This is a Partial Rewrite of an on-site analysis. The set below should be added to reflect the addition of
[SET]
name: Offensive Curse Lax
move 1: Curse
move 2: Body Slam / Return / Double-Edge / Earthquake / Focus Punch
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Earthquake / Self-destruct / Focus Punch
item: Leftovers
ability: Immunity / Thick Fat
nature: Adamant
evs: 204 HP / 224 Atk / 60 Def / 8 SpD / 12 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========
Offensive Curse Snorlax uses Curse to allow Snorlax to set up on slower teams that might otherwise aim to trade into and revenge kill it. Snorlax threatens to sweep passive teams by setting up and forcing opposing Skarmory to phase it. The choice of STAB move on Snorlax slightly changes how it plays. Body Slam is used for its paralysis chance, notably most useful against Skarmory but also helping Snorlax slow down opposing Tyranitar and Metagross. Double-edge offers more power against Skarmory and make-shift checks, but comes at the cost of defensive utility. Return offers a middle ground which is better suited to Magneton teams where the extra utility against Skarmory is not necessary. Focus Punch can also be used to deal extra damage to Skarmory, however when not running a Normal-type STAB attack, Snorlax is more easily checked by special attackers and defensive Pokemon it would otherwise beat. Shadow Ball is used to handle Gengar and and check Celebi, whereas Earthquake is important against grounded Steel-types and Tyranitar. For teams that aim to trade Snorlax with Tyranitar and Metagross Self-destruct can be used instead of Earthquake, maximizing the stall-breaking and trading power of the set with the compromise of a worse match-up against Protect Jirachi and Magneton. Lastly, one can forego Shadow Ball on Snorlax when supported by a Pursuit-user like Tyranitar, but sandstorm damage is one of Snorlax's worst enemies, so the advantages should be weighed against the disadavantages.
176 Attack EVs allow Curse-boosted Self-destruct to OHKO Skarmory as needed.A Snorlax can forgo a spammable STAB attack on a team that aims to lure Skarmory. 60 Defense EVs allow Snorlax to tank two Dugtrio Earthquakes from full, and the Special Defense investment allows it to tank two +1 Hydro Pumps from Suicune. This Snorlax set is best paired with Rapid Spin or Magneton support, which allow it to play flexibly against Skarmory. 12 Speed EVs allow it to outspeed Aerodactyl paralyzed by Snorlax's Body Slam.
Team Options
========
Magneton and Rapid Spin users are good partners, since Skarmory is a counter and its layers of Spikes limit Snorlax defensively. Mixed attackers such as Fire Blast Salamence, and special attackers like Zapdos threaten Skarmory and make progress with it at high HP amounts also pair well for that reason. Calm Mind and Dragon Dance set-up sweepers like Suicune and Salamence who do not need to rely on Spikes make great partners, since Snorlax walls their common counters and trades with their common walls. Snorlax appreciates support from additional specially bulky Pokemon, like Zapdos or Celebi, since it does not enjoy switching into Gengar's or Moltres' Will-o-Wisp and it is more easily overloaded than other special walls. Support from another specially bulky Pokemon will allow it to trade more freely, or preserve HP for a potential sweep later in the game. Fighting-types with the ability Guts and Pursuit-users can help against Gengar, as can Registeel who can paralyze it, but Pursuit Tyranitar limits Snorlax defensively with its ability Sand Stream. Wish support from Jirachi, for example, can increase Snorlax's longevity. One should consider whether they aim to trade or keep Snorlax from game to game when deciding how to support it and with which Pokemon to partner it.
[SET]
name: Offensive Curse Lax
move 1: Curse
move 2: Body Slam / Return / Double-Edge / Earthquake / Focus Punch
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Earthquake / Self-destruct / Focus Punch
item: Leftovers
ability: Immunity / Thick Fat
nature: Adamant
evs: 204 HP / 224 Atk / 60 Def / 8 SpD / 12 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========
Offensive Curse Snorlax uses Curse to allow Snorlax to set up on slower teams that might otherwise aim to trade into and revenge kill it. Snorlax threatens to sweep passive teams by setting up and forcing opposing Skarmory to phase it. The choice of STAB move on Snorlax slightly changes how it plays. Body Slam is used for its paralysis chance, notably most useful against Skarmory but also helping Snorlax slow down opposing Tyranitar and Metagross. Double-edge offers more power against Skarmory and make-shift checks, but comes at the cost of defensive utility. Return offers a middle ground which is better suited to Magneton teams where the extra utility against Skarmory is not necessary. Focus Punch can also be used to deal extra damage to Skarmory, however when not running a Normal-type STAB attack, Snorlax is more easily checked by special attackers and defensive Pokemon it would otherwise beat. Shadow Ball is used to handle Gengar and and check Celebi, whereas Earthquake is important against grounded Steel-types and Tyranitar. For teams that aim to trade Snorlax with Tyranitar and Metagross Self-destruct can be used instead of Earthquake, maximizing the stall-breaking and trading power of the set with the compromise of a worse match-up against Protect Jirachi and Magneton. Lastly, one can forego Shadow Ball on Snorlax when supported by a Pursuit-user like Tyranitar, but sandstorm damage is one of Snorlax's worst enemies, so the advantages should be weighed against the disadavantages.
176 Attack EVs allow Curse-boosted Self-destruct to OHKO Skarmory as needed.
Team Options
========
Magneton and Rapid Spin users are good partners, since Skarmory is a counter and its layers of Spikes limit Snorlax defensively. Mixed attackers such as Fire Blast Salamence, and special attackers like Zapdos threaten Skarmory and make progress with it at high HP amounts also pair well for that reason. Calm Mind and Dragon Dance set-up sweepers like Suicune and Salamence who do not need to rely on Spikes make great partners, since Snorlax walls their common counters and trades with their common walls. Snorlax appreciates support from additional specially bulky Pokemon, like Zapdos or Celebi, since it does not enjoy switching into Gengar's or Moltres' Will-o-Wisp and it is more easily overloaded than other special walls. Support from another specially bulky Pokemon will allow it to trade more freely, or preserve HP for a potential sweep later in the game. Fighting-types with the ability Guts and Pursuit-users can help against Gengar, as can Registeel who can paralyze it, but Pursuit Tyranitar limits Snorlax defensively with its ability Sand Stream. Wish support from Jirachi, for example, can increase Snorlax's longevity. One should consider whether they aim to trade or keep Snorlax from game to game when deciding how to support it and with which Pokemon to partner it.
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