it lacks Psyshock, and can 2HKO it with Ice Beam while regaining any lost health with Recover. Pokemon such as Clefable, Bouffalant, and Druddigon can take one hit and OHKO Kadabra, but cannot do so if its Focus Sash is intact, and the latter must be wary of being locked into Sucker Punch.</p>
 
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If you don't understand the skeleton which was already approved then why did you take this analysis? When you take something over that was already approved, all you need to do it write it based on the skeleton.
 
I thought that it would be easier to write if everything was covered in the skeleton... I'm completely fine with writing this up, but if i covered all the points wouldn't it be easier? If that's not the case, I'll write this up...
 
Kadabra is royally screwed by Spiritomb and yet arguably, the best offensive answer to Spiritomb (Emboar) isn't mentioned at all as a teammate? Fix that. Band and Mixed Emboar can wallbreak for Kadabra while Scarf variants appreciate Kadabra's ability to basically have a one-time revenge kill chance against anything faster than Emboar. Absol sucks too since it's immune to Psychic moves, resists Shadow Ball, and isn't OHKOed by HP Fire while Sucker Punch and Pursuit basically checkmate Kadabra and Emboar can check it as well.

Slower U-turn or Volt Switch users such as Lanturn, Eelektross, etc. can give Kadabra more chances to switch-in safely.

Substitute isn't the best option on Kadabra, but it does have solid Speed and Special Attack to make use of it. The fact that the first thing that attempts to revenge Kadabra will probably have to eat an attack while it breaks Kadabra's Sub is a definite pro. If nothing else, it lets you escape Pursuit without dying and with Magic Guard, you can freely run Life Orb without running into serious longevity issues (as if Kadabra had any longevity to begin with) The other two Pokemon that use Sub in this type of fashion are Sceptile and Gallade. Kadabra is much faster than Gallade and has more power than Sceptile. May be worth a better look or at least a stronger OO mention.
 
I have a few tips that might help Kingler12345:

Overview
  • I'd say that Kadabra's Special Attack is more than "above-average", so the second sentence should look like so: "Combined with Kadabra's excellent Special Attack and above-average Speed...."
  • Instead of comparing it to Mesprit, Uxie, and Gallade, maybe compare it to Jynx, Sigilyph, and Gardevoir as there roles are more related to Kadabra's than the first three (the last bit of what you said also refers to the aforementioned Pokemon)
Special Attacker
  • Why is Taunt slashed? Encore is awesome for when you know the opponent is going to use Sucker Punch, and once Kadabra locks them into Sucker Punch, you gain a free switch-in opportunity for a setup sweeper, while Kadabra will almost always want to use an attacking move or Encore as it goes down instead of Taunt <-- My personal preference, feel free to argue against it
  • Encore (and Taunt if QC team + you wants it to stay slashed) should be mentioned in SC :o
  • HP Fighting in AC for Aggron and other Rock-types?
  • Kadabra is paired well with Pokemon such as Durant that can take advantage of Dark-types locked into Sucker Punch by setting up on them. Klingklang is another Pokemon that does this well, being able to set up more easily, but comparatively is weaker.
    Click to expand...
  • This really doesn't need to be divided up into two sentences; just mention Klingklang alongside Durant
  • Might also wanna mention something to take Mandibuzz out (Aggron, Rhydon, etc.)
Other Options
  • Is LO really OO worthy?? I'd say that LO is AC worthy since it provides a sizable power boost, giving Kadabra a chance to OHKO Cryogonal (25%;guaranteed after SR), OHKO Entei after SR (37%), OHKO Gallade (37% without SR; 75% with), guaranteeing the OHKO on Magmortar after SR, guraranteeing the OHKO on Magneton, giving it a chance to OHKO all but bulky variants of Rotom-C (56%), and (probably) more
  • Recover?
  • Charge Beam?
Checks and Counters
  • Both offensive and defensive variants of Drapion do well against Kadabra, being able to Pursuit trap it.
    Click to expand...
  • According to the new update for Drapion, it shouldn't be running Pursuit, but idk keep it if you want since it's a viable point
  • Most tankish Pokemon can take a hit and retaliate back to at least bring it down to its Sash; Clefable, Boufallant, Druddigon, and more fall into that list
Those were my opinions, feel free to oppose, and since I'm not QC, completely ignore some of my suggestions. I would like it if QC weighed in on the Taunt and LO points though ^.^
 
did the above except the oo stuff since i disagreed with it. thanks rohail! ^___________________________________^
 
Ayte, hi, sorry for takin' so long to get to this, brutal week(s) x_x anywho, I'm gonna throw around a couple nitpicks, then come back and stamp afterwards, cool? Ok n_n

I would 100% like to see Encore as an exclusive slash, with Taunt and so forth in AC. A support-free sash revenge killer that can provide Encore support to accommodate its teammates is literally Kadabras role in this tier, it is way too useful to be so readily considered for replacement. With this mindset, I'd like to see the overview re-tooled a little bit to suit that. For instance, I wouldn't be saying that Kadabra is "outclassed" outright by other Paychic-types, since it technically isn't, but rather that the Psychi-types it competes with for a slot are generally more versatile (and by extensive, less predictable), and many can fill a role at least moderately similar to Kadabra if they do desire.

In a similar vein, the "partner section" of the AC is rather awkward imo, particularly in the way it addresses Encore :[ If I could make a suggestion, by simply leading this section off with a sentence to the effect of "some examples of good partners are those that can take advantage of the encore support Kadabra provides". By doing this, you free up a lot of "writing space" to be more specific about what circumstances these Pokemon best thrive in, in addition to generally allowing you to improve the overall flow of your writing.

Lastly (at least I think so :x ), please put Trick Room back in OO. I think you misunderstood the application to the move; Trick Room is meant to be splashed on the standard set, being utilized over either Encore or a coverage move, and can (in theory) allow it to safely set up TR thanks to sash, fodder itself off to the proceeding attack, and then send in a slow nuke like CB Drudd to attempt a late-game sweep. Frankly, it's a fair sight better than a few of the current OO points lol

So yeah, implement that and I'll give it a final look-see + stamp =)
 
col49
Implemented your first and third points. wasnt so sure about the second as idrk if generalizing is good; there are good partners due to different reasons. if you really think it's necessary, i'll do it.
aside from that, i think that it's ready for final stamp
 
Oh, I completely agree that generalizing is discouragable, and I didn't mean for that suggestion to imply that, so sorry for wording it poorly. The idea behind this suggestion is to make an initial statement establishing an idea of what can, in theory, benefit heavily from the encore support Kadabra provides, thereby allowing you to be more specific in addressing individual partners (what they can set up on that Kadabra force in / wear down / encore lock, what this support can allow them to splurge for, etc.). If anything, this should allow you to add further detail, in addition to giving better flow to the writing =)

Speaking of re-phrasing, I'd rather the Trick Room mention state it won't be the one to utilize Trick Room itself; the way it is now seems to imply it would be played like any other TR attacker (minimizing Speed and so forth), which I expressly stated it doesn't :/ I'd also mention Blackglasses and SpDef 'Tomb in particular in C&C, as CB and CM can both be brought into unfavorable / exploitable [encore] locks rather comfortably, which is honestly a winning scenario for Kadabra, since it's kinda his exact role on most teams x_x

oh, and taunt is still slashed ?_? that said,

qc 3/3
(on my phone, finding my super-cool stamp is too much of a hassle :[ )

go for it
 
Hold a GP check in the air
stick a deckchair up your nose

REMOVE
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COMMENT

[Overview]

<p>Kadabra manages to carve itself a niche in RU thanks to its ability, Magic Guard, which along with a Focus Sash guarantees that it will live at least one hit if it holds a Focus Sash. Combined Combine this with its excellent Special Attack and above-average Speed, and Kadabra can make for has all the makings of a good revenge killer. It can also provides provide Encore support to a team. However, Sigilyph, Mesprit, and Jynx give it competition for its role as a specially attacking Psychic-type, and tend to have an advantage due to their overall superior versatility. Despite this Even so, Kadabra's Speed, Special Attack, and ability are enough to set it apart from the previously mentioned Pokemon them.</p>

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Psychic / Psyshock
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Hidden Power Fire
move 4: Encore
item: Focus Sash
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Kadabra makes for a good revenge killer thanks to its Special Attack, Speed, and excellent ability in Magic Guard. Focus Sash is what makes this set so effective, as it can revenge kill Pokemon even if the opponent is faster, and if it is kept intact, it can do the same thing more than once, or harm the next switch-in with its good coverage. This set can revenge kill many setup sweepers, such as Examples of sweepers that fall prey to Kadabra include Kabutops, Durant, -1 Gallade, and Omastar. Psychic is the preferred option for a STAB move as it hits most threats such as Omastar and Kabutops harder, with particular reference to the physically robust Omastar and Kabutops, but Psyshock can be used to defeat more specially defensive Pokemon such as Cryogonal. For its coverage moves, Shadow Ball hits many of the tier's Psychic-types, such as Uxie, Mesprit, and Sigilyph, hard [this isn't helpful, specify how hard please].(remove) ,(comma) while Hidden Power Fire allows Kadabra to consistently revenge kill Durant and Escavalier. Encore lets gives a way for Kadabra locking to lock opposing threats into ineffective moves such as support moves and Sucker Punch, giving a teammate the opportunity to set up.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Modest is the primary choice for a nature as the two most common Pokemon that share Kadabra's base Speed are Manectric and Scyther, and due to its IVs the need to lower its IVs to use Hidden Power Fire, it gets outsped anyway. However, Timid is a viable option as well for Kadabra as it lets it beat Sigilyph 100% of the time with a combination of Shadow Ball and Encore. Kadabra is paired pairs well with Pokemon such as Durant and Klinklang that can take advantage of Dark-types locked into Sucker Punch by setting up on them. Quiver Dance Lilligant can also utilize Encore support to set up and possibly sweep the opposing team. It also appreciates Kadabra's ability to lure in and get rid of Escavalier with Hidden Power Fire. Emboar makes for a great partner, being as it is able to deal with Spiritomb and Absol, two major annoyances to for Kadabra. Choice Band and mixed variants can wallbreak for Kadabra while Choice Scarf variants appreciate Kadabra's ability to revenge kill faster threats. Slow Volt Switch and U-turn users such as Lanturn and Eelektross can give it a free switch in, making them great partners. Finally, Rhydon and Aggron can take out Mandibuzz, a great threat to Kadabra, making them decent partners. The former can set up Stealth Rock for it as well.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Life Orb is a usable option over Focus Sash, given that Kadabra's ability negates its recoil, but Kadabra prefers the safety net provided by Focus Sash, which allows it to revenge kill faster Pokemon as well. Calm Mind can be used to increase Kadabra's Special Attack to sky-high levels, but Kadabra isn't nearly bulky enough to act as a setup sweeper. Substitute prevents Kadabra from being revenge killed, but just about everything breaks Kadabra's Substitutes due to its horrible bulk, and Focus Sash already does that the same job. It can be used relatively effectively in conjunction with Life Orb, though. Energy Ball hits most Dark-types [a whole 10BP increase on Absol and Spiritomb, and a super effective hit on Crawdaunt in exchange for NVE on Drapion. Also ineffective against Mandibuzz, Zweilous, and Skuntank. Not really seeing this, could you elaborate please? Does it get notable NHKOs on Absol/Spiritomb that HP Fire doesn't?] as well as Kabutops and Omastar harder, but provides poor coverage otherwise. Dual screens can be used, but Kadabra is still very frail through them even with screens up and it has better things to be doing with those turns. Signal Beam hits Psychic- and Dark-types hard, but Shadow Ball along with Hidden Power Fire already covers the threats Signal Beam otherwise would, and more importantly, it misses out on Sigilyph. Trick Room can be set up reliably by Kadabra due to Focus Sash, after which it can proceed to let slower Pokemon come in under Trick Room, but it's a bit too fast to utilize it itself. It should be noted, however, that Kadabra isn't the one that is supposed to be utilizing Trick Room, but rather a suicide setter in this case.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Spiritomb is the ultimate counter to Kadabra; it can take anything Kadabra throws at it and can proceed to bring it down to its Focus Sash, from where it can pick it off with a STAB priority move of choice. Notably, it has STAB on Pursuit and Shadow Sneak, so can limit Kadabra's options greatly. Mandibuzz is a great counter as well; it can take all of Kadabra's hits and can hit it hard with Brave Bird or Foul Play. Pokemon that use multi-hit moves, such as Cinccino, Rhydon, and Klinklang, can break KO Kadabra through its Focus Sash, with the former outspeeding it and the latter two having enough bulk to take a hit from it. Slowking can take anything Kadabra throws at it with ease, being able to and can keep healthy for the entirety of the match with Slack Off and Regenerator. Most priority moves can OHKO Kadabra provided its Focus Sash is broken, most notably ExtremeSpeed from Entei and Shadow Sneak from the previously mentioned Spiritomb. Both offensive and defensive variants of Drapion do well against Kadabra, with the added benefit of being able to Pursuit trap it. Cryonogal Cryogonal can take anything Kadabra throws at it,(comma) provided it lacks Psyshock [mention what Cryogonal can do back - Recover-stalling?]. Pokemon such as Clefable, Bouffalant, and Druddigon can take a one hit and OHKO Kadabra, but cannot do so if its Focus Sash is intact,(comma) and the latter must be wary of being locked into Sucker Punch.</p>

buy a jumbo jet
and then bury all your clothes

idk Kadabra reminds me of the chicken song for some reason

GP 1/2
 
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Kingler12345

REMOVE CHANGE COMMENTS

[Overview]

<p>Kadabra manages to carve itself a niche in RU thanks to its ability, Magic Guard, which protects it from all indirect damage, including entry hazards. This guarantees that it will live at least one hit if it holds a Focus Sash. Combine this with its excellent Special Attack and above-average Speed, (RC) and Kadabra has all the makings of a good revenge killer. It can also provide Encore support. However, Sigilyph, Mesprit, and Jynx give it competition for its role as a specially attacking Psychic-type, (RC) and tend to have an advantage due to their overall superior versatility. Even so, Kadabra's Speed, Special Attack, and ability are enough to set it apart from them.</p>

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Psychic / Psyshock
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Hidden Power Fire
move 4: Encore
item: Focus Sash
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Kadabra makes a good revenge killer thanks to its Special Attack, Speed, and excellent ability in Magic Guard. Focus Sash is what makes this set so effective, as it can revenge kill Pokemon even if the opponent is faster, and if it is kept intact, it can do the same thing more than once, or harm the next switch-in with its good coverage. Examples of sweepers that fall prey to Kadabra include Kabutops, Durant, -1 Gallade, and Omastar. Psychic is the preferred option for a STAB move as it hits most threats harder, with particular reference to the physically robust Omastar and Kabutops, but Psyshock can be used to defeat more specially defensive Pokemon such as Cryogonal. For its coverage moves, Shadow Ball lets Kadabra 2HKO many of the tier's Psychic-types, such as Uxie, Mesprit, and Sigilyph, while Hidden Power Fire allows Kadabra to consistently revenge kill Durant and Escavalier. Encore gives a way for Kadabra to lock opposing threats into ineffective moves such as support moves and Sucker Punch, giving a teammate the opportunity to set up.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Modest is the primary choice for a nature as the two most common Pokemon that share Kadabra's base Speed are Manectric and Scyther, and due to the need to lower its IVs to use Hidden Power Fire, it gets outsped anyway. However, Timid is a viable option as well as it lets it beat Sigilyph 100% of the time with a combination of Shadow Ball and Encore. Kadabra pairs well with Pokemon such as Durant and Klinklang that can take advantage of Dark-types locked into Sucker Punch by setting up on them. Quiver Dance Lilligant can also utilize Encore support to set up and possibly sweep the opposing team. It also appreciates Kadabra's ability to lure in and get rid of Escavalier with Hidden Power Fire. Emboar makes for a great partner, as it is able to deal with Spiritomb and Absol, two major annoyances for Kadabra. Choice Band and mixed variants can wallbreak for Kadabra while Choice Scarf variants appreciate Kadabra's ability to revenge kill faster threats. Slow Volt Switch and U-turn users such as Lanturn and Eelektross can give it a free switch-in, making them great partners. Finally, Rhydon and Aggron can take out Mandibuzz, a great threat to Kadabra, making them decent partners. The former can set up Stealth Rock for it as well.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Life Orb is a usable option over Focus Sash, given that Kadabra's ability negates its recoil, but Kadabra prefers the safety net provided by Focus Sash, which allows it to revenge kill faster Pokemon as well. Calm Mind can be used to increase Kadabra's Special Attack to sky-high levels, but Kadabra isn't nearly bulky enough to act as a setup sweeper. Substitute prevents Kadabra from being revenge killed, but just about everything breaks Kadabra's Substitutes due to its horrible bulk, (RC) and Focus Sash already does the same job. It can be used relatively effectively in conjunction with Life Orb, though. Energy Ball hits Kabutops and Omastar harder, but provides poor coverage otherwise. Dual screens can be used, but Kadabra is still very frail even with screens up and it has better things to be doing with those turns. Signal Beam hits Psychic- and Dark-types hard, but Shadow Ball along with Hidden Power Fire already covers the threats Signal Beam otherwise would, and more importantly, it misses out on Sigilyph. Trick Room can be set up reliably by Kadabra due to Focus Sash, after which it can proceed to let slower Pokemon come in under Trick Room, but it's a bit too fast to utilize it itself. It should be noted, however, that Kadabra isn't the one that is supposed to be utilizing Trick Room, but rather a suicide setter in this case.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Spiritomb is the ultimate counter to Kadabra; it can take anything Kadabra throws at it and can proceed to bring it down to its Focus Sash, from where it can pick it off with a STAB priority move of choice. Notably, it has STAB on Pursuit and Shadow Sneak, so can limit Kadabra's options greatly. Mandibuzz is a great counter as well; it can take all of Kadabra's hits and can hit it hard with Brave Bird or Foul Play. Pokemon that use multi-hit moves, such as Cinccino, Rhydon, and Klinklang, can KO Kadabra through its Focus Sash, with the former outspeeding it and the latter two having enough bulk to take a hit from it. Slowking can take anything Kadabra throws at it with ease, (RC) and can keep healthy for the entirety of the match with Slack Off and Regenerator. Most priority moves can OHKO Kadabra provided its Focus Sash is broken, most notably ExtremeSpeed from Entei and Shadow Sneak from the previously mentioned Spiritomb. Both offensive and defensive variants of Drapion do well against Kadabra, with the added benefit of being able to Pursuit trap it. Cryogonal can take anything Kadabra throws at it, provided it lacks Psyshock, and can 2HKO it with Ice Beam while regaining any lost health with Recover. Pokemon such as Clefable, Bouffalant, and Druddigon can take one hit and OHKO Kadabra, but cannot do so if its Focus Sash is intact, and the latter must be wary of being locked into Sucker Punch.</p>
2/2
 
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