Alakazam (Calm Mind + Encore)

Thund91

Thund91

is a Contributor Alumnus
alakazam-f.png


http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/alakazam

Can't believe there isn't a Calm Mind set in the analysis....I haven't used any pure offensive Calm Mind sets but have tested and used this set so I thought I'd do a write up.

[SET]
name: Calm Mind + Encore
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Encore
move 3: Psychic
move 4: Signal Beam / Focus Blast
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Even with Alakazam's monstrous Special Attack stat, he struggles to muscle through dedicated special walls such as Chansey and Milotic. Calm Mind remedies this by giving him the power he needs to defeat said walls, while Encore gives the frail Alakazam opportunities to set up. After a boost, Alakazam will reach a Special Attack stat of 553 or 607, depending on the nature of choice. This, coupled with his high Speed, allows him to sweep unhindered. This set has the potential to hit just as hard as the Specs set, while allowing you the freedom to switch moves at the cost of coverage.</p>

<p>Psychic will dent any Pokemon not resistant or immune to it, while the coverage move helps Alakazam deal with Pokemon who have no trouble with his STAB. Signal Beam is an accurate move that helps deal with Psychic- and Dark-types, while the less reliable Focus Blast allows Alakazam to defeat Registeel, Steelix, and Chansey. If you wish to hit Spiritomb and Milotic as hard as possible, Grass Knot can also be used, but it isn't particularly useful outside of that.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Depending on the coverage move of choice, Alakazam will have trouble with certain Pokemon. Without Focus Blast, Alakazam struggles to harm Registeel, Chansey, and Steelix as they switch in to foil his sweep. If Focus Blast is chosen, Alakazam will be completely useless against Spiritomb, and will lose the accuracy of Signal Beam to take out Dark-type threats reliably. Alakazam will also be walled by Psychic-types like Uxie and Mesprit, making Signal Beam superior in terms of reliability and coverage.</p>

<p>Max Speed with a Timid nature is recommended as Alakazam's frailty means he needs to attack as fast as possible before being attacked himself, but the additional power of Modest cannot be ignored. With a Modest nature, Alakazam only needs Stealth Rock to ensure the 2HKO with a +1 Focus Blast on Chansey. Leftovers is the preferred item to heal entry hazard damage and aid setting up, while Life Orb gives Alakazam a further power boost. With Life Orb, Timid Alakazam has a very slight chance to OHKO standard Registeel (using Focus Blast) with Stealth Rock after a Calm Mind, and has a guaranteed OHKO with Stealth Rock and one layer of Spikes. The ability choice is up to preference, as bouncing back status with Synchronize is useful, as is Inner Focus for eliminating Ambipom and Technitop as they attempt to flinch you with Fake out.</p>

<p>Alakazam's frailty doesn't allow him many opportunities to set up, and this is where Encore comes in. Encoring set-up moves such as Stealth Rock or recovery moves from walls gives him the time he needs to set up without fear of retaliation. With proper prediction, Alakazam can switch in on set-up sweepers such as Toxicroak or Leafeon and foil their attempts at a sweep, while beginning his own. Substitute users are also susceptible to Encore, including SubSeeders and SubPunchers. Encore also allows Alakazam to defeat revenge killers who rely on Sucker Punch to stop him, such as Houndoom, Toxicroak, and Absol. Encoring Sucker Punch allows Alakazam to continue Calm Minding while the opponent remains helpless. After Sucker Punch's PP wears out, Alakazam can KO the Pokemon with the appropriate move. Alakazam is best played from mid to late game when the majority of your opponent's team is revealed and you've scouted potential threats. Even if the opportunity to sweep hasn't presented itself, Alakazam can fire off a few attacks and Encore key moves to support his team until he can finally attempt a sweep.</p>

<p>Although Alakazam hits hard on his own, he still appreciates support from his team. Entry hazards are especially useful, as they allow Alakazam to get KOs he otherwise wouldn't on Pokemon such as Chansey and Specially Defensive Milotic. Omastar makes a good partner, as he has access to all forms of entry hazard and makes an effective lead. Blaziken and Houndoom make ideal partners for their ability to get rid of Spiritomb, and any other threats who may pester Alakazam with the loss of one of his coverage moves. Venusaur can lure Registeel and put it to sleep, while setting up Swords Dance. Venusaur can also KO Milotic before she can become a hindrance to Alakazam. Pokemon who can take priority attacks aimed at Alakazam are also recommended. Slowbro is a good choice as his high Defense allows him to easily sponge hits from Arcanine and Azumarill. Hitmonlee can eliminate Chansey and pesky Steel-types with his Fighting STAB while hitting Spiritomb hard with Stone Edge. Dugtrio gets a special mention for being able to trap and defeat Registeel, Steelix, and Chansey on his own, which is especially useful for Alakazam who choose Signal Beam as their coverage move.</p>
 
Great write up Thund. What about mentioning Dugtrio? He makes a great partner to set by removing it's best counters and allows Alakazam to drop the unreliable Focus Blast for Signal beam 100% of the time.
Also I don't really see the use of Leftovers. You aren't running substitute, and Alakazam is far to frail to make good use of it. Maybe a rapid spinner can be suggested for entry hazards?
 
Ok reformatted it the way it should have been.

I still think Leftovers is superior, the extra bit of health it gave me was really useful to survive some priority attacks, and when setting up on weak special attackers it really came in handy.

Added Dugtrio to team options.
 
After a Calm Mind boost, Alakazam will reach a Special Attack stat of 553 or 607, depending on the nature of choice.
Click to expand...
Just added that in to make it a little bit easier to follow. Also, would making Alakazam with more defensive EVs do anything to help a sweep or to survive encoring a few attacks? Cool set! :)
 
Thund91 said:
[SET]
name: Calm Mind + Encore
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Encore
move 3: Psychic
move 4: Signal Beam / Focus Blast
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe [order matters]

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Even with Alakazam's monstrous Special Attack stat, it struggles to muscle through dedicated walls such as Chansey or Milotic. Calm Mind remedies this by giving it the power it needs to defeat said walls, while Encore gives the frail Alakazam opportunities to set up. After a boost, Alakazam will reach a Special Attack stat of 553 or 607, depending on the nature of choice. Coupled with its high Speed, Alakazam can now sweep unhindered. This set has the potential to hit just as hard as the Specs set, while allowing you the freedom to switch moves at the cost of less coverage.</p>

<p>Psychic will dent any Pokemon not resistant or immune to it, while the coverage move helps Alakazam deal with Pokemon who have no trouble with its STAB. Signal Beam is an accurate move that helps deal with Psychic- and Dark-types, while the less reliable Focus Blast allows Alakazam to defeat Registeel, Steelix, and Chansey. If you wish to hit Spiritomb and Milotic as hard as possible, Grass Knot can also be used, but isn't particularly useful outside of that.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Depending on the coverage move of choice, Alakazam will have trouble with certain Pokemon. With Signal Beam, Alakazam will struggle to severely harm Registeel, Chansey, or Steelix as they switch in and foil its sweep (although Steelix won't enjoy boosted Psychics as much). If Focus Blast is chosen, Alakazam will be completely useless against Spiritomb, while losing the accuracy of Signal Beam to reliably take out Dark-type threats. Alakazam will also be walled by Psychic-types like Uxie or Mesprit, making Signal Beam superior in terms of reliability and the amount of Pokemon able to be defeated.</p>

<p>Max Speed with a Timid nature is recommended as Alakazam's frailty means it needs to attack as fast as possible before being attacked itself, but the additional power of Modest cannot be ignored. With Modest, Alakazam only needs Stealth Rock to ensure the 2HKO with a +1 Focus Blast on Chansey. Leftovers is the preferred item to heal entry hazard damage and aid setting up, while Life Orb gives Alakazam a further power boost. With Life Orb, Timid Alakazam has a very slight chance to OHKO standard Registeel with Stealth Rock, and is a guaranteed OHKO with one layer of Spikes. Ability choice is up to preference, as bouncing back status with Synchronize is useful, while eliminating Ambipom or Hipmontop as they attempt to Fake Out with Inner Focus.</p>

<p>Alakazam's frailty doesn't allow it many opportunities to set up, and this is where Encore comes in. Encoring set up moves such as Stealth Rock or recovery moves from walls gives it the time it needs to set up without fear of retaliation. With proper prediction, Alakazam can switch in on set up sweepers such as Houndoom or Leafeon and foil their attempts at a sweep, while beginning its own. Substitute users are also susceptible to Encore, including SubSeeders or SubPunchers. Encore also allows Alakazam to defeat revenge killers who rely on Sucker Punch to stop it, such as Houndoom, Toxicroak, and Absol. Encoring the Sucker Punch allows Alakazam to continue Calm Minding while the opponent remains helpless. After Sucker Punch's PP wears out, Alakazam can KO the Pokemon with the appropriate move. Alakazam is best played from mid-to-late game when the majority of your opponent's team is revealed and you've scouted potential threats. Even if the opportunity to sweep hasn't presented itself, Alakazam can fire off a few attacks and Encore key moves to support its team until it can finally attempt one.</p>

<p>Although Alakazam hits hard on its own, it still appreciates support from the team. Entry hazards are especially useful, as this allows Alakazam to get KOs it otherwise wouldn't on Pokemon such as Chansey and Specially Defensive Milotic. Omastar makes a good partner, as it has access to all hazards and makes an effective lead. Blaziken and Houndoom make ideal partners for their ability to get rid of Spiritomb, and any other threats who may pester Alakazam with the loss of one of its coverage moves. Venusaur can lure Registeel and put it to sleep, while setting up Swords Dance. Venusaur can also KO Milotic before it can become a hindrance to Alakazam. Dugtrio gets a special mention for being able to trap and defeat Registeel, Steelix, and Chansey on its own, which especially useful for Alakazams who choose Signal Beam as their coverage move.</p>
Click to expand...

Cool set, and the writing is good, too :)
 
Dark Froslass said:
Why not just Taunt? It would be very effective on the fast Alakazam...also, Modest nature is pointless...
Click to expand...

The one area I can see Encore being more useful than Taunt would be against other stat-up sweepers like Nasty Plot Slowking or something. Whereas Slowking is free to attack after Alakazam uses Taunt, after Encore, Slowking can't do jack shit other than Nasty Plot, (which can last up to 7 turns I believe.)

Alakazam shouldn't be switching into stat-up sweepers in the first place, but desperate times can call for desperate measures and Encore allows Alakazam to stop them in their tracks. It also helps against Sub-Punchers and other Substitute users as well because they're forced to continue using Substitute instead of having the opportunity to attack.
 
I've been using this set to pretty decent success today. But I swear that everyone on the ladder reads this, it feels like everyone knows whats coming (not to mention the number of other CM+Encore Alakazams I've seen).

Just a catch from Snorlaxe's edit:

Dugtrio gets a special mention for being able to trap and defeat Registeel, Steelix, and Chansey on its own, which is especially useful for Alakazams who choose Signal Beam as their coverage move.</p>
Click to expand...

Also supporting leftovers. It allows you to set up on weak special attacks way easier.

Edit: Also Encore is better because with Alakazam's frailty you don't want opponents to be attacking you, even with weak attacks.
 
@Chenn:Sadly Zam is too frail. I DID run a defensive-ish set on a SubCM set on Zam a while ago that could survive Arcanine's CB Extremespeed but with Encore you're better off hitting as fast as possible.

@DF:Probably cause you don't want Zam to get attacked? lol It can't really take a hard hit at all. And Modest is useful to attain guaranteed KOs on Registeel and Chansey that Timid can't with just SR.

@Snorlaxe:Ty. (: Changes soon.

@Oglemi:You get the gist of it. :) I did say with proper prediction you can switch in on setup moves, takes a lot of practice. I got enough practice for myself with Lopunny though. xP

@Paradox:That sucks. <_< I had been using this Alakazam a bit and hadn't seen any like it so far. I guess this write up will make them start appearing. Sucks when the surprise factor is gone...but then that leaves us open to abuse other Zam sets. ;) Oh and Lefties ftw!
 
Just thought I'd bump this. Finally implemented Snorlaxe's changes so if there's nothing else to fix I guess this could be uploaded???

EDIT:Or does this need to be QC approved??? If someone can let me know I'd appreciate it!! =)
 
I like this a lot, perhaps it is worth your time mentioning that focus blast is probably more useful should you venture into ou with this set.
 
Actually, CM+Encore Alakazam WAS put up for review before. I even got the idea from that thread, though I had Psychic obviously because no STAB was pretty retarded.

Additions in blue, removals in red, minor letter replacements simply bolded, comments bolded in brackets.

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Even with Alakazam's monstrous Special Attack stat, it struggles to muscle through dedicated walls such as Chansey or Milotic. Calm Mind remedies this by giving it the power it needs to defeat said walls, while Encore gives the frail Alakazam opportunities to set up. After a boost, Alakazam will reach a Special Attack stat of 553 or 607, depending on the nature of choice. Coupled with its high Speed, Alakazam can now sweep unhindered. This set has the potential to hit just as hard as the Specs set, while allowing you the freedom to switch moves at the cost of less coverage.</p>

<p>Psychic will dent any Pokémon (sorry I might as well :P) not resistant or immune to it, while the coverage move helps Alakazam deal with Pokémon who have no trouble with its STAB. Signal Beam is an accurate move that helps deal with Psychic- and Dark-types, while the less reliable Focus Blast allows Alakazam to defeat Registeel, Steelix, and Chansey. If you wish to hit Spiritomb and Milotic as hard as possible, Grass Knot can also be used, but isn't particularly useful outside of that.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Depending on the coverage move of choice, Alakazam will have trouble with certain Pokémon. With Signal Beam, Alakazam will struggle to severely harm Registeel, Chansey, or Steelix very severely as they switch in and foil his sweep (although Steelix won't enjoy boosted Psychics as much). If Focus Blast is chosen, Alakazam will be completely useless against Spiritomb, while losing the accuracy of Signal Beam to reliably take out Dark-type threats reliably. Alakazam will also be walled by Psychic-types like Uxie or Mesprit, making Signal Beam superior in terms of reliability and the amount of Pokemon able to be defeated coverage (this sounded awkward and convoluted, so I replaced it with just "coverage").</p>

<p>Max Speed with a Timid nature is recommended as Alakazam's frailty means it needs to attack as fast as possible (probably redundant) before being attacked itself, but the additional power of Modest cannot be ignored. With Modest, Alakazam only needs Stealth Rock to ensure the 2HKO with a +1 Focus Blast on Chansey. Leftovers is the preferred item to heal entry hazard damage and aid setting up, while Life Orb gives Alakazam a further power boost. With Life Orb, Timid Alakazam has a very slight chance to OHKO standard Registeel with Stealth Rock, and is has a guaranteed OHKO with one layer of Spikes. Ability choice is up to preference, as bouncing back status with Synchronize is useful, whle as is eliminating Ambipom or Technitop as they attempt to Fake Out with Inner Focus.</p>

<p>Alakazam's frailty doesn't allow it many opportunities to set up, and this is where Encore comes in. Encoring set up moves such as Stealth Rock or recovery moves from walls gives it the time it needs to set up without fear of retaliation. With proper prediction, Alakazam can switch in on set up sweepers such as Houndoom or Leafeon and foil their attempts at a sweep, while beginning its own. Substitute users are also susceptible to Encore, including SubSeeders or and SubPunchers. Encore also allows Alakazam to defeat revenge killers who rely on Sucker Punch to stop it, such as Houndoom, Toxicroak, and Absol. Encoring the Sucker Punch allows Alakazam to continue Calm Minding while the opponent remains helpless. After Sucker Punch's PP wears out, Alakazam can KO the Pokemon with the appropriate move. Alakazam is best played from mid-to-late game when the majority of your opponent's team is revealed and you've scouted potential threats. Even if the opportunity to sweep hasn't presented itself, Alakazam can fire off a few attacks and Encore key moves to support its team until it can finally attempt one.</p>

<p>Although Alakazam hits hard on its own, it still appreciates support from the team. Entry hazards are especially useful, as this allows Alakazam to get KOs it otherwise wouldn't on Pokemon such as Chansey and Specially Defensive Milotic. Omastar makes a good partner, as it has access to all hazards and makes an effective lead. Blaziken and Houndoom make ideal partners for their ability to get rid of Spiritomb, and any other threats who may pester Alakazam with the loss of one of its coverage moves. Venusaur can lure Registeel and put it to sleep, while setting up Swords Dance. Venusaur can also KO Milotic before it can become a hindrance to Alakazam. Dugtrio gets a special mention for being able to trap and defeat Registeel, Steelix, and Chansey on its own, which is especially useful for Alakazam (no "s" on Pokémon plurals lol) who choose Signal Beam as their coverage move.</p>
Click to expand...

Nice set description.
 
Perhaps also mention that Alakazam should be paired with something that can take Physical Priority attacks. Slowbro is a good choice, as it can take on Azumarill, Hitmontop, and Arcainine. Registeel and Steelix help with Ambipom. Oh, and even with Inner Focus, Alakazam will be destroyed by Fake Out from Ambipom and Hitmontop wrecks it with Sucker Punch, so you might as well go with Synchronize so that you outrun your opponent even after it paralyzes you.
 
I'll add Pokemans that take physical priority attacks for Zam, but Inner Focus will still be listed, and imo it's the better ability. A paralyzed Zam won't be doing jackshit, and Zam can still survive Ambipom's Fake Out and hit it with Psychic. Hitmontop's Fake Out does even less and lol hi Sucker Punch meet Encore.
 
After some testing, I think life orb is the item of choice.
Alakazam's miniscule defense stat, coupled with the fact that there are very few special priority moves, you will basically be at least 2HKOed by any priority move, even with lefties, some, such as CB Arcanine will OHKO after SR. I would say life orb's boost is worth losing some HP over. I would also list Synch as the prefered ability, as unless it's used as a lead, it's unlikely to be flinched.
 
Grammar-Prose Check 1/2:
orange for prose edits
blue for spelling/grammar edits
comments in green
Thund91 said:
[SET]
name: Calm Mind + Encore
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Encore
move 3: Psychic
move 4: Signal Beam / Focus Blast
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Even with Alakazam's monstrous Special Attack stat, he struggles to muscle through dedicated special walls such as Chansey or Milotic. Calm Mind remedies this by giving him the power he needs to defeat said walls, while Encore gives the frail Alakazam opportunities to set up. After a boost, Alakazam will reach a Special Attack stat of 553 or 607, depending on the nature of choice. This, coupled with his high Speed, allows Alakazam to sweep unhindered. This set has the potential to hit just as hard as the Specs set, while allowing you the freedom to switch moves at the cost of less coverage.</p>

<p>Psychic will dent any Pokemon not resistant or immune to it, while the coverage move helps Alakazam deal with Pokemon who have no trouble with his STAB. Signal Beam is an accurate move that helps deal with Psychic- and Dark-types, while the less reliable Focus Blast allows Alakazam to defeat Registeel, Steelix, and Chansey. If you wish to hit Spiritomb and Milotic as hard as possible, Grass Knot can also be used, but isn't particularly useful outside of that.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Depending on the coverage move of choice, Alakazam will have trouble with certain Pokemon. With Signal Beam, Alakazam will struggle to harm Registeel, Chansey, or Steelix very severely, as they switch in and foil his sweep (although Steelix won't enjoy boosted Psychics as much). If Focus Blast is chosen, Alakazam will be completely useless against Spiritomb, while losing the accuracy of Signal Beam to take out Dark-type threats reliably. Alakazam will also be walled by Psychic-types like Uxie or Mesprit, making Signal Beam superior in terms of reliability and coverage.</p>

<p>Max Speed with a Timid nature is recommended, as Alakazam's frailty means he needs to attack as fast as possible before being attacked himself, but the additional power of Modest cannot be ignored. With a Modest nature, Alakazam only needs Stealth Rock to ensure the 2HKO with a +1 Focus Blast on Chansey. Leftovers is the preferred item to heal entry hazard damage and aid setting up, while Life Orb gives Alakazam a further power boost. With Life Orb, Timid Alakazam has a very slight chance to OHKO (using Focus Blast) standard Registeel with Stealth Rock after a Calm Mind, and has a guaranteed OHKO with one layer of Spikes. Ability choice is up to preference, as bouncing back status with Synchronize is useful, as is eliminating Ambipom or Technitop as they attempt to Fake Out with Inner Focus.</p>

<p>Alakazam's frailty doesn't allow him many opportunities to set up, but this is where Encore comes in. Encoring set-up moves such as Stealth Rock or recovery moves from walls gives him the time he needs to set up without fear of retaliation. With proper prediction, Alakazam can switch in on set-up sweepers such as Houndoom or Leafeon and foil their attempts at a sweep, while beginning his own. Substitute users are also susceptible to Encore, including SubSeeders and SubPunchers. Encore also allows Alakazam to defeat revenge killers who rely on Sucker Punch to stop him, such as Houndoom, Toxicroak, and Absol. Encoring Sucker Punch allows Alakazam to continue Calm Minding while the opponent remains helpless. After Sucker Punch's PP wears out, Alakazam can KO the Pokemon with the appropriate move. Alakazam is best played from mid-to-late game when the majority of your opponent's team is revealed and you've scouted potential threats. Even if the opportunity to sweep hasn't presented itself, Alakazam can fire off a few attacks and Encore key moves to support his team until he can finally attempt a sweep.</p>

<p>Although Alakazam hits hard on his own, he still appreciates support from his team. Entry hazards are especially useful, as they allow Alakazam to get KOs he otherwise wouldn't on Pokemon such as Chansey and Specially Defensive Milotic. Omastar makes a good partner, as he has access to all forms of entry hazards and makes an effective lead. Blaziken and Houndoom make ideal partners for their ability to get rid of Spiritomb, and any other threats who may pester Alakazam with the loss of one of his coverage moves. Venusaur can lure Registeel and put it to sleep, while setting up Swords Dance. Venusaur can also KO Milotic before she can become a hindrance to Alakazam. Pokemon that can take priority attacks aimed at Alakazam are also recommended. Slowbro is a good choice, as his high Defense allows him to easily sponge hits from Arcanine and Azumarill. Dugtrio gets a special mention for being able to trap and defeat Registeel, Steelix, and Chansey on his own, which is especially useful for Alakazam who choose Signal Beam as their coverage move.</p>
Click to expand...
Remember, in accordance with the new gender rule, Pokemon are referred to as people, meaning each Pokemon has a specific gender (barring genderless Pokemon). Alakazam is male. Apart from that, nice analysis, this is a great set!

gp2.png
 
Okay, so I feel there's one sentence that needs some clarifying.

With Signal Beam, Alakazam will struggle struggles to harm Registeel, Chansey, or Steelix very severely, as they switch in and foil his sweep (although Steelix won't enjoy boosted Psychics as much). (Standard Sassy Steelix is 4HKOed at best by a +1 Psychic while it 2HKOs back with Gyro Ball/EQ)
Click to expand...

That was really confusing to me the first time I read it. Other then that, the use of ", while" is used almost every other sentence it seems but thats not a problem really :)
 
Draco Zephyr said:
Remember, in accordance with the new gender rule, Pokemon are referred to as people, meaning each Pokemon has a specific gender (barring genderless Pokemon). Alakazam is male. Apart from that, nice analysis, this is a great set!
Click to expand...

I guess that's why I didn't know. I thought we were supposed to make the analysis gender neutral. The rules of C&C are ever changing I guess lol.

Thanks! (:
Making changes asap!

Also going to add Hitmonlee as a partner. On my old team it wrecks Pokes and gave Zam a chance to sweep. It's an offensive duo I still use today, cant believe I forgot this. >_<
 
[SET]
name: Calm Mind + Encore
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Encore
move 3: Psychic
move 4: Signal Beam / Focus Blast
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Even with Alakazam's monstrous Special Attack stat, he struggles to muscle through dedicated special walls such as Chansey and Milotic. Calm Mind remedies this by giving him the power he needs to defeat said walls, while Encore gives the frail Alakazam opportunities to set up. After a boost, Alakazam will reach a Special Attack stat of 553 or 607, depending on the nature of choice. This, coupled with his high Speed, allows Alakazam to sweep unhindered. This set has the potential to hit just as hard as the Specs set, while allowing you the freedom to switch moves at the cost of less coverage.</p>

<p>Psychic will dent any Pokemon not resistant or immune to it, while the coverage move helps Alakazam deal with Pokemon who have no trouble with his STAB. Signal Beam is an accurate move that helps deal with Psychic- and Dark-types, while the less reliable Focus Blast allows Alakazam to defeat Registeel, Steelix, and Chansey. If you wish to hit Spiritomb and Milotic as hard as possible, Grass Knot can also be used, but it isn't particularly useful outside of that.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Depending on the coverage move of choice, Alakazam will have trouble with certain Pokemon. Without Focus Blast, Alakazam struggles to harm Registeel, Chansey, and Steelix as they switch in to foil his sweep. If Focus Blast is chosen, Alakazam will be completely useless against Spiritomb, and will lose the accuracy of Signal Beam to take out Dark-type threats reliably. Alakazam will also be walled by Psychic-types like Uxie and Mesprit, making Signal Beam superior in terms of reliability and coverage.</p>

<p>Max Speed with a Timid nature is recommended as Alakazam's frailty means he needs to attack as fast as possible before being attacked himself, but the additional power of Modest cannot be ignored. With a Modest nature, Alakazam only needs Stealth Rock to ensure the 2HKO with a +1 Focus Blast on Chansey. Leftovers is the preferred item to heal entry hazard damage and aid setting up, while Life Orb gives Alakazam a further power boost. With Life Orb, Timid Alakazam has a very slight chance to OHKO standard Registeel (using Focus Blast) (spacing) with Stealth Rock after a Calm Mind, and has a guaranteed OHKO with Stealth Rock and one layer of Spikes. The ability choice is up to preference, as bouncing back status with Synchronize is useful, as is Inner Focus for eliminating Ambipom and Technitop as they attempt to flinch you with Fake Out with Inner Focus.</p>

<p>Alakazam's frailty doesn't allow him many opportunities to set up, and this is where Encore comes in. Encoring set-up moves such as Stealth Rock or recovery moves from walls gives him the time he needs to set up without fear of retaliation. With proper prediction, Alakazam can switch in on set-up sweepers such as Houndoom or Leafeon and foil their attempts at a sweep, while beginning his own. Substitute users are also susceptible to Encore, including SubSeeders and SubPunchers. Encore also allows Alakazam to defeat revenge killers who rely on Sucker Punch to stop him, such as Houndoom, Toxicroak, and Absol. Encoring Sucker Punch allows Alakazam to continue Calm Minding while the opponent remains helpless. After Sucker Punch's PP wears out, Alakazam can KO the Pokemon with the appropriate move. Alakazam is best played from mid to late game when the majority of your opponent's team is revealed and you've scouted potential threats. Even if the opportunity to sweep hasn't presented itself, Alakazam can fire off a few attacks and Encore key moves to support his team until he can finally attempt a sweep.</p>

<p>Although Alakazam hits hard on his own, he still appreciates support from his team. Entry hazards are especially useful, as they allow Alakazam to get KOs he otherwise wouldn't on Pokemon such as Chansey and Specially Defensive Milotic. Omastar makes a good partner, as he has access to all forms of entry hazard and makes an effective lead. Blaziken and Houndoom make ideal partners for their ability to get rid of Spiritomb, and any other threats who may pester Alakazam with the loss of one of his coverage moves. Venusaur can lure Registeel and put it to sleep, while setting up Swords Dance. Venusaur can also KO Milotic before she can become a hindrance to Alakazam. Pokemon who can take priority attacks aimed at Alakazam are also recommended. Slowbro is a good choice as his high Defense allows him to easily sponge hits from Arcanine and Azumarill. Hitmonlee can eliminate Chansey and pesky Steel-types with his Fighting STAB while hitting Spiritomb hard with Stone Edge. Dugtrio gets a special mention for being able to trap and defeat Registeel, Steelix, and Chansey on his own, which is especially useful for Alakazam who choose Signal Beam as their coverage move.</p>
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Changes are in bold and removals in red.

Good work. GP Check 2/2

gp2.png


Edit @ Rising_Dusk - There is nothing technically wrong with that; I just thought it completely superfluous and thought the sentence flowed better without it. In other words, the change is entirely optional and should be left to the discretion of the analysis writer.

The issue I felt was that "his" was used earlier in the sentence than "Alakazam." For instance, I think this would work fine either:
"This, coupled with his high Speed, allows him to sweep unhindered"
 
Made the changes, using this as well-"This, coupled with his high Speed, allows him to sweep unhindered"

Thank you everyone! We can FINALLY have a Calm Mind set for Zam up! xD

Also, I'm going to switch Houndoom to Toxicroak in this sentence "With proper prediction, Alakazam can switch in on set-up sweepers such as Houndoom or Leafeon and foil their attempts at a sweep, while beginning his own." because switching in on Houndoom is much riskier than Toxicroak, who will most likely set up a Sub, SD, or NP on the first turn. Don't want people having their Zam's be suicidal, y'know? Just thought I'd let people know about the change.

Thanks again all and I guess this is done. ^^
 
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