Taken from Hawkstar with permission!
Overview
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In the transition to Generation six, Pawniard gained a niche as the most powerful Knock Off user. Because of Pawniard's ability to remove an item with an extremely powerful move, it is extremely hard to switch into. Furthermore, the prevalence of Berry Juice means that Knock Off's damage is not diminished by Eviolite's defense boosts most of the time. Pawniard has access to Swords Dance and Sucker Punch, often sweeping teams with the right support. However, Pawniard is easily forced out by all Fighting-types, and is often forced out by Ground-types as well, although they are not as common. Pawniard is often setup bait for Fighting-types such as Scraggy and Timburr, as they can freely set up a Dragon Dance or a Bulk Up, respectively. Vulpix is also a problem, as sun teams can OHKO Pawniard with sun-boosted Fire-type moves.
Standard
#######
name: Standard
move 1: Sucker Punch
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Iron Head
move 4: Swords Dance / Stealth Rock / Brick Break
ability: Defiant
item: Eviolite / Berry Juice / Life Orb
evs: 156 Atk / 36 Def / 116 SpD / 196 Spe
nature: Jolly
Moves
========
Sucker Punch gives Pawniard a way to beat faster threats after a Swords Dance, but only if they attack you. STAB Knock Off hits really hard with the 50% damage boost from the target having an item. Iron Head is for Fairies and provides a secondary STAB move for when Sucker Punch or Knock Off aren't a good choice. Swords Dance is excellent for setting up on Pokemon such as Fletchling. Stealth Rock can be used in the first slot as Pawniard makes an excellent pivot, often setting up Stealth Rock multiple times throughout a match. Brick Break defeats opposing Pawniard, which is good, seeing as how it's one of its own best checks.
Set Details
========
Pawniard's Attack stat is high enough that the extra points gained by maxing are too important to fully invest, so they are put into Pawniard's defenses to reach optimal Eviolite numbers. Max Speed allows Pawniard to hit 16 Speed, outspeeding bulky versions of Mienfoo so you can 2HKO late game. Berry Juice can be used over Eviolite to provide a better sweep, but it sacrifices its ability to take hits such as Fletchling's Overheat. Life Orb provides huge power after a Swords Dance, but makes Pawniard extremely frail.
Usage Tips
========
Pawniard's Knock Off is incredibly hard to switch into, so use it freely when it is safe to do so. If the opponent tries to switch Sticky Hold users into Pawniard, take advantage of the fact that Knock Off's 50% damage boost always applies against them. Defiant gives Pawniard an edge against Sticky Web teams, Intimidate users, and Defoggers. A good prediction can net you with a +2 Pawniard, so if the opponent has a Sticky Web team or a Defogger, then apply massive offensive pressure. Pawniard can often set up on Pokemon such as Fletchling, as Pawniard does not take a lot of damage from Acrobatics and lives an Overheat. Dwebble is another option, as most Dwebble fail to do anything significant to Pawniard unless they carry Earthquake. If Pawniard carries Stealth Rock, it should be used as a pivot, and find a safe opportunity to set up entry hazards. Setting up should be done on similar Pokemon as Swords Dance Pawniard, such as Fletchling, Dwebble, and stall-based teams.
Team Options
========
Sweepers such as Scraggy and Bunnelby appreciate Pawniard's Knock Off support. Pokemon that can switch into Fighting-type attacks make great teammates, so Spritzee or Cottonee can often be paired with Pawniard. Cottonee also offers Memento support, allowing Pawniard to almost always set up. Fighting-types such as Mienfoo, Scraggy, or Timburr like Pawniard's ability to KO Fairy-, Ghost-, and Psychic-types so they can safely attack without fear of losing momentum. Surskit is a great entry hazard setter, as Pawniard deters Defog users while Pawniard itself can take advantage of the opponent's Speed drop.
Choice Scarf
#######
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Knock Off
move 2: Iron Head
move 3: Brick Break
move 4: Pursuit / Sucker Punch
ability: Defiant
item: Choice Scarf
evs: 236 Atk / 36 Def / 36 SpD / 196 Spe
nature: Jolly
Moves
=====
Knock Off is the STAB move of choice, and hits really hard with the 50% damage boost to a target with an item. Knock Off works really well when paired with a Choice Scarf, as Pawniard can weaken a teammate's check or counter in a pinch. Iron Head hits Fairy-, Fighting-, and Rock-types harder than Knock Off, although Knock Off should be used on Pokemon such as Onix or Geodude as they often run Berry Juice and Sturdy. Brick Break is specifically for opposing Pawniard, but it does its job well. Pawniard is a great answer to itself, resisting both Dark- and Steel-type moves. Pursuit can trap weakened Pokemon that would normally switch out, such as Ghost-types. Sucker Punch can be used as well, but is often redundant with the extra Speed granted from the Choice Scarf. It is also not good to be locked into a move that baits in setup sweepers.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack and Speed grant maximum damage and allow Pawniard to hit 24 Speed, outspeeding threats such as Tirtouga when it is at +2. The remaining EVs increase Pawniard's defenses by one point. Adamant is not an option, as Pawniard needs the ability to outspeed Tirtouga.
Usage Tips
========
Knock Off is a dangerous move for anything to switch into, so spamming that is usually the best option. If a Fighting- or Fairy-type is an obvious switch-in, Iron Head can be used; however, Knock Off is usually better in the long run as nothing enjoys losing its item. Pursuit and Sucker Punch should be played cautiously, and only used if there is a sure check to setup sweepers, as both lure in setup sweepers and can often make you lose a match if you play wrong. Pawniard can check multiple Pokemon, such as Misdreavus, Tirtouga, and itself.
Team Options
========
Pawniard is a fairly self-sufficient and needs very little support. Pawniard will mostly be supporting its teammates with its ability to remove items. Sweepers such as Misdreavus and Scraggy love Pawniard, and Misdreavus can even switch in on Fighting-type attacks. Fighting-types love Pawniard's ability to KO Fairy-, Ghost-, and Psychic-types so they can spam Fighting-type moves. Sun teams enjoy its ability to get rid of Snover.
Other Options
########
Pursuit can be used on the Eviolite set so as to trap any Misdreavus that do not carry Hidden Power Fighting, although Sucker Punch is usually better. Psycho Cut can be used to hit Fighting-types hard, and has a high critical hit chance that can come in handy. Thunder Wave can be used as Pawniard often forces switches, and forces out Pokemon such as Magnemite or Chinchou. Magnet Rise can be used so as to beat Drilbur and other Ground-types, although it is hard to set up, and Fighting-types still counter it.
Checks & Counters
########
**Fighting-types**: Most Fighting-types such as Mienfoo or Scraggy can pivot in and out of Pawniard's attacks. Mienfoo threatens with a Drain Punch or a U-turn, and Scraggy can often set up a Dragon Dance on Pawniard, especially if Pawniard is locked into Knock Off.
**Fire-types**: Fire-types such as Ponyta and Larvesta can burn Pawniard through their ability Flame Body. They do not take much damage from Iron Head, and can often OHKO back with their Fire-type STAB attacks.
**Sticky Hold users**: Pokemon such as Grimer and Trubbish can repeatedly switch into Pawniard, and threaten back with a Fire Punch or a Drain Punch, respectively. Trubbish can set up Spikes and also spam Recycle.
**Entry hazards**: Entry hazards hurt Pawniard, as Pawniard is grounded and affected by Spikes. This makes Pokemon such as Ferroseed and Trubbish excellent counters to Pawniard, and also harms its late-game potential.
Overview
########
In the transition to Generation six, Pawniard gained a niche as the most powerful Knock Off user. Because of Pawniard's ability to remove an item with an extremely powerful move, it is extremely hard to switch into. Furthermore, the prevalence of Berry Juice means that Knock Off's damage is not diminished by Eviolite's defense boosts most of the time. Pawniard has access to Swords Dance and Sucker Punch, often sweeping teams with the right support. However, Pawniard is easily forced out by all Fighting-types, and is often forced out by Ground-types as well, although they are not as common. Pawniard is often setup bait for Fighting-types such as Scraggy and Timburr, as they can freely set up a Dragon Dance or a Bulk Up, respectively. Vulpix is also a problem, as sun teams can OHKO Pawniard with sun-boosted Fire-type moves.
Standard
#######
name: Standard
move 1: Sucker Punch
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Iron Head
move 4: Swords Dance / Stealth Rock / Brick Break
ability: Defiant
item: Eviolite / Berry Juice / Life Orb
evs: 156 Atk / 36 Def / 116 SpD / 196 Spe
nature: Jolly
Moves
========
Sucker Punch gives Pawniard a way to beat faster threats after a Swords Dance, but only if they attack you. STAB Knock Off hits really hard with the 50% damage boost from the target having an item. Iron Head is for Fairies and provides a secondary STAB move for when Sucker Punch or Knock Off aren't a good choice. Swords Dance is excellent for setting up on Pokemon such as Fletchling. Stealth Rock can be used in the first slot as Pawniard makes an excellent pivot, often setting up Stealth Rock multiple times throughout a match. Brick Break defeats opposing Pawniard, which is good, seeing as how it's one of its own best checks.
Set Details
========
Pawniard's Attack stat is high enough that the extra points gained by maxing are too important to fully invest, so they are put into Pawniard's defenses to reach optimal Eviolite numbers. Max Speed allows Pawniard to hit 16 Speed, outspeeding bulky versions of Mienfoo so you can 2HKO late game. Berry Juice can be used over Eviolite to provide a better sweep, but it sacrifices its ability to take hits such as Fletchling's Overheat. Life Orb provides huge power after a Swords Dance, but makes Pawniard extremely frail.
Usage Tips
========
Pawniard's Knock Off is incredibly hard to switch into, so use it freely when it is safe to do so. If the opponent tries to switch Sticky Hold users into Pawniard, take advantage of the fact that Knock Off's 50% damage boost always applies against them. Defiant gives Pawniard an edge against Sticky Web teams, Intimidate users, and Defoggers. A good prediction can net you with a +2 Pawniard, so if the opponent has a Sticky Web team or a Defogger, then apply massive offensive pressure. Pawniard can often set up on Pokemon such as Fletchling, as Pawniard does not take a lot of damage from Acrobatics and lives an Overheat. Dwebble is another option, as most Dwebble fail to do anything significant to Pawniard unless they carry Earthquake. If Pawniard carries Stealth Rock, it should be used as a pivot, and find a safe opportunity to set up entry hazards. Setting up should be done on similar Pokemon as Swords Dance Pawniard, such as Fletchling, Dwebble, and stall-based teams.
Team Options
========
Sweepers such as Scraggy and Bunnelby appreciate Pawniard's Knock Off support. Pokemon that can switch into Fighting-type attacks make great teammates, so Spritzee or Cottonee can often be paired with Pawniard. Cottonee also offers Memento support, allowing Pawniard to almost always set up. Fighting-types such as Mienfoo, Scraggy, or Timburr like Pawniard's ability to KO Fairy-, Ghost-, and Psychic-types so they can safely attack without fear of losing momentum. Surskit is a great entry hazard setter, as Pawniard deters Defog users while Pawniard itself can take advantage of the opponent's Speed drop.
Choice Scarf
#######
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Knock Off
move 2: Iron Head
move 3: Brick Break
move 4: Pursuit / Sucker Punch
ability: Defiant
item: Choice Scarf
evs: 236 Atk / 36 Def / 36 SpD / 196 Spe
nature: Jolly
Moves
=====
Knock Off is the STAB move of choice, and hits really hard with the 50% damage boost to a target with an item. Knock Off works really well when paired with a Choice Scarf, as Pawniard can weaken a teammate's check or counter in a pinch. Iron Head hits Fairy-, Fighting-, and Rock-types harder than Knock Off, although Knock Off should be used on Pokemon such as Onix or Geodude as they often run Berry Juice and Sturdy. Brick Break is specifically for opposing Pawniard, but it does its job well. Pawniard is a great answer to itself, resisting both Dark- and Steel-type moves. Pursuit can trap weakened Pokemon that would normally switch out, such as Ghost-types. Sucker Punch can be used as well, but is often redundant with the extra Speed granted from the Choice Scarf. It is also not good to be locked into a move that baits in setup sweepers.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack and Speed grant maximum damage and allow Pawniard to hit 24 Speed, outspeeding threats such as Tirtouga when it is at +2. The remaining EVs increase Pawniard's defenses by one point. Adamant is not an option, as Pawniard needs the ability to outspeed Tirtouga.
Usage Tips
========
Knock Off is a dangerous move for anything to switch into, so spamming that is usually the best option. If a Fighting- or Fairy-type is an obvious switch-in, Iron Head can be used; however, Knock Off is usually better in the long run as nothing enjoys losing its item. Pursuit and Sucker Punch should be played cautiously, and only used if there is a sure check to setup sweepers, as both lure in setup sweepers and can often make you lose a match if you play wrong. Pawniard can check multiple Pokemon, such as Misdreavus, Tirtouga, and itself.
Team Options
========
Pawniard is a fairly self-sufficient and needs very little support. Pawniard will mostly be supporting its teammates with its ability to remove items. Sweepers such as Misdreavus and Scraggy love Pawniard, and Misdreavus can even switch in on Fighting-type attacks. Fighting-types love Pawniard's ability to KO Fairy-, Ghost-, and Psychic-types so they can spam Fighting-type moves. Sun teams enjoy its ability to get rid of Snover.
Other Options
########
Pursuit can be used on the Eviolite set so as to trap any Misdreavus that do not carry Hidden Power Fighting, although Sucker Punch is usually better. Psycho Cut can be used to hit Fighting-types hard, and has a high critical hit chance that can come in handy. Thunder Wave can be used as Pawniard often forces switches, and forces out Pokemon such as Magnemite or Chinchou. Magnet Rise can be used so as to beat Drilbur and other Ground-types, although it is hard to set up, and Fighting-types still counter it.
Checks & Counters
########
**Fighting-types**: Most Fighting-types such as Mienfoo or Scraggy can pivot in and out of Pawniard's attacks. Mienfoo threatens with a Drain Punch or a U-turn, and Scraggy can often set up a Dragon Dance on Pawniard, especially if Pawniard is locked into Knock Off.
**Fire-types**: Fire-types such as Ponyta and Larvesta can burn Pawniard through their ability Flame Body. They do not take much damage from Iron Head, and can often OHKO back with their Fire-type STAB attacks.
**Sticky Hold users**: Pokemon such as Grimer and Trubbish can repeatedly switch into Pawniard, and threaten back with a Fire Punch or a Drain Punch, respectively. Trubbish can set up Spikes and also spam Recycle.
**Entry hazards**: Entry hazards hurt Pawniard, as Pawniard is grounded and affected by Spikes. This makes Pokemon such as Ferroseed and Trubbish excellent counters to Pawniard, and also harms its late-game potential.
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