Project SS CAP Victim Of The Week (Week 9: Venomicon-E)

[Zephyri]

(Approved by snake_rattler)
(art coming soon (tm) )
(op adapted/copied from the NU VOTW thread)

With the recent closing of the Counter That Pokemon! thread and the increased stability of the Crown Tundra metagame, now seems like a good time to introduce the Victim Of The Week Thread to both replace the CTP project and tackle the centralization in the present meta. This project aims to find answers to the most popular Pokemon in the metagame and in doing so, further understand the nuances of the CAP metagame and create a compendium of answers to the Pokemon on the Viability Rankings.

How it works:

• Every round, I'll pick one Pokemon from the SS CAP Viability Rankings to be discussed. The submission stage will last one week.
• During the round, post a Pokemon of your choosing which is able to check / counter the current threat, with a Set, Description, and Calculations if necessary. (Note that they should be somewhat viable, no gimmicks like Tinted Lens Noctowl, in some cases I'll be a bit more flexible with what's allowed).
• After the deadline for submissions is completed, we'll have a voting period where people vote for their favorite sets, with each round having a winner who'll have their set and name immortalized in the OP
• At the end of the week we start over, until we have an entire compendium of checks and counters for each Pokemon on the VR.

Rules:
1. When nominating your check/counter please take into consideration this defintion from The Smog:

Definition of Checks and Counters

Pokémon A checks Pokémon B if, when Pokémon A is given a free switch into Pokémon B, Pokémon A can win every time, even under the worst case scenario, without factoring in hax.

Pokémon A counters Pokémon B if Pokémon A can manually switch into Pokémon B and still win every time, even under the worst case scenario, without factoring in hax.

There are some parts of those definitions that may be confusing to the unfamiliar, so now I'm going to make sure we're all on the same page. "Hax" does not mean cheats or codes used to win. "Hax" means, loosely, things that have a chance of happening but usually don't, for example, critical hits (under most circumstances), Ice Beam freezing, and Fire Blast missing. This means that we don't take into account these types of things when we analyze if one Pokémon checks or counters another. Despite this, it's unwise to declare that one Pokémon checks another when the victorious Pokémon relies on hitting Focus Blast three times in a row, or something like that. Basically, you're often okay ignoring hax unless something that doesn't have a high chance of happening must happen in order for a Pokémon to check or counter another.

There are some things, like flinching, which you would normally consider to be hax but aren't always so. For example, Jirachi has a 60% chance to flinch a slower opponent with Iron Head, so in this case, flinching is not hax because it happens over half the time. For things such as missing or secondary effects, such as a Scald burn or Special Defense drop from Seed Flare, that have a decently high chance of happening, you need to think about them when you analyze checks or counters. Even though they might fit the standard definition of hax, they happen often enough for you to expect to see them in real situations somewhat commonly. There's no official or best guideline, but in my opinion, if some form of "hax" has a 30% chance or higher of happening, you should keep it in the back of your mind because it's not a negligible occurrence.

2. Please stick to mons that are somewhat viable in the CAP metagame and aren't extremely gimmicky. A good way to figure out if a set is a gimmick is "Does this set have any use other than answering a single Pokemon? or "Is this set even somewhat consistent". If the answer is no, the set is probably a gimmicky one. I'm fine with less popular mons being showcased, but please use your common sense.
3. As a follow-up to the above, I'd prefer if we stuck to mons that are in the VR, but I'll make exceptions if you can make a really solid case for the mon's viability and/or are trying to get it on the VR.
4. Reservations are allowed, however if you don't complete your post within 24 hours someone else is free to take your Pokemon.
5. If someone posts an unviable set / mon, you can help them out, but be nice.
6. Post calcs if necessary.

Week 1

Cawmodore @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Volt Absorb
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Belly Drum
- Acrobatics
- Drain Punch/Knock Off
- Bullet Punch

Winners: Lasen for Check, Tadasuke for Counter

Week 2

Dragapult @ Leftovers
Ability: Infiltrator
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hex
- Draco Meteor
- U-turn
- Will-O-Wisp

Winners: -Voltage- for Counter

Week 3

Rillaboom @ Choice Band
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Wood Hammer
- Grassy Glide
- U-turn
- Knock Off

Winners: Empoleon4Life for check, Binacleisthebest/dex18 for counter

Week 4

Garchomp @ Life Orb
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge/Fire Fang
- Scale Shot

Winners: kjnjkmjk1 for check, Lasen and Heaven Jay for counter

Week 5

Jumbao @ Life Orb
Ability: Trace
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Moonblast
- Focus Blast
- Leaf Storm
- Healing Wish

Winners, snake_rattler for check, dex18 for counter

Current Victim


Kyurem @ Choice Specs
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Ice Beam
- Freeze-Dry
- Draco Meteor
- Focus Blast

Kyurem has recently rose from UU to OU, for good reason. It's one of the best breakers in the tier, with an insane damage output and no switchins. Well, almost no switchins. How do we answer this Pokemon? That's for you guys to decide. Submissions close April 13th, 7:00 AM GMT+0, and we'll have a 1 day voting period, extensions are OK as long as you ask well in advance, happy submitting!!​

 

[Zephyri]

reserved

 

[arn.av136]

reserving tomohawk as a check

Tomohawk @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
- Haze
- Hurricane
- Stealth Rock/Heat Wave/Aura Sphere/Rapid Spin
- Roost

One of Tomohawk's unique traits in Prankster Haze lets it check physical setup sweepers such as Cawmodore. Tomohawk is able to wear Cawmodore down with helmet damage after repeatedly prankster roosting as shown in the given replay for reference.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8cap-1280253350-mp0dvsvnakziey9i5rq03le4sanfdi1pw
Unboosted Cawmodore is unable to do more than 52-62% with Acrobatics to fully invested Tomohawk and is thus worn down by Rocky Helmet chip. However Tomohawk is not a solid counter, but a check, to Cawmodore since repeatedly high rolls will be able to overhelm Tomohawk albeit making Cawmodore useless for the rest of the match.

Calcs

252 Atk Cawmodore Acrobatics (110 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tomohawk: 218-260 (52.6 - 62.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+6 252 Atk Cawmodore Bullet Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tomohawk: 160-189 (38.6 - 45.6%) -- 98% chance to 2HKO

 

[velvet]

Quagsire @ Leftovers
Ability: Unaware
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Scald
- Earthquake
- Recover
- Toxic / Haze

Quagsire @ Leftovers
Ability: Unaware
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
- Waterfall
- Earthquake
- Recover
- Curse

Quagsire under any circumstances is able come in and out against Cawmodore making it a solid counter for it. Having options to go from a standard quagsire set to a bulky offensive set can help to take out Cawmodore much easily especially with curse to increase its own attack and defense stat to completely leave Cawmodore with no other options but to wait and faint. Has recovery to further its survivability along with a potential burn chance from scald to lower Cawmodore’s damage input. There is also an option to completely vanquish Cawmodore’s stats by running haze but frankly you don’t really need that as Quagsire’s ability Unaware helps it against those that have boosted attack stats since it ignores it such as Cawmodore for example. At +6 Cawmodore won’t really budge Quagsire all too much as moves like Acrobatics can only 4HKO at +6 along with Knock Off doing the same amount or less to it. Quagsire makes for a great counter for Cawmodore overall thanks to the kit (ability and movesets) it has options to.

Calcs

+6 252 Atk Cawmodore Acrobatics (110 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Unaware Quagsire: 114-135 (28.9 - 34.2%) -- 99.6% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

+6 252 Atk Cawmodore Acrobatics (110 BP) vs. +1 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire: 76-91 (19.2 - 23%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery (Curse Set Up)

+6 252 Atk Cawmodore Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Unaware Quagsire: 68-80 (17.2 - 20.3%) -- possible 5HKO

 

[Tadasuke]

Cyclohm @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Static
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Discharge
- Fire Blast
- Slack Off
- Draco Meteor

Cyclohm is a counter to Belly Drum Cawmodore. It avoids a 2HKO from any possible move combination from Cawmo (outside of Cawmodore getting the maximum roll on 2 Knock Offs/Acrobatics) and can guarantee an OHKO in return with Fire Blast after Rocky Helmet damage. Although it has a 15% chance to miss, that's far better than the odds of trying to KO Cawmodore with Flamethrower. Additionally, any time Cawmodore attacks Cyclohm it risks activating Static and being completely stopped in its tracks by paralysis.

Calcs

+6 252 Atk Cawmodore Drain Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Cyclohm: 165-195 (39.2 - 46.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
+6 252 Atk Cawmodore Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Cyclohm: 214-252 (50.9 - 60%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+6 252 Atk Cawmodore Knock Off vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Cyclohm: 143-169 (34 - 40.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
+6 252 Atk Cawmodore Acrobatics (110 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Cyclohm: 182-214 (43.3 - 50.9%) -- 4.3% chance to 2HKO

Both of the following calcs are done assuming Cawmodore takes on instance of Rocky Helmet damage
4 SpA Cyclohm Fire Blast vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Cawmodore: 222-262 (91.7 - 108.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
4 SpA Cyclohm Flamethrower vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Cawmodore: 182-216 (75.2 - 89.2%) -- 43.8% chance to OHKO

 

[Lasen]

Cinderace @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Libero
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Pyro Ball
- High Jump Kick
- Gunk Shot
- Zen Headbutt


Cinderace is an offensive check to Belly Drum Cawmodore. Cawmodore can never afford to click any button besides Belly Drum once it's in, else it risks dying on the spot due to how frail it is. As such, Cinderace can reliably switch-in, outspeed and OHKO with Pyro Ball. Even if Cawmodore is running the rare Knock-Off, if no rocks are up, Cinderace can actually sponge the combo of unboosted Knock Off into a later +6 Bullet Punch.

calcs

252 Atk Cawmodore Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Cinderace: 106-125 (35.2 - 41.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
+6 252 Atk Cawmodore Bullet Punch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Cinderace: 130-153 (43.1 - 50.8%) -- 3.9% chance to 2HKO

252 Atk Cinderace Pyro Ball vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Cawmodore: 288-342 (119 - 141.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[EmpoleonForLife]

reserving Zapdos as a check

Zapdos @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Static
EVs: 248 HP / 220 Def / 40 Spe
Timid Nature
- Discharge
- Roost
- Heat Wave
- Defog
Zapdos is a check to Caw because It is never OHKOed by any of caws moves at +6 and heat wave always OHKO Caw after rocks.
However if Caw has Knock off that does a lot of damage to Zap and can KO Zap at +6 after some Chip

Calcs
+6 252 Atk Cawmodore Acrobatics (55 BP) vs. 248 HP / 220 Def Zapdos: 128-151 (33.4 - 39.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 SpA Zapdos Heat Wave vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Cawmodore: 210-248 (86.7 - 102.4%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
+6 252 Atk Cawmodore Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 248 HP / 220 Def Zapdos: 301-355 (78.5 - 92.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO or

 

[Airwind]

reserving uneware clefable as a counter

 

[SunMYSER]

Volkraken @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Analytic
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Fire Blast
- U-turn
- Scorching Sands

Volkraken is an offensive check to Cawmodore. As Lasen stated, Caw can't really afford to not click Belly Drum the moment it gets in. Volk can switch in on the drum and proceed to blast it away with either of it's stabs moves. Caw can only Bullet Punch in return.

252 SpA Volkraken Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Cawmodore: 470-554 (195 - 229.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Volkraken Hydro Pump vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Cawmodore: 235-277 (97.5 - 114.9%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO
+6 252 Atk Cawmodore Bullet Punch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Volkraken: 62-73 (18.1 - 21.4%) -- possible 5HKO

The only way Volk realistically loses to Caw, is if the Caw player banks on a Fire Blast/Hydro Pump miss, and goes Acrobatics. Unlikely, but it's there. Too, Scarf-kraken is weak to hazards, so if you have brought it in on spikes+rocks a few times, Volk could be put within Bullet Punching range.

 

[Zephyri]

Agh sorry for being late on this, voting opens now!

You can vote for :
Empoleon4life's (check)
SUNmyser's (check)
Lasen's (check)
Tadasuke's (counter)
Velvet's Haze (counter)
Velvet's Curse (counter)
and Arn.av136's Prankster-Haze (check) !!!

Make sure to vote for counters and checks separately ^^

You can vote for two checks and one counter

Sample vote: Checks: [bold name] [bold name] Counters [bold name].

You have until February 18th, 3:30 AM GMT to vote!

 

[SunMYSER]

counter: Tadasuke
checks: SUNmyser Lasen

 

[EmpoleonForLife]

Checks: Lasen, Arn.av136
Counters Velvet's Curse.

 

[Darek]

Checks: Lasen, EmpoleonForLife
Counters: Tadasuke

 

[Tadasuke]

checks: Lasen
counters: Tadasuke

 

[Gravity Monkey]

checks: Lasen, Arn.av136
counters: Tadasuke

 

[arn.av136]

checks: arn.av136, Lasen
counters: Tadasuke

 

[Zephyri]

Ok, I'm around 4 hours late again, but the winner for the best Cawmodore check is Lasen with Cinderace, while the winner of best counter is Tadasuke, gz to both!! (records and next week's mon will be up in ~3 hours)

 

[Zephyri]

Ayyy we had a solid week 1, let's hope that carries over to week 2

New Victim

Cinderace @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Libero
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- U-turn
- Pyro Ball
- High Jump Kick
- Gunk Shot/Zen Headbutt


Cinderace has been terrorizing the CAP metagame lately, what with its ability giving it STAB on every move, it's amazing coverage, and its solid speed tier. How do we answer this Pokemon? That's for you guys to decide. Submissions close February 24th 7:00 AM GMT+0, and we'll have a 1 day voting period, extensions are OK as long as you ask well in advance, happy submitting!!​

 

[sneakyjeans]

Landorus-Therian @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 112 Def / 144 Spe
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- U-turn
- Knock Off

Lando-T is a defensive counter to Cinderace. Always a safe switch in, particularly with Intimidate, and a guaranteed OHKO in Earthquake. Rocky Helmet does chip damage for U-Turn, Knock Off can remove Heavy Duty Boots to get in more damage with Stealth Rock. Overall a solid counter for Cinderace, none of its offensive options do much here.

Calcs:
No Intimidate
252 Atk Cinderace Pyro Ball vs. 252 HP / 112+ Def Landorus-Therian: 160-189 (41.8 - 49.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 Atk Libero Cinderace Gunk Shot vs. 252 HP / 112+ Def Landorus-Therian: 80-94 (20.9 - 24.6%) -- guaranteed 5HKO

Intimidate
-1 252 Atk Cinderace Pyro Ball vs. 252 HP / 112+ Def Landorus-Therian: 106-126 (27.7 - 32.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
-1 252 Atk Libero Cinderace Gunk Shot vs. 252 HP / 112+ Def Landorus-Therian: 53-63 (13.8 - 16.4%) -- possible 7HKO

0 Atk Landorus-Therian Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Cinderace: 378-446 (125.5 - 148.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[SunMYSER]

Subbing Stratagem as a Cinderace Check



Stratagem @ Power Herb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Meteor Beam
- Fire Blast
- Earth Power
- Paleo Wave

While Stratagem can't afford to switch in on HJK or Zen (a OHKO, and a 2HKO respectively), Stratagem outspeeds, and OHKOs Cinderace with either Meteor Beam or Paleo Wave. The Paleo Wave calc (252 SpA Stratagem Paleo Wave vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Cinderace: 336-396 (111.6 - 131.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO) is particularly fun, cause it allows Strata to hold on to it's Power Herb for later in the game.

As well, despite Stratagem being a glass cannon, it can switch into Cinderace's Gunk Shot, or Pyro Ball if you're desperate. Regardless, Stratagem prefers coming in on a slow pivot, like Slowking/Bro, Swampert, or Corvknight.

252 Atk Libero Cinderace Gunk Shot vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Stratagem: 128-151 (39.8 - 47%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 Atk Cinderace Pyro Ball vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Stratagem: 128-151 (39.8 - 47%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

 

[Darek]

Subbing the pair of Crucibelle and Zapdos as a Check:

Crucibelle @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Stone Edge
- Gunk Shot
- Trick
- U-turn

Zapdos @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Static
EVs: 248 HP / 240 Def / 20 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hurricane
- Heat Wave
- Roost
- Volt Switch

This one's interesting because neither one of these mons can reliably switch into Ace on their own, but together with some decent prediction can reliably check it. Zapdos's presence makes Cinderace afraid to click its contact moves, but struggles to come in reliably due to the sheer power of Pyro Ball and Gunk Shot, plus Gunk Shot's poison chance. However, Scarf Crucibelle can come in consistently on Pyro Ball and Gunk Shot and threaten Cinderace with its superior speed. Coming in on Pyro Ball, Crucibelle can threaten an OHKO with Stone Edge. Coming in on Gunk Shot can be a little awkward because Stone Edge no longer OHKOs, but Crucibelle can generally U-turn out into Zapdos to try and try to catch HJK or Zen Headbutt with Static.

Calcs

Vs Zapdos:

252 Atk Libero Cinderace High Jump Kick vs. 248 HP / 220 Def Zapdos: 89-105 (23.2 - 27.4%) -- 63.7% chance to 4HKO
252 Atk Libero Cinderace Zen Headbutt vs. 248 HP / 220 Def Zapdos: 109-130 (28.4 - 33.9%) -- 1.4% chance to 3HKO
252 Atk Cinderace Pyro Ball vs. 248 HP / 220 Def Zapdos: 163-193 (42.5 - 50.3%) -- 1.2% chance to 2HKO
252 Atk Libero Cinderace Gunk Shot vs. 248 HP / 220 Def Zapdos: 163-193 (42.5 - 50.3%) -- 1.2% chance to 2HKO

Vs Crucibelle:

252 Atk Libero Cinderace Pyro Ball vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Crucibelle: 128-151 (36.2 - 42.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 Atk Cinderace Gunk Shot vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Crucibelle: 64-75 (18.1 - 21.2%) -- possible 5HKO
252 Atk Libero Cinderace High Jump Kick vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Crucibelle: 279-328 (79 - 92.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Libero Cinderace Zen Headbutt vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Crucibelle: 342-404 (96.8 - 114.4%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO

Hitting Cinderace:

252 Atk Crucibelle Stone Edge vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Cinderace: 356-420 (118.2 - 139.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Crucibelle Stone Edge vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Cinderace: 178-210 (59.1 - 69.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO (Against non-Fire type Ace)
0 SpA Zapdos Hurricane vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Cinderace: 183-216 (60.7 - 71.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

 

[Pipotchi]

Subbing as a Cinderace Counter:


Jellicent @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 252 HP / 184 Def / 72 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Recover
- Scald
- Toxic / Will-O-Wisp
- Taunt

This set resists or is immune to all of its moves, while also making it much more difficult for it to click HJK throughout the match. Jellicent doesnt need to invest too much to avoid the 3hko from zen headbutt, so it can run spdef and remain a great spinblocker and wall for things like tomo, equi, and both slowkings. If Cinder runs Sucker Punch + Gunk on the same set (sometimes happens?), Jellicent has to outplay the combination of Sucker + Gunk Shot and find a turn to throw a toxic. But overall its going to be able to handle it. The EVs mean it cant ko with Zen Headbutt -> Zen Headbutt flinch -> Zen Headbutt.

You can mess around with other moves if u want cus jelli cant cover everything as well as use HDB instead

252 Atk Cinderace Pyro Ball vs. 252 HP / 80+ Def Jellicent: 99-117 (24.5 - 28.9%)
252 Atk Libero Cinderace U-turn vs. 252 HP / 80+ Def Jellicent: 58-69 (14.3 - 17%)
252 Atk Libero Cinderace Gunk Shot vs. 252 HP / 80+ Def Jellicent: 99-117 (24.5 - 28.9%)
252 Atk Libero Cinderace Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 80+ Def Jellicent: 133-157 (32.9 - 38.8%)
252 Atk Libero Cinderace Sucker Punch vs. 252 HP / 80+ Def Jellicent: 234-276 (57.9 - 68.3%)

 

[EmpoleonForLife]

Reserving Hippowdon as a counter

Hippowdon @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 8 Atk / 248 Def
Impish Nature
- Earthquake
- Slack Off
- Stealth Rock
- Toxic

Hippowdon can take any hit Ace can dish out and OHKO with EQ even when poisoned by Gunk Shot and can chip ace with Rocky Helmet and Sand

Calcs
252 Atk Libero Cinderace High Jump Kick vs. 252 HP / 248+ Def Hippowdon: 127-150 (30.2 - 35.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after poison damage
8 Atk Hippowdon Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Cinderace: 302-356 (100.3 - 118.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[Scizivire]

Subbing Slowbro as a Cinderace counter

Slowbro @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
IVs: 0 Spe
Relaxed Nature
- Scald
- Slack Off
- Future Sight
- Teleport

Standard defensive pivot set Slowbro is a counter to Cinderace because it can take any hit into U-Turn pretty comfortably and proceed to heal up, Teleport out or set Future Sight in order to help its team put pressure on the opponent. Even if Ace were to carry Sucker Punch it generally doesn't want to click it versus Slowbro. Poison from Gunk Shot can be a bit of a nuisance but as long as you keep Slowbro healthy, it will always come out on top in this encounter.

Calcs

252 Atk Libero Cinderace U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Slowbro: 144-170 (36.5 - 43.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 Atk Cinderace Pyro Ball vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Slowbro: 61-72 (15.4 - 18.2%) -- possible 6HKO
252 Atk Libero Cinderace High Jump Kick vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Slowbro: 66-78 (16.7 - 19.7%) -- possible 5HKO
252 Atk Libero Cinderace Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Slowbro: 41-48 (10.4 - 12.1%) -- possible 8HKO

252 Atk Libero Cinderace Sucker Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Slowbro: 144-170 (36.5 - 43.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

252 Atk Libero Cinderace Gunk Shot vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Slowbro: 123-145 (31.2 - 36.8%) -- 93.5% chance to 3HKO
252 Atk Libero Cinderace Gunk Shot vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Slowbro: 123-145 (31.2 - 36.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after poison damage

 

[Aetherl]

Subbing Tomohawk in as a Cinderace check.

Tomohawk @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe
Bold Nature
- Stealth Rock/Rapid Spin
- Hurricane
- Aura Sphere/Heat Wave
- Roost
​

​

Intimidate Tomohawk is a solid and splashable Cinderace check. Intimidate allows Tomohawk to avoid the chance to get 2HKO'd from Cinderace's Zen Headbutt even with Stealth Rock chip factored in and it handles the neutral coverage against it efficiently. Rocky Helmet is crucial as it punishes and discourages Cinderace from pressing U-turn + contact moves via helmet chip throughout the match. Roost keeps Tomohawk healthy enough to consistently check Cinderace and stay in on it. Hurricane threatens Cinderace with a 2HKO and forces it out in most situations. However, Cinderace can revenge kill a slightly chipped Tomohawk and win with a 2HKO from Zen Headbutt and potentially lose most of its health in the process or just get lucky with Hurricane misses and flinches from Zen Headbutt.

Calcs

Against Tomohawk (Intimidate)
-1 252 Atk Cinderace Pyro Ball vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tomohawk: 93-111 (22.4 - 26.8%) -- 27.4% chance to 4HKO
-1 252 Atk Libero Cinderace Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tomohawk: 126-150 (30.4 - 36.2%) -- 47.6% chance to 3HKO
-1 252 Atk Libero Cinderace Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tomohawk: 126-150 (30.4 - 36.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock

Against Tomohawk (No Intimidate)
252 Atk Cinderace Pyro Ball vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tomohawk: 141-166 (34 - 40%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 Atk Libero Cinderace Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tomohawk: 186-222 (44.9 - 53.6%) -- 35.2% chance to 2HKO
252 Atk Libero Cinderace Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tomohawk: 186-222 (44.9 - 53.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock

Against Cinderace
0 SpA Tomohawk Hurricane vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Cinderace: 169-201 (56.1 - 66.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO