[SET]
name: Bulk Up
move 1: Bulk Up
move 2: Drain Punch
move 3: Mach Punch
move 4: Payback / Stone Edge
item: Leftovers
ability: Guts
nature: Brave / Adamant
evs: 120 HP / 252 Atk / 136 SpD
ivs: 0 Spe
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[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>There are a lot of ways to EV Conkeldurr. When using Payback,
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Max HP is never a bad option as it keeps Conkeldurr sturdy on the specially defensive side while further improving its physical bulk. After a Bulk Up, Skarmory's Brave Bird will fail to 2HKO Conkeldurr. This allows Conkeldurr to Bulk Up while Skarmory switches in, Bulk Up twice more, survive the second Brave Bird assault, and follow up with Drain Punch, which will 2HKO Skarmory. Therefore Skarmory cannot effectively counter Conkeldurr, since it might take heavy damage using Whirlwind to force Conkeldurr out to little advantage, and cannot use Roost since this increases the power of Drain Punch significantly. One can choose to be more defensive, though keep in mind that Conkeldurr will then not be much of athreat until it uses Bulk Up a few times. 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD Careful spread allows Conkeldurr to set up on Pokemon such as Vaporeon easily. Scald won't even 4HKO Conkeldurr, while +1 Drain Punch can fully recover Conkeldurr's lost health.</p>
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[Checks and Counters]
<p>Poison Heal Gliscor is probably the most solid counter to Conkeldurr, as it can take any of its moves and whittle Conkeldurr down with STAB Acrobat. However, they should Fling their item prior to facing Conkeldurr, as the status can activate Guts. Once relieved of its item, Gliscor can proceed to attack Conkeldurr with a STAB-boosted Acrobat, while still maintaining the ability to take all of Conkeldurr’s moves. Skarmory also makes a nice counter due to its immense physical bulk and access to STAB Brave Bird, as well as the ability to phaze Conkeldurr out, nullifying any boosts it may acquire. However, one must beware of Guts-boosted Hammer Arm coming off the Choice Band set, as any Stealth Rock damage plus Brave Bird recoil equals a dead Skarmory. Skarmory, like Gliscor, should be wary of when to Roost, as any of Conkeldurr’s boosted Fighting STAB moves really hurt once they rid themselves of their Flying-type.