How does one counter Bisharp, exactly?
Of all of the potent out threats, it seems as if, personally, Bisharp is among the most lethal. Sucker Punch keeps offensive checks at bay, and they certainly aren't switching in. Knock off can 1hko max/max skarm of all things at +2 after a bit of hazards damage. Pokemon like lando-t that would otherwise be great end upboosting it even further with intimidate. What have you guys found to be the best ways to take on the power ranger on both offensive and defensive teams?
I agree that Bisharp is quite the dangerous Pokemon right now, the combination of the new buffed Knock Off, ability to benefit from Defog thanks to defiant, and really strong Sucker Punch to take out faster opponents. Honestly i end up throwing out entire teams sometimes simply because i don't feel comfortable enough against opposing Bisharp, even if the team is really good otherwise.
As for checks and counters to Bisharp, personally i find
Keldeo to be one of the best offensive checks to Bisharp, it resists both of Bisharp's STAB moves, and while not the bulkiest thing in the world can still take boosted Sucker Punches from it, meanwhile outspeeding Bisharp and easily KOing it in return with either Specs Hydro Pump or Secret Sword. The risk of losing Choice Specs to Knock Off is there, but i find Keldeo isn't off too badly even without the boost. Other Fighting-types such as
Conkeldurr,
Lucario, and the rare
Mega Heracross work effectively against Bisharp too (and Terrakion too i guess but its weakness to Iron Head makes it harder to directly switch in, works fine if you get it in on Knock Off/Sucker or on the revenge though), being able to take Bisharp's Dark-type STAB moves easily while having the bulk to take an unboosted Iron Head, and can all either outspeed and easily OHKO, or force Bisharp to switch out or sucker with a priority move such as Mach Punch, just watch out for Defiant boosted Iron Heads on the switch in and you should be fine. If you're running a more defensive team, some Pokemon that can hold Bisharp off include
Physically Defensive Hippowdon and
Quagsire. Hippowdon has the sheer physical bulk to take even a boosted Life Orb Knock Off from Bisharp and can just EQ Bisharp, although it takes quite a beating in the process. Quagsire is unique in that Unaware ensures it doesn't care about Bisharp even if it has a Defiant/Swords Dance boost, and can take any move from Bisharp, recover off the damage, and eventually wear it down with either Scald or Earthquake.
