Looks like Pokemon's back with more articles. This one's a general description of teams that we'll be seeing at April Regionals. (Rain, Sandstorm, Trick Room, Goodstuff) Not a bad article for beginners, and it was a decent read. Check this for the original link, the article is also posted below.
Take a look at the kinds of teams you should expect to see at the Pokémon Video Game Spring Regional Championships.
Leading up to the big Pokémon Video Game Spring Regional Championships, it’s always helpful to know about the most common strategies—either so you know what kind of competition you can expect to face, or so you can get some fresh ideas of your own. The parties and strategies outlined here were popular during the Autumn Regional Championships, and they’ve remained in the spotlight as the European National Championships continue. But often it’s the truly original strategies that nobody else has considered that propel a player deep into the tournament. Take a look at these popular approaches, but also keep thinking about how you can put your own stamp on these tried-and-true strategies.
Rain Dance
A Trainer’s first thought may be to consider which moves to teach to his or her Pokémon, but in the case of Rain Dance, Abilities are what drive this team’s development. First and foremost, every Rain Dance team includes Politoed, whose Hidden Ability Drizzle will cause it to rain as soon as the Pokémon comes into play (although if Politoed faints, you’ll want some Pokémon who know the move Rain Dance to keep the rain falling). Then, Pokémon with Abilities that benefit from rain are added: Kingdra and Ludicolo are popular for their Swift Swim Ability, which increases their Speed stat when it rains, and Pokémon with the Dry Skin or Water Absorb Ability are sought, because when they get hit by a Water-type attack, they gain HP instead of losing it.
On that note, the most potent attack for a Rain Dance team is Surf. Surf is powerful and widespread, as it hits every other Pokémon on the field, including the user’s teammate. With the Dry Skin or Water Absorb Ability turning that damage into healing, you can hit both of your opponent’s Pokémon without worrying about hurting your own.
Rain Dance teams tend to lean heavily toward Water-type Pokémon, which makes them vulnerable to Grass types and Electric types. You’ll definitely want to consider a wild card that isn’t vulnerable to those Pokémon—and preferably one that has a type advantage over them. Also, Rain Dance teams have become so popular on the tournament scene that they’re not a surprise anymore. If you’re running a Rain Dance team, be prepared to face Wide Guard, a counter to your Surf attack that protects both of your opponent’s Pokémon.
Sandstorm
Sandstorm teams parallel Rain Dance teams quite closely, with rain-enabled Abilities and attacks replaced by sandstorm-enabled ones. With Sandstorm teams, it’s Tyranitar that sets the weather condition in motion with its Sand Stream Ability. Pokémon with the Sand Rush Ability, especially Excadrill, are common among Sandstorm teams, as their Speed doubles in a sandstorm. Garchomp is a popular choice to provide a lot of the offense, partly because it is an all-around strong attacker, but also because its Sand Veil Ability raises its evasion in a sandstorm, making it harder to hit.
All battles in the Championship Series are Double Battles, putting a premium on attacks that hit multiple targets. Sandstorm teams load up on Pokémon that know Earthquake and Rock Slide, partly because these teams are usually made up of Ground- and Rock-type Pokémon that don’t take damage from a sandstorm. When using Earthquake, you’ll have to consider a Pokémon that can weather a sandstorm and avoid (or at least minimize) damage from the devastating Earthquake, since it hits both sides. It’s not easy, but Earthquake’s damage will be worth the effort.
With their focus on Ground- and Rock-type Pokémon, Sandstorm teams have to watch out for Ice-type and Water-type attacks, so they are immediately vulnerable to Rain Dance teams. Training a couple of Water-type Pokémon that can be called in when the going gets wet will certainly pay off come tournament time.
Trick Room
A long-time staple of competitive play, Trick Room teams are easy to understand in theory, but can be mind-bogglingly difficult in practice. The Trick Room move reverses the attack order during a turn, making fast Pokémon attack last and slow Pokémon attack first—though it doesn’t affect the speed of individual moves (like Protect or Focus Punch). It’s clear to see how Trick Room can be useful: lead-footed Pokémon with a high Attack stat suddenly find themselves going first every turn, and if your Pokémon are powerful enough to deliver one-hit knockouts, going first is all that matters.
One popular attacking option for Trick Room is Dusclops, a decently powerful attacker with a painfully low Speed stat. When Trick Room is in effect, it hits fast and hard. Wondering why you’d use Dusclops instead of its evolved form, Dusknoir? For two reasons: Dusclops is a little slower (which means it’s faster when Trick Room is in effect), and it can benefit from an Eviolite, a held item that greatly increases a Pokémon’s Defense and Special Defense, but only if the Pokémon can still evolve.
Amoonguss is another staple of Trick Room teams, as its profile matches perfectly. Its Attack and Special Attack stats are excellent, but its Speed leaves a lot to be desired. Plus, Amoonguss can learn Spore, the only move that makes its target sleep 100% of the time, and Rage Powder, which forces opposing Pokémon to attack Amoonguss—very useful if your other Pokémon is using Trick Room that turn!
Trick Room gives you a lot of flexibility in the Pokémon you include in your party, as there are plenty of slow, hard-hitting Pokémon out there. Just be sure you have more than one Pokémon that can use the move Trick Room, because that’s what gives your slow Pokémon an advantage. If your only Trick Room user faints, you’re in for a long, slow battle.
Read and React
It’s easy to see a central theme in the previous three teams, whether they are built around a weather condition or a single game-changing move. But not all teams are so clear-cut. It’s possible to create a solid team that can counter a lot of other teams, while also finding matchups that capitalize on type advantages. These teams tend to be harder to use, as you have to spend more time considering your opponent’s next move in addition to your own, and you may have to use more turns switching your Pokémon in and out to create a favorable matchup.
Pokémon in Read and React teams are often the cream of the crop, at least for what is allowed in tournament play. Well-rounded attackers such as Metagross, Garchomp, and Thundurus are commonplace, picked not only for their individual strengths, but because they also offer protection for their allies. Earlier we mentioned that Amoonguss is popular for its Spore attack, and it may be even more popular here, because if your opponent’s Pokémon are asleep, you can switch yours without risking a hit on the way out.
The only real weakness here is the Trainer’s own knowledge and ability to concentrate. This is when Pokémon becomes like a game of chess, making you ponder every possible move you and your opponent could make, not only for this turn, but several turns into the future, too.
This list of teams is by no means exhaustive, but it should give you a better understanding of what players are thinking about leading into the Spring Regional Championships. Weather-based teams, speed-manipulation teams, and powerhouse teams are all popular, but putting one of these teams together shouldn’t be the end of your preparations. Remember that the top players look beyond their Pokémon move lists, considering elements such as Natures, Abilities, and held items to develop cohesive strategies.
The Pokémon Video Game Spring Regional Championships begin April 15th, so time is running out to build your team. Good luck to everyone who participates!
Leading up to the big Pokémon Video Game Spring Regional Championships, it’s always helpful to know about the most common strategies—either so you know what kind of competition you can expect to face, or so you can get some fresh ideas of your own. The parties and strategies outlined here were popular during the Autumn Regional Championships, and they’ve remained in the spotlight as the European National Championships continue. But often it’s the truly original strategies that nobody else has considered that propel a player deep into the tournament. Take a look at these popular approaches, but also keep thinking about how you can put your own stamp on these tried-and-true strategies.
Rain Dance
A Trainer’s first thought may be to consider which moves to teach to his or her Pokémon, but in the case of Rain Dance, Abilities are what drive this team’s development. First and foremost, every Rain Dance team includes Politoed, whose Hidden Ability Drizzle will cause it to rain as soon as the Pokémon comes into play (although if Politoed faints, you’ll want some Pokémon who know the move Rain Dance to keep the rain falling). Then, Pokémon with Abilities that benefit from rain are added: Kingdra and Ludicolo are popular for their Swift Swim Ability, which increases their Speed stat when it rains, and Pokémon with the Dry Skin or Water Absorb Ability are sought, because when they get hit by a Water-type attack, they gain HP instead of losing it.
On that note, the most potent attack for a Rain Dance team is Surf. Surf is powerful and widespread, as it hits every other Pokémon on the field, including the user’s teammate. With the Dry Skin or Water Absorb Ability turning that damage into healing, you can hit both of your opponent’s Pokémon without worrying about hurting your own.
Rain Dance teams tend to lean heavily toward Water-type Pokémon, which makes them vulnerable to Grass types and Electric types. You’ll definitely want to consider a wild card that isn’t vulnerable to those Pokémon—and preferably one that has a type advantage over them. Also, Rain Dance teams have become so popular on the tournament scene that they’re not a surprise anymore. If you’re running a Rain Dance team, be prepared to face Wide Guard, a counter to your Surf attack that protects both of your opponent’s Pokémon.
Sandstorm
Sandstorm teams parallel Rain Dance teams quite closely, with rain-enabled Abilities and attacks replaced by sandstorm-enabled ones. With Sandstorm teams, it’s Tyranitar that sets the weather condition in motion with its Sand Stream Ability. Pokémon with the Sand Rush Ability, especially Excadrill, are common among Sandstorm teams, as their Speed doubles in a sandstorm. Garchomp is a popular choice to provide a lot of the offense, partly because it is an all-around strong attacker, but also because its Sand Veil Ability raises its evasion in a sandstorm, making it harder to hit.
All battles in the Championship Series are Double Battles, putting a premium on attacks that hit multiple targets. Sandstorm teams load up on Pokémon that know Earthquake and Rock Slide, partly because these teams are usually made up of Ground- and Rock-type Pokémon that don’t take damage from a sandstorm. When using Earthquake, you’ll have to consider a Pokémon that can weather a sandstorm and avoid (or at least minimize) damage from the devastating Earthquake, since it hits both sides. It’s not easy, but Earthquake’s damage will be worth the effort.
With their focus on Ground- and Rock-type Pokémon, Sandstorm teams have to watch out for Ice-type and Water-type attacks, so they are immediately vulnerable to Rain Dance teams. Training a couple of Water-type Pokémon that can be called in when the going gets wet will certainly pay off come tournament time.
Trick Room
A long-time staple of competitive play, Trick Room teams are easy to understand in theory, but can be mind-bogglingly difficult in practice. The Trick Room move reverses the attack order during a turn, making fast Pokémon attack last and slow Pokémon attack first—though it doesn’t affect the speed of individual moves (like Protect or Focus Punch). It’s clear to see how Trick Room can be useful: lead-footed Pokémon with a high Attack stat suddenly find themselves going first every turn, and if your Pokémon are powerful enough to deliver one-hit knockouts, going first is all that matters.
One popular attacking option for Trick Room is Dusclops, a decently powerful attacker with a painfully low Speed stat. When Trick Room is in effect, it hits fast and hard. Wondering why you’d use Dusclops instead of its evolved form, Dusknoir? For two reasons: Dusclops is a little slower (which means it’s faster when Trick Room is in effect), and it can benefit from an Eviolite, a held item that greatly increases a Pokémon’s Defense and Special Defense, but only if the Pokémon can still evolve.
Amoonguss is another staple of Trick Room teams, as its profile matches perfectly. Its Attack and Special Attack stats are excellent, but its Speed leaves a lot to be desired. Plus, Amoonguss can learn Spore, the only move that makes its target sleep 100% of the time, and Rage Powder, which forces opposing Pokémon to attack Amoonguss—very useful if your other Pokémon is using Trick Room that turn!
Trick Room gives you a lot of flexibility in the Pokémon you include in your party, as there are plenty of slow, hard-hitting Pokémon out there. Just be sure you have more than one Pokémon that can use the move Trick Room, because that’s what gives your slow Pokémon an advantage. If your only Trick Room user faints, you’re in for a long, slow battle.
Read and React
It’s easy to see a central theme in the previous three teams, whether they are built around a weather condition or a single game-changing move. But not all teams are so clear-cut. It’s possible to create a solid team that can counter a lot of other teams, while also finding matchups that capitalize on type advantages. These teams tend to be harder to use, as you have to spend more time considering your opponent’s next move in addition to your own, and you may have to use more turns switching your Pokémon in and out to create a favorable matchup.
Pokémon in Read and React teams are often the cream of the crop, at least for what is allowed in tournament play. Well-rounded attackers such as Metagross, Garchomp, and Thundurus are commonplace, picked not only for their individual strengths, but because they also offer protection for their allies. Earlier we mentioned that Amoonguss is popular for its Spore attack, and it may be even more popular here, because if your opponent’s Pokémon are asleep, you can switch yours without risking a hit on the way out.
The only real weakness here is the Trainer’s own knowledge and ability to concentrate. This is when Pokémon becomes like a game of chess, making you ponder every possible move you and your opponent could make, not only for this turn, but several turns into the future, too.
This list of teams is by no means exhaustive, but it should give you a better understanding of what players are thinking about leading into the Spring Regional Championships. Weather-based teams, speed-manipulation teams, and powerhouse teams are all popular, but putting one of these teams together shouldn’t be the end of your preparations. Remember that the top players look beyond their Pokémon move lists, considering elements such as Natures, Abilities, and held items to develop cohesive strategies.
The Pokémon Video Game Spring Regional Championships begin April 15th, so time is running out to build your team. Good luck to everyone who participates!
