Draft Hitmonchan

Patar136

Patar136

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[overview]

**Draft Order**: Round 7 onwards

**Price Range**: 2-3 points

**Overview**: Hitmonchan is a budget Fighting-type that can still pack a decent punch to support its team. It can occasionally wallbreak for its team with great coverage and boosting options combined with its boosted power from Iron Fist. Furthermore, it provides great utility with the invaluable Rapid Spin as well as Knock Off to punish attempted spinblocking. However, Hitmonchan is held back by its lackluster Speed, while its decent defenses are dampened by a poor HP stat. Hitmonchan is a decent late pick in the draft but generally finds itself unable to compete against stronger Fighting-types with higher Attack stats, better Speed tiers, superior bulk, or more reliable entry hazard removal options, leading to it being a rare sight.

Common Roles
========
**Rapid Spin Utility**: Thanks to Rapid Spin, Hitmonchan can clear its side of the field of entry hazards for the sake of its teammates. It also packs neat utility in the form of Knock Off and Taunt to steadily weaken foes and punish any attempts to thwart its hazard removal efforts. It's decently bulky on the special side and can use Drain Punch to gain some extra longevity to potentially spin multiple times.

**Revenge Killer / Cleaner**: Hitmonchan packs STAB Mach Punch as well as Bullet Punch to revenge kill various threats and deny opposing sweeps, especially when boosted by Choice Band. Additionally, if the opposing team has been sufficiently weakened, Hitmonchan can rarely fill the role of a cheap setup sweeper and cleaner with moves such as Agility, Bulk Up, and Swords Dance to finish a game.

Common Moves
========
**Primary STAB Moves**: Close Combat, Drain Punch, Mach Punch

**Setup Moves**: Agility, Bulk Up, Swords Dance

**Utility Moves**: Brick Break, Encore, Rapid Spin, Taunt, Substitute

**Coverage**: Bullet Punch, Earthquake, Fire Punch, Ice Punch, Knock Off, Poison Jab, Stone Edge, Throat Chop, Thunder Punch, Trailblaze (RC)

Niche Moves
========
**Endeavor**: Endeavor can be paired well with Focus Sash on a lead set to guarantee massive damage that can potentially be followed up with priority to pick off an opposing lead.

Common Items
========
**Assault Vest**: Hitmonchan can make a decent special tank with Assault Vest to patch up its frailty to an extent while maintaining an offensive profile.

**Choice Band**: Hitmonchan can also make a decent Choice Band user, packing strong Fighting-type STAB moves and reliable priority in Mach Punch to revenge kill faster foes and deny opposing sweeps.

Niche Items
========
**Damage-boosting Items**: Hitmonchan can provide stronger offensive pressure with items such as Life Orb, Expert Belt, and or Black Belt to make its attacks harder to switch around. Punching Glove is also noteworthy, as it boosts punching attacks even more and prevents chip damage from Rocky Helmet.

**Focus Sash**: Focus Sash allows Hitmonchan to be a decent lead and ensure entry hazards never hit the field on its side or that it can trade with a foe if hazards are not a factor.

**Heavy-Duty Boots**: Defensive sets can use Heavy-Duty Boots to avoid taking chip damage from entry hazards they want to clear with Rapid Spin.

**Choice Scarf**: Hitmonchan can attempt to solve its Speed tier issues with Choice Scarf to immediately outspeed an opposing Pokemon that would check it otherwise or to revenge kill something it otherwise couldn't.

**Lum Berry**: Hitmonchan dislikes status and can use Lum Berry to deny this from slowing it down, especially when expecting Will-O-Wisp from a Ghost-type spinblocker or trying to defeat problematic foes such as Zapdos.

Tera
========
Hitmonchan makes a decent secondary Tera Captain when it is not outclassed by a stronger alternative, which is seldom true but possible. It can use Tera Dark to boost Knock Off's power to more reliably defeat spinblockers and even gain a Psychic immunity as a bonus. Tera Steel is also a good choice, since it makes Bullet Punch a STAB priority attack, turns all of Hitmonchan's weaknesses into resistances, and boosts Hitmonchan's overall defensive profile. However, generally speaking, the opportunity cost of using Tera is just too high, making it purely situational.

Draft Strategy
========
Hitmonchan should be drafted as an additional asset to a well-constructed team. It can help teams that struggle with clearing entry hazards or lack priority while also providing them with its strong Fighting-type attacks and good coverage. It can pack a punch but shouldn't be the only source of pressure against an opponent's team or the only form of hazard control.

**Entry Hazard Control**: Hitmonchan ideally shouldn't be the only form of entry hazard control for a draft, since that makes it inherently far more predictable. Stronger spinners include Terapagos and Excadrill. Additionally, Hitmonchan prefers hazards stacked on the opponent's side to make it harder to switch into; thus, Pokemon such as Glimmora, Ting-Lu, and Clodsire can make good partners.

**Ghost- and Psychic-types**: Ghost-types such as Gholdengo and Gengar love Hitmonchan's ability to pressure most Dark-types with its strong Fighting-type attacks so that they can can use their STAB attacks with less risk. Furthermore, since Hitmonchan can threaten a decent amount of Steel-types, Psychic-types such as Latios and Necrozma can also make good partners.

**Entry Hazard-weak Pokemon**: Pokemon that enjoy entry hazards being cleared such as Iron Bundle, Chi-Yu, and Thundurus-T appreciate Hitmonchan's secondary utility from Rapid Spin.

Checks and Counters
========
**Faster Offensive Pokemon**: Hitmonchan can find itself outpaced by Pokemon that naturally outspeed it such as Enamorus, Latias, and Tornadus-T. Furthermore, Pokemon that are faster and don't fear Mach Punch or Bullet Punch can fare well against it.

**Bulky Ghost-types**: Hitmonchan can be annoyed by bulky Ghost-types that are able to survive an unboosted Knock Off and block Rapid Spin, such as Annihilape, Gholdengo, and Pecharunt. They can also use Colbur Berry to ensure that Hitmonchan is less threatening.

**Strong Physical Attackers**: Hitmonchan can be preyed upon by strong physical wallbreakers such as Great Tusk, Sneasler, and Cinderace, which can often deal considerable damage even if Hitmonchan has used Bulk Up.

[credits]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/patar136.571123/
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Last edited:
qc 1/2
add comment remove
[overview]

**Draft Order**: Round 7 onwards

**Price Range**: 2-3 points

**Overview**:

Hitmonchan is a budget Fighting-type that can still pack a powerful decent punch to support its team. With two great abilities in Iron Fist and Inner Focus, Hitmonchan can wallbreak for its team with great coverage and excellent boosting options, combined with its boosted power from Drain Punch (reword as you see fit, I'm pretty sure Hitmonchan would prefer to run Iron Fist 95% of the time). Furthermore, it provides great utility with the invaluable Rapid Spin as well as Knock Off to deny spin-blocking. However, Hitmonchan is held back by its lackluster speed, while its decent defenses are dampened by a poor HP stat. Hitmonchan is a decent late pick in the draft but generally finds itself unable to compete against stronger Fighting-types and as such is generally passed over (add some more here about what other Fighting-types can offer that Hitmonchan can't that leaves it getting passed over).

Common Roles
========
**Bulky Rapid Spinner Utility**: Thanks to Rapid Spin, Hitmonchan can clear its side of the field of hazards for the sake of its teammates. It also packs great utility in the form of Knock-Off and Taunt to punish any attempts to thwart its efforts.

**Set-Up Sweeper**: Hitmonchan packs great set-up options that can allow it to punch a hole into the opposing team with its strong attacks and great coverage options, or potentially clean the game itself after an opponent has been chipped down.

Common Moves
========
**Primary STAB Moves**: Close Combat, Drain Punch, Mach Punch

**Setup Moves**: Agility, Bulk Up, Swords Dance

**Utility Moves**: Brick Break, Encore, Rapid Spin, Taunt, Substitute

**Coverage**: Bullet Punch, Earthquake, Fire Punch, Ice Punch, Knock Off, Poison Jab, Stone Edge, Throat Chop, Thunder Punch, Trailblaze, Tera Blast

Niche Moves
========
**Upper Hand**: Hitmonchan can predict opposing priority attacks that aim to remove it with Upper Hand. Mach/Bullet Punch will be better + it's less risky.

**Focus Punch**: While risky, Iron Fist combined with Focus Punch is a frighteningly strong attack and can unleash massive damage, sometimes pairing with Substitute for a safe activation turn. Too niche

**Reversal**: Hitmonchan can attempt to catch an opponent off guard with Reversal if used as a lead with Focus Sash against a hazard setter.

**Hi Jump Kick**: Hitmonchan can pretend it is Hitmonlee with Hi Jump Kick in scenarios where it is a superior move to Close Combat. Close Combat is better 100% of the time.

**Endeavor**: Hitmonchan can pair Endeavor with Custap Berry to weaken an opponent that would not be threatened by its coverage.

**Counter**: Counter allows Hitmonchan to trade with a target that tries to hit it on its weaker physical side. This is something Hitmonchan wouldn't want to run due to how frail it is physically.

**Low Sweep**: Hitmonchan can use Low Sweep to prevent opposing set up and potentially disrupt an opposing Pokemon with Encore. Too niche

Common Items
========
**Damage Boosting Items**: Hitmonchan can provide stronger offensive pressure with items such as Life Orb, Expert Belt or Black Belt to make its attacks harder to switch around.

**Heavy-Duty Boots**: Defensive sets can use Heavy-Duty Boots to avoid taking chip damage from hazards it wants to clear with Rapid Spin.

**Choice Band**: Hitmonchan can make a decent Choice Band user, packing strong fighting STAB and reliable priority in Mach Punch.

add assault vest which allows it to be a usable special wall.

Niche Items
========
**Focus Sash**: This allows Hitmonchan to be a decent lead and ensure hazards never hit the field on its side, or to ensure that it can trade with an opponent if hazards are not a factor.

**Custap Berry**: Hitmonchan can pair Custap Berry with Endure to unleash a dangerous Reversal or otherwise eliminate an opponent with one of its coverage moves.

**Choice Scarf**: Hitmonchan can attempt to solve its speed tier issues with Choice Scarf to immediately outspeed an opposing Pokemon that would check it otherwise.

**Lum Berry**: Hitmonchan dislikes status and can use Lum Berry to deny this from slowing it down.

Tera
========
Hitmonchan makes a decent secondary Tera Captain when it is not outclassed by a stronger alternative. It can use Tera Fighting to make itself a stronger wallbreaker or a Tera Dark to give it a psychic immunity and boost Knock Off’s power. Tera Steel is also a good choice since that allows it to resist both Flying and Fairy attacks and boost its defensive profile.

Draft Strategy
========
Hitmonchan should be drafted as an additional asset to a well constructed team. It can help teams that struggle with clearing hazards while also benefiting from its strong fighting attacks and good coverage. It can pack a punch but shouldn’t be the only source of pressure on an opponent’s team.

**Additional Hazard Control**: Hitmonchan ideally shouldn’t be the only form of hazard control for a draft team since that allows it to use more offensive sets that forego Rapid Spin. Stronger rapid spinners include Iron Treads and Excadrill. Additionally, Hitmonchan prefers hazards stacked on the opponent’s side to make it harder to switch into, thus Pokemon such as Glimmora, Garganacl and Clodsire can make good partners.

**Psychic Types**: Psychic types such as Deoxys-Speed, Latios, and Necrozma love Hitmonchan’s ability to pressure both Dark types and Steel types with its strong Fighting attacks to ensure they can click their STAB attacks more risk free.

**Hazard-weak Pokemon**: Pokemon that enjoy hazards being cleared such as Iron Bundle, Chi-Yu, and Thundurus-T will appreciate Hitmonchan’s utility from Rapid Spin.

(repeat as necessary)
Checks and Counters
========
**Faster Offensive Pokemon**: Even with priority, Hitmonchan can find itself outpaced by Pokemon that naturally outspeed it such as Enamorus, Latias and Tornadus-T. These Pokemon need to be wary of Hitmonchan’s coverage, however.

**Bulky Ghost-types**: Hitmonchan can be annoyed by bulky ghost types that are able to survive an unboosted Knock Off, such as Annihilape, Gholdengo and Pecharunt, and block Rapid Spin.

**Rocky Helmet**: Hitmonchan doesn’t appreciate losing its health due to Rocky Helmet from a bulky Pokemon such as Landorus-T and Amoonguss that can tank many of its hits. Replace this with physical attackers that can prey on Hitmonchan's low physical bulk.

[credits]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/patar136.571123/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/theuncultured.629845/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user3.300000
Grammar checked by:
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Let me know once you've added the new sections and I'll give it the 2/2

[overview]

**Draft Order**: Round 7 onwards

**Price Range**: 2-3 points

**Overview**: Hitmonchan is a budget Fighting-type that can still pack a decent punch to support its team. Hitmonchan can wallbreak for its team with great coverage and excellent boosting options, combined with its boosted power from all of its punching attacks thanks to Iron Fist. Furthermore, it provides great utility with the invaluable Rapid Spin as well as Knock Off to deny punish attempted spin-blocking. However, Hitmonchan is held back by its lackluster speed, while its decent defenses are dampened by a poor HP stat. Hitmonchan is a decent late pick in the draft but generally finds itself unable to compete against stronger Fighting-types with higher attack stats, faster speed tiers, or superior bulk leading to it being a rare sight.

Common Roles
========
**Bulky Utility**: Thanks to Rapid Spin, Hitmonchan can clear its side of the field of hazards for the sake of its teammates. It also packs great utility in the form of Knock-Off and Taunt to steadily weaken foes and punish any attempts to thwart its removal efforts. (specify that it's only bulky on the special side and it can use drain to gain some longevity)

**Set-Up Sweeper**: Hitmonchan packs great set-up options that can allow it to punch a hole into the opposing team with its strong attacks and great coverage options, or potentially clean the game itself after an opponent has been chipped down. In some cases, it can use Inner Focus in order to avoid getting slowed down by Intimidate.

**Revenge Killer / Cleaner**: (you can mention setup here but it needs the enemy team to be very weakened before it can sweep with agility/priority. focus more on the strong mach/bullet being able to limit the sweeping potential of other pokemon. mention choice band and other boosting items)

Common Moves
========
**Primary STAB Moves**: Close Combat, Drain Punch, Mach Punch

**Setup Moves**: Agility, Bulk Up, Swords Dance

**Utility Moves**: Brick Break, Encore, Rapid Spin, Taunt, Substitute

**Coverage**: Bullet Punch, Earthquake, Fire Punch, Ice Punch, Knock Off, Poison Jab, Stone Edge, Throat Chop, Thunder Punch, Trailblaze, Tera Blast

Niche Moves
========
**Reversal**: Hitmonchan can attempt to catch an opponent off guard with Reversal if used as a lead with Focus Sash against a hazard setter or when it can activate Custap Berry.

**Endeavor**: Hitmonchan can pair Endeavor with Custap Berry to weaken an opponent that would not be threatened by its coverage or fighting STAB. (just say it can be used with sash or as guaranteed damage on something; also lets you finish stuff off with prio)

**Endure**: Hitmonchan can pair Endure in order to activate one of the attacks above with Custap Berry.

Common Items
========
**Damage Boosting Items**: Hitmonchan can provide stronger offensive pressure with items such as Life Orb, Expert Belt or Black Belt to make its attacks harder to switch around. (move to the top of niche, add punching glove)

**Heavy-Duty Boots**: Defensive sets can use Heavy-Duty Boots to avoid taking chip damage from hazards it wants to clear with Rapid Spin. (move to niche)

**Choice Band**: Hitmonchan can make a decent Choice Band user, packing strong fighting STAB and reliable priority in Mach Punch.

**Assault Vest**: Hitmonchan can make a decent special tank with Assault Vest to patch up its frailty to an extent. (move to the top)

Niche Items
========
**Focus Sash**: This allows Hitmonchan to be a decent lead and ensure hazards never hit the field on its side, or to ensure that it can trade with an opponent if hazards are not a factor.

**Custap Berry**: Hitmonchan can pair Custap Berry with Endure to unleash a dangerous Reversal, pull off an emergency Rapid Spin or otherwise eliminate an opponent with one of its coverage moves. (too niche- it already has great priority options, it sacrifices a lot of bulk/power by running custap, and it most likely needs to telegraph custap by using endure)

**Choice Scarf**: Hitmonchan can attempt to solve its speed tier issues with Choice Scarf to immediately outspeed an opposing Pokemon that would check it otherwise. (say this lets it revenge kill things it normally couldnt)

**Lum Berry**: Hitmonchan dislikes status and can use Lum Berry to deny this from slowing it down. (say when it would run this over the other items- probably for ghosts with wisp or stuff like zapdos)

Tera
========
Hitmonchan makes a decent secondary Tera Captain when it is not outclassed by a stronger alternative. It can use Tera Fighting to make itself a stronger wallbreaker or a Tera Dark to give it a psychic immunity and boost Knock Off’s power. Tera Steel is also a good choice since that makes its priority even stronger, allows it to resist both Flying and Fairy attacks turns all of its weaknesses into resistances, and boosts its overall defensive profile. (reword the tera dark part to focus more on beating spinblockers; you can still mention the psychic immunity but that's more of a bonus)

Draft Strategy
========
Hitmonchan should be drafted as an additional asset to a well constructed team. It can help teams that struggle with clearing hazards or lack priority while also benefiting from its strong fighting attacks and good coverage. It can pack a punch but shouldn’t be the only source of pressure on an opponent’s team.

**Additional Entry Hazard Control**: Hitmonchan ideally shouldn’t be the only form of hazard control for a draft team since that allows it to use more offensive sets that forego Rapid Spin. Stronger rapid spinners include Iron Treads Terapagos and Excadrill. Additionally, Hitmonchan prefers hazards stacked on the opponent’s side to make it harder to switch into, thus Pokemon such as Glimmora, Garganacl Ting-Lu, and Clodsire can make good partners. (treads is fine, i just dont want it implying that you need a ground/steel)

**Ghost- and Psychic-Types**: Psychic-types such as Deoxys-Speed, Latios, and Necrozma love Hitmonchan’s ability to pressure both Dark types and Steel types with its strong Fighting attacks to ensure they can click their STAB attacks more risk free. (rework this section to include ghost-types as well and focus more on hitmonchan being able to beat dark-types. hitmonchan doesnt actually beat a lot of the common steels this gen; a LOT are part psychic/ghost/flying/fairy)

**Hazard-weak Pokemon**: Pokemon that enjoy hazards being cleared such as Iron Bundle, Chi-Yu, and Thundurus-T will appreciate Hitmonchan’s utility from Rapid Spin.

Checks and Counters
========
**Faster Offensive Pokemon**: Even with priority, Hitmonchan can find itself outpaced by Pokemon that naturally outspeed it such as Enamorus, Latias and Tornadus-T. These Pokemon need to be wary of Hitmonchan’s coverage, however. (true but you dont need to mention priority twice here- specify that its weak to pokemon that resist mach punch while not fearing bullet punch)

**Bulky Ghost-types**: Hitmonchan can be annoyed by bulky ghost types that are able to survive an unboosted Knock Off, such as Annihilape, Gholdengo and Pecharunt, and block Rapid Spin.

**Strong Physical Attackers**: Hitmonchan can be preyed upon with strong physical wallbreakers such as Great Tusk, Sneasler, and Cinderace, sometimes even slotting in super effective coverage to ensure Hitmonchan can be defeated which can often deal considerable damage even after a if Hitmonchan has used Bulk Up.

[credits]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/patar136.571123/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/theuncultured.629845/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/scionicle.599989/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user4.400000
 
QC3 ready after this. Mostly toned down the language to be less positive
[overview]

**Draft Order**: Round 7 onwards

**Price Range**: 2-3 points

**Overview**: Hitmonchan is a budget Fighting-type that can still pack a decent punch to support its team. Hitmonchan can occasionally wallbreak for its team with great coverage and boosting options, combined with its boosted power from Iron Fist. Furthermore, it provides great utility with the invaluable Rapid Spin as well as Knock Off to punish attempted spin-blocking. However, Hitmonchan is held back by its lackluster speed, while its decent defenses are dampened by a poor HP stat. Hitmonchan is a decent late pick in the draft but generally finds itself unable to compete against stronger Fighting-types with higher attack stats, faster speed tiers, or superior bulk or more reliable hazard removal options, leading to it being a rare sight.

Common Roles
========
**Rapid Spin Utility**: Thanks to Rapid Spin, Hitmonchan can clear its side of the field of hazards for the sake of its teammates. It also packs great utility in the form of Knock-Off and Taunt to steadily weaken foes and try to punish any attempts to thwart its removal efforts. It's decently bulky on the special side and can use Drain Punch to gain some extra longevity to potentially spin multiple times.

**Revenge Killer / Cleaner**: Hitmonchan packs STAB Mach Punch and Bullet Punch to revenge kill various threats and deny opposing sweeps, especially when boosted by Choice Band. Additionally, if the enemy team has been sufficiently weakened, Hitmonchan can rarely fill the role of a cheap set up sweeper and cleaner with moves such as Agility, Bulk Up, and Swords Dance to finish a game.

Common Moves
========
**Primary STAB Moves**: Close Combat, Drain Punch, Mach Punch

**Setup Moves**: Agility, Bulk Up, Swords Dance

**Utility Moves**: Brick Break, Encore, Rapid Spin, Taunt, Substitute

**Coverage**: Bullet Punch, Earthquake, Fire Punch, Ice Punch, Knock Off, Poison Jab, Stone Edge, Throat Chop, Thunder Punch, Trailblaze,

Niche Moves
========

**Endeavor**: This can be paired well with Focus Sash on a lead set to guarantee massive damage that can potentially be followed up with priority to pick off an opposing lead.

Common Items
========
**Assault Vest**: Hitmonchan can make a decent special tank with Assault Vest to patch up its frailty to an extent while maintaining an offensive profile.

**Choice Band**: Hitmonchan can also make a decent Choice Band user, packing strong fighting STAB and reliable priority in Mach Punch to revenge kill faster foes and deny opposing sweeps.

Niche Items
========
**Damage Boosting Items**: Hitmonchan can provide stronger offensive pressure with items such as Life Orb, Expert Belt or Black Belt to make its attacks harder to switch around. Punching Glove is also noteworthy as it boosts punching attacks even more and prevents chip damage from Rocky Helmet.

**Focus Sash**: This allows Hitmonchan to be a decent lead and ensure hazards never hit the field on its side, or to ensure that it can trade with an opponent if hazards are not a factor.

**Heavy-Duty Boots**: Defensive sets can use Heavy-Duty Boots to avoid taking chip damage from hazards it wants to clear with Rapid Spin.

**Choice Scarf**: Hitmonchan can attempt to solve its speed tier issues with Choice Scarf to immediately outspeed an opposing Pokemon that would check it otherwise or to revenge kill something it otherwise couldn't.

**Lum Berry**: Hitmonchan dislikes status and can use Lum Berry to deny this from slowing it down, especially when expecting WIll o Wisp from a Ghost-type that is going to try to spin-block it or to defeat problematic foes such as Zapdos.

Tera
========
Hitmonchan makes a decent secondary Tera Captain when it is not outclassed by a stronger alternative, which is seldom true but possible. It can use Tera Dark to boost the power of Knock Off to more reliably defeat spinblockers and even gain a psychic immunity as a bonus. Tera Steel is also a good choice since that makes Bullet Punch a STAB priority attack, turns all of its weaknesses into resistances, and boosts its overall defensive profile. Generally speaking, the opportunity cost of using Tera is just too high and purely situational in game.

Draft Strategy
========
Hitmonchan should be drafted as an additional asset to a well constructed team. It can help teams that struggle with clearing hazards or lack priority while also benefiting from its strong fighting attacks and good coverage. It can pack a punch but shouldn’t be the only source of pressure on an opponent’s team or the only form of hazard control.

**Entry Hazard Control**: Hitmonchan ideally shouldn’t be the only form of hazard control for a draft team since that allows it to use more offensive sets that forego Rapid Spin is inherently very unreliable. Stronger rapid spinners include Terapagos and Excadrill. Additionally, Hitmonchan prefers hazards stacked on the opponent’s side to make it harder to switch into, thus Pokemon such as Glimmora, Ting-Lu, and Clodsire can make good partners.

**Ghost and Psychic-Types**: Ghost-types such as Gholdengo and Gengar love Hitmonchan’s ability to pressure most Dark types with its strong fighting attacks so that they can can click their STAB attacks more risk free. Furthermore, since Hitmonchan can threaten a decent amount of steel types, Psychic-types such as Latios and Necrozma can also make good partners.

**Hazard-weak Pokemon**: Pokemon that enjoy hazards being cleared such as Iron Bundle, Chi-Yu, and Thundurus-T will appreciate Hitmonchan’s secondary utility from Rapid Spin.

Checks and Counters
========
**Faster Offensive Pokemon**: Hitmonchan can find itself outpaced by Pokemon that naturally outspeed it such as Enamorus, Latias and Tornadus-T. Furthermore, Pokemon that are faster which don't fear Mach Punch or Bullet Punch can fair well against it.

**Bulky Ghost-types**: Hitmonchan can be annoyed by bulky ghost types that are able to survive an unboosted Knock Off, such as Annihilape, Gholdengo and Pecharunt, and block Rapid Spin. The Colbur Berry in particular can really thwart these efforts maybe mention that.

**Strong Physical Attackers**: Hitmonchan can be preyed upon with strong physical wallbreakers such as Great Tusk, Sneasler, and Cinderace, which can often deal considerable damage even if Hitmonchan has used Bulk Up.

[credits]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/patar136.571123/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/theuncultured.629845/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/scionicle.599989/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user4.400000
 
1/1, GP Team done
blue = add
red = remove
(orange) = comment
(note: policy is to use ASCII apostrophes (') instead of the curly apostrophes that word/google docs uses. i changed them and marked (ASCII) where i did so, you don't need to do anything but delete the comment)

[overview]

**Draft Order**: Round 7 onwards

**Price Range**: 2-3 points

**Overview**: Hitmonchan is a budget Fighting-type that can still pack a decent punch to support its team. Hitmonchan It (structure repetition) can occasionally wallbreak for its team with great coverage and boosting options (RC) combined with its boosted power from Iron Fist. Furthermore, it provides great utility with the invaluable Rapid Spin as well as Knock Off to punish attempted spinblocking (RH). However, Hitmonchan is held back by its lackluster speed Speed, while its decent defenses are dampened by a poor HP stat. Hitmonchan is a decent late pick in the draft but generally finds itself unable to compete against stronger Fighting-types with higher attack Attack stats, faster speed better Speed tiers, or superior bulk, or more reliable entry hazard removal options, leading to it being a rare sight.

Common Roles
========
**Rapid Spin Utility**: Thanks to Rapid Spin, Hitmonchan can clear its side of the field of entry hazards for the sake of its teammates. It also packs neat utility in the form of Knock (RH) Off and Taunt to steadily weaken foes and try to punish any attempts to thwart its hazard removal efforts. It's decently bulky on the special side and can use Drain Punch to gain some extra longevity to potentially spin multiple times.

**Revenge Killer / Cleaner**: Hitmonchan packs STAB Mach Punch and as well as (making it clearer the STAB doesn't apply) Bullet Punch to revenge kill various threats and deny opposing sweeps, especially when boosted by Choice Band. Additionally, if the enemy opposing team has been sufficiently weakened, Hitmonchan can rarely fill the role of a cheap setup (RS) sweeper and cleaner with moves such as Agility, Bulk Up, and Swords Dance to finish a game.

Common Moves
========
**Primary STAB Moves**: Close Combat, Drain Punch, Mach Punch

**Setup Moves**: Agility, Bulk Up, Swords Dance

**Utility Moves**: Brick Break, Encore, Rapid Spin, Taunt, Substitute

**Coverage**: Bullet Punch, Earthquake, Fire Punch, Ice Punch, Knock Off, Poison Jab, Stone Edge, Throat Chop, Thunder Punch, Trailblaze (RC)

Niche Moves
========
(remove extra line)
**Endeavor**: This Endeavor can be paired well with Focus Sash on a lead set to guarantee massive damage that can potentially be followed up with priority to pick off an opposing lead.

Common Items
========
**Assault Vest**: Hitmonchan can make a decent special tank with Assault Vest to patch up its frailty to an extent while maintaining an offensive profile.

**Choice Band**: Hitmonchan can also make a decent Choice Band user, packing strong fighting Fighting-type STAB moves and reliable priority in Mach Punch to revenge kill faster foes and deny opposing sweeps.

Niche Items
========
**Damage Boosting Damage-boosting Items**: Hitmonchan can provide stronger offensive pressure with items such as Life Orb, Expert Belt, and or Black Belt to make its attacks harder to switch around. Punching Glove is also noteworthy, (AC) as it boosts punching attacks even more and prevents chip damage from Rocky Helmet.

**Focus Sash**: This Focus Sash allows Hitmonchan to be a decent lead and ensure entry hazards never hit the field on its side (RC) or to ensure that it can trade with an opponent a foe if hazards are not a factor.

**Heavy-Duty Boots**: Defensive sets can use Heavy-Duty Boots to avoid taking chip damage from entry hazards it wants they want (referring to "defensive sets") to clear with Rapid Spin.

**Choice Scarf**: Hitmonchan can attempt to solve its speed Speed tier issues with Choice Scarf to immediately outspeed an opposing Pokemon that would check it otherwise or to revenge kill something it otherwise couldn't.

**Lum Berry**: Hitmonchan dislikes status and can use Lum Berry to deny this from slowing it down, especially when expecting WIll o Wisp Will-O-Wisp from a Ghost-type that is going to try to spin-block it spinblocker or trying (parallelism) to defeat problematic foes such as Zapdos.

Tera
========
Hitmonchan makes a decent secondary Tera Captain when it is not outclassed by a stronger alternative, which is seldom true but possible. It can use Tera Dark to boost the power of Knock Off's power (passive voice) to more reliably defeat spinblockers and even gain a psychic Psychic immunity as a bonus. Tera Steel is also a good choice, (AC) since that it makes Bullet Punch a STAB priority attack, turns all of its Hitmonchan's weaknesses into resistances, and boosts its Hitmonchan's overall defensive profile. Generally However, generally (contrast, should transition) speaking, the opportunity cost of using Tera is just too high, making it and purely situational in game.

Draft Strategy
========
Hitmonchan should be drafted as an additional asset to a well-constructed (AH) team. It can help teams that struggle with clearing entry hazards or lack priority while also benefiting from providing them with its strong fighting Fighting-type attacks and good coverage. It can pack a punch but shouldn't (ASCII) be the only source of pressure on against an opponent's (ASCII) team (RC) or the only form of hazard control.

**Entry Hazard Control**: Hitmonchan ideally shouldn't be the only form of entry hazard control for a draft, (AC) team since that makes it inherently far more predictable. Stronger rapid spinners include Terapagos and Excadrill. Additionally, Hitmonchan prefers hazards stacked on the opponent's (ASCII) side to make it harder to switch into; (RC, ASC) thus, (AC) Pokemon such as Glimmora, Ting-Lu, and Clodsire can make good partners.

**Ghost- (AH) and Psychic-Types Psychic-types**: Ghost-types such as Gholdengo and Gengar love Hitmonchan's (ASCII) ability to pressure most Dark-types (AH) with its strong fighting Fighting-type attacks so that they can can click use their STAB attacks more risk free with less risk. Furthermore, since Hitmonchan can threaten a decent amount of steel types Steel-types, Psychic-types such as Latios and Necrozma can also make good partners.

**Entry Hazard-weak Pokemon**: Pokemon that enjoy entry hazards being cleared such as Iron Bundle, Chi-Yu, and Thundurus-T will appreciate Hitmonchan's (ASCII) secondary utility from Rapid Spin.

Checks and Counters
========
**Faster Offensive Pokemon**: Hitmonchan can find itself outpaced by Pokemon that naturally outspeed it such as Enamorus, Latias, (AC) and Tornadus-T. Furthermore, Pokemon that are faster which and don't fear Mach Punch or Bullet Punch can fair fare (wrong word) well against it.

**Bulky Ghost-types**: Hitmonchan can be annoyed by bulky ghost types Ghost-types that are able to survive an unboosted Knock Off, such as Annihilape, Gholdengo and Pecharunt, and block Rapid Spin, such as Annihilape, Gholdengo, and Pecharunt (grouping). They can also use Colbur Berry to ensure that Hitmonchan is less threatening.

**Strong Physical Attackers**: Hitmonchan can be preyed upon with by strong physical wallbreakers such as Great Tusk, Sneasler, and Cinderace, which can often deal considerable damage even if Hitmonchan has used Bulk Up.

[credits]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/patar136.571123/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/theuncultured.629845/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/scionicle.599989/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/jscurf.608304/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/solarbeam.470115/
 
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