Mirror Coat is specifically for Heatran. It Taunts it, and then Heatran attacks, and Electrode Mirror coats it back for a OHKO. Electrode has a very shallow movepool, and it doesn't have much more options. The only moves, that could replace Mirror Coat, are Explosion(which still doesn't do that much damage), Signal Beam(Which is about useless, since Thunderbolt 2koes Azelf anyway), Light Screen/Reflect, Magnet Rise(only semi-decent against Hippowdon/Swampert, and it would be a waste of Shuca Berry)
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New and 'creative' moveset/EV spread thread Mk. 5
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Mirror Coat is specifically for Heatran. It Taunts it, and then Heatran attacks, and Electrode Mirror coats it back for a OHKO. Electrode has a very shallow movepool, and it doesn't have much more options. The only moves, that could replace Mirror Coat, are Explosion(which still doesn't do that much damage), Signal Beam(Which is about useless, since Thunderbolt 2koes Azelf anyway), Light Screen/Reflect, Magnet Rise(only semi-decent against Hippowdon/Swampert, and it would be a waste of Shuca Berry)
I've been using CB Azelf as a lead and it works great when paired with a Stealth Rock user. (Shuca Tran) and I pair it with Scarf Scizor (you may think it's a gimmick, but the C % C set rising dusk (i think) wrote is great.
Azelf @ Choice Band
252 Atk/252 Spe/4 Def Jolly
Zen Headbutt
U Turn
Explosion
Fire Punch
Top ten leads:
Azelf: I u turn to break the sash as they taunt and go to scizor and outspeed with scarf and u turn so no rocks up.
Aerodactyl: U Turn to scizor on the taunt and bullet punch it. (yes scarf with bullet punch still hits pretty hard)
Swampert: First turn explosion. He gets ZERO rocks as i go to heatran next turn to lay down rocks.
Machamp: Zen OHKOs. If he brings in ttar to pursuit, oh well i can set up all over it
Metagross: U Turn to heatran, fire blast it then set up rocks.
Jirachi: Go to tran, rocks and fb.
Infernape: i lose. they usually fake out as i zen headbutt. if i get the flinch, yay. if not they get rocks or an attack off. if they get rocks, dead infernape. if not, dead azelf and infernape dies with no rocks.
ninjask: fire punch it all day. the usual recipient is metagross who takes 85% ish from cb fire punch.
roserade: zen headbutt and hope for flinch. if sleep powder hits, go to scizor and u turn out which means 1 layer.
hippowdon: boom! he gets no rocks and i have tran to set them up later.
tyranitar: u turn to scizor, u turn back.
heatran: explosion OHKOs 100 % of the time.
smeargle: zen headbutt to break sash and hope for flinch. if not go to scizor and u turn. 1 layer max.
uxie: u turn to scizor, u turn back.
starmie: hope to win speed tie. i believe cb u turn kos. if not go to zor and u turn back while outspeeding.
dragonite: boom.
ok that was more than ten, but you get the point. the only leads that beat you/get up rocks are beaten by a combination of scizor or heatran. i use this with a mixmence which loves lack of rocks ^_^.
Azelf @ Choice Band
252 Atk/252 Spe/4 Def Jolly
Zen Headbutt
U Turn
Explosion
Fire Punch
Top ten leads:
Azelf: I u turn to break the sash as they taunt and go to scizor and outspeed with scarf and u turn so no rocks up.
Aerodactyl: U Turn to scizor on the taunt and bullet punch it. (yes scarf with bullet punch still hits pretty hard)
Swampert: First turn explosion. He gets ZERO rocks as i go to heatran next turn to lay down rocks.
Machamp: Zen OHKOs. If he brings in ttar to pursuit, oh well i can set up all over it
Metagross: U Turn to heatran, fire blast it then set up rocks.
Jirachi: Go to tran, rocks and fb.
Infernape: i lose. they usually fake out as i zen headbutt. if i get the flinch, yay. if not they get rocks or an attack off. if they get rocks, dead infernape. if not, dead azelf and infernape dies with no rocks.
ninjask: fire punch it all day. the usual recipient is metagross who takes 85% ish from cb fire punch.
roserade: zen headbutt and hope for flinch. if sleep powder hits, go to scizor and u turn out which means 1 layer.
hippowdon: boom! he gets no rocks and i have tran to set them up later.
tyranitar: u turn to scizor, u turn back.
heatran: explosion OHKOs 100 % of the time.
smeargle: zen headbutt to break sash and hope for flinch. if not go to scizor and u turn. 1 layer max.
uxie: u turn to scizor, u turn back.
starmie: hope to win speed tie. i believe cb u turn kos. if not go to zor and u turn back while outspeeding.
dragonite: boom.
ok that was more than ten, but you get the point. the only leads that beat you/get up rocks are beaten by a combination of scizor or heatran. i use this with a mixmence which loves lack of rocks ^_^.
Hm, this thread looks interesting. xD
Anyways, I have a few sets, one for OU and the others for UU/NU, preferably NU. The first of the UU/NU sets works in OU surprisingly, though. xD
BUT! I'll just post the OU one for now, get some comments. xP
LifeyZelf
Azelf @ Life Orb
4 HP / 252 Speed / 252 SpA
Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
-Psychic
-Flamethrower
-Thunderbolt
-Signal Beam / Energy Ball
So, yeah. It works pretty well on my teams... Nobody seems to use Azelf much outside of the lead spot, so. xD No setting up, just blasting away with the Life Orb does fairly.
---
I use the exact same thing but a Choice Specs instead:
Azelf@ Choice Specs
Timid
252 Sp.Atk/252 Speed/6 HP
~Psychic
~Thunderbolt
~Flamethrower
~Grass Knot
It is even on my thread, check it
Why do you care so much about preventing rocks? I guess it's a matter of teammates...I have a Tenta TSpiker/Spinner and a Forry SR/Spinner. If you're up against a Forry...W-o-w and go to your own Forry to set up and spin away until burn KOs. Skarm is something you try to burn, if it taunts, go to something else. Meta gets up rocks, but gets burned. Jirachi idk how it fares because I always switch to a choice poke. Ninjask gets hit by Shadow Ball again and again, breaking the sub, and you burn the switch in....
I never understand why a lead has to do something special...why not just give you the opportunity to spread status and get your own counters in?
The thing is, BECAUSE you're using Spiritomb is the reason why you need two spinners. If you didn't use a lead that has such poor matchups then you wouldn't need both, only one or the other or none at all. Besides:
Azelf: Gets up SR, does what it has to do.
Aerodactyl: Taunts you, preventing you from WoWing and gets up SR anyway.
Swampert: Gets up SR, but you burn it so it can't tank as well. One of the few leads you actually beat.
Machamp: Hits you for 41-49% before you can get off your 2nd WoW (first one hits Lum), and that's if you don't miss with one.
Metagross: SRs while you WoW it, hits you for 63-75% before you get off your second WoW. Can KO you with the second MM. It gets burned but it got up Rocks while you're stuck with an essentially useless Spiritomb (maybe Sucker Punch something once).
Jirachi: Tricks you, gets Burned, gets up SR. You're stuck with a Spiritomb stuck on WoW, free for something like Heatran to switch in out. Meanwhile, you're forced out and all you have is a slow Spiritomb that's still only good for Sucker Punching or WoWing something once (if it can survive the hit).
Infernape: Gets up SR, can't be burned, can Fire Blast you.
Ninjask: Baton Passes off anyway, glhf predicting the Pass off.
Roserade: Puts you to sleep, gets off at least 1 layer of Toxic Spikes.
Hippowdon: Gets up SR. WoW hinders its walling a bit but still better than having to take poison.
Tyranitar: Gets up SR, can Rest off your WoW.
Heatran: Gets up SR, you can't do jack to it.
Smeargle: Spore, entry hazards.
Uxie: Trick, Twave, SR, U-turn (in that order).
Starmie: Ok you beat this by Sucker Punching. I doubt Starmie will stay in though.
Too lazy to do anything past top 15.
As for entry hazard mons:
Skarmory: You WoW it, it Spikes anyway. You bring in Forry, he goes to Rotom and walls you to death. You're not getting rid of his entry hazards and if it's Rotom-H, you lose.
Forretress: See above.
The fact that you're weak against these two FORCES you to carry a spinner. It's not the fact that "oh I'm using Tenta/Forry because I want to", it's the fact that "oh Spiritomb's making me weak vs Spikers I better carry some Rapid Spinners" even though you don't realize that.
The fact that you status the opposing lead doesn't mean anything as long as it can get up SR. Many leads are meant to just get up SR, meaning you haven't hindered them in any way. Others have an escape plan (Explosion or whatnot) or are just there to tank.
Oh and your Spiritomb's EVs are inefficient. 252 HP gives more overall defensive capabilities than 128 EVs in both defenses.
Azelf: Gets up SR, does what it has to do.
Aerodactyl: Taunts you, preventing you from WoWing and gets up SR anyway.
Swampert: Gets up SR, but you burn it so it can't tank as well. One of the few leads you actually beat.
Machamp: Hits you for 41-49% before you can get off your 2nd WoW (first one hits Lum), and that's if you don't miss with one.
Metagross: SRs while you WoW it, hits you for 63-75% before you get off your second WoW. Can KO you with the second MM. It gets burned but it got up Rocks while you're stuck with an essentially useless Spiritomb (maybe Sucker Punch something once).
Jirachi: Tricks you, gets Burned, gets up SR. You're stuck with a Spiritomb stuck on WoW, free for something like Heatran to switch in out. Meanwhile, you're forced out and all you have is a slow Spiritomb that's still only good for Sucker Punching or WoWing something once (if it can survive the hit).
Infernape: Gets up SR, can't be burned, can Fire Blast you.
Ninjask: Baton Passes off anyway, glhf predicting the Pass off.
Roserade: Puts you to sleep, gets off at least 1 layer of Toxic Spikes.
Hippowdon: Gets up SR. WoW hinders its walling a bit but still better than having to take poison.
Tyranitar: Gets up SR, can Rest off your WoW.
Heatran: Gets up SR, you can't do jack to it.
Smeargle: Spore, entry hazards.
Uxie: Trick, Twave, SR, U-turn (in that order).
Starmie: Ok you beat this by Sucker Punching. I doubt Starmie will stay in though.
Too lazy to do anything past top 15.
As for entry hazard mons:
Skarmory: You WoW it, it Spikes anyway. You bring in Forry, he goes to Rotom and walls you to death. You're not getting rid of his entry hazards and if it's Rotom-H, you lose.
Forretress: See above.
The fact that you're weak against these two FORCES you to carry a spinner. It's not the fact that "oh I'm using Tenta/Forry because I want to", it's the fact that "oh Spiritomb's making me weak vs Spikers I better carry some Rapid Spinners" even though you don't realize that.
The fact that you status the opposing lead doesn't mean anything as long as it can get up SR. Many leads are meant to just get up SR, meaning you haven't hindered them in any way. Others have an escape plan (Explosion or whatnot) or are just there to tank.
Oh and your Spiritomb's EVs are inefficient. 252 HP gives more overall defensive capabilities than 128 EVs in both defenses.
The goal for a lead is to get entry hazards up, get the weather conditions up(rain dance,sunny day, hail, sandstorm+trick room, gravity etc.), to be a anitlead, immediate damage etc. Spiritomb may be a good lead in UU, but its a bit too weak for OU most times. Nearly all good leads in OU, set up Stealth rock/spikes/toxic spikes or are antilead. Most of them don't have status inducing moves(besdies the sleep leads), I think a better Spiritomb lead would be the CB version, or even the "pure attacker" lead sets on Smogon already.
I've been trying a Trick Lead Manectric that has seen moderate success. Well, it's actually a Switcheroo Lead, but it's the same concept.
Manectric @ Choice Scarf
Timid
252 SpAtk/252 Spe/4 HP
- Switcheroo
- Thunderbolt
- Overheat/Flamethrower
- HP Grass
This set mainly functions on the element of surprise, as not many people are aware of the fact that Manectric does indeed learn Switcheroo, generally making them SR before attempting to pummel it.
The idea is to Switcheroo as the opponent (hopefully) uses SR, and then to blast it with your move of choice. Thunderbolt works well on Azelf and OHKOs Aerodactyl, while Overheat is for all those pesky Steel leads (Jirachi, Metagross...) or Roserade.
HP Grass is for Swampert, getting the 2HKO.
This set doesn't do a whole lot against TTar, so in that case you should switch and dash or just dash.
Manectric @ Choice Scarf
Timid
252 SpAtk/252 Spe/4 HP
- Switcheroo
- Thunderbolt
- Overheat/Flamethrower
- HP Grass
This set mainly functions on the element of surprise, as not many people are aware of the fact that Manectric does indeed learn Switcheroo, generally making them SR before attempting to pummel it.
The idea is to Switcheroo as the opponent (hopefully) uses SR, and then to blast it with your move of choice. Thunderbolt works well on Azelf and OHKOs Aerodactyl, while Overheat is for all those pesky Steel leads (Jirachi, Metagross...) or Roserade.
HP Grass is for Swampert, getting the 2HKO.
This set doesn't do a whole lot against TTar, so in that case you should switch and dash or just dash.
Milotic @ Leftovers
Calm
252 Special Defense/252 HP/4 Special Attack
- Surf
- Ice Beam/Hidden Power/Toxic/Light Screen
- Mirror Coat
- Recover
Why in blazes would you use a Calm Nature on a pokemon meant to reflect special attacks? Because this metagame is SO offensively based, that Milotic's special threats have tripled with its physical. I say, just capitalize on this pokemon's special defense, however--help her with what she's good at. One would rather survive a special attack to reflect than take more damage. This Milotic can take the likes of a Life Orb Celebi's Leaf Storm and a Choice Specs Jolteon's Thunderbolt and just about anything electric from fellow bulky waters. The trick is not to use Mirror Coat against the small fry, but to use it as a means to counter pokemon normally Milotic would not, and maybe even take out the opposition's strongest special sweeper!
Calm
252 Special Defense/252 HP/4 Special Attack
- Surf
- Ice Beam/Hidden Power/Toxic/Light Screen
- Mirror Coat
- Recover
Why in blazes would you use a Calm Nature on a pokemon meant to reflect special attacks? Because this metagame is SO offensively based, that Milotic's special threats have tripled with its physical. I say, just capitalize on this pokemon's special defense, however--help her with what she's good at. One would rather survive a special attack to reflect than take more damage. This Milotic can take the likes of a Life Orb Celebi's Leaf Storm and a Choice Specs Jolteon's Thunderbolt and just about anything electric from fellow bulky waters. The trick is not to use Mirror Coat against the small fry, but to use it as a means to counter pokemon normally Milotic would not, and maybe even take out the opposition's strongest special sweeper!
I've noticed you've been talking about that set for a while now. It probably does lure in certain threats effectively as you pointed out, lining them up for a quick KO. However, what are the damage figures against that Milotic? I mean, it wouldn't do that much good to survive a LO leaf storm by 10 percent, KO with Mirror Coat, only to die the next turn.
I also wonder about that Milotic being set up bait. Gyarados (if you lack HP electric), Lucario, Scizor, and others can all set up without taking too much damage, potentially putting you in a very deep hole. Now that I think about it, Scarf Rotom-A probably makes an effective partner to this Milotic.
Altogether, not a bad set.
Sub-Salac
@ Salac Berry
Timid (+Spe - Atk)
4 HP/252 SpA/252 Spe
~ Fire Blast
~ Earth Power
~ Substitute
~ Hidden Power Electric/Hidden Power Grass
The idea of this set is to get +1 Spe, and still have the ability to switch moves.
It's like a scarf-tran that can switch moves.
The setup is easy to pull off, as heatran cause's a lot of switch's.
You can run either HP Electric, for Gyarados, or Grass, for Swampert. It's recommended to scout the opponents team before setting up, as if the opponent has Gyara/Pert, depending on your HP, they can stop your sweep.
Timid (+Spe - Atk)
4 HP/252 SpA/252 Spe
~ Fire Blast
~ Earth Power
~ Substitute
~ Hidden Power Electric/Hidden Power Grass
The idea of this set is to get +1 Spe, and still have the ability to switch moves.
It's like a scarf-tran that can switch moves.
The setup is easy to pull off, as heatran cause's a lot of switch's.
You can run either HP Electric, for Gyarados, or Grass, for Swampert. It's recommended to scout the opponents team before setting up, as if the opponent has Gyara/Pert, depending on your HP, they can stop your sweep.
I think the main deal is Machamp, as that thing is popping up everywhere and is a serious troll. It's crazy, but Azelf's STAB psychic from 125 base attack and Life Orb does not even secure the KO (minimum damage is 99%). Expert Belt gives Machamp a more reasonable chance of surviving.
Naturally, if 125 base sp.A STAB psychic is not enough, you will find yourself considering the 135 base sp.ATK STAB Psychic
Fucking Machamp . . .
Gallade
Expert Gallade
Move 1: Close Combat
Move 2: Ice Punch
Move 3: ThunderPunch
Move 4: Night Slash
Item: Expert Belt
Ability: Steadfast
Nature(s): Adamant/Jolly
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252Spe
Gallade has an incredible attacking movepool and this set attempts to capitalize on this, combined with his stallbreaking speed. This set contains not one, but TWO of the best attacking combinations in the game in fighting/dark and the always classic boltbeam combo. This means that not only will this gallade never see the words "it's not very effective", but more often than not it will be able to land a super effective blow. The crux of this set is the expert belt because it makes it worthwhile to use his coverage moves over STAB close combat even when CC is neutral. With stab, CC is 180 base power, and a super effective punch would only be 150 bp. However, expert belt gives you that 20% extra power on super effective hits to even them out. Hippowdon, for example, would normally take more from CC than even a super effective ice punch, but with the expert belt you have an equally powerful attack without the defense drops and the fact that it's easy to predict a close combat from a fighting type. Also, the expert belt allows you to fake a choice band. Say you revenge kill a weakened pokemon with close combat and there is no lefties recovery or life orb damage. A free switch for gyarados to come in and do his gyarados thing? Not so fast.
Expert Gallade
Move 1: Close Combat
Move 2: Ice Punch
Move 3: ThunderPunch
Move 4: Night Slash
Item: Expert Belt
Ability: Steadfast
Nature(s): Adamant/Jolly
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252Spe
Gallade has an incredible attacking movepool and this set attempts to capitalize on this, combined with his stallbreaking speed. This set contains not one, but TWO of the best attacking combinations in the game in fighting/dark and the always classic boltbeam combo. This means that not only will this gallade never see the words "it's not very effective", but more often than not it will be able to land a super effective blow. The crux of this set is the expert belt because it makes it worthwhile to use his coverage moves over STAB close combat even when CC is neutral. With stab, CC is 180 base power, and a super effective punch would only be 150 bp. However, expert belt gives you that 20% extra power on super effective hits to even them out. Hippowdon, for example, would normally take more from CC than even a super effective ice punch, but with the expert belt you have an equally powerful attack without the defense drops and the fact that it's easy to predict a close combat from a fighting type. Also, the expert belt allows you to fake a choice band. Say you revenge kill a weakened pokemon with close combat and there is no lefties recovery or life orb damage. A free switch for gyarados to come in and do his gyarados thing? Not so fast.
Mence is dead, time for some stall sets. They worked well before Mence's ban.
Stalloom
Move 1: Substitute
Move 2: Protect
Move 3: Focus Punch/Superpower/Spore
Move 4: Fling/Toxic
Item:Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
Nature(s): Adament/Impish
EVs: 236/0/20/0/0/252
Toxic Spikes is recommended 90% of the time. Substitute and protect generates 16 subsitutes in perfect weather. Fling does damage and is 100 accurate although toxic is another option if your opponent uses many flying types or your retarded not to have toxic spikes. One layer is enough. Focus Punch kills steel types while spore sleeps steel types. Magnezone is great team option, killing steel types that resist poison.
Fagtrio
Move 1: Substitute
Move 2: Protect
Move 3: Earthquake
Move 4: Toxic
Item: Leftovers
Ability: Sand Veil
Nature(s): Jolly
EVs: 4/0/252/0/0/252
Used in the Sandstorm. Recommended with toxic spikes. Substitute and protect generate 8 Subs and 16 turns. Enough for sandstorm to kill, although you can EQ when the opponent is down. Sand Veil is extremely gay and makes many attacks miss. Usually, I get more than 8 subs because attacks tend to miss alot.
Move 1: Substitute
Move 2: Protect
Move 3: Focus Punch/Superpower/Spore
Move 4: Fling/Toxic
Item:Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
Nature(s): Adament/Impish
EVs: 236/0/20/0/0/252
Toxic Spikes is recommended 90% of the time. Substitute and protect generates 16 subsitutes in perfect weather. Fling does damage and is 100 accurate although toxic is another option if your opponent uses many flying types or your retarded not to have toxic spikes. One layer is enough. Focus Punch kills steel types while spore sleeps steel types. Magnezone is great team option, killing steel types that resist poison.
Move 1: Substitute
Move 2: Protect
Move 3: Earthquake
Move 4: Toxic
Item: Leftovers
Ability: Sand Veil
Nature(s): Jolly
EVs: 4/0/252/0/0/252
Used in the Sandstorm. Recommended with toxic spikes. Substitute and protect generate 8 Subs and 16 turns. Enough for sandstorm to kill, although you can EQ when the opponent is down. Sand Veil is extremely gay and makes many attacks miss. Usually, I get more than 8 subs because attacks tend to miss alot.
@Canada - Thats the basically the CBset with Expert Belt, and Infernape does the job better, Close Combat, Flare Blitz, Earthquake and U-Turn/Stone Edge do the job, the extra speed is what counts. Gallade would only work better as a bulkier version.
@nygerman, that Fagtrio would be good, but not now, there are too many Steel type pokemon that completely lol at this set. Not to mention Scizor, Skarmory obviously owns you, but any CS user can U-Turn out, leaving you open to hits.
@nygerman, that Fagtrio would be good, but not now, there are too many Steel type pokemon that completely lol at this set. Not to mention Scizor, Skarmory obviously owns you, but any CS user can U-Turn out, leaving you open to hits.
BaitZor
Jolly
Technician
Occa Berry / Muscle Band
76 HP / 252 Atk / 180 Spe
U-turn
Superpower
Bullet Punch
Pursuit / Roost
Deals with Scizors usual counters exept Heatran.
Say Scizor switches on Shadow Ball of Gengar, Scizor BPs, Magnezone comes in while you BP, you outspeed and Superpower = no Magnezone.
Outspeeds BaitTar for the KO with Superpower.
EV's for outspeeding Steel Killer Magnezone and BaitTar, some walls like Rotom who invest just to outspeed T-tar.
This needs SR and Spikes for some KOs,
Superpower (Occa Berry) :
Steel Killer Magnezone: 83.3% - 98.2% KO with Sr and Spikes or on average 1 BP (7.8% - 9.3%).
BaitTar: Clean KO.
Defensive Celebi: 83.2% - 99% KO with SR and Spikes, it can't KO you with HP Fire due to Occa Berry.
Heatran is a true counter unless you catch it on the switch with Superpower.
The power loss hurts but its acts as a scout and can take on most of its counters.
Pokemon Name: Alakazam
Moveset Name: LagTailAzam
Move 1: Recovery
Move 2: Encore
Move 3: Disable
Move 4: Psychic
Item: Lagging Tail
Ability: Inner Focus
Nature: Quiet
EV: Any sugestions?
I'd like your opinions of this Alakazam I'm thinking off. It was inspired by fighting in a double battle and having one of my pokemon Encore'd and then Disabled, forcing it to struggle to death. Made me think maybe I could get one pokemon that could learn both moves. After researching I found that Alakazam could learn Disable and Inherit Encore if bread with a Male Mr. Mime.
Firstly, Lagging Tail. I thought best to use this item as Alakazam is quite fast. The moveset would fail if Alakazam went first. This does leave you open to everything, but there is the chance that the opponent will use a status effecting move. Incase he doesn't and he becomes Encore'd into using an attack move you have Recovery, But you must disable the move before you Recover. After the opponent is setup to struggle to death you can recover back to full health and then finish him off with a Psychic which will also have STAB.
Inner Focus is to protect against flinching.
And Quiet to Increase SpA and Decrease Speed
I have not done this, I wanted your comments and criticisms before I did. Just an idea I had the other night so please go easy on me :D
Moveset Name: LagTailAzam
Move 1: Recovery
Move 2: Encore
Move 3: Disable
Move 4: Psychic
Item: Lagging Tail
Ability: Inner Focus
Nature: Quiet
EV: Any sugestions?
I'd like your opinions of this Alakazam I'm thinking off. It was inspired by fighting in a double battle and having one of my pokemon Encore'd and then Disabled, forcing it to struggle to death. Made me think maybe I could get one pokemon that could learn both moves. After researching I found that Alakazam could learn Disable and Inherit Encore if bread with a Male Mr. Mime.
Firstly, Lagging Tail. I thought best to use this item as Alakazam is quite fast. The moveset would fail if Alakazam went first. This does leave you open to everything, but there is the chance that the opponent will use a status effecting move. Incase he doesn't and he becomes Encore'd into using an attack move you have Recovery, But you must disable the move before you Recover. After the opponent is setup to struggle to death you can recover back to full health and then finish him off with a Psychic which will also have STAB.
Inner Focus is to protect against flinching.
And Quiet to Increase SpA and Decrease Speed
I have not done this, I wanted your comments and criticisms before I did. Just an idea I had the other night so please go easy on me :D
Most attacks will 2HKO Alakazam, so this won't really work, at least the way you imagine it. An option would be to replace Recover with Substitute and give it Leftovers. This allows you to scout their move (since Zam will most likely be faster) and then Encore/Disable/switch based on what move they used. However, this is basically the same as the Encore set already in the analysis, with Disable over another attack.
The one advantage this might have is that since you don't care about speed, the EV's normally put into speed could be used to give Alakazam some semblance of defense, allowing it to survive things that no one will expect Alakazam to survive. Also, since you already have a Lagging Tail, you don't need a -Spe nature, so you could opt for Bold or Calm to further increase survivability, at the expense of some power. And since this set isn't meant to overpower anything, I would recommend going all out defensive with the EV's. This allows you to actually survive powerful neutral STAB attacks ONCE. The set might look like this:
Alakazam @ Lagging Tail
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SDef
Nature: Bold
Encore
Disable
Recover
Psychic
Offensive DD Gyarados LO Waterfall vs this Zam: 65.9% - 77.7%
CBScizor Bullet Punch vs this Zam: 58.6% - 69.1%
Choice Scarf Heatran Fire Blast vs this Zam: 71% - 84.1%
Against Gyara I would Encore first, expecting a DD, against Scizor I would Disable first, since it is already choiced, and against Heatran it is a toss-up. One thing to note is that with Lagging Tail, you will get hit by Scizor's U-turn before you can Disable it if they predict a switch, and no Alakazam will ever survive that. This set probably won't beat any of these (or the many other attackers out there) on its own, but it could be used like a mini Wobbuffet to set up sweepers, since many would love the chance to switch into an effectively choiced Earthquake or other similarly resisted move. You could also give up Psychic entirely and give it yet another of it's great support moves, like Reflect, Light Screen, Trick, etc.
Interestingly, this set does allow you to beat Blissey, should they choose to stay in. Put this set on a Stall team with a lot of entry hazards and it has a chance.
Smeargle@ Choice Scarf/Focus Sash/Leftovers
Nature: + Speed Nature
Ability: Own Tempo/Technician
252 HP / 20 def / 20 sp def / 216 spe
~Imprison
~Filler
~Filler
~Filler
This set uses Imprison to stop your opponent from using certain moves. It can be used as a lead with Stealth Rock, Taunt and something else with a Choice Scarf to stop the opponent from using those moves. Or mid-game with common moves like EQ and U-turn. The speed EVs allow you out speed Aerodactly with a Scarf. The item, ability and nature depends on your moves. It can even be a good revenge killer.
Your Smeargle would actually best be used with
imprison
taunt
Stealth Rock
Spikes/Spore/Trick/Transform
To be an Anti lead that can most likely stop the enemy from laying down Entry hazards or just completly stop the opponents pokemon with abusing transform/imprison.
However i just dont see this working, because most Lead pokes are faster if you dont use a scarf and Smeargel is an awful lead against anything not named swampert/hippowdon.
€dit:
after 20 seconds of thinking further i just realised that imprision is inferior to taunt in every case that doesnt involve transform to totally stop the opposing poke so i would go for:
with the same ev set/nature you listed
Smeargel@Lum Berry/Focus Sash
imprison
transform
Taunt
Stealth Rock/Spore
it still wont be good but atleast you can make use of imprison(wich is a horrible move)
imprison
taunt
Stealth Rock
Spikes/Spore/Trick/Transform
To be an Anti lead that can most likely stop the enemy from laying down Entry hazards or just completly stop the opponents pokemon with abusing transform/imprison.
However i just dont see this working, because most Lead pokes are faster if you dont use a scarf and Smeargel is an awful lead against anything not named swampert/hippowdon.
€dit:
after 20 seconds of thinking further i just realised that imprision is inferior to taunt in every case that doesnt involve transform to totally stop the opposing poke so i would go for:
with the same ev set/nature you listed
Smeargel@Lum Berry/Focus Sash
imprison
transform
Taunt
Stealth Rock/Spore
it still wont be good but atleast you can make use of imprison(wich is a horrible move)
If you use it in the lead position then you should always carry scarf. If you use it later in the game then Leftovers with less speed would be better. You can carry common moves like EQ and Ice Beam to stop many opponents from using them without switching out. It can also use the attacks. If you transfrom you can't use Imprison unless they know it. Better might be Mimic or Sketch.
Speaking of Alakazam, here's a lead set that I'm using right now that works wonders. It easily gets momentum going against the other team by beating most leads (it doesn't stop rocks from going up, though, so have a spinner handy or no weaknesses).
Alakazam@Focus Sash/Expert Belt
Timid Inner Focus
252Spe/4HP/252SpA
-Psychic
-Thunderwave/Taunt
-Signal Beam
-Protect
Psychic is for STAB, and also helps take out Machamp leads and some others in particular, Signal Beam nets the 2HKO on Azelf and other Psychics and doesn't do too bad damage on Ttar (3HKO on lead, which runs SpD EVs). Thunderwave and Protect really make this set shine, IMO. After you beat the opposing lead, the most common switch-in is either Tyranitar or Scizor. Here you Protect to scout whether they're using Crunch/BP or Pursuit. If it's the latter, then you outspeed(even scarf TTar) and can hit it with Thunderwave and then Signal Beam as you die. If it's the former, it gets you a free switch so Alakazam can come back in late game and spread more status or revenge kill off it's glorious 372 speed. Another option that I haven't tried is Taunt to prevent those leads whom you can't beat from getting up rocks.Inner Focus gives a helpful immunity to flinching, but only really to Fake Out as Zam really can't take a hit. By the way, Skarmory and/or Swampert can come in on all the leads Zam loses to and sets up spikes/SR(bar Heatran if it has HP Grass). Just something to consider.
Here's how it handles some popular leads:
-Psychic, you'll either fall asleep or 2HKO
-A lead it can't beat, switch out to Skarm
-You outspeed with Timid and 2HKO with Signal Beam
-You can outspeed and 2HKO
-You can OHKO 2/3 of the time unless you're using Expert Belt, otherwise 2HKO
-Another lead it can't beat, switch out.
-Psychic only OHKOs 28% of the time with Sash, so expert belt is an acceptable replacement to make the kill all the time
-Psychic is a 3HKO, so switching is best.
-You can 2HKO with Signal Beam literally 99% of the time without Expert Belt. If they choose to attack while Scarfed then you get an easy switch.
-You can 2HKO, but watch out for their switch in case they taunt
-Thunderwave right away and switch out
-Unlike Jirachi, you can 2HKO litterally 0.07% of the time. Switch.
-Psychic or switch.
-Just switch now to Skarm.
Fake Out will not flinch you, allowing you to fire off a Psychic, but most players are not stupid and will probably set up SR anyway. 2HKO
You can either Thunderwave it and hope it runs LO(usually does), or you could switch. Psychic also has a good chance of 2HKOing (72%).
There's also a Toxicroak lead I was wondering about that uses Fake Out followed by Me First to KO lead Champ and stuff, which I might post some other time. :P
Alakazam@Focus Sash/Expert Belt
Timid Inner Focus
252Spe/4HP/252SpA
-Psychic
-Thunderwave/Taunt
-Signal Beam
-Protect
Psychic is for STAB, and also helps take out Machamp leads and some others in particular, Signal Beam nets the 2HKO on Azelf and other Psychics and doesn't do too bad damage on Ttar (3HKO on lead, which runs SpD EVs). Thunderwave and Protect really make this set shine, IMO. After you beat the opposing lead, the most common switch-in is either Tyranitar or Scizor. Here you Protect to scout whether they're using Crunch/BP or Pursuit. If it's the latter, then you outspeed(even scarf TTar) and can hit it with Thunderwave and then Signal Beam as you die. If it's the former, it gets you a free switch so Alakazam can come back in late game and spread more status or revenge kill off it's glorious 372 speed. Another option that I haven't tried is Taunt to prevent those leads whom you can't beat from getting up rocks.Inner Focus gives a helpful immunity to flinching, but only really to Fake Out as Zam really can't take a hit. By the way, Skarmory and/or Swampert can come in on all the leads Zam loses to and sets up spikes/SR(bar Heatran if it has HP Grass). Just something to consider.
Here's how it handles some popular leads:
There's also a Toxicroak lead I was wondering about that uses Fake Out followed by Me First to KO lead Champ and stuff, which I might post some other time. :P
I used Focus Blast on that leadZam, over t-wave.
To me it seems like t-wave doesn't offer much, considering FB hits Ttar (and perhaps more importantly; Heatran) very hard.
To me it seems like t-wave doesn't offer much, considering FB hits Ttar (and perhaps more importantly; Heatran) very hard.
Smeargle@ Choice Scarf/Focus Sash/Leftovers
Nature: + Speed Nature
Ability: Own Tempo/Technician
252 HP / 20 def / 20 sp def / 216 spe
~Imprison
~Dynamicpunch
~Stealth Rock
~Spore
Fixed so you can lol @ Machamp... and other Smeargle if it comes down to it XD
if you use imprison first and then transform you actually stop the complete moveset of the pokemon(if it decides to stay in).
there is no point using it midgame with common moves since smeargel is way to frail to survive an attack and after you switch out or die nothing will be blocked.
imprison is just a poor move, because taunt shuts down all support moves while imprison is highly situational/gimmicky.
you could use it to completly counter a pokemon you have problems with like breloom with a moveset of
smeargel@lum berry
focus punch
spore
seed bomb/leechseed
imprison
but if you opponent doesnt own a breloom you wasted a spot on your team.
something like
smeargel@ lefties
t-Bolt
Ice Beam
Surf/EQ
Imprison
just wont work because there is no pokemon(except starmie which is faster then you and will most certainly ohko you with hydro pump if your unlucky) that would be completly stopped from killing you/doing his job even with these moves blocked.
And smeargels offenses are kinda non existant so attacking the opponent with these moves will do very low to none damage.
@Spades789: Synchronize doesn't work on sleep, so you don't beat Smeargle or Roserade (or Breloom with a scarf for that matter). Also, Scarf Jirachi outspeeds and easily 2HKOs with Iron Head and there is a 60% chance of you flinching if you run Synchronize. Also, U-turn has a good chance of OHKOing if you run Expert Belt. Your only hope is to have Iron Head not flinch (40%), Signal Beam confuse (10%), and Jirachi hurt itself in confusion (50%). A 2% chance, and you are left with ~5-20% HP. You really only cripple Heatran and Dragonite, with a chance to cripple Jirachi. Overall, Alakazam has better things it can do as a lead, like Dual Screen, Encore, Trick, attack, etc.