Abomasnow (QC 3/3) (GP 2/2)

Audiosurfer

Audiosurfer

I'd rather be sleeping
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[Overview]

<p>Abomasnow seems lackluster at first glance, but it is actually a large threat in the Doubles metagame. Its key to success is its ability, Snow Warning. This allows it to be a great check to opposing weather teams, robbing Pokemon such as Kingdra and Excadrill of their respective weathers. Its STABs are also great offensively, providing good neutral coverage and allowing it to easily dispatch the two most common weather inducers in the tier, Politoed and Tyranitar. Defensively, its resistance to Water-type attacks allows it to be a thorn in the side of most rain teams. Furthermore, Snow Warning grants it access to perfectly accurate Blizzards, allowing it to be pose an even bigger offensive threat. However, it is also left weak to many common attacking types and spread moves. This makes Abomasnow difficult to keep alive, as those weaknesses can be easily exploited. Abomasnow does have its fair share of flaws, but its excellent ability and unique set of assets more than make up for this, making it a Pokemon that should be considered for many teams.</p>

[SET]
name: Standard
move 1: Blizzard
move 2: Giga Drain / Grass Knot
move 3: Ice Shard / Hidden Power Fire
move 4: Protect
item: Focus Sash
ability: Snow Warning
nature: Quiet / Modest
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>With this set, Abomasnow can stay alive longer in order to keep hail up. It can also act as a good check to common weather sweepers such as Excadrill and Ludicolo. Blizzard is the main attacking move here due to the fact that it is both very powerful and a spread move, letting Abomasnow hit both opposing Pokemon hard. In addition, Blizzard has good neutral coverage, so it is easy to spam. Giga Drain is a good secondary STAB move, as it allows Abomasnow to hit bulky Water-types, such as Jellicent and Politoed. The recovery from Giga Drain is a nice bonus to grant more longevity and potentially allow Abomasnow to put itself back in Focus Sash range. Grass Knot is a nice alternative to hit heavier Pokemon such as Tyranitar for more damage, although the lack of recovery is unfortunate. Ice Shard is a useful option to pick off weakened Pokemon and somewhat makes up for Abomasnow's low Speed, while Hidden Power Fire is a great option to roast Scizor, Metagross, and opposing Abomasnow. The former in particular will otherwise switch into Abomasnow without worry.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Focus Sash is used so that Abomasnow can survive any attack at full health. A Quiet nature is the main option because it makes Abomasnow slower than most weather inducers, which lets it put up hail turn one. In addition, it allows Abomasnow to be a nice check to Trick Room teams. However, if you'd rather have the additional Speed, you could use a Modest nature instead. Hidden Power Rock is an option to hit Volcarona, who otherwise has nothing to fear from Abomasnow. However, Abomasnow is not a very reliable check, as Volcarona can easily outspeed and KO it. It is also a very niche option and won't be needed very often, as outside of Fire-types, Hidden Power Rock and Blizzard have redundant coverage.</p>

<p>Due to Abomasnow's poor Speed, Trick Room setters such as Cresselia and Slowking make for great partners, forming a devastating HailRoom combination that can quickly dismantle unprepared teams with Blizzard. Psychic- and Ghost-types are great options to set up Trick Room, as they can also cover up Abomasnow's Fighting weakness. Hitmontop makes for an amazing partner as it has access to Wide Guard, shielding Abomasnow from Rock Slides and Heat Waves that would otherwise deal heavy damage to it. Hitmontop's Fighting-type STAB also lets it threaten Rock-types, such as Tyranitar, and Steel-types, such as Heatran, that can cause problems for this set. Heatran and Chandelure make great partners for this set as they can discourage the opponent from using Fire-type attacks that would otherwise spell the end of Abomasnow. They can also defeat the Steel-types that resist both of Abomasnow's STAB moves and can KO Abomasnow in return. Water-types such as Rotom-W and Suicune make for nice partners, as they can defeat Pokemon that threaten Abomasnow such as Scizor, Heatran, and Tyranitar. In return, Abomasnow can eliminate Gastrodon. Other Blizzard users such as Kyurem and Rotom-F make for good partners as well, as they can provide the pieces for a deadly BlizzSpam strategy.</p>

[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Wood Hammer
move 2: Blizzard
move 3: Ice Shard / Hidden Power Fire
move 4: Protect
item: Grass Gem
ability: Snow Warning
nature: Brave
evs: 64 HP / 124 Atk / 68 Def / 252 SpA

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>The main goal of this set is to use raw power to eliminate opposing weather setters and win the weather war quickly. Wood Hammer is the main draw of this set, and thanks to its high Base Power, it can deal huge amounts of damage to Pokemon such as Politoed and Tyranitar. Although a special attack might seem more practical, Wood Hammer has the advantage of circumventing Tyranitar's Special Defense boost from sandstorm, allowing it to do more damage than special alternatives would. Blizzard is used as a secondary STAB move, and it is a great attacking option thanks to its high Base Power and the ability to hit both opposing Pokemon. It is also nice because it has great type coverage with Wood Hammer, taking out Flying-types that resist the move. Ice Shard is a nice option in the third slot to pick off weakened Pokemon and somewhat mitigate Abomasnow's low Speed. However, Hidden Power Fire is another great option to hit Steel-types, such as Scizor and Metagross, that can quickly become a problem for Abomasnow. It also allows Abomasnow to take out opposing Abomasnow, which is a nice bonus.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Grass Gem is used on this set because it allows Abomasnow to net some important KOs with Wood Hammer, such as an OHKO on Politoed and Tyranitar, the two most common weather setters. Although the EV spread seems complicated, it serves a very specific purpose: 124 Attack in conjunction with a Brave nature allows Abomasnow to OHKO Tyranitar and Politoed with a Grass Gem-boosted Wood Hammer. The HP and Defense EVs allow Abomasnow to survive both a Rock Slide and a Low Kick from Tyranitar. The remaining EVs are put into Special Attack to power up Blizzard. Brave is used over Adamant so as not to reduce the power of Blizzard. It also ensures Abomasnow is generally slower than most opposing weather setters, so it can swiftly KO them with Wood Hammer and keep hail up.</p>

<p>Other Blizzard users such as Kyurem and Rotom-F make for excellent partners to this set, as they can take advantage of Abomasnow's ability to get rid of opposing weather setters by spamming STAB-boosted Blizzards and heavily damaging opposing teams. Hitmontop is also a great partner, as Wide Guard support is appreciated with Abomasnow lacking any way to survive deadly spread moves such as Heat Wave and Rock Slide. The fact that Hitmontop has Feint is also great to get a surprise KO on Politoed and Tyranitar that think that they are safe by simply Protecting. Chandelure and Heatran are nice partners, as they can dissuade opposing Pokemon from using Fire-type attacks thanks to their Flash Fire ability. Water-types such as Rotom-W and Suicune make for good partners as well, as they can handle the Rock-, Fire-, and Steel-types that can give Abomasnow trouble; in return Abomasnow can quickly KO Gastrodon, who is a large nuisance to them. Thanks to its low Speed, Abomasnow partners well with Trick Room setters such as Cresselia and Slowking to utilize a HailRoom strategy that can be very difficult for the opponent to fight. Most Trick Room setters also either resist or are immune to Fighting-type attacks, so they can take on the Fighting-types that trouble Abomasnow</p>

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Blizzard
move 2: Hidden Power Fire / Hidden Power Ground
move 3: Giga Drain / Grass Knot
move 4: Ice Shard
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Snow Warning
nature: Timid
evs: 28 Def / 228 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>With a Choice Scarf equipped and maximum Speed investment, Abomasnow is able to reach 360 Speed, allowing it to outspeed fast sweepers such as Tornadus and Latios and dispatch of them. Blizzard is the main attacking move here, being an excellent move to be locked into thanks to its amazing neutral coverage, great power, and the ability to hit both opposing Pokemon at once. Hidden Power Fire is a good option to dispatch Scizor and Genesect. However, if these Pokemon are not concerning to you, Hidden Power Ground is a good option to hit Heatran and Chandelure, who would otherwise be massive threats to Abomasnow. Giga Drain is a good secondary STAB move to hit bulky Water-types, such as Politoed, that would otherwise not be bothered by Abomasnow's attacks. The fact that Giga Drain recovers some HP is a nice bonus as well. Grass Knot is an alternative to hit heavier Pokemon, such as Jellicent and Tyranitar, for more damage. Ice Shard is a good option to pick off faster Pokemon such as Shaymin-S, as even with a Choice Scarf equipped, Abomasnow still isn't that fast.</p>

<p>This set has a nice surprise value, as Pokemon such as Latios and Tornadus will often attempt to OHKO Abomasnow, only to be outsped and OHKOed themselves. In addition, this set is a nice check to dangerous weather sweepers such as Kingdra and Excadrill, as it can remove their preferred weather, outspeed them, and hit them for nice damage.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>28 EVs are put into Defense to allow Abomasnow to survive both a Bullet Punch from Scizor and a Steel Gem-boosted Bullet Punch from Metagross, and the remaining EVs are put into Speed and Special Attack. A Modest nature might be appealing to grant Abomasnow more power, but Timid is necessary to outspeed Latios and Tornadus. Light Screen is an interesting option in order to give Abomasnow's partner more special bulk in a pinch, letting it survive hits it otherwise might not. However, being locked into Light Screen will quickly become problematic for Abomasnow. Hidden Power Rock can be used to hit Volcarona, but it is very situational and outside of targeting Fire-types, Hidden Power Rock gets redundant coverage with Blizzard.</p>

<p>Because this set has a harder time winning weather wars than its other sets, Pokemon that can take on Ninetales and Tyranitar, namely Terrakion, Garchomp, and Rotom-W, make for great partners. Heatran and Chandelure make for good partners to discourage the opponent from using Fire-type moves, which otherwise can easily eliminate Abomasnow. Other Blizzard users such as Kyurem and Rotom-F make for great partners to this set, as together they can form an effective BlizzSpam core. </p>

[Other Options]

<p>A Substitute set can be useful to shield Abomasnow from Pokemon looking to KO it, but due to its slew of weaknesses, it can be difficult to find the time to set up a Substitute. Leech Seed can be useful to give Abomasnow gradual recovery as well as stacking residual damage with hail, but Leech Seed stalling isn't as effective in Doubles as it is in Singles. Earthquake is an option to hit Steel- and Fire-types for super effective damage; however, due to the fact that it lacks STAB and has its damage reduced due to being a spread move, it can be problematic. In addition, the fact that it would also hit Abomasnow's partner can make it difficult to use at times. Ice Beam is an option to allow Abomasnow to reliably hit Pokemon with an Ice-type STAB move when hail isn't up, but this option is rather situational and it is usually better to just run Blizzard. Icy Wind can be used to provide speed control for the rest of your team, but Abomasnow is usually better off leaving that to a teammate. Focus Blast can be useful on special attacking sets to hit non-Chople Berry Tyranitar harder than Giga Drain, as well as hitting Pokemon such as Heatran, Bisharp, and Kyurem super effectively. An Ice Gem is a nice way to power up Blizzard, doing large amounts of damage to anything it hits neutrally. Finally, a set utilizing Expert Belt can be a nice option to power up Abomasnow's coverage moves and net additional KOs.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Fire-types such as Ninetales, Heatran, Chandelure, Victini, and Volcarona make for great counters, as they resist all of Abomasnow's commonly used moves and can easily KO it with STAB-boosted Fire-type attacks. Heatran and Volcarona are especially threatening, as they can easily set up a Substitute or a Quiver Dance, respectively, while Abomasnow is on the field. Jirachi makes a great check as it resists both of Abomasnow's STAB moves, is difficult for Abomasnow to wear down, and can use Follow Me to redirect its attacks and thus limit its usefulness. Metagross, Bisharp, Genesect, and Scizor also resist both of Abomasnow's STAB attacks and can deal large amounts of damage back with their Steel-type attacks. However, they must all watch out for Hidden Power Fire, especially Scizor. Fighting-types such as Hitmontop, Scrafty, Conkeldurr, and Terrakion also make good checks to Abomasnow, as they can easily threaten it with their Fighting-type attacks. Hitmontop and Conkeldurr are especially threatening, because they can use Wide Guard to shield both themselves and their partners from Abomasnow's Blizzard. Offensive Cresselia can take any of Abomasnow's hits and KO it with Hidden Power Fire. Tornadus easily outspeeds Abomasnow and can maul it with Acrobatics, although it has to watch out for Ice Shard and the Choice Scarf set. Rock Slide users such as Tyranitar and Excadrill can deal significant damage to Abomasnow, though if it lives through the hit, it is capable of doing a lot of damage to them in return.</p>

[Overview]
  • HAIL!
  • Checks Rain well due to typing and HAIL
  • Can threaten most of the other weather starters
  • STAB Blizzard with 100% accuracy hurts
  • Slew of common weaknesses suck a lot though
[Set]
Name: Standard
Move 1: Blizzard
Move 2: Giga Drain / Grass Knot
Move 3: Ice Shard / Hidden Power Fire
Move 4: Protect
Item: Focus Sash
Ability: Snow Warning
Nature: Quiet / Modest
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA

[Set Comments]
  • Snow Warning is great to give Blizzard good accuracy and check other weathers
  • Speaking of Blizzard it's an awesome STAB move that hurts alot of stuff
  • Giga Drain is good secondary STAB to hit bulky Waters that resist Blizzard
  • Grass Knot hits heavy mons harder, but no recovery can suck
  • Ice Shard is nice priority for picking off mons
  • Hidden Power Fire gives it a way to hit troublesome Steel types
  • Protect = Protect
  • Resistances to Water and Electric + Snow Warning make this a nice Rain check
  • Focus Sash used to let it live longer since it's weak to like a million things
  • Quiet Nature lets you underspeed other weather setters and set Hail up if you lead with it turn 1, while also making it a nice check to Trick Room
  • Modest is nice if you'd like the speed though
[Additional Comments]
  • Ice Beam can be a more reliable Blizzard for when Hail isn't up and you need to hit something
  • Icy Wind can be used to give speed control
  • Hidden Power Rock can be used to hit Volcarona which will otherwise eat this set up
  • Trick Room setters make for nice partners to take advantage of slow speed and form a HailRoom strategy
  • Hitmontop makes a great partner since it can give Wide Guard support to shield it from Heat Waves and Rock Slides on top of the Fake Out & Intimidate support it already offers
  • Heatran & Chandelure can discourage people from using Fire moves as well as roasting Steels
  • Water types such as Rotom-W and Gyarados are nice partners to beat things that threaten Abomasnow, and Abomasnow can aid them in return by mauling things like Gastrodon
  • Other Blizzard users such as Kyurem can be used to for a nice Blizzspam strategy that can be threatening
[Set]
Name: Mixed Attacker
Move 1: Wood Hammer
Move 2: Blizzard
Move 3: Ice Shard / Hidden Power Fire
Move 4: Protect
Item: Grass Gem
Ability: Snow Warning
Nature: Brave
EVs: 38 HP / 124 Atk / 94 Def / 252 SpA

[Set Comments]
  • While the first set is meant to be more resilient, this one is meant to take out common weather setters
  • Wood Hammer is the main move here, letting you hit Tyranitar and Politoed for super effective damage, especially good at taking out Tyranitar that think they can live a Giga Drain only to get hit with Wood Hammer
  • Blizzard is still a great spread move to take advantage of with Hail
  • Ice Shard lets you pick off some mons when you need to
  • Hidden Power Fire for Steels that take nothing from other moves
  • Protect = Protect
  • Grass Gem is in order to net KOs on Tyranitar + Politoed
  • EVs are complex but serve a purpose. 124 Atk & Brave nature lets you OHKO both standard Tyranitar (used Eggy's 252/36 spread) and defensive Politoed. 94 Def EVs mean you live through Rock Slide and Low Kick from that same spread. 252 SpA lets you power up Blizzard, 38 HP EVs let you live through max atk TTar Low Kick
  • Brave is used so as not to sacrifice any bulk or attacking stats, also lets you underspeed opposing weather setters and get Hail up if you lead with it, then KO them with Wood Hammer to win the weather war
[Additional Comments]
  • Ice Beam can be used here for more reliability, but loss of spread sucks
  • Partnering with other Blizzard users such as Kyurem is an even better strategy with this set since it can decimate other weather starters
  • Hitmontop is also a great partner since without Focus Sash Wide Guard becomes even nicer to shield against Heat Waves and other dangerous spread moves. Also provides Feint support which is great for Tyranitars and Politoed thinking that they're save just by Protecting, only to be KOd.
  • Chandelure and Heatran are nice to discourage Fire moves and beat Steels
  • Water types such as Rotom-W and Gyarados are nice partners to beat things that threaten Abomasnow, and Abomasnow can aid them in return by mauling things like Gastrodon
  • Slow Speed means it can be utilized under Trick Room as well
[Set]
Name: Choice Scarf
Move 1: Blizzard
Move 2: Hidden Power Fire / Hidden Power Ground
Move 3: Giga Drain / Grass Knot
Move 4: Ice Shard
Item: Choice Scarf
Ability: Snow Warning
Nature: Timid
EVs: 28 Def / 228 SpA / 252 Spe

[Set Comments]
  • Scarf lets it fix its poor Speed
  • STAB Blizzard hurts a lot of things
  • Hidden Power Fire can be used to roast Scizor
  • Hidden Power Ground can be used to hit Heatran & Chandelure which will have their way with Abomasnow otherwise
  • Giga Drain is a nice reliable secondary STAB, recovery is a nifty bonus
  • Grass Knot lets you hit heavier things harder like TTar, but doesn't damage as reliably as Giga Drain
  • Ice Shard is here to pick off threats since even with a Scarf Abomasnow isn't all that fast
  • Timid is needed to outspeed all dragons and Tornadus if the lack a Speed boost (can't outspeed Skymin though)
  • Defensive investment lets it live through a Bullet Punch from Scizor and KO back as well as living through a Steel Gem Bullet Punch from max Atk Metagross
  • Helping Hand support is nice to net KOs when needed
[Additional Comments]
  • Quick Light Screen can be nice to help your teammates tank attacks in a pinch
  • Hidden Power Rock can be used to hit Volcarona
  • Things that can take on Ninetales and Tyranitar such as Garchomp, Terrakion and Rotom-W make good partners for this set
  • This set is also a nice check to weather sweepers since it will outspeed them once the weather is changed and can hit them hard with Blizzard
  • Heatran & Chandelure good partners for Steel roasting and deterring Fire moves
  • Makes for a good Blizzspam partnership with mons such as Kyurem
  • Has nice surprise value when something expects to outspeed only to be taken out by Blizzard
[Other Options]
  • Substitute
  • Leech Seed
  • Earthquake
  • Ice Gem
  • Expert Belt
[Checks and Counters]
  • Ninetales & Co.
  • Jirachi
  • Scizor
  • Metagross
  • Hitmontop, Scrafty, Conkeldurr
  • Terrakion
 
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looks p good though im disappointed in the lack of kyurem and gyarados mentions. also put the 38 spdef evs on the wood hammer set into hp since they let you live 252 atk ttar low kick and help cushon recoil a little. i feel like you could do with more hp on that set but then again you only have 508 evs to work with lol.

in oo add expert belt and ice gem to power up blizzard. other than that

QC 1/3
 
editted changes (like i said on irc just added gyara alongside rotom-w since the points are basically the same)
 
Ice Gem should be slashed on the Standard set rather than in OO alone, boosting Ice Shard for more KOs and making Blizzard a complete monster under HailRoom. Shadow Ball & Rock Slide also deserve an OO mention, mostly for the Scarf set in particular. This is looking great, so I'll approve it, and you can get to writing complete sentences now.

(Insert QC Stamp Here)
QC APPROVAL 2/3
 
for checks and counters:
you should mention offensive cresselia
Rock slide spammers like ttar, excadrill and garchomp.
Tornadous can taunt a trickroom using teammate as well as kill snowman in a single hit
 
Move all mentions of Ice Beam and Icy Wind to OO, since they are almost never worth the moveslot.

Its Fighting-type STAB also lets it threaten Rock-types such as Tyranitar that can cause problems for this set.
Click to expand...
Worth mentioning Close Combat's ability to dispose Heatran, too, imo
Blizzard is the main attacking move here, and it is an excellent move to be locked into thanks to its amazing neutral coverage as well as the fact that it hits both opposing Pokemon at once.
Click to expand...
I'd add that Blizzard also has decent power for a coverage move.
The fact that Giga Drain recovers someGrass Knot is a nice alternative to hit heavier Pokemon such as Jellicent and Tyranitar for more damage.
Click to expand...
typo
Hidden Power Rock can be used to hit Volcarona, but it is very situational and outside of Volcarona, Hidden Power Rock grants redundant coverage with Blizzard.
Click to expand...
I'd rephrase that to "outside of Fire-types," since HP Rock does do more damage to Victini and Chandelure than Blizzard.
This set has nice surprise value, since Pokemon such as Latios and Tornadus might attempt to OHKO Abomasnow, only to be outsped and OHKOd themselves. In addition, this set is a nice check to dangerous weather sweepers such as Kingdra and Excadrill since it can remove their preferred weather, outspeed them, and hit them for nice damage.
Click to expand...
All of this should go to Set Comments of the Choice Scarf set, not in the AC

Focus Blast is worth mentioning in OO - this hits non-Chople TTar harder than Giga Drain / Grass Knot, as well as hitting super effectively against Heatran, Bisharp, and opposing Ice-types, such as Kyurem-B.

I would remove Garchomp from Checks & Counters, due to the lack of STAB on Rock Slide and its major weakness to Blizzard. I'd give a special mention to Tyranitar, since it can shrug off Blizzards with ease. Add Bisharp and Genesect with Metagross and Scizor, and Chandelure and Victini with the list of Fire-types.
 
thanks ;)

This set has nice surprise value, since Pokemon such as Latios and Tornadus might attempt to OHKO Abomasnow, only to be outsped and OHKOd themselves. In addition, this set is a nice check to dangerous weather sweepers such as Kingdra and Excadrill since it can remove their preferred weather, outspeed them, and hit them for nice damage.
Click to expand...
I'd separate this from the rest of the set comments with a new paragraph in the Choice Scarf set.

Great Job, Audiosurfer!

QC APPROVED (3/3)
 
@Icecream "Base Power" should be capitalized, so @Audiosurfer ignore every change that indicates Base Power shouldn't be capitalized. Oh and I'm not 100% sure on these, but I think "Blizzspam" should be capitalized and it should be HailRoom < hail + Trick Room
 
Audiosurfer, I was checking out your Mixed Attacker spread, but its HP and Def EVs are not divisible by 4. I also have a spread that accomplishes the same goals while increasing its overall bulk - 64 HP / 124 Atk / 68 Def / 252 SpA
 
ok, implemented most of Icecream's check except for some of the longer changes. also implemented pocket's revised spread
 
GP check. Good job on writing this. I made most mentions of hail and sandstorm lowercase because it seemed like you were referring to the weather, not the move, but leave them capitalized in any places where you feel you were referring to the move instead.
Additions in Blue
Subtractions in Red
Comments in Purple
[Overview]

<p>Despite Abomasnow seeming lackluster at first glance, it is a large threat in the Doubles metagame. The main thing that allows it to be so effective is its ability, Snow Warning. This allows it to be a great check to opposing weather teams, robbing Pokemon such as Kingdra and Excadrill of their weathers of choice. Its STABs are also great offensively, providing good neutral coverage and allowing it to easily dispatch the two most common weather inducers in the tier, Politoed and Tyranitar. Defensively, its resistance to Water-type attacks allows it to continue to be a thorn in the side of most rain teams. Furthermore, Snow Warning grants it access to peftectly perfectly accurate Blizzards, allowing it to be even more of an offensive threat. Abomasnow's typing grants it a niche offensively and defensively; however, it leaves it is also left weak to many common attacking types and spread moves. This makes Abomasnow difficult to keep alive, as those weaknesses can be easily exploited to force Abomasnow out (it would still be alive if it was forced out; you can make another change if you prefer a different one to this though). Abomasnow does have its fair share of flaws, but its excellent ability and unique set of assets more than make up for this, so it is still a Pokemon that should be considered on most for many teams.</p>

[SET]
name: Standard
move 1: Blizzard
move 2: Giga Drain / Grass Knot
move 3: Ice Shard / Hidden Power Fire
move 4: Protect
item: Focus Sash
ability: Snow Warning
nature: Quiet / Modest
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>With this set, Abomasnow can stay alive longer in order to win weather wars and keep Hail hail up. It aso lets Abomasnow also can act as a good check to common weather sweepers such as Excadrill and Ludicolo. Blizzard is the main attacking move here due to the fact that it is both very powerful and a spread move, letting Abomasnow hit both opposing Pokemon hard. In addition, Ice-typing Ice typing gives the attack good neutral coverage, so it is easy to use repeatedly. Giga Drain is a good secondary STAB move, as it allows Abomasnow to hit bulky Water-types that would otherwise easily switch into it, such as Jellicent and Politoed. The recovery from Giga Drain is a nice bonus to grant more longevity and potentially allow Abomasnow to put itself back in Focus Sash range. Grass Knot is a nice secondary option to hit heavier Pokemon such as Tyranitar for more damage, although the lack of recovery is unfortunate. Ice Shard is a useful option to pick off weakened Pokemon, (remove comma) and somewhat makes up for Abomasnow's low Speed, while Hidden Power Fire is a great option to roast Steel-types (add comma) such as Scizor, (remove comma) and Metagross, and opposing Abomasnow, (start new sentence) the The former Pokemon in particular will otherwise switch into Abomasnow without worry (add period)</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Focus Sash is used so that Abomasnow survives an otherwise fatal attack. A Quiet nature is the main option to allow Abomasnow because it makes Abomasnow slower than most weather inducers (remove bold), which lets it put up Hail hail turn 1 one. In addition, it allows Abomasnow to make a nice check to Trick Room teams. However, if you'd rather have the additional speed Speed, you could use a Modest nature. Hidden Power Rock is an option to hit Volcarona, which otherwise has nothing to fear from Abomasnow. It Abomasnow is not a very reliable check however, since as Volcarona can easily outspeed and KO Abomasnow. In addition, it is a very niche option and won't be needed very often as (add comma) outside of Fire-types, Hidden Power Rock and Blizzard have redundant coverage.</p>

<p>Due to Abomasnow's poor Speed, Trick Room setters such as Cresselia and Slowking make for great partners, forming a devastating HailRoom combination that can quickly dismantle unprepared teams with STAB-boosted Blizzards. Most Trick Room setters are Psychics and Ghosts Psychic- or Ghost-types, so they also make great options for covering up Abomasnow's Fighting weakness. Hitmontop makes for an amazing partner since as it has access to Wide Guard, shielding Abomasnow from Rock Slides and Heat Waves that would otherwise deal heavy damage to it, if not outright KO it. Its Fighting-type STAB also lets it threaten Rock-types such as Tyranitar and Steel-types such as Heatran that can cause problems for this set. Heatran and Chandelure make for great partners to this set since as they can discourage the opponent from using Fire-type attacks that would otherwise spell the end of Abomasnow. They can also defeat the Steel-types that resist both of Abomasnow's spread moves and can KO in return. Water-types such as Rotom-W and Suicune make for n nice partners, as they can defeat Pokemon that threaten Abomasnow such as Scizor, Heatran (add comma) and Tyranitar. In return, Abomasnow can eliminate Gastrodon, which they appreciate. Other users of Blizzard such as Kyurem and Rotom-F make for good partners as well, as they can form provide the pieces for a deadly Blizzspam strategy that can be very threatening.</p>

[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Wood Hammer
move 2: Blizzard
move 3: Ice Shard / Hidden Power Fire
move 4: Protect
item: Grass Gem
ability: Snow Warning
nature: Brave
evs: 64 HP / 124 Atk / 68 Def / 252 SpA

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>The main goal of this set is to use raw power to eliminate opposing weather setters and win the weather war quickly. Wood Hammer is the main draw of this set, and thanks to its high Base Power, it can deal huge damage to Pokemon such as Politoed and Tyranitar. Although it might seem like it would make more sense to use a special attack, Wood Hammer has the advantage of circumventing Tyranitars Tyranitar's Special Defense boost from Sandstorm sandstorm, allowing it to do more damage than special alternatives would. Blizzard is used as a secondary Ice-type STAB move, and it is a great attacking option thanks to the fact that it has both has a high Base Power and that it hits both opposing Pokemon. It is also nice since because it has great synergy with Wood Hammer, taking out Flying-types that resist it the move. Ice Shard is a nice option in the third slot to pick off weakened Pokemon and get around Abomasnow's low Speed. However, Hidden Power Fire is another great option to hit Steel-types such as Scizor and Metagross that can quickly become a problem for Abomasnow. It also allows it Abomasnow to take out opposing Abomasnow, which is a nice bonus.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Grass Gem is the item used on this set since because it allows Abomasnow to net some important KOs with Wood Hammer, such as an OHKO on Politoed and Tyranitar, which are the two most common weather setters. Although the EV spread seems complicated, it serves a very specific purpose. 124 Atk Attack in conjunction with a Brave nature allows Abomasnow to OHKO Tyranitar and Politoed with a Grass Gem-boosted Wood Hammer. The EVs in HP and Defense allow Abomasnow to survive both a Rock Slide and a Low Kick from Tyranitar. The remaining EVs are put into Special Attack to power up Blizzard. Brave is used over Adamant so as not to reduce the power of Blizzard. It also allows you to underspeed ensures Abomasnow is generally slower than opposing weather setters, which is even more beneficial since you as it can then swiftly KO them with Wood Hammer and keep hail up.</p>

<p>Other Bizzard Blizzard users such as Kyurem and Rotom-F make for excellent partners to this set, as they can take advantage of the ease with which this set it gets rid of opposing weather setters by spamming STAB-boosted Blizzards and heavily damaging opposing teams. Hitmontop is also a great partner, since as Wide Guard support is appreciated even more since this set no longer has Focus Sash to let it with Abomasnow lacking any way to survive otherwise deadly spread moves such as Heat Wave and Rock Slide otherwise. The fact that it has Feint is also great to get a surprise KO on Politoeds and Tyranitars Politoed and Tyranitar (Pokemon are like the word fish; the plural is the same as the singular) that think that they are safe simply by Protecting. Chandelure and Heatran are nice partners since as they can dissuade opposing Pokemon from using Fire-type attacks thanks to their Flash Fire ability. Water-types such as Rotom-W and Suicune make for good partners as well since as they can handle the Rock-, Fire-, and Steel types Steel-types that can give Abomasnow trouble, and in return Abomasnow can quickly KO Gastrodon, which is a large nuisance to them. Thanks to its slow low Speed, Abomasnow can be partnered partners well with Trick Room setters such as Cresselia and Slowking to form utilize a HailRoom strategy that can be very difficult for the opponent to fight. Most Trick Room setters also either resist or are immune to Fighting-type attacks, so they can take on the Fighting-types that trouble Abomasnow</p>

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Blizzard
move 2: Hidden Power Fire / Hidden Power Ground
move 3: Giga Drain / Grass Knot
move 4: Ice Shard
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Snow Warning
nature: Timid
evs: 28 Def / 228 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>With a Choice Scarf equipped and maximum Speed investment, Abomasnow is able to reach 360 Speed, allowing it to outspeed fast sweepers such as Tornadus and Latios and dispatch them. Blizzard is the main attacking move here, and it is an excellent move to be locked into thanks to its amazing neutral coverage and great power, as well as the fact that it hits both opposing Pokemon at once. Hidden Power Fire is a good option to dispatch Scizor and Genesect. However, if these Pokemon are not concerning to you, Hidden Power Ground is a good option to hit Heatran and Chandelure, which otherwise are hugely threatening to Abomasnow. Giga Drain is a good secondary STAB move to hit bulky Water-types such as Politoed that would otherwise not be bothered by Abomasnow's attacks. The fact that Giga Drain recovers some HP is a nice bonus as well. Grass Knot is a nice alternative to hit heavier Pokemon such as Jellicent and Tyranitar for more damage. Ice Shard is a good option to pick off faster Pokemon such as Shaymin-S, as even with a Choice Scarf equipped Abomasnow still isn't that fast.</p>

<p>This set has nice surprise value, since as Pokemon such as Latios and Tornadus might will often attempt to OHKO Abomasnow, only to be outsped and OHKOd OHKOed themselves. In addition, this set is a nice check to dangerous weather sweepers such as Kingdra and Excadrill since as it can remove their preferred weather, outspeed them, and hit them for nice damage.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs put in Defense are used to allow Abomasnow to survive both a Bullet Punch from Scizor and a Steel Gem-boosted Bullet Punch from Metagross, with and the remaining EVs are put into Speed and Special Attack. A Modest nature might be appealing to grant Abomasnow more power, but Timid is necessary to outspeed important Pokemon such as Latios and Tornadus. Light Screen can be an interesting option in order to give your Abomasnow's partner more special bulk in a pinch, letting them it survive hits they it otherwise might not. However, being locked into Light Screen will quickly become problematic for Abomasnow. Hidden Power Rock can be used to hit Volcarona, but it is very situational and outside of targeting Fire-types, Hidden Power Rock grants redundant coverage with Blizzard.</p>

<p>Since Because this set has a harder time winning weather wars than its other sets others, Pokemon that can take on Ninetales and Tyranitar, such as Terrakion, Garchomp, and Rotom-W, make for great partners. Heatran and Chandelure make for good partners to discourage the opponent from using Fire-type moves, which otherwise can easily eliminate Abomasnow due to its 4x weakness and the fact that it is locked into a move. Other Blizzard users such as Kyurem and Rotom-F make for great partners to this set since as together they can form an effective Blizzspam core. </p>

[Other Options]

<p>A Substitute set can be useful to shield Abomasnow from Pokemon looking to KO it, but due to its slew of weaknesses (add comma) it can be difficult to find the time to set up a Substitute. Leech Seed can be interesting useful to give Abomasnow continued recovery, (remove comma) as well as stack stacking residual damage with Hail hail, but Leech Seed stalling isn't as effective in Doubles as it is in Singles. Earthquake is an option to hit Steel- and Fire-types for super effective damage; however, the fact that it lacks a STAB boost and has its damage reduced due to being a spread move is problematic. In addition, the fact that it would hit your Abomasnow's partner can make it difficult to use at times. Ice Beam is an option to allow Abomasnow to reliably hit Pokemon with an Ice-type STAB move when Hail hail isn't up, but this option is situational and it is usually better to just run Blizzard. Icy Wind can be used to provide Speed speed control for the rest of your team, but Abomasnow is usually better off leaving that to a teammate and using one of the other listed moves. Focus Blast can be useful to hit non-Chople Tyranitar harder than Giga Drain, as well as hitting Pokemon such as Heatran, Bisharp, and Kyurem super effectively. An Ice Gem is a nice way to power up Blizzard, doing large amounts of damage to anything it hits neutrally. Finally, an Expert Belt can be a nice option to power up Abomasnow's coverage moves and net additional KOs.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Fire types Fire-types such as Ninetales, Heatran, Chandelure, Victini, and Volcarona make for great counters due to the fact that they resist all of Abomasnow's commonly used moves and can easily KO it with STAB-boosted Fire-type attacks. Heatran and Volcarona are additionally threatening since as they can easily set up a Substitute or a Quiver Dance respectively while Abomasnow is on the field. Jirachi makes a great check to Abomasnow since as it resists both of its Abomasnow's STAB moves, is difficult for Abomasnow it to wear down, and can use Follow Me to redirect Abomasnow's its attacks and thus limit its usefulness. Metagross, Bisharp, Genesect, and Scizor can also resist both of its Abomasnow's STAB attacks and can deal large amounts of damage back with their Steel-type attacks. However, they must both all watch out for Hidden Power Fire, especially Scizor. Fighting-types such as Hitmontop, Scrafty, Conkeldurr, and Terrakion also make good checks to Abomasnow since as they can easily threaten it with their Fighting-type attacks. Hitmontop and Conkeldurr are especially threatening since because they can use Wide Guard to shield both themselves and their partners from Abomasnow's Blizzard. Offensive Cresselia can take any of Abomasnow's hits and KO it with a surprise Hidden Power Fire. Tornadus easily outspeeds Abomasnow and can maul it with an Acrobatics, although it has to watch out for Ice Shard, (remove comma) and it is outsped and KOd KOed itself by the Choice Scarf set. Rock Slide users such as Tyranitar and Excadrill can deal significant damage to Abomasnow, but if it lives through the hit, it is capable of doing a lot of damage to them in return.</p>

GP: 1/2
 
Amcheck, great job @Audiosurfer !

ADD
REMOVE
COMMENTS

[Overview]

<p>Despite Abomasnow seemings lackluster at first glance, but it is actually a large threat in the Doubles metagame. The main thing that allows it to be so effective Its key to success is its ability, Snow Warning. This allows it to be a great check to opposing weather teams, robbing Pokemon such as Kingdra and Excadrill of their respective weathers of choice. Its STABs are also great offensively, providing good neutral coverage and allowing it to easily dispatch the two most common weather inducers in the tier, Politoed and Tyranitar. Defensively, its resistance to Water-type attacks allows it to continue to be a thorn in the side of most rain teams. Furthermore, Snow Warning grants it access to a perfectly accurate Blizzards, allowing it to be even more of an offensive pose as an even bigger offensive threat. Abomasnow's typing grants it a niche offensively and defensively; hHowever, it is also left weak to many common attacking types and spread moves. This makes Abomasnow difficult to keep alive, as those weaknesses can be easily exploited. Abomasnow does have its fair share of flaws, but its excellent ability and unique set of assets more than make up for this, so it is still making it a Pokemon that should be considered for many teams.</p>

[SET]
name: Standard
move 1: Blizzard
move 2: Giga Drain / Grass Knot
move 3: Ice Shard / Hidden Power Fire
move 4: Protect
item: Focus Sash
ability: Snow Warning
nature: Quiet / Modest
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>With this set, Abomasnow can stay alive longer in order to win weather wars and keep hail up. Winning weather wars and keeping hail up are basically the same thing, so just choose one or the other and delete the other part. It can also act as a good check to common weather sweepers such as Excadrill and Ludicolo. Blizzard is the main attacking move here due to the fact that it is both very powerful and a spread move, letting Abomasnow hit both opposing Pokemon hard. In addition, Blizzard has Ice typing gives the attack good neutral coverage, so it is easy to use repeatedly spam. Giga Drain is a good secondary STAB move, as it allows Abomasnow to hit bulky Water-types that would otherwise easily switch into it, such as Jellicent and Politoed. The recovery from Giga Drain is a nice bonus to grant more longevity and potentially allow Abomasnow to put itself back in Focus Sash range. Grass Knot is a nice secondary option alternative to hit heavier Pokemon such as Tyranitar for more damage, although the lack of recovery is unfortunate. Ice Shard is a useful option to pick off weakened Pokemon and somewhat makes up for Abomasnow's low Speed, while Hidden Power Fire is a great option to roast Steel-types, such as Scizor and Scizor, Metagross, and opposing Abomasnow. The former in particular will otherwise switch into Abomasnow without worry.</p> You should probably mention why Protect is there. I mean, most people know already, but still.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Focus Sash is used so that Abomasnow can survives any otherwise fatal attack at full health. A Quiet nature is the main option because it makes Abomasnow slower than most weather inducers, which lets it put up hail turn one. In addition, it allows Abomasnow to make be a nice check to Trick Room teams. However, if you'd rather have the additional Speed, you could use a Modest nature instead. Hidden Power Rock is an option to hit Volcarona, which who otherwise has nothing to fear from Abomasnow. However, Abomasnow is not a very reliable check however, as Volcarona can easily outspeed and KO it. In addition, iIt is also a very niche option and won't be needed very often, (AC) as (RC) outside of Fire-types, Hidden Power Rock and Blizzard have redundant coverage.</p>

<p>Due to Abomasnow's poor Speed, Trick Room setters such as Cresselia and Slowking make for great partners, forming a devastating HailRoom combination that can quickly dismantle unprepared teams with STAB-boosted Blizzards. Cress and Slowking don't get STAB. Most Trick Room setters are Psychic- and Ghost-types are great options to set up Trick Room, so as they also make great options for covering can also cover up Abomasnow's Fighting weakness. Hitmontop makes for an amazing partner as it has access to Wide Guard, shielding Abomasnow from Rock Slides and Heat Waves that would otherwise deal heavy damage to it. Its Hitmontop's Fighting-type STAB also lets it threaten Rock-types, (AC) such as Tyranitar, (AC) and Steel-types, (AC) such as Heatran, (AC) that can cause problems for this set. Heatran and Chandelure make for great partners to for this set, (AC) as they can discourage the opponent from using Fire-type attacks that would otherwise spell the end of Abomasnow. They can also defeat the Steel-types that resist both of Abomasnow's spread STAB moves and can KO Abomasnow in return. Water-types such as Rotom-W and Suicune make for nice partners, as they can defeat Pokemon that threaten Abomasnow such as Scizor, Heatran, and Tyranitar. In return, Abomasnow can eliminate Gastrodon, which they appreciate. Other users of Blizzard users such as Kyurem and Rotom-F make for good partners as well, as they can provide the pieces for a deadly BlizzsSpam strategy that can be very threatening.</p>

[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Wood Hammer
move 2: Blizzard
move 3: Ice Shard / Hidden Power Fire
move 4: Protect
item: Grass Gem
ability: Snow Warning
nature: Brave
evs: 64 HP / 124 Atk / 68 Def / 252 SpA

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>The main goal of this set is to use raw power to eliminate opposing weather setters and win the weather war quickly. Wood Hammer is the main draw of this set, and thanks to its high Base Power, it can deal huge amounts of damage to Pokemon such as Politoed and Tyranitar. Although it a special attack might seem like it would make more sense to use a special attack more practical, Wood Hammer has the advantage of circumventing Tyranitar's Special Defense boost from sandstorm, allowing it to do more damage than special alternatives would. Blizzard is used as a secondary STAB move, and it is a great attacking option thanks to the fact that it both has a its high Base Power and the ability to hits both opposing Pokemon. It is also nice because it has great synergy type coverage with Wood Hammer, taking out Flying-types that resist the move. Ice Shard is a nice option in the third slot to pick off weakened Pokemon and get around somewhat mitigate Abomasnow's low Speed. However, Hidden Power Fire is another great option to hit Steel-types, (AC) such as Scizor and Metagross, (AC) that can quickly become a problem for Abomasnow. It also allows Abomasnow to take out opposing Abomasnow, which is a nice bonus.</p> Again, you should probably just give a quick mention of what Protect does, just for the sake of new players.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Grass Gem is the item used on this set because it allows Abomasnow to net some important KOs with Wood Hammer, such as an OHKO on Politoed and Tyranitar, which are the two most common weather setters. Although the EV spread seems complicated, it serves a very specific purpose: (change to colon) 124 Attack in conjunction with a Brave nature allows Abomasnow to OHKO Tyranitar and Politoed with a Grass Gem-boosted Wood Hammer. The EVs in HP and Defense EVs allow Abomasnow to survive both a Rock Slide and a Low Kick from Tyranitar. The remaining EVs are put into Special Attack to power up Blizzard. Brave is used over Adamant so as not to reduce the power of Blizzard. It also ensures Abomasnow is generally slower than most opposing weather setters, which is even more beneficial as so it can then swiftly KO them with Wood Hammer and keep hail up.</p>

<p>Other Blizzard users such as Kyurem and Rotom-F make for excellent partners to this set, as they can take advantage of the ease with which it gets Abomasnow's ability to get rid of opposing weather setters by spamming STAB-boosted Blizzards and heavily damaging opposing teams. Hitmontop is also a great partner, as Wide Guard support is appreciated even more with Abomasnow lacking any way to survive deadly spread moves such as Heat Wave and Rock Slide otherwise. The fact that it Hitmontop has Feint is also great to get a surprise KO on Politoed and Tyranitar that think that they are safe simply by simply Protecting. Chandelure and Heatran are nice partners, (AC) as they can dissuade opposing Pokemon from using Fire-type attacks thanks to their Flash Fire ability. Water-types such as Rotom-W and Suicune make for good partners as well, (AC) as they can handle the Rock-, Fire-, and Steel-types that can give Abomasnow trouble, and in return Abomasnow can quickly KO Gastrodon, which who is a large nuisance to them. Thanks to its low Speed, Abomasnow partners well with Trick Room setters such as Cresselia and Slowking to utilize a HailRoom strategy that can be very difficult for the opponent to fight. Most Trick Room setters also either resist or are immune to Fighting-type attacks, so they can take on the Fighting-types that trouble Abomasnow</p>

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Blizzard
move 2: Hidden Power Fire / Hidden Power Ground
move 3: Giga Drain / Grass Knot
move 4: Ice Shard
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Snow Warning
nature: Timid
evs: 28 Def / 228 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>With a Choice Scarf equipped and maximum Speed investment, Abomasnow is able to reach 360 Speed, allowing it to outspeed fast sweepers such as Tornadus and Latios and dispatch of them. Blizzard is the main attacking move here, and it is being an excellent move to be locked into thanks to its amazing neutral coverage, (AC) and great power, as well as the fact that it hits and the ability to hit both opposing Pokemon at once. Hidden Power Fire is a good option to dispatch Scizor and Genesect. However, if these Pokemon are not concerning to you, Hidden Power Ground is a good option to hit Heatran and Chandelure, which who would otherwise are hugely threatening be massive threats to Abomasnow. Giga Drain is a good secondary STAB move to hit bulky Water-types, (AC) such as Politoed, (AC) that would otherwise not be bothered by Abomasnow's attacks. The fact that Giga Drain recovers some HP is a nice bonus as well. Grass Knot is a nice an (kinda repetitive) alternative to hit heavier Pokemon, (AC) such as Jellicent and Tyranitar, (AC) for more damage. Ice Shard is a good option to pick off faster Pokemon such as Shaymin-S, as even with a Choice Scarf equipped, (AC) Abomasnow still isn't that fast.</p>

<p>This set has a nice surprise value, as Pokemon such as Latios and Tornadus will often attempt to OHKO Abomasnow, only to be outsped and OHKOed themselves. In addition, this set is a nice check to dangerous weather sweepers such as Kingdra and Excadrill, (AC) as it can remove their preferred weather, outspeed them, and hit them for nice damage.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The 28 EVs are put into Defense are used to allow Abomasnow to survive both a Bullet Punch from Scizor and a Steel Gem-boosted Bullet Punch from Metagross, and the remaining EVs are put into Speed and Special Attack. A Modest nature might be appealing to grant Abomasnow more power, but Timid is necessary to outspeed important Pokemon, (AC) such as Latios and Tornadus. Light Screen can be is an interesting option in order to give Abomasnow's partner more special bulk in a pinch, letting it survive hits it otherwise might not. However, being locked into Light Screen will quickly become problematic for Abomasnow. Hidden Power Rock can be used to hit Volcarona, but it is very situational and outside of targeting Fire-types, Hidden Power Rock grants gets redundant coverage with Blizzard.</p>

<p>Because this set has a harder time winning weather wars than others its other sets, Pokemon that can take on Ninetales and Tyranitar, such as Terrakion, Garchomp, and Rotom-W, make for great partners. Heatran and Chandelure make for good partners to discourage the opponent from using Fire-type moves, which otherwise can easily eliminate Abomasnow due to its 4x weakness and the fact that it is locked into a move. Other Blizzard users such as Kyurem and Rotom-F make for great partners to this set, (AC) as together they can form an effective BlizzsSpam core. </p>

[Other Options]

<p>A Substitute set can be useful to shield Abomasnow from Pokemon looking to KO it, but due to its slew of weaknesses, it can be difficult to find the time to set up a Substitute. Leech Seed can be useful to give Abomasnow continued gradual recovery as well as stacking residual damage with hail, but Leech Seed stalling isn't as effective in Doubles as it is in Singles. Earthquake is an option to hit Steel- and Fire-types for super effective damage; however, due to the fact that it lacks STAB and has its damage reduced due to being a spread move, (AC) is it can be problematic. In addition, the fact that it would also hit Abomasnow's partner can make it difficult to use at times. Ice Beam is an option to allow Abomasnow to reliably hit Pokemon with an Ice-type STAB move when hail isn't up, but this option is rather situational and it is usually better to just run Blizzard. Icy Wind can be used to provide speed control for the rest of your team, but Abomasnow is usually better off leaving that to a teammate and using one of the other listed moves. Focus Blast can be useful to hit non-Chople Berry Tyranitar harder than Giga Drain, as well as hitting Pokemon such as Heatran, Bisharp, and Kyurem super effectively. An Ice Gem is a nice way to power up Blizzard, doing large amounts of damage to anything it hits neutrally. Finally, an set utilizing Expert Belt can be a nice option to power up Abomasnow's coverage moves and net additional KOs.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Fire-types such as Ninetales, Heatran, Chandelure, Victini, and Volcarona make for great counters, (AC) due to the fact that as they resist all of Abomasnow's commonly used moves and can easily KO it with STAB-boosted Fire-type attacks. Heatran and Volcarona are additionally especially threatening, (AC) as they can easily set up a Substitute or a Quiver Dance, (AC) respectively, (AC) while Abomasnow is on the field. Jirachi makes a great check as it resists both of Abomasnow's STAB moves, is difficult for it Abomasnow to wear down, and can use Follow Me to redirect its attacks and thus limit its usefulness. Metagross, Bisharp, Genesect, and Scizor also resist both of Abomasnow's STAB attacks and can deal large amounts of damage back with their Steel-type attacks. However, they must all watch out for Hidden Power Fire, especially Scizor. Fighting-types such as Hitmontop, Scrafty, Conkeldurr, and Terrakion also make good checks to Abomasnow, (AC) as they can easily threaten it with their Fighting-type attacks. Hitmontop and Conkeldurr are especially threatening, (AC) because they can use Wide Guard to shield both themselves and their partners from Abomasnow's Blizzard. Offensive Cresselia can take any of Abomasnow's hits and KO it with a surprise Hidden Power Fire. Tornadus easily outspeeds Abomasnow and can maul it with an Acrobatics, although it has to watch out for Ice Shard and it is outsped and KOed itself by the Choice Scarf set. Rock Slide users such as Tyranitar and Excadrill can deal significant damage to Abomasnow, but though if it lives through the hit, it is capable of doing a lot of damage to them in return.</p>
 
implemented changes (didnt add lines about protect since when i've talked to mizuhime about it before she's said it shouldn't be included, if it's a problem i can write some up though). looks like it's ready to go up
 
[Overview]

<p>Abomasnow seems lackluster at first glance, but it is actually a large threat in the Doubles metagame. Its key to success is its ability, Snow Warning. This allows it to be a great check to opposing weather teams, robbing Pokemon such as Kingdra and Excadrill of their respective weathers. Its STABs are also great offensively, providing good neutral coverage and allowing it to easily dispatch the two most common weather inducers in the tier, Politoed and Tyranitar. Defensively, its resistance to Water-type attacks allows it to be a thorn in the side of most rain teams. Furthermore, Snow Warning grants it access to perfectly accurate Blizzards, allowing it to be pose an even bigger offensive threat. However, it is also left weak to many common attacking types and spread moves. This makes Abomasnow difficult to keep alive, as those weaknesses can be easily exploited. Abomasnow does have its fair share of flaws, but its excellent ability and unique set of assets more than make up for this, making it a Pokemon that should be considered for many teams.</p>

[SET]
name: Standard
move 1: Blizzard
move 2: Giga Drain / Grass Knot
move 3: Ice Shard / Hidden Power Fire
move 4: Protect
item: Focus Sash
ability: Snow Warning
nature: Quiet / Modest
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>With this set, Abomasnow can stay alive longer in order to keep hail up. It can also act as a good check to common weather sweepers such as Excadrill and Ludicolo. Blizzard is the main attacking move here due to the fact that it is both very powerful and a spread move, letting Abomasnow hit both opposing Pokemon hard. In addition, Blizzard has good neutral coverage, so it is easy to spam. Giga Drain is a good secondary STAB move, as it allows Abomasnow to hit bulky Water-types, such as Jellicent and Politoed. The recovery from Giga Drain is a nice bonus to grant more longevity and potentially allow Abomasnow to put itself back in Focus Sash range. Grass Knot is a nice alternative to hit heavier Pokemon such as Tyranitar for more damage, although the lack of recovery is unfortunate. Ice Shard is a useful option to pick off weakened Pokemon and somewhat makes up for Abomasnow's low Speed, while Hidden Power Fire is a great option to roast Scizor, Metagross, and opposing Abomasnow. The former in particular will otherwise switch into Abomasnow without worry.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Focus Sash is used so that Abomasnow can survive any attack at full health. A Quiet nature is the main option because it makes Abomasnow slower than most weather inducers, which lets it put up hail turn one. In addition, it allows Abomasnow to be a nice check to Trick Room teams. However, if you'd rather have the additional Speed, you could use a Modest nature instead. Hidden Power Rock is an option to hit Volcarona, who otherwise has nothing to fear from Abomasnow. However, Abomasnow is not a very reliable check, as Volcarona can easily outspeed and KO it. It is also a very niche option and won't be needed very often, as outside of Fire-types, Hidden Power Rock and Blizzard have redundant coverage.</p>

<p>Due to Abomasnow's poor Speed, Trick Room setters such as Cresselia and Slowking make for great partners, forming a devastating HailRoom combination that can quickly dismantle unprepared teams with Blizzard. Psychic- and Ghost-types are great options to set up Trick Room, as they can also cover up Abomasnow's Fighting weakness. Hitmontop makes for an amazing partner as it has access to Wide Guard, shielding Abomasnow from Rock Slides and Heat Waves that would otherwise deal heavy damage to it. Hitmontop's Fighting-type STAB also lets it threaten Rock-types, such as Tyranitar, and Steel-types, such as Heatran, that can cause problems for this set. Heatran and Chandelure make great partners for this set as they can discourage the opponent from using Fire-type attacks that would otherwise spell the end of Abomasnow. They can also defeat the Steel-types that resist both of Abomasnow's STAB moves and can KO Abomasnow in return. Water-types such as Rotom-W and Suicune make for nice partners, as they can defeat Pokemon that threaten Abomasnow such as Scizor, Heatran, and Tyranitar. In return, Abomasnow can eliminate Gastrodon. Other Blizzard users such as Kyurem and Rotom-F make for good partners as well, as they can provide the pieces for a deadly BlizzSpam strategy.</p>

[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Wood Hammer
move 2: Blizzard
move 3: Ice Shard / Hidden Power Fire
move 4: Protect
item: Grass Gem
ability: Snow Warning
nature: Brave
evs: 64 HP / 124 Atk / 68 Def / 252 SpA

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>The main goal of this set is to use raw power to eliminate opposing weather setters and win the weather war quickly. Wood Hammer is the main draw of this set, and thanks to its high Base Power, it can deal huge amounts of damage to Pokemon such as Politoed and Tyranitar. Although a special attack might seem more practical, Wood Hammer has the advantage of circumventing Tyranitar's Special Defense boost from sandstorm, allowing it to do more damage than special alternatives would. Blizzard is used as a secondary STAB move, and it is a great attacking option thanks to its high Base Power and the ability to hit both opposing Pokemon. It is also nice because it has great type coverage with Wood Hammer, taking out Flying-types that resist the move. Ice Shard is a nice option in the third slot to pick off weakened Pokemon and somewhat mitigate Abomasnow's low Speed. However, Hidden Power Fire is another great option to hit Steel-types, such as Scizor and Metagross, that can quickly become a problem for Abomasnow. It also allows Abomasnow to take out opposing Abomasnow, which is a nice bonus.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Grass Gem is used on this set because it allows Abomasnow to net some important KOs with Wood Hammer, such as an OHKO on Politoed and Tyranitar, the two most common weather setters. Although the EV spread seems complicated, it serves a very specific purpose: 124 Attack in conjunction with a Brave nature allows Abomasnow to OHKO Tyranitar and Politoed with a Grass Gem-boosted Wood Hammer. The HP and Defense EVs allow Abomasnow to survive both a Rock Slide and a Low Kick from Tyranitar. The remaining EVs are put into Special Attack to power up Blizzard. Brave is used over Adamant so as not to reduce the power of Blizzard. It also ensures Abomasnow is generally slower than most opposing weather setters, so it can swiftly KO them with Wood Hammer and keep hail up.</p>

<p>Other Blizzard users such as Kyurem and Rotom-F make for excellent partners to this set, as they can take advantage of Abomasnow's ability to get rid of opposing weather setters by spamming STAB-boosted Blizzards and heavily damaging opposing teams. Hitmontop is also a great partner, as Wide Guard support is appreciated with Abomasnow lacking any way to survive deadly spread moves such as Heat Wave and Rock Slide. The fact that Hitmontop has Feint is also great to get a surprise KO on Politoed and Tyranitar that think that they are safe by simply Protecting. Chandelure and Heatran are nice partners, as they can dissuade opposing Pokemon from using Fire-type attacks thanks to their Flash Fire ability. Water-types such as Rotom-W and Suicune make for good partners as well, as they can handle the Rock-, Fire-, and Steel-types that can give Abomasnow trouble, and; in return, Abomasnow can quickly KO Gastrodon, who is a large nuisance to them. Thanks to its low Speed, Abomasnow partners well with Trick Room setters such as Cresselia and Slowking to utilize a HailRoom strategy that can be very difficult for the opponent to fight. Most Trick Room setters also either resist or are immune to Fighting-type attacks, so they can take on the Fighting-types that trouble Abomasnow</p>

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Blizzard
move 2: Hidden Power Fire / Hidden Power Ground
move 3: Giga Drain / Grass Knot
move 4: Ice Shard
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Snow Warning
nature: Timid
evs: 28 Def / 228 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>With a Choice Scarf equipped and maximum Speed investment, Abomasnow is able to reach 360 Speed, allowing it to outspeed fast sweepers such as Tornadus and Latios and dispatch of them. Blizzard is the main attacking move here, being an excellent move to be locked into thanks to its amazing neutral coverage, great power, and the ability to hit both opposing Pokemon at once. Hidden Power Fire is a good option to dispatch Scizor and Genesect. However, if these Pokemon are not concerning to you, Hidden Power Ground is a good option to hit Heatran and Chandelure, who would otherwise be massive threats to Abomasnow. Giga Drain is a good secondary STAB move to hit bulky Water-types, such as Politoed, that would otherwise not be bothered by Abomasnow's attacks. The fact that Giga Drain recovers some HP is a nice bonus as well. Grass Knot is an alternative to hit heavier Pokemon, such as Jellicent and Tyranitar, for more damage. Ice Shard is a good option to pick off faster Pokemon such as Shaymin-S, as even with a Choice Scarf equipped, Abomasnow still isn't that fast.</p>

<p>This set has a nice surprise value, as Pokemon such as Latios and Tornadus will often attempt to OHKO Abomasnow, only to be outsped and OHKOed themselves. In addition, this set is a nice check to dangerous weather sweepers such as Kingdra and Excadrill, as it can remove their preferred weather, outspeed them, and hit them for nice damage.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>28 EVs are put into Defense to allow Abomasnow to survive both a Bullet Punch from Scizor and a Steel Gem-boosted Bullet Punch from Metagross, and the remaining EVs are put into Speed and Special Attack. A Modest nature might be appealing to grant Abomasnow more power, but Timid is necessary to outspeed important Pokemon, such as Latios and Tornadus. Light Screen is an interesting option in order to give Abomasnow's partner more special bulk in a pinch, letting it survive hits it otherwise might not. However, being locked into Light Screen will quickly become problematic for Abomasnow. Hidden Power Rock can be used to hit Volcarona, but it is very situational and outside of targeting Fire-types, Hidden Power Rock gets redundant coverage with Blizzard.</p>

<p>Because this set has a harder time winning weather wars than its other sets, Pokemon that can take on Ninetales and Tyranitar, such asnamely Terrakion, Garchomp, and Rotom-W, make for great partners. Heatran and Chandelure make for good partners to discourage the opponent from using Fire-type moves, which otherwise can easily eliminate Abomasnow. Other Blizzard users such as Kyurem and Rotom-F make for great partners to this set, as together they can form an effective BlizzSpam core. </p>

[Other Options]

<p>A Substitute set can be useful to shield Abomasnow from Pokemon looking to KO it, but due to its slew of weaknesses, it can be difficult to find the time to set up a Substitute. Leech Seed can be useful to give Abomasnow gradual recovery as well as stacking residual damage with hail, but Leech Seed stalling isn't as effective in Doubles as it is in Singles. Earthquake is an option to hit Steel- and Fire-types for super effective damage; however, due to the fact that it lacks STAB and has its damage reduced due to being a spread move, it can be problematic. In addition, the fact that it would also hit Abomasnow's partner can make it difficult to use at times. Ice Beam is an option to allow Abomasnow to reliably hit Pokemon with an Ice-type STAB move when hail isn't up, but this option is rather situational and it is usually better to just run Blizzard. Icy Wind can be used to provide speed control for the rest of your team, but Abomasnow is usually better off leaving that to a teammate. Focus Blast can be useful on special attacking sets to hit non-Chople Berry Tyranitar harder than Giga Drain, as well as hitting Pokemon such as Heatran, Bisharp, and Kyurem super effectively. An Ice Gem is a nice way to power up Blizzard, doing large amounts of damage to anything it hits neutrally. Finally, a set utilizing Expert Belt can be a nice option to power up Abomasnow's coverage moves and net additional KOs.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Fire-types such as Ninetales, Heatran, Chandelure, Victini, and Volcarona make for great counters, as they resist all of Abomasnow's commonly used moves and can easily KO it with STAB-boosted Fire-type attacks. Heatran and Volcarona are especially threatening, as they can easily set up a Substitute or a Quiver Dance, respectively, while Abomasnow is on the field. Jirachi makes a great check as it resists both of Abomasnow's STAB moves, is difficult for Abomasnow to wear down, and can use Follow Me to redirect its attacks and thus limit its usefulness. Metagross, Bisharp, Genesect, and Scizor also resist both of Abomasnow's STAB attacks and can deal large amounts of damage back with their Steel-type attacks. However, they must all watch out for Hidden Power Fire, especially Scizor. Fighting-types such as Hitmontop, Scrafty, Conkeldurr, and Terrakion also make good checks to Abomasnow, as they can easily threaten it with their Fighting-type attacks. Hitmontop and Conkeldurr are especially threatening, because they can use Wide Guard to shield both themselves and their partners from Abomasnow's Blizzard. Offensive Cresselia can take any of Abomasnow's hits and KO it with Hidden Power Fire. Tornadus easily outspeeds Abomasnow and can maul it with Acrobatics, although it has to watch out for Ice Shard and the Choice Scarf set. Rock Slide users such as Tyranitar and Excadrill can deal significant damage to Abomasnow, though if it lives through the hit, it is capable of doing a lot of damage to them in return.</p>

[GP 2/2] GG.
 
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