I normally just kind of give a report of what happened and what I think of the games in the coming week. I want to talk about my first two battles, kind of taking inspiration from my week 3 opponent, Sam.
Week 1 was against Faust/Cossak11, the namesake of my Ferrothorn, which I haven't even brought yet. The preplanning for this week was a weird one since you get an extra week beforehand so everyone can get their Pokemon, which is nice. Unless you're like me and just love to over analyze everything.
As of week 1, The Detroit Lairons had:
Mega Sableye
Clefable
Scizor
Chansey
Stakataka
Dhelmise
Amoonguss
Alomomola
Shuckle
Lapras
Turtonator
Normalium Z
And as such I decided to go with a team of
Mega Charizard X
Tapu Fini
Nidoking
Weavile
Espeon
Electivire
One of the things you may note that I didn't bring is Ferrothorn. While Ferro would've been great to try to out stall his team, I figured M-Sableye completely removes Ferrothorn's ability to stay in.
The first thing that jumped out to me was the lack of speed in the Lairons. At this time(he's improved since then) the fastest two Mons on the team were Alomomola and Scizor at Base Speed 65. Which in turn made me build everyone with HP instead of any speed. And the only way he could get Trick Room up would be with Stakataka. That plus most of the other stall he has likes status moves as setting up. Conveniently, my team is great against status moves. Misty Terrain from Tapu Fini blocks things like Toxic from Alomomola and Chansey or Willowisp from Sableye. And my multiple Pokemon with Taunt.
What I was expecting to see was M-Sableye, Clefable, Stakataka, Shuckle, Chansey, and Almomola. Sableye obviously struggles against Fini but everything else it can body pretty well. Clefable is immune to Dragon Claw from ZardX and can completely remove Hitmontop. Stakataka can sweep if Trick Room gets put up, and can take out ZardX if it gets the ability to. Shuckle is good at bodying things and can push out a lot. Chansey is similar to Shuckle but can also use heal bell to keep everything status free. And Alomomola is one of the better low tier stallers with Regen and Wish Protect.
Because of all of this, I decided to bring Charizard X with Swords Dance, EQ, Flare Blitz, and Roost. I originally had Dragon Dance on it but when I remembered that speed doesn't help in this match up, I switched over. ZardX Flare Blitz +2 would do over 70% to everything except Turtonator and Alomomola, for which it would do about 50%. And with Misty Terrain, I don't worry about Toxic.
Tapu Fini was one of my win conditions. With Taunt, I could prevent most things from setting up, and Nature's Madness ignores any investment or stat boosting that does happen.
Nidoking, Weavile, Electivire all can beat out different parts of the team and have decent bulk or utility.
Espeon was my secret weapon. Thought up by Nick(Clutch), it was a Calm Mind/Stored Power set. Most of his team, except for Sableye, didn't have the damage capability to take Espeon out. And for Sableye, I had Dazzling Gleam and a Colbur Berry on Espeon, which will let Espeon live a Knock Off from M-Sable and take it out.
When the battle finally arrived, he decided to bring Dhelmise, Stakataka, Turtonator, Alomomola, Shuckle, Clefable.
So while I didn't have to deal with Mega Sableye, Dhelmise and Turtonator came which I didn't fully have a plan for, but Nidoking was brought just for that reason.
I believe I took him by surprise a few times with Low Kick on Electivire and Weavile and Poison Jab on Weavile. After Knock Off, Poison Jab took out Clefable which was his switch in for it. After the match he didn't know why I built so much against Staka, which is solely because of Trick Room being almost an instant win for him. The match was a 6-0, with 4 Pokemon getting kills, and Espeon and Nidoking not even seeing play.
After the match, Stakataka and Dhelmise were sent to free agency for Sharpedo and Gliscor. Both of which I'm not looking forward to later this season.
Week 2 was against Michael(Natural) and the Ohio Ninetales. This is probably the team/coach I respect the play of the most. Partially because he won Season 1, partially because after losing to me 6-0 in the first week last season, and then came back to beat me pretty bad in the middle of the season and being the commissioner for the league. Both of us predicted the other would win, so we both know the other can be dangerous on any given week.
Before this week I had gotten rid of Gigalith for Blastoise.
At this time the Ninetales were:
Mega Blastoise
Infernape
Xurkitree
Togekiss
Goodra
Kommo-o
Uxie
Venusaur
Rhyperior
Miltank
Leavanny
Psychium Z
Overall most of his team is threatening. But what I had expected was M-Blastoise, Infernape, Goodra, Uxie, Venusaur, and Rhyperior. I felt like this squad beat most of my team. And in planning, I was winning about 2/5 games, not as many as I would like. And as such my team that I had finalized on bringing was Charizard X, TapuFini, Weavile, Nidoking, Espeon, and Swellow. Swellow wasn't added in until literally the day of the match. Originally, Ferrothorn was in that place. Had I kept Ferrothorn, I believe I would've lost.
CharizardX has issues against Blastoise and Rhyperior but could beat out Infernape and Venusaur, so he was in.
Tapu Fini could body Blastoise and resisted Infernape STABs, but lost hard to both of Venusaurs STABs, worth it for that switch out.
Weavile was fast enough to beat out Infernape except Scarf or Mach Punch. Icicle Crash takes out Goodra and Venusaur, and Knock Off takes out Uxie.
Nidoking takes out Infernape and Rhyperior. and just does a lot of damage in general.
Espeon can bounce things back like rocks from Rhyperior or Uxie and can body Uxie most of the time.
Swellow has the same speed as Weavile and is a hard physical beater to get around Goodra's SpDef wall.
Well he didn't bring what I thought he would. Uxie, Goodra, Rhyperior, and Infernape come. But so does Leavanny and Xurkitree. I was pretty excited not to see Blastoise. But I believe he figured I wouldn't bring Charizard X because of it. I think it was a double choice based on list chicken essentially. Leavanny got sticky webs down which really helped him out until I found a good enough time for me to remove them with Fini. But the best play in the match in my opinion was when I correctly guessed what he wanted to do with his Xurkitree. For those of you that don't know, Z Hypnosis gives a speed boost whether or not the sleep hits. If it does hit, you can usually get Tail Glow up to give you a good sweeping special attacker with two different typed attacks. Conveniently, I have three Mons that I could bring in on this. Unfortunately, one of them is already in and would need to be switched in(Fini). I decide to switch to Espeon because if he didn't use Z-Hypno, and instead attacked, Weavile wouldn't have been able to take a hit very well.
Z-Hypnosis against a Magic Bouncer gives you the Speed Boost but also gives you a 60% chance of falling asleep. This took out another turn besides the hypnosis turn meaning two attacks were gone.
Later in the match Swellow took out Goodra and lost Speed due to Gooey, thus making it slower than Infernape, the last of the Ninetales. At this time, Weavile was at full health, Fini, Charizard, Espeon and Swellow were all about 15%, Nidoking was dead. I had to switch out to something to take the hit. I wanted to keep Weavile in just in case I needed it later. Fini took the hit and brought Swellow back in at speed. Prior to this, Infernape's U-Turns told me it was Banded based on the damage it did.
Overall, I shouldn't have won that match, and I know it'll be a lot harder later this season. But every match against Michael really is harder than it seems to be.
Looking forward to week 3 against Sam, I know I have to out predict again. And I know he's going to try to out predict me. I don't expect it to be as difficult as the game against Michael but I do expect it to be harder than against the Lairons, because my team doesn't counter his completely.
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Getting to Know Some of the Coaches
Over the past few days I put out a few questions for the coaches to answer about themselves, without going too personal. In a few weeks, I'll be asking questions to the coaches about their teams and playstyle.
The questions:
1. What's your name/what would you like us to call you in chat? 2. How old are you? 3. Who is your favorite Pokemon on your team? Why? 4. Who is your favorite Pokemon overall? Why? 5. When did you get into Pokemon? Is there story behind it? 6. What's your favorite game that isn't Pokemon based? Doesn't have to be video 7. What is your favorite Book/TV Show/Movie? 8. What is an interesting fact about you?
Niek, Coach of the Galesburg Gliscors:
1. My name in real life is Niek and i prefer to be called by my name 2. 14 years old 3. Exploud, i've always loved his design and him being a huge special threat makes it even better 4. Infernape, it was my first fully evolved pokemon, i love monkeys and i really like its design 5. Don't know when exactly, i was around 7/8 years old maybe? But i do remember i liked the design of dialga on the box which is why i got the game 6. I dont have a set favorite game aside from pokemon but right now im enjoying Xenoblade Chronicles 2 alot 7. 'One piece' is my favorite "book" (manga), 'Re: zero starting life from scratch' is my favorite series and 'A silent voice' is my favorite movie 8. Im dutch? I don't know if this really counts but im a normal guy in general (atleast i hope so)
OmegaEmerson, Coach of the East Sea Gastrodons:
1. What's your name/what would you like us to call you in chat? My name is Emerson, shocker. Omega or Emerson works fine. 2. How old are you? 18 3. Who is your favorite Pokemon on your team? Why? I’d actually say Krookodile. I’ve only ever used a couple mons on my team before, but Krook was new to me. It’s really versatile and can run some interesting sets. Last week’s taunt set made me put Marv as my favorite Mon so far. 4. Who is your favorite Pokemon overall? Why? There’s a lot. Grovyle (Treecko was my first Pokemon, and I always loved Grovyle), Gastrodon (I did a Locke in Platinum, and my entire team for almost the entire 6-7 gym was a Shellos I had as death fodder which turned into GLOBBY!!! the Gastrodon and saved me. We ended up winning), or Zigzagoon (Jimmy the Gravedigger was born in Red Rescue Team where my underleveled Jimmy went up to Zapdos, Sand Attacked, Tail Whipped, and Headbutted the boss, taking a W.) 5. When did you get into Pokemon? Is there story behind it? Right when Pokémon Ruby came out, I got the game. I ended up playing the games in the order: Gen 3, 2, 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7 6. What's your favorite game that isn't Pokemon based? Doesn't have to be video Fire Emblem (Echoes if I have to pick one) 7. What is your favorite Book/TV Show/Movie? TV: I loved Arrow until season 3, but seasons 3 onwards of Agents I’d SHIELD took the show from a really rocky start to a great show. Book: I read all the Bourne until 12, and I quit. Jack Reacher has better books, and I’ve read a bunch of those Movie: A Monster Calls, Bridge of Spies, or Coco are the best movies I’ve seen that I can recall. My favorite movie is some MCU movie or Edge of Tomorrow 8. What is an interesting fact about you? I’ve completed the national dex in every game since XY. I own every main series game since RBY, and I have the boxes for Red and Blue. I’m a freshman in college currently
Adamant1, Coach of the Akron Alakazams:
1 Adam is fine.
2 19.
3 either zygarde or volcanion because their designs are bad ass.
4 three way tie between absol, gardevoir, and sceptile because of nostalgia and the gen I first played.
5 when I was like 6 or 7 my dad first got my a gameboy, emerald, and fire red and since then I’ve been hooked.
6 has to be titan quest hands down.
7 Harry Potter series is favorite overall, with the inheritance series and middle earth being 2 and 3.
8 no huge reveals here, don’t have that much I consider more interesting than anything else
Istanbuldayim, Coach of the New York Klinks:
1. What's your name/what would you like us to call you in chat? My name is Sam, and yes, please call me Sam. Istanbuldayim is long. 2. How old are you? Twenty four, as of the 17th of this month! 3. Who is your favorite Pokemon on your team? Why? Right now, it's Bewear. I thought I'd made a mistake in drafting it, but I've rapidly grown to love it. 4. Who is your favorite Pokemon overall? Why? Oof. It's a tie between Metagross and Volcarona (I'm a sucker for pseudo-legendaries), with Starmie as a close runner-up. 5. When did you get into Pokemon? Is there story behind it? When I was six, my grandma bought all of her grandkids copies of the first generation of Pokemon games. I got Yellow version, and ended up beating the whole game with a maxed-out Pikachu (despite the Elite 4 giving me substantial trouble). I got into competitive Pokemon when I was sixteen, after stumbling onto the Serebii Pokemon of the Week sets. 6. What's your favorite game that isn't Pokemon based? I play a lot of Rocket League these days. Other than that, Halo, Advance Wars, and (recently) the Fire Emblem games are all very special to me. 7. What is your favorite Book/TV Show/Movie? Catch-22 and East of Eden are my favorite books. The Office is my go-to for favorite TV show. Both John Wick movies are favorites of mine—Keanu Reeves exacting revenge makes for fantastic plot. 8. What is an interesting fact about you? I'm a currently-on-strike Physics Graduate Student at the University of Illinois. My research is on teaching methods for improving physics instruction.
Storm137, Coach of the Chicago Tauros:
Clutchsometimes, Coach of the Kansas City Kingdras:
1. What's your name/what would you like us to call you in chat? My name is Nick, I'll respond to that pretty well I think 2. How old are you? 18, I'll be 19 on Friday though 3. Who is your favorite Pokemon on your team? Why? Mega Pidgeot, Great Design, And Kanto Nostalgia 4. Who is your favorite Pokemon overall? Why? Rotom-sp00k, one of my favorite games is diamond as it's the first game I clocked 100 hours on and I found it totally unknowning that it was a one time encounter and just love using it on DPP runs 5. When did you get into Pokemon? Is there story behind it? Originally picked up the game in elementary school because my parents took me to GameStop and told me to get something because they didn't want to hear me complain on a trip to Colorado, and the Charizard stuck out to me on the firered package. Played a lot of mons through around 6th grade when I put it down for quite some time until about my junior year of high school when I bought a 3ds and later Y version, ended up being up really late one night and started breeding something through many dittos and a LOT of time. And after 9 boxes of deino I finally got my modest 5iv hydreigon. Played casually until I really picked it up just over a year ago playing on showdown trying to build teams, that weren't good at all. I've definitely played a lot and learned quite a lot in a little over a years time 6. What's your favorite game that isn't Pokemon based? Doesn't have to be video Portal, Love the whole series but the original always stuck out 7. What is your favorite Book/TV Show/Movie? Fight Club, seen it countless countless times. Probably could quote the whole thing given the chance lol 8. What is an interesting fact about you? Over the summer I worked as a hiking guide in the New Mexican Rockies, backpacking over 200 miles in the course of 3 months
TheNatural91, Coach of the Ohio Ninetales:
1. What's your name/what would you like us to call you in chat? Birth name is Michael. Feel free to call me either Mike or Michael. 2. How old are you? 26 3. Who is your favorite Pokemon on your team? Why? Mega Blastoise because in the old days of playing Gen 1 games, Squirtle was always my go to starter. 4. Who is your favorite Pokemon overall? Why? Gengar. Fell in love with him after watching the original Anime episode. I just loved his silly nature, but at the same time being completely terrifying. 5. When did you get into Pokemon? Is there story behind it? I got Pokemon Blue for Christmas in 1998. I've always been a fan of it, even though I got out of playing Pokemon for a while after Gen 3. 6. What's your favorite game that isn't Pokemon based? Doesn't have to be video. As a kid, my favorite game was Super Mario World for the SNES. I spent too many hours trying to save Peach xD. Nowadays, my favorite game is probably Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. 7. What is your favorite Book/TV Show/Movie? My favorite movie is Gladiator, with Lord of the Rings as a very close second. 8. What is an interesting fact about you? I used to play baseball as it was interpreted of being played in the 1860s.
Nadmikha, Coach of the Kennesaw(State) Noctowls:
1.My name is Nadia but I also go by Nad or Nadmikha 2. I'm 27 3. Mega Gardevoir, it looks so graceful in it's ball gown and if give the right opportunity, it's really powerful 4. Vaporeon, it's so cute! Water is one of my favorite typings and I like how defensive it is. It's my favorite cleric! 5. It was a long time ago that I got into Pokemon I can't remember if I watched the show first or played the games first! I watched the show religiously when it first aired although I watched sporadically after Johto. My first Pokemon game was Yellow. It was funny because my parents got me a yellow Gameboy for my birthday but didn't realize you had to buy a game as well! So they got a game with the word yellow in it so it would be compatible with the system haha 6. That's a really tough choice! I'd have to go with the original Spyro the Dragon trilogy. Those were my first console games so they have a special place in my heart 7. Book: Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke Show: Cutthroat Kitchen Movie: R.E.D. 8. I use to practice taekwondo. I haven't trained in years but I use to be pretty good, I have a medal in a state wide competition
Pac, Coach of the Indianapolis Ponytas:
1. What's your name/what would you like us to call you in chat?
Dillon or Pac
2. How old are you?
25
3. Who is your favorite Pokemon on your team? Why?
It could be Charizard since it was my first pokemon way back when before I realized you could switch pokemon. Or Nidoking because of Speedrunning Gen1. It could be Electivire after leagues I've been in. But I think it has to be Espeon who was my favorite pokemon since Silver until Gen 5.
4. Who is your favorite Pokemon overall? Why?
Victini, hands down. Because of what it stands for and for the hope it brings
5. When did you get into Pokemon? Is there story behind it?
I got into pokemon when I received a crystal blue gameboy pocket and Pokemon red back in Christmas 1998. My sister got blue, and my neighbor got blue as well. Between myself and my sister, we had every game up until ruby and saphire. At that time we kinda fell out of pokemon until the release of XY when my sister purchased Black and White for us.
6. What's your favorite game that isn't Pokemon based? Doesn't have to be video
Warmachine/Hordes is a tabletop miniature war game. It's like a skirmish style version of 40k
7. What is your favorite Book/TV Show/Movie?
Book is Ham on Rye by Chuck Bukowski, it's a love/hate relationship with that book. TV show is probably either Arrested Development or Californication. Favorite movie is probably one of many heist movies like the Ocean's series, Inside Man, or How to Steal a Million
8. What is an interesting fact about you?
I work for a board game company from Massachusetts as their Convention Liaison, basically I get paid to go to conventions for a week. The main one I go to every year is 5 minutes from my house, Gen Con.
_____________________________
If you would like to be added in, pm me on discord to let me know.
The questions:
1. What's your name/what would you like us to call you in chat? 2. How old are you? 3. Who is your favorite Pokemon on your team? Why? 4. Who is your favorite Pokemon overall? Why? 5. When did you get into Pokemon? Is there story behind it? 6. What's your favorite game that isn't Pokemon based? Doesn't have to be video 7. What is your favorite Book/TV Show/Movie? 8. What is an interesting fact about you?
Niek, Coach of the Galesburg Gliscors:
1. My name in real life is Niek and i prefer to be called by my name 2. 14 years old 3. Exploud, i've always loved his design and him being a huge special threat makes it even better 4. Infernape, it was my first fully evolved pokemon, i love monkeys and i really like its design 5. Don't know when exactly, i was around 7/8 years old maybe? But i do remember i liked the design of dialga on the box which is why i got the game 6. I dont have a set favorite game aside from pokemon but right now im enjoying Xenoblade Chronicles 2 alot 7. 'One piece' is my favorite "book" (manga), 'Re: zero starting life from scratch' is my favorite series and 'A silent voice' is my favorite movie 8. Im dutch? I don't know if this really counts but im a normal guy in general (atleast i hope so)
OmegaEmerson, Coach of the East Sea Gastrodons:
1. What's your name/what would you like us to call you in chat? My name is Emerson, shocker. Omega or Emerson works fine. 2. How old are you? 18 3. Who is your favorite Pokemon on your team? Why? I’d actually say Krookodile. I’ve only ever used a couple mons on my team before, but Krook was new to me. It’s really versatile and can run some interesting sets. Last week’s taunt set made me put Marv as my favorite Mon so far. 4. Who is your favorite Pokemon overall? Why? There’s a lot. Grovyle (Treecko was my first Pokemon, and I always loved Grovyle), Gastrodon (I did a Locke in Platinum, and my entire team for almost the entire 6-7 gym was a Shellos I had as death fodder which turned into GLOBBY!!! the Gastrodon and saved me. We ended up winning), or Zigzagoon (Jimmy the Gravedigger was born in Red Rescue Team where my underleveled Jimmy went up to Zapdos, Sand Attacked, Tail Whipped, and Headbutted the boss, taking a W.) 5. When did you get into Pokemon? Is there story behind it? Right when Pokémon Ruby came out, I got the game. I ended up playing the games in the order: Gen 3, 2, 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7 6. What's your favorite game that isn't Pokemon based? Doesn't have to be video Fire Emblem (Echoes if I have to pick one) 7. What is your favorite Book/TV Show/Movie? TV: I loved Arrow until season 3, but seasons 3 onwards of Agents I’d SHIELD took the show from a really rocky start to a great show. Book: I read all the Bourne until 12, and I quit. Jack Reacher has better books, and I’ve read a bunch of those Movie: A Monster Calls, Bridge of Spies, or Coco are the best movies I’ve seen that I can recall. My favorite movie is some MCU movie or Edge of Tomorrow 8. What is an interesting fact about you? I’ve completed the national dex in every game since XY. I own every main series game since RBY, and I have the boxes for Red and Blue. I’m a freshman in college currently
Adamant1, Coach of the Akron Alakazams:
1 Adam is fine.
2 19.
3 either zygarde or volcanion because their designs are bad ass.
4 three way tie between absol, gardevoir, and sceptile because of nostalgia and the gen I first played.
5 when I was like 6 or 7 my dad first got my a gameboy, emerald, and fire red and since then I’ve been hooked.
6 has to be titan quest hands down.
7 Harry Potter series is favorite overall, with the inheritance series and middle earth being 2 and 3.
8 no huge reveals here, don’t have that much I consider more interesting than anything else
Istanbuldayim, Coach of the New York Klinks:
1. What's your name/what would you like us to call you in chat? My name is Sam, and yes, please call me Sam. Istanbuldayim is long. 2. How old are you? Twenty four, as of the 17th of this month! 3. Who is your favorite Pokemon on your team? Why? Right now, it's Bewear. I thought I'd made a mistake in drafting it, but I've rapidly grown to love it. 4. Who is your favorite Pokemon overall? Why? Oof. It's a tie between Metagross and Volcarona (I'm a sucker for pseudo-legendaries), with Starmie as a close runner-up. 5. When did you get into Pokemon? Is there story behind it? When I was six, my grandma bought all of her grandkids copies of the first generation of Pokemon games. I got Yellow version, and ended up beating the whole game with a maxed-out Pikachu (despite the Elite 4 giving me substantial trouble). I got into competitive Pokemon when I was sixteen, after stumbling onto the Serebii Pokemon of the Week sets. 6. What's your favorite game that isn't Pokemon based? I play a lot of Rocket League these days. Other than that, Halo, Advance Wars, and (recently) the Fire Emblem games are all very special to me. 7. What is your favorite Book/TV Show/Movie? Catch-22 and East of Eden are my favorite books. The Office is my go-to for favorite TV show. Both John Wick movies are favorites of mine—Keanu Reeves exacting revenge makes for fantastic plot. 8. What is an interesting fact about you? I'm a currently-on-strike Physics Graduate Student at the University of Illinois. My research is on teaching methods for improving physics instruction.
Storm137, Coach of the Chicago Tauros:
Clutchsometimes, Coach of the Kansas City Kingdras:
1. What's your name/what would you like us to call you in chat? My name is Nick, I'll respond to that pretty well I think 2. How old are you? 18, I'll be 19 on Friday though 3. Who is your favorite Pokemon on your team? Why? Mega Pidgeot, Great Design, And Kanto Nostalgia 4. Who is your favorite Pokemon overall? Why? Rotom-sp00k, one of my favorite games is diamond as it's the first game I clocked 100 hours on and I found it totally unknowning that it was a one time encounter and just love using it on DPP runs 5. When did you get into Pokemon? Is there story behind it? Originally picked up the game in elementary school because my parents took me to GameStop and told me to get something because they didn't want to hear me complain on a trip to Colorado, and the Charizard stuck out to me on the firered package. Played a lot of mons through around 6th grade when I put it down for quite some time until about my junior year of high school when I bought a 3ds and later Y version, ended up being up really late one night and started breeding something through many dittos and a LOT of time. And after 9 boxes of deino I finally got my modest 5iv hydreigon. Played casually until I really picked it up just over a year ago playing on showdown trying to build teams, that weren't good at all. I've definitely played a lot and learned quite a lot in a little over a years time 6. What's your favorite game that isn't Pokemon based? Doesn't have to be video Portal, Love the whole series but the original always stuck out 7. What is your favorite Book/TV Show/Movie? Fight Club, seen it countless countless times. Probably could quote the whole thing given the chance lol 8. What is an interesting fact about you? Over the summer I worked as a hiking guide in the New Mexican Rockies, backpacking over 200 miles in the course of 3 months
TheNatural91, Coach of the Ohio Ninetales:
1. What's your name/what would you like us to call you in chat? Birth name is Michael. Feel free to call me either Mike or Michael. 2. How old are you? 26 3. Who is your favorite Pokemon on your team? Why? Mega Blastoise because in the old days of playing Gen 1 games, Squirtle was always my go to starter. 4. Who is your favorite Pokemon overall? Why? Gengar. Fell in love with him after watching the original Anime episode. I just loved his silly nature, but at the same time being completely terrifying. 5. When did you get into Pokemon? Is there story behind it? I got Pokemon Blue for Christmas in 1998. I've always been a fan of it, even though I got out of playing Pokemon for a while after Gen 3. 6. What's your favorite game that isn't Pokemon based? Doesn't have to be video. As a kid, my favorite game was Super Mario World for the SNES. I spent too many hours trying to save Peach xD. Nowadays, my favorite game is probably Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. 7. What is your favorite Book/TV Show/Movie? My favorite movie is Gladiator, with Lord of the Rings as a very close second. 8. What is an interesting fact about you? I used to play baseball as it was interpreted of being played in the 1860s.
Nadmikha, Coach of the Kennesaw(State) Noctowls:
1.My name is Nadia but I also go by Nad or Nadmikha 2. I'm 27 3. Mega Gardevoir, it looks so graceful in it's ball gown and if give the right opportunity, it's really powerful 4. Vaporeon, it's so cute! Water is one of my favorite typings and I like how defensive it is. It's my favorite cleric! 5. It was a long time ago that I got into Pokemon I can't remember if I watched the show first or played the games first! I watched the show religiously when it first aired although I watched sporadically after Johto. My first Pokemon game was Yellow. It was funny because my parents got me a yellow Gameboy for my birthday but didn't realize you had to buy a game as well! So they got a game with the word yellow in it so it would be compatible with the system haha 6. That's a really tough choice! I'd have to go with the original Spyro the Dragon trilogy. Those were my first console games so they have a special place in my heart 7. Book: Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke Show: Cutthroat Kitchen Movie: R.E.D. 8. I use to practice taekwondo. I haven't trained in years but I use to be pretty good, I have a medal in a state wide competition
Pac, Coach of the Indianapolis Ponytas:
1. What's your name/what would you like us to call you in chat?
Dillon or Pac
2. How old are you?
25
3. Who is your favorite Pokemon on your team? Why?
It could be Charizard since it was my first pokemon way back when before I realized you could switch pokemon. Or Nidoking because of Speedrunning Gen1. It could be Electivire after leagues I've been in. But I think it has to be Espeon who was my favorite pokemon since Silver until Gen 5.
4. Who is your favorite Pokemon overall? Why?
Victini, hands down. Because of what it stands for and for the hope it brings
5. When did you get into Pokemon? Is there story behind it?
I got into pokemon when I received a crystal blue gameboy pocket and Pokemon red back in Christmas 1998. My sister got blue, and my neighbor got blue as well. Between myself and my sister, we had every game up until ruby and saphire. At that time we kinda fell out of pokemon until the release of XY when my sister purchased Black and White for us.
6. What's your favorite game that isn't Pokemon based? Doesn't have to be video
Warmachine/Hordes is a tabletop miniature war game. It's like a skirmish style version of 40k
7. What is your favorite Book/TV Show/Movie?
Book is Ham on Rye by Chuck Bukowski, it's a love/hate relationship with that book. TV show is probably either Arrested Development or Californication. Favorite movie is probably one of many heist movies like the Ocean's series, Inside Man, or How to Steal a Million
8. What is an interesting fact about you?
I work for a board game company from Massachusetts as their Convention Liaison, basically I get paid to go to conventions for a week. The main one I go to every year is 5 minutes from my house, Gen Con.
_____________________________
If you would like to be added in, pm me on discord to let me know.
Monday, February 26, 2018
Week 3 Preshow
This is coming out a bit late due to a busy weekend at the household. But any games that are done before this is out, haven't been looked at yet.
Going over Week 2 would be depressing for me since my predictions were basically 100% wrong except the one game that wasn't played.
LA Charjas def Chicago 4-0
In a quick match of only 16 turns, Zangoose and Braviary both put in a lot of damage with Facade and Return respectively. K/D MVP Tapu Koko - +2
Brooklyn def Akron 1-0
This would be one of the two games to watch. But it's a slog of 60 turns with no kills for almost 20 turns in a row. K/D MVP Milotic - +2
Indianapolis def Ohio 4-0
Touted as one of the games to watch, and it didn't disappoint(obvious bias showing). This match was a lot closer than it seemed. K/D MVP Swellow - +2
Dracos def Rowlets 3-0
This was a very entertaining match until the late game when you could see who would win and the Dracos used passive kills to finish off the Rowlets, while that strategy is more boring, it's still valid. K/D MVP Celesteela - +3
East Sea def Kansas City 3-0
The two named city match up. This had a lot of good reads by both teams and some accidents and freeze hacks against one team. This match up could easily go either way when these two meet again. K/D MVP Krookodile - +3
Rochester def Kennesaw 3-0
Mantine is fat. That's probably the best thing to learn from this match up. That and Kecleon with perma-STAB is pretty good. K/D MVP Kecleon - +3
New York def Lairons 6-0
This was a long sweep. a 37 turn 6-0 is hard to come by. Sam(NYK) has a really good write up here. There's not much more I can add to it. K/D MVP Gyarados - +4
Galesburg def Michigan 4-0F
Unfortunately this one was not played.
Transactions this week:
Not as many this week, and they will go down less and less until the midseason switch out.
Kansas City drops:
Venomoth(T3)
Skarmory(T1)
Kansas City adds:
Nidoqueen(T3)
Manaphy(T3)
This gives Kansas City an actual Ground type and a Water type. But still no Fire type(outside Silvally). He does lose two defoggers though.
Detroit Lairons drop:
Scizor(T1)
DL adds:
Latios(T1)
Less bulk for the bulk god. But Latios can be a terror to most teams if played right.
And for the first time ever in the RDL, we have had a trade. The Akron Alakazams and the Indianapolis Ponytas have agreed to the following:
Akron receives Hitmontop(T4) from Indianapolis.
Indianapolis receives Meloetta(T4) from Akron.
Hitmontop is a fantastic bulky spinner that Akron needs and Meloetta gives Indianapolis even more versatility than it already has.
Upcoming week:
This week marks the end of the first set of Divisional matches. This is your last chance to directly affect your division. Each division currently has a good parity of one 2-0 team, two 1-1 teams, and one 0-2 team. I doubt we'll have a pattern like this again later in this season.
Kanto Division:
Atlanta Rowlets(0-2) V Brooklyn Bulbasaurs(2-0)
Can the team with no wins beat the team with no losses? Of course they can. I hope this battle is a little faster than the Akron-Brooklyn match up last week. And so should Atlanta. The tankiness of The Bulbasaurs is not something you want to stretch out to a long game. Will we see the return of CurseLax or will Milotic tank the table? Both could happen easily. But on the other side, M-Beedrill and Jirachi will be good at breaking down walls before they get too big.
Key pieces: Jolteon has to be able to break things down, but Choice is not a great option due to Zy-Dog and Tangrowth. On the otherside, I'm giving the necessary piece to Snorlax. If it gets curse up twice, it'll be able to tank out the big wall breakers on the Rowlets.
My prediction: Bulbasaurs win.
Akron Alakazams(1-1) V Detroit Dracos(1-1)
The Alakazams got their loss of the season out of the way. But knowing Adam, he won't let it happen again without a lot of planning (or Togekiss flinch hacks). But Excessive_ knows what he needs to do to win in this game. As stated before, and going to be stated again, getting rocks up on the Dracos is huge, but Ground attacks aren't needed, well that would be if you don't have Thousand Arrows. Which if you didn't know, the Alakazams have. Being able to predict what Adam will bring and his switches and attacks will be key for the Dracos.
Key pieces: ZySnake with 1000 Arrows will be a big piece against most of the Dracos team. On the other hand, Decidueye could be a strong piece against the Alakazams, bringing both utility and damage is key here.
My prediction: Alakazams win.
Johto Division:
Ohio Ninetales(1-1) V Detroit Lairons(0-2)
Our reigning champion lost due to a planning issue with an item. I don't think this will occur this week. But the Lairons have rebuilt their team a bit to be more offensive, well at least having the ability to be offensive. But Clefable could bring some pain against the double dragon pieces of the Ninetales. But there has to be something that the Lairons do to cover my pick for the key piece for the Ninetales.
Key pieces: Togekiss. The only STAB the lairons have on Togekiss is Amoonguss, Shuckle, and Lapras. None of which are that strong on their own, and Amoonguss gets hit hard by Air Slash. For the Lairons, I hope Mega Sableye can bulk out enough and do enough damage to anything except Togekiss.
My prediction: Ohio win.
Indianapolis Ponytas(2-0) V New York Klinks(1-1)
I won't go too into detail here. I know both of these teams way too well after going over them over the past few days. This one is going to come down to predictions. But this is the first battle of the Tapus. With the same investment, Fini will outspeed Bulu, resulting in Grassy Terrain will remain on the field, if both come out at the same time.
Key pieces: Well most of the main parts of the Klinks are good here. Mega Diancie can handle 3/4 of the big Core for the Ponytas(Mega Charizard X, Tapu Fini, Weavile, Ferrothorn), Heatran can as well, Gyarados can for the most part too. For the Ponytas, the key is taking out things that prevent you from sweeping.
My prediction: Ponytas win.
Hoenn Division:
Rochester Roggenrolas(1-1) V East Sea Gastrodons(2-0)
Both teams coming off a win from week 2, both wanting to add another to their record. I feel like the planning from the Gastrodons may out do the duo team of the Roggs. But there is such a thing as over planning. And the Roggs are easy to over plan for.
Key pieces: Mega Manectric is the hard hitter against Salamence and Hawlucha and Krook. But fails against Mega Venusaur. Victini can handle most of the Gastros except Ttar with certain builds.
My predicition: Gastrodons win.
Kansas City Kingdras(1-1) V Kennesaw Noctowls(0-2)
Before the season started this was probably one of the more anticipated matches. But now, it's less so, due to the Noctowls lack of finding their groove. Despite that, I think this could be one of the better ones this week. Manaphy and Nidoqueen are new pick ups that could change a lot of things for Kennesaw. Both teams lost last week with a Scald burn and Ice Beam freeze. Let's hope for less RNG in this match up.
Keys pieces: Honestly no part of either team is really needed for this match.
My prediction: Kansas City win.
Alola Division:
Chicago Tauros(1-1) V Galesburg Gliscors(2-0)
The battle of the Mega Lati's. Will it be red or blue that wins? Neither. They both go purple when they Mega. These teams can both put out a lot of offense and have a lot of bulk. I'm looking forward to seeing more from the Gliscors as we have only seen 1 match from them so far.
Key pieces: Mega Lati's Both can remove the other and both are the same speed. It'll be interesting.
My prediction: Gliscor win.
Michigan Magcargos(0-2) V LA Charjabugs(1-1)
I still want the Charjabugs to be fantastic team, but I'm not sold yet. I easily could be though. As for the Mags, we've only seen one match from them. So we'll see how they match up against Kyurem-B and Koko.
Key pieces: Volcarona if it gets a quiver dance or two up, it can sweep the team. Entei can bring some fire power and speed that can beat down all of the Mags.
My prediction: Charjas win.
Overall this week should be a good week. Expect a few long matches but most of them should be under 25 to 30 turns. Games to watch: KEN/KCK, ATL/AKR, ESG/ROC
Saturday, February 17, 2018
Week 2 Preview Show
With Week 1 in the books, This season is going to be an intense one. This article will have multiple parts first going over the first week's matches, then the free agency moves, then looking forward to the upcoming week. In future articles past week 7, we'll start looking at the playoff picture and End of the Year awards.
Week 1 Battles:
Kanto Division:
Alakazams V Rowlets:
My prediction: Alakazam Victory
Final Outcome: Alakazam Victory
Bulbasaurs V Dracos:
My prediciton: Bulbasaur Victory
Final Outcome: Bulbasaur Victory
Hoenn Division:
Roggenrolas V Kingdras:
My prediciton: Kingdra Victory
Final Outcome: Kingdra Victory
Noctowls V Gastrodons:
My prediction: Noctowl Victory
Final Outcome: Gastrodon Victory
Johto Divison:
Ninetales V Klinks:
My prediction: Ninetales Victory
Final Outcome: Ninetales Victory
Ponytas V Lairons:
My Prediction: Ponytas Victory
Final Outcome: Ponytas Victory
Alola Division:
Charjabugs V Gliscors:
My prediction: Charjabugs Victory
Final Outcome: Gliscors Victory
Tauros V Magcargos:
My prediction: Tauros Victory
Final Outcome: Tauros Victory
Roster Changes:
Right at the stroke of midnight, the Alakazams used their 3 FA moves locking them into a roster barring any trades and the mid season 2 switches, the Roggenrolas also used their three moves throughout the week as well. The Ninetales, Rowlets, Gliscors, Lairons, and Magcargos used two each, and the Charjabugs, Ponytas, Klinks, and Bulbasaurs used 1 each.
Alakazam switches:
Dropped:
Mega Glalie(M-3)
Tyrantrum(T3)
Zoroark(T4)
Added:
Mega Medicham(M-1)
Gourgeist(T4)
Sneasel(T4)
Roggenrola Switches:
Dropped:
Volcarona(T1)
Rhydon(T5)
Tentacruel(T3)
Added:
Breloom(T2)
Mantine(T3)
Salazzle(T3)
Ninetales Switches:
Dropped:
Weezing(T5)
Metagross(T3)
Added:
Leavanny(T5)
Uxie(T3)
Rowlets Switches:
Dropped:
Blacephalon(T1)
Kartana(T1)
Added:
Tornadus-T(T1)
Jirachi(T1)
Glicors Switches:
Dropped:
Rotom-H(T3)
Tangela(T5)
Added:
Tsareena(T3)
Magmar(T5)
Lairons Switches:
Dropped:
Stakataka(T2)
Dhelmise(T3)
Added:
Gliscor(T2)
Sharpedo(T3)
Magcargos Switches:
Dropped:
Hippowdon(T2)
Trevenant(T4)
Added:
Volcarona(T1)
Greninja(T2)
Charjabugs Switch:
Dropped:
Barbaracle(T5)
Added:
Gurdurr(T5)
Ponytas Switch:
Dropped:
Gigalith(T4)
Added:
Blastoise(T4)
Klinks Switch:
Dropped:
Toxapex(T2)
Added:
Gyarados(T2)
Bulbasaurs Switch:
Dropped:
Gliscor(T2)
Added:
Starmie(T2)
Looking forward what do these do for their teams?
This helps round out some teams. The Alakazams took out their Double Dragon approach and added a stronger mega without losing their Ice STAB.
The Rogs took out some of their weakness to ground and gave themselves some screen removal.
The Ninetales added a lot of entry hazards to their team but dropped two of their three anti fairy STAB, leaving just Venusaur.
The Rowlets change was quite considerable. While Jirachi has considerably more bulk than Kartana, This gets rid of any grass STAB and most of the fire STAB from the team. Torna-T is a great defogger due to regenerator though, so it could end up being a positive overall.
The Gliscors added a much needed spinner in Tsareena, and switched to a very versatile Magmar.
The Lairons dropped some of their Bulk Stall for less bulky, "Okay you can hit me but I'm going to recover that anyways" and Sharpedo, who can bring some actual damage and sweeping ability that the Larions so desperately need.
The Magcargos have the biggest change up, and it's 100% for the better. While Hippowdon is a fantastic Sand Setter, the Magcargos really didn't have too much to work with it, especially with M-Abomasnow bringing Hail. But Greninja brings a lot of speed and Special threat and Volcarona can sweep many teams if allowed to.
The Charjabugs really didn't change that much. Gurdurr is super beefy but I don't see him coming to most matches, just like I didn't see Barbaracle coming to many.
The Ponytas are in the same boat as the Charjabugs. Blastoise gives them a second water type and removed the Rock STAB with Rockium Z, but it did give them another spinner to allow Weavile and M-Charizard X to thrive.
The Klinks switch from a very defensive water type to a very offensive water type is an interesting one. The major thing it changes in my eyes, is the Ground immunity that Gyarados brings. Something the Klinks really need with all the weakness to it.
The Bulbasaurs dropping Gliscor for Starmie is an interesting one. Gliscor didn't benefit the team an extreme amount, but neither does Starmie, with both its STAB types being covered already, granted it is a good spinner for the team. But as always, trust Santoro to figure something out with it.
Week 2 match ups:
Alola Division:
Galesburg Gliscors V Michigan Magcargos:
This could be an interesting match up. The Gliscors can probably beat out the the Mags with Raikou and Suicune. M-Latios will always be a threat in every match up. Volcarona and Greninja can both take Latios out though. I'm very interested in seeing what Genki does with his new pick ups.
Keys to the match up: M-Latios. This goes for both teams. If the Mags can't remove him, Lati can sweep. Conkeldurr can take out the other major threats for the Gliscors giving the Mags the win.
My prediction: Gliscors win close match.
Chicago Tauros V Los Angeles Charjabugs
The Charjabugs coming off a difficult loss don't want to go 0-2. The Tauros want to extend their win streak to 2. The big difference between these teams is the ability to go into a more defensive builds. The Tauros have the ability to throw up Aurora Veil and healing stuff with wish. The Charjas need to be able to break the walls that the Tauros bring without being able to beat out
Keys to the match up: Koko and Kyurem-Black need to beat down the walls without getting taken out themselves. Lando-T and M-Latias can sweep through the team if they get even an inch. The lack of resistance to EQ past Braviary really hurts his strength.
My prediction: I'll give this one to the Tauros but I could see it going either way.
Johto Division:
New York Klinks V Detroit Lairons
How can you kill what cannot die? Especially when you help it not die? This match will go out for a long while, or at least it should. The Klinks need Bulu to prevent a Gliscor sweep, but with grassy terrain out, the stall gets better. Being able to work around without the terrain is important for the Klinks to win this match. Both teams looking for that first win.
Keys to the match up: Gliscor for his STAB EQ, despite dropping some of the ground weakness, there's still a lot of it. Rotom-Wash and Flygon, both having Levitate is a mandatory coverage, Rotom especially with 3 of the Lairons being weak to Electric.
My prediction: Lairons win a long slow match.
Ohio Ninetales V Indiana Ponytas
This should be one of the best matches for the week. One of the two rematches of last season's round one of playoffs. Both teams have a lot of heat to play. Without going into anything too much for obvious reasons, either side, if planned well, can beat out the other side. Water over Fire over grass over water.
Keys to the match up: Rhyperior can STAB hit mostly everything on the Ponytas, if it can live. Tapu Fini is going to be a major threat to the Ninetales with two dragons on the team.
My prediction: this match will go 3-0 or 4-0. Either way. But just to call one, I'll pick the Ninetales to win.
Hoenn Division:
Rochester Roggenrolas V Kennesaw Noctowls
Both teams are coming off losses definitely not wanting to start out 0-2. The switches away from Ground weaknesses really helps them in this match, but there's still enough for Garchomp to sweep if that gets allowed. But Mew can be the turner for the game. Klefki doesn't have enough damage to outdo a M-Gardevoir by itself usually.
Keys to the match up: Garchomp's ground STAB. Mantine and Breloom being able to take out Garchomp, Bisharp, Arcanine, and Serperior will be a strong core.
My prediction: Kennesaw wins in a sweep 3-0 or 4-0.
Kansas City Kingdras V East Sea Gastrodons
This match up is a hard one for the Gastrodons in my eyes. Coming off a win last week, with a fat duck, the Kingdras have answers for it. Victini has the ability to split sweep again, but Clutch is a hard person to sweep against.
Keys to the match up: Terrakion and Victini. Both can OHKO the other. Which one will win over the is what will make the difference.
My prediction: Kingdras win one that looks a lot closer than it is until late game.
Kanto Division:
Atlanta Rowlets V Detroit Dracos
Both of these teams are coming off losses as well. And both teams do have the right stuff to mitigate the other team. Both teams flaunting fast, hard hitting Bug type Megas and a bulky Steel type and a hard hitting dragon as some of their core. This game comes down to planning and predicting. Neither is inherently in the lead.
Keys to the match up: Jolteon is needed to take out Celesteela, M-Pinsir, Staraptor, and Talonflame. Decidueye for the Dracos needs to be there to get rid of the stealth rocks that are sure to come in.
My prediction: Rowlets win with a few passive kills.
Brooklyn Bulbasaurs V Akron Alakazams
This is the other main game to watch. Rematch of playoffs round 1 of last season. Both are 1-0.
Both have a Zygarde. This is a huge game for both teams. Like I said with the Ninetales and Ponytas match up, the teams are too similar to pick one that's better than the other. It'll come down to planning and predicting. And these two are two of the top 5 at doing that in this league. Winning this match up could make or break play offs for one of these teams.
Key to the match up: Don't over think things. Don't go on tilt. Necrozma can take over if given the chance. Don't give him that chance. Zygarde-50 can sweep things again, only a few things on the Bulbasaurs can handle it.
My prediction: an extremely close match, that ends up 3-0. Alakazam victory.
This week will show us three teams at least going 2-0, as well as three teams at least going 0-2. Many teams have already used some or all of their free agency moves. Expect some teams to pull out some very random sets that try to take their opponent by surprise. What we learned from week 1. Don't underestimate anyone, but don't forget to plan for things that seem obvious.
Friday, February 9, 2018
Week 1 Preshow
This is it, the start of the season. Week 1. After this week, 8 teams will be undefeated while 8 will be winless. This match will set how the start of your season will look. But it by no means is an end all for the entirety. Just ask Natural. Who started off last season going 0-6 in his first match and ended up winning it all. The season is long, longer than last season even. You only have a few teams to beat to go to playoffs, but every game counts. You don't want to be the coach that throws away games for stupid reasons like Forfeits.
In just a few months, we'll be crowning the next Champion of the RDL. Will it be Michael again? One of the other Veteran coaches? One of the New coaches? It all starts today. What will you do to cement your place in RDL history?
Week 1, Divisional matches. These first three weeks matter more than most other games. I would rather lose 4 games in the middle of the season than drop even one of these first three or the three later in the season. These are who you're up against for playoffs.
Kanto Matchups:
Akron Alakazams V Atlanta Rowlets.
Strength versus strength. Atlanta definitely has some speed breakers in this match up, but if they can't provide the sweep it's looking like a hard uphill battle. I don't think the Rowlets have a good answer to Volcanion or Zygarde 50. Florges and Mamoswine are the best against Zy50 but even then it could be a hard breaker.
Our analysts, Rich, LCPlayz, and TheNatural91, all agree with who they think will win. And I find it hard to disagree with them. For Atlanta to get the W, it's Akron's game to lose.
Key Pokemon in the Matchup: Volcanion for the Alakazams and Jolteon for the Rowlets.
Brooklyn Bulbasaurs V Detroit Dracos
This match up has potential to be extremely one sided. The Dracos' best chance at winning is with Hydreigon and Celesteela. Brooklyn's lack of strong STAB strong against those might set up the win.
The analysts and I also agree here 4-0 for Brooklyn winning this week. But I could see this going the other direction if Seamus can take out Santoro's wall breakers.
Key Pokemon in the Matchup: Darmanitan for the Bulbasaurs can break down Celesteela easily, and Celesteela for the Dracos if it can set itself up to tank, Seamus can pull it off.
Hoenn Matchups:
Rochester Roggenrolas V Kansas City Kingdras
This is probably my biggest pick for a 5-0/6-0 sweep. To put it plainly, the things that the Rogs struggle against, the Kingdras are good at. Whereas, the things that the Kingdras struggle against, just aren't present in the Rogs list. This is probably going to be one of the hardest matchups for the Roggenrolas all season probably.
This all being said, LCPlayz believes they can pull it off. Rich, Michael, and I all say it goes to KCK.
Key Pokemon in the Matchup: Mew's versatility should be one of the biggest focal points in both teams practice for the week. Comparable, Silvally can cause a lot of issues to the Rogs with its potential typings.
Kennesaw Noctowls V East Sea Gastrodons
In contrast to the previous match, I feel like this one might end up very close. I don't feel like a long sweep is in the books for either team. Both teams have to be careful about their switches and predictions or this game could sway back and forth rapidly.
Same with the other Hoenn Match, LCPlayz believes the Gastrodons will be victorious, while Rich, Micahel, and I lean the other direction, putting the Nocts on top.
Key Pokemon in the Matchup: M-Gardevoir for the Noctowls can sweep most of the field if played correctly. Whereas M-Venusaur can tank mostly everything else except for Gardevoir, but with the right predictions he won't have to.
Johto Matchups:
Ohio Ninetales V New York Klinks
The champion versus the newbie. Obviously, everyone knows how weak the Klinks are to ground and knows their ways around it. With plenty of the Ninetales having access to Earthquake I don't know how easy it will be to work around it. All Michael needs to do is break Bulu out to win easily. As if that's the easiest thing in the world to do.
All of the analysts and myself agree that Ohio should win this one, but it is a defensive game for the Klinks.
Key Pokemon in the Matchup: Metagross has the ability to get super-effective moves on most of if not every mon on the Klinks. Bulu, keep it alive and you've got a chance.
Indianapolis Ponytas V Detroit Lairons
A mostly immovable object meets a seriously immovable object. Who wins? As I stated earlier with the Roggenrolas, this match against the Ponytas might be one of the ones that the Lairons match up against the worst. Can they out bulk the Ponytas while living through things like M-Charizard X?
LCPlayz once again going against the grain and picking the Lairons to win, while the rest of us are picking the Ponytas.
Key Pokemon in the Matchup: Tapu Fini, the Misty Terrain will prevent a lot of the stall from happening, but Ferrothorn covers the weaknesses Fini brings. M-Sableye can be the hardest stall in the entire match up.
Alola Matchups:
Los Angeles Charjabugs V Galesburg Gliscors
The most offensive team in the league versus one of the more defensive teams. Tapu Koko matches up really well against the Gliscors being able to sweep if needed. But the Gliscors could bring some sneaky play to take them out. If the Charjas can't get their early lead, it'll be difficult to close it out.
All of our analysts and myself all agree with the Charjabugs being able to finalize this match up. But it definitely isn't an easy matchup for them
Key Pokemon in the Matchup: Tapu Koko, The Electric Terrain and personal strength are a huge threat. M-Latios can bring super-effective moves against most of the Charjabugs at any time. Just knowing which things give them the lead will be the Gliscors planning.
Chicago Tauros V Michigan Magcargos
This is one of the matchups I like best this week. I could easily see either team winning, but I don't see it being a super close game. I'm talking 3/4/5-0 potentially, but that could go either way. The things that both teams struggle against, the other team is good at.
In a first and (Spoiler) only non-agreement from Rich and Michael, Rich picked Michigan to win, where as LCP, Michael, and myself all pick Chicago to clean house.
Key Pokemon in the Matchup: Ninetales-Alola, if an Aurora Veil gets up, it'll be an uphill battle for Michigan, let alone the STAB super-effectiveness against Conkeldurr and Hippowdon. M-Abomasnow is one of the big pieces for the Magcargos. With Landorus, M-Latias, Zapdos, and Virizion all being weak to Ice, Winter is Coming.
Good luck Coaches. Here's to an amazing season.
In just a few months, we'll be crowning the next Champion of the RDL. Will it be Michael again? One of the other Veteran coaches? One of the New coaches? It all starts today. What will you do to cement your place in RDL history?
Week 1, Divisional matches. These first three weeks matter more than most other games. I would rather lose 4 games in the middle of the season than drop even one of these first three or the three later in the season. These are who you're up against for playoffs.
Kanto Matchups:
Akron Alakazams V Atlanta Rowlets.
Strength versus strength. Atlanta definitely has some speed breakers in this match up, but if they can't provide the sweep it's looking like a hard uphill battle. I don't think the Rowlets have a good answer to Volcanion or Zygarde 50. Florges and Mamoswine are the best against Zy50 but even then it could be a hard breaker.
Our analysts, Rich, LCPlayz, and TheNatural91, all agree with who they think will win. And I find it hard to disagree with them. For Atlanta to get the W, it's Akron's game to lose.
Key Pokemon in the Matchup: Volcanion for the Alakazams and Jolteon for the Rowlets.
Brooklyn Bulbasaurs V Detroit Dracos
This match up has potential to be extremely one sided. The Dracos' best chance at winning is with Hydreigon and Celesteela. Brooklyn's lack of strong STAB strong against those might set up the win.
The analysts and I also agree here 4-0 for Brooklyn winning this week. But I could see this going the other direction if Seamus can take out Santoro's wall breakers.
Key Pokemon in the Matchup: Darmanitan for the Bulbasaurs can break down Celesteela easily, and Celesteela for the Dracos if it can set itself up to tank, Seamus can pull it off.
Hoenn Matchups:
Rochester Roggenrolas V Kansas City Kingdras
This is probably my biggest pick for a 5-0/6-0 sweep. To put it plainly, the things that the Rogs struggle against, the Kingdras are good at. Whereas, the things that the Kingdras struggle against, just aren't present in the Rogs list. This is probably going to be one of the hardest matchups for the Roggenrolas all season probably.
This all being said, LCPlayz believes they can pull it off. Rich, Michael, and I all say it goes to KCK.
Key Pokemon in the Matchup: Mew's versatility should be one of the biggest focal points in both teams practice for the week. Comparable, Silvally can cause a lot of issues to the Rogs with its potential typings.
Kennesaw Noctowls V East Sea Gastrodons
In contrast to the previous match, I feel like this one might end up very close. I don't feel like a long sweep is in the books for either team. Both teams have to be careful about their switches and predictions or this game could sway back and forth rapidly.
Same with the other Hoenn Match, LCPlayz believes the Gastrodons will be victorious, while Rich, Micahel, and I lean the other direction, putting the Nocts on top.
Key Pokemon in the Matchup: M-Gardevoir for the Noctowls can sweep most of the field if played correctly. Whereas M-Venusaur can tank mostly everything else except for Gardevoir, but with the right predictions he won't have to.
Johto Matchups:
Ohio Ninetales V New York Klinks
The champion versus the newbie. Obviously, everyone knows how weak the Klinks are to ground and knows their ways around it. With plenty of the Ninetales having access to Earthquake I don't know how easy it will be to work around it. All Michael needs to do is break Bulu out to win easily. As if that's the easiest thing in the world to do.
All of the analysts and myself agree that Ohio should win this one, but it is a defensive game for the Klinks.
Key Pokemon in the Matchup: Metagross has the ability to get super-effective moves on most of if not every mon on the Klinks. Bulu, keep it alive and you've got a chance.
Indianapolis Ponytas V Detroit Lairons
A mostly immovable object meets a seriously immovable object. Who wins? As I stated earlier with the Roggenrolas, this match against the Ponytas might be one of the ones that the Lairons match up against the worst. Can they out bulk the Ponytas while living through things like M-Charizard X?
LCPlayz once again going against the grain and picking the Lairons to win, while the rest of us are picking the Ponytas.
Key Pokemon in the Matchup: Tapu Fini, the Misty Terrain will prevent a lot of the stall from happening, but Ferrothorn covers the weaknesses Fini brings. M-Sableye can be the hardest stall in the entire match up.
Alola Matchups:
Los Angeles Charjabugs V Galesburg Gliscors
The most offensive team in the league versus one of the more defensive teams. Tapu Koko matches up really well against the Gliscors being able to sweep if needed. But the Gliscors could bring some sneaky play to take them out. If the Charjas can't get their early lead, it'll be difficult to close it out.
All of our analysts and myself all agree with the Charjabugs being able to finalize this match up. But it definitely isn't an easy matchup for them
Key Pokemon in the Matchup: Tapu Koko, The Electric Terrain and personal strength are a huge threat. M-Latios can bring super-effective moves against most of the Charjabugs at any time. Just knowing which things give them the lead will be the Gliscors planning.
Chicago Tauros V Michigan Magcargos
This is one of the matchups I like best this week. I could easily see either team winning, but I don't see it being a super close game. I'm talking 3/4/5-0 potentially, but that could go either way. The things that both teams struggle against, the other team is good at.
In a first and (Spoiler) only non-agreement from Rich and Michael, Rich picked Michigan to win, where as LCP, Michael, and myself all pick Chicago to clean house.
Key Pokemon in the Matchup: Ninetales-Alola, if an Aurora Veil gets up, it'll be an uphill battle for Michigan, let alone the STAB super-effectiveness against Conkeldurr and Hippowdon. M-Abomasnow is one of the big pieces for the Magcargos. With Landorus, M-Latias, Zapdos, and Virizion all being weak to Ice, Winter is Coming.
Good luck Coaches. Here's to an amazing season.
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Alola Division Week 0 Brief Analysis
Last but not least for the divisions is the Alola Division, being the Chicago Tauros, Los Angeles Charjabugs, Galesburg Gliscors, and Michigan Magcargos. Two of the teams with new coaches, two with experienced ones.
First up will be the Chicago Tauros, led by Storm137. Storm was one of the lowest placing teams last season. I place most of the reasoning for it being the previous Tauros were not the normal play style the Storm is used to. Storm is more used to a more offensive based team.
Speaking of the new Tauros, they are:
M-Latias
Landorus-Therian
Zapdos
Sylveon
Ninetails-Alola
Vaporeon
Chandelure
Incineroar
Virizion
Mudsdale
Rampardos
Icium Z
This team is certainly more offensive than last season's team. Lando-T, M-Latias, Zapdos, and Sylveon can all have a lot of offensive power as well as being defensive very easily. Aurora Veil from Ninetails-A could certainly cause issues to many teams.
Key to the Match: Storm is very susceptible to being put on tilt. And once that starts the match is going to keep leaning.
Next up is the Los Angeles Charjabugs, led by the new coach Redstone526. As he is new, I don't know much of anything about his playstyle. I hope he likes hard hitting offense because his team is all about it.
The Charjabugs include:
M-Scizor
Tapu Koko
Kyurem-Black
Entei
Slowbro
Araquanid
Donphan
Sceptile
Braviary
Zangoose
Barbaracle
Steelium Z
The big thing to notice is Koko, Kyurem-B, M-Scizor core. As well as the Unburden boost for Sceptile from Koko. He has a few hard hitters that can go physical or special as the match up calls for it. The team is mostly offensive than defensive but some things are still hard to break down.
Key to the Match: Be able to break Koko and Kyurem-B. Koko was the hardest hitting mon for season 1, and Kyurem-B was the not used as a hard killer last season but a wall breaker.
Next up is the Galesburg Gliscors, led by Niek. A new coach to me and the RDL. Niek is one of the European coaches. That does change a little of game planning due to regional metas.
The Gliscors include:
M-Latios
Raikou
Suicune
Mimikyu
Buzzwole
Crobat
Cobalion
Rotom-Heat
Exploud
Tangela
Piloswine
Electrium Z
This is basically the opposite of the Charjabugs. Most of the Gliscors are fairly defensive but can still put some offensive output. Lacking a solid fire type outside of Rotom-H, the team may struggle against some teams without having to utilize Hidden Power.
Key to the Match up: Find a way to block out the major threats. Many of which are Special attacking. What the team lacks in coverage, it makes up for in setting up and bulk.
And last for the team analysis is the Michigan Magcargos, led by Genki. Genki was a season 1 coach that cares more about having fun and playing with mons he enjoys than anything else. This often creates situations where he brings suboptimal mons/draft. Which is just a different way to play than many others in the league. Not that either way is the correct or incorrect way to play.
The Magcargos as of now are:
M-Abomasnow
Conkeldurr
Hippowdon
Chesnaught
Crawdaunt
Toxicroak
Golisopod
Drampa
Trevenant
Magcargo
Crabominable
Waterium Z
The first thing I noticed after the team was finalized(due to missing the draft, Genki picked his team completely after the draft, resulting in top picks being gone) was the fact that Genki left 220 Free Points left. Will he use them in transactions? We'll see, but there is always that option. Conkeldurr is one of the best Pokemon in league format. But where it does well, the Magcargos have 5 4x weaknesses to things. This can cause issues against teams with coverage moves.
Keys to the Match: Don't underestimate Genki. Bring your coverage, but don't expect it to be an easy match in any means.
That concludes these brief analysis of each team of about 5 minutes per team(except for about 6 of them which took a ton longer). Coming up later this week, I'll go into each matchup for week 1, saying who I expect to win and things for each to do(without giving away secrets).
First up will be the Chicago Tauros, led by Storm137. Storm was one of the lowest placing teams last season. I place most of the reasoning for it being the previous Tauros were not the normal play style the Storm is used to. Storm is more used to a more offensive based team.
Speaking of the new Tauros, they are:
M-Latias
Landorus-Therian
Zapdos
Sylveon
Ninetails-Alola
Vaporeon
Chandelure
Incineroar
Virizion
Mudsdale
Rampardos
Icium Z
This team is certainly more offensive than last season's team. Lando-T, M-Latias, Zapdos, and Sylveon can all have a lot of offensive power as well as being defensive very easily. Aurora Veil from Ninetails-A could certainly cause issues to many teams.
Key to the Match: Storm is very susceptible to being put on tilt. And once that starts the match is going to keep leaning.
Next up is the Los Angeles Charjabugs, led by the new coach Redstone526. As he is new, I don't know much of anything about his playstyle. I hope he likes hard hitting offense because his team is all about it.
The Charjabugs include:
M-Scizor
Tapu Koko
Kyurem-Black
Entei
Slowbro
Araquanid
Donphan
Sceptile
Braviary
Zangoose
Barbaracle
Steelium Z
The big thing to notice is Koko, Kyurem-B, M-Scizor core. As well as the Unburden boost for Sceptile from Koko. He has a few hard hitters that can go physical or special as the match up calls for it. The team is mostly offensive than defensive but some things are still hard to break down.
Key to the Match: Be able to break Koko and Kyurem-B. Koko was the hardest hitting mon for season 1, and Kyurem-B was the not used as a hard killer last season but a wall breaker.
Next up is the Galesburg Gliscors, led by Niek. A new coach to me and the RDL. Niek is one of the European coaches. That does change a little of game planning due to regional metas.
The Gliscors include:
M-Latios
Raikou
Suicune
Mimikyu
Buzzwole
Crobat
Cobalion
Rotom-Heat
Exploud
Tangela
Piloswine
Electrium Z
This is basically the opposite of the Charjabugs. Most of the Gliscors are fairly defensive but can still put some offensive output. Lacking a solid fire type outside of Rotom-H, the team may struggle against some teams without having to utilize Hidden Power.
Key to the Match up: Find a way to block out the major threats. Many of which are Special attacking. What the team lacks in coverage, it makes up for in setting up and bulk.
And last for the team analysis is the Michigan Magcargos, led by Genki. Genki was a season 1 coach that cares more about having fun and playing with mons he enjoys than anything else. This often creates situations where he brings suboptimal mons/draft. Which is just a different way to play than many others in the league. Not that either way is the correct or incorrect way to play.
The Magcargos as of now are:
M-Abomasnow
Conkeldurr
Hippowdon
Chesnaught
Crawdaunt
Toxicroak
Golisopod
Drampa
Trevenant
Magcargo
Crabominable
Waterium Z
The first thing I noticed after the team was finalized(due to missing the draft, Genki picked his team completely after the draft, resulting in top picks being gone) was the fact that Genki left 220 Free Points left. Will he use them in transactions? We'll see, but there is always that option. Conkeldurr is one of the best Pokemon in league format. But where it does well, the Magcargos have 5 4x weaknesses to things. This can cause issues against teams with coverage moves.
Keys to the Match: Don't underestimate Genki. Bring your coverage, but don't expect it to be an easy match in any means.
That concludes these brief analysis of each team of about 5 minutes per team(except for about 6 of them which took a ton longer). Coming up later this week, I'll go into each matchup for week 1, saying who I expect to win and things for each to do(without giving away secrets).
Johto Division Week 0 Brief Analysis
Third on the list of divisions is the Johto Division, with the Detroit Lairons, Ohio Ninetails, New York Klinks, and Indianapolis Ponytas. This is obviously a write up that matters more to me than the other three will. I will attempt to be as objective as possible when regarding my own team and the rest of my division. Three of us are vets from season 1, with Istanbuldayim being the only new member.
First up we'll look at the Detroit Lairons, led by Cossak11. To say this man loves stall is potentially the biggest understatement I'll make in these write ups. Unfortunately, Cossak didn't get to draft at least two of his stall core, being Ferrothorn and Toxapex. But that doesn't mean his defensive build isn't as strong.
His team consists of:
M-Sableye
Clefable
Scizor
Chansey
Stakataka
Dhelmise
Amoonguss
Alomomola
Shuckle
Lapras
Turtonator
Normalium Z
I hope you like long drawn out games because you'll be getting that. I won't say too much because I don't want to give away any strategy I'm keeping for week 1. But I will say I believe his team needs to change a little bit in order to contend for a championship.
Key to the match up: Don't let him out stall you. If you play his game, he will win every time.
Next up is the Ohio Ninetails, led by TheNatural91, further known as Mike or Michael. He won season 1 of the RDL as well as being the commissioner for the league. He's a fan of setting up and sweeping.
The Ninetails include:
M-Blastoise
Infernape
Xurkitree
Togekiss
Goodra
Kommo-o
Metagross
Venusaur
Rhyperior
Miltank
Weezing
Psychium Z
This team is pretty opposite of Cossak's Lairons. If Xurkitree gets a Z-Hypnosis on someone, it allows a sweep to happen. Boasting good fairy/dragon/steel and grass/water/fire cores. He has nothing that needs to be brought week in and week out, unlike some other teams Which means he can bring anything to any match up.
Key to the Match: Don't expect that many off the wall sets, but expect him to know what you've taken every other match up so far. And how you've taken them.
Next up is the New York Klinks, led by their coach Istanbuldayim. He's a new coach to the league and to me. I'm interested in seeing what he can do with his team.
The Klinks include:
M-Diancie
Heatran
Tapu Bulu
Toxapex
Rotom-Wash
Cloyster
Lycanroc-Dusk
Flygon
Bewear
Beheeyem
Carracosta
Lycanium Z
If you look at this team just at a glance, you may think this team is fairly weak due to so much weakness to ground. Fortunately, Bulu covers that weakness. Unfortunately, as I stated with the Ninetails, if you have to take a certain mon every match, it limits your ability to build against your opponent. Lycanium Z is potentially his worst pick due to it being extremely limited.
Key to the match up: Expect Bulu, it's not a bad idea to change terrain too. Bring things other than Ground to take things out otherwise.
The Indianapolis Ponytas, led by me, Pac. A veteran from Season 1, losing to Michael in the first round of playoffs. He placed 2nd overall after the regular season last year. His teams can be off the wall due to building with Adam and Clutch. His biggest weakness is over-prediction.
The Indianapolis Ponytas include:
M-Charizard X
Tapu Fini
Weavile
Ferrothorn
Nidoking
Espeon
Swellow
Hitmontop
Mismagius
Gigalith
Electivire
Rockium Z
Earlier I talked about Michael's fairy/dragon/steel and water/grass/fire cores. The Ponytas got both cores in their first three picks. Misty Terrain from Fini drops Dragon type damage which hinders the Mega ZardX's damage a bit. And while the team has a bit of synergy with its early picks, the later you go into the draft the more haphazard the team became. The balance between offense and defense will be the struggle for the team.
Key to the Match up: Playing something that seems unoptimized may be your best bet. He plays with coverage for the entire team most matches.
That's it for today, with one day left we have just the Alola Division left. From there, I'm not sure what will come after.
First up we'll look at the Detroit Lairons, led by Cossak11. To say this man loves stall is potentially the biggest understatement I'll make in these write ups. Unfortunately, Cossak didn't get to draft at least two of his stall core, being Ferrothorn and Toxapex. But that doesn't mean his defensive build isn't as strong.
His team consists of:
M-Sableye
Clefable
Scizor
Chansey
Stakataka
Dhelmise
Amoonguss
Alomomola
Shuckle
Lapras
Turtonator
Normalium Z
I hope you like long drawn out games because you'll be getting that. I won't say too much because I don't want to give away any strategy I'm keeping for week 1. But I will say I believe his team needs to change a little bit in order to contend for a championship.
Key to the match up: Don't let him out stall you. If you play his game, he will win every time.
Next up is the Ohio Ninetails, led by TheNatural91, further known as Mike or Michael. He won season 1 of the RDL as well as being the commissioner for the league. He's a fan of setting up and sweeping.
The Ninetails include:
M-Blastoise
Infernape
Xurkitree
Togekiss
Goodra
Kommo-o
Metagross
Venusaur
Rhyperior
Miltank
Weezing
Psychium Z
This team is pretty opposite of Cossak's Lairons. If Xurkitree gets a Z-Hypnosis on someone, it allows a sweep to happen. Boasting good fairy/dragon/steel and grass/water/fire cores. He has nothing that needs to be brought week in and week out, unlike some other teams Which means he can bring anything to any match up.
Key to the Match: Don't expect that many off the wall sets, but expect him to know what you've taken every other match up so far. And how you've taken them.
Next up is the New York Klinks, led by their coach Istanbuldayim. He's a new coach to the league and to me. I'm interested in seeing what he can do with his team.
The Klinks include:
M-Diancie
Heatran
Tapu Bulu
Toxapex
Rotom-Wash
Cloyster
Lycanroc-Dusk
Flygon
Bewear
Beheeyem
Carracosta
Lycanium Z
If you look at this team just at a glance, you may think this team is fairly weak due to so much weakness to ground. Fortunately, Bulu covers that weakness. Unfortunately, as I stated with the Ninetails, if you have to take a certain mon every match, it limits your ability to build against your opponent. Lycanium Z is potentially his worst pick due to it being extremely limited.
Key to the match up: Expect Bulu, it's not a bad idea to change terrain too. Bring things other than Ground to take things out otherwise.
The Indianapolis Ponytas, led by me, Pac. A veteran from Season 1, losing to Michael in the first round of playoffs. He placed 2nd overall after the regular season last year. His teams can be off the wall due to building with Adam and Clutch. His biggest weakness is over-prediction.
The Indianapolis Ponytas include:
M-Charizard X
Tapu Fini
Weavile
Ferrothorn
Nidoking
Espeon
Swellow
Hitmontop
Mismagius
Gigalith
Electivire
Rockium Z
Earlier I talked about Michael's fairy/dragon/steel and water/grass/fire cores. The Ponytas got both cores in their first three picks. Misty Terrain from Fini drops Dragon type damage which hinders the Mega ZardX's damage a bit. And while the team has a bit of synergy with its early picks, the later you go into the draft the more haphazard the team became. The balance between offense and defense will be the struggle for the team.
Key to the Match up: Playing something that seems unoptimized may be your best bet. He plays with coverage for the entire team most matches.
That's it for today, with one day left we have just the Alola Division left. From there, I'm not sure what will come after.
Tuesday, February 6, 2018
Hoenn Division Week 0 Brief Analysis
Day two of post draft team analysis. Today we have the Moon Conference's Hoenn Division, with a few new coaches and two returning (mostly). We have the Rochester Roggenrolas, Kansas City Kingdras, Kennesaw Noctowls, and East Sea Gastrodons.
Today we'll start with the Rochester Roggenrolas, led by the coach-by-committee team of Andrew and Nick. Both are new players to our league and league's I've been in. The dynamic of a two coach team could play out interestingly.
The Roggenrolas have:
M-Manectric
Tyranitar
Mew
Volcarona
Klefki
Mienshao
Tentacruel
Cofagrigus
Kecleon
Rhydon
Avalugg
Buginium Z
Overall, the Roggenrolas have chosen a fast team with good priority, unfortunately as is fitting with Roggenrola, they are very weak to ground type attacks, almost across the board. Things like Mew, Cofagrigus, and Kecleon can alter someone's game plan a lot during the battle, in theory at least.
Keys to the Match up: As stated before, Ground attacks. Earthquake was the biggest killer of season 1, and it looks like the Roggenrolas are going to help it stay up there after 15 weeks. Try to plan against yourself with Mew. It's extremely diverse in its move pool(duh).
Next up is the Kansas City Kingdras, led by their coach Clutchsometimes, will be known as Clutch from here on out though. He came into the league the same week that Santoro did after week 3. He took an 0-3 team to 5th place and a few matchups keeping him out of playoffs. He's known as the master of jank builds for his ability to think well outside the box. He's a fantastic battler that's only real weakness is his predicting ability, which is still above average at its worst.
The Kingdras for season 2 are:
M-Pidgeot
Terrakion
Skarmory
Reuniclus
Shaymin
Heliolisk
Kyurem
Venomoth
Silvally
Komala
Granbull
Darkinium Z
The first thing that jumps out to me is the lack of fire and ground STAB, excluding Fire or Ground Silvally. This also means he lacks any Electric immunity. And while the Kingdras look like a big bulky defensive team with Skarmory, Reuniclus, Komala, Granbull, etc. don't forget that it is Clutch's team. Any of these could be a strong offensive force.
Keys to this matchup: I said with the Alakazams to expect some unexpected things, that comes from Adam and Clutch often team building. Jank Master and Jank Apprentice. Which is which, I don't know. But just because you see something on the other side of the field, don't think you know what it's about to do until you see it do it.
Next up is the Kennesaw Noctowls, led by Nadmikha, further going to called Nadia. She is semi new to the league, covering in as an interim coach for the Michigan Magcargos for Genki when he had scheduling issues in the later half of the season. She took a team that she mostly didn't put together, and played some of the play off teams, including going 5-0 against the eventual Champion in Michael, and that was her first week in the league. I'm looking forward to seeing what Nadia can do with a team that was fully drafted by her, in proxy by Adam.
The Noctowls include:
M-Gardevoir
Garchomp
Bisharp
Serperior
Gengar
Arcanine
Tornadus-I
Blissey
Seismitoad
Bronzong
Primeape
Dragonium Z
Talk about a fierce Fairy, Dragon, Steel core. M-Garde, Garchomp, and Bisharp can cover a lot of the field as is. The team does have some considerable 4x weaknesses but other things cover those weaknesses fairly well. Arcanine can be proper beefy when built right and Bronzong is one WolfyGlick's favorite mons to use in league play. Don't sleep on this team. It can bring enough heat to take out teams like the Lairons' or Gastrodins' bulk with ease, and still be able to withstand some offensive teams like the Rowlets or Charjabugs.
Keys to the Match: Don't go on tilt. In nearly every match I've seen played against Nadia's teams, something went out of the expected plan and made the other player tilt. Give her an inch and she'll take a mile.
Lastly for today is the East Sea Gastrodons, led by OmegaEmerson. Another new coach to me and the league. I'm very interested in this team going forward, partially due to some of the mons on the team.
The Gastrodons are:
M-Venusaur
Victini
Salamence
Hawlucha
Krookodile
Porygon2
Primarina
Regirock
Ditto
Oricorio
Glaceon
Firium Z
You like bulk? This team has it in droves. Probably the second most defensive team in the league, because Cossak wouldn't let anyone be first. Porygon2, M-Venusaur, and Regirock are just the tip of the iceberg. Some of us Season 1 vets still have nightmares about Santoro's Salamence. One of the biggest talking points during/after the draft was this Hawlucha pick up. For those that don't know, due to Unburden, many teams will draft a Tapu and Hawlucha. This was seen as an odd pick up because of the lack of terrain. I generally believe this was an okay pick up. Hawlucha can use other items and get the Unburden boost(not a Z move though). This means in the match ups against the three teams with Tapu's, of which the Gastrodons play Koko and Fini as of now, the opponents team knows if they run their Tapu, they give a boost to the opponent, if not then their opponent might have a worthless item, ability, and extremely weak attack, but they lack their Tapu.
Key to the match up: Don't underestimate Salamence. Ever. Also Trick does work if one of the mons has lost their item.
That'll be it for today, check back tomorrow for the brief analysis on the Johto Division, where I try to be unbiased about my own team.
Today we'll start with the Rochester Roggenrolas, led by the coach-by-committee team of Andrew and Nick. Both are new players to our league and league's I've been in. The dynamic of a two coach team could play out interestingly.
The Roggenrolas have:
M-Manectric
Tyranitar
Mew
Volcarona
Klefki
Mienshao
Tentacruel
Cofagrigus
Kecleon
Rhydon
Avalugg
Buginium Z
Overall, the Roggenrolas have chosen a fast team with good priority, unfortunately as is fitting with Roggenrola, they are very weak to ground type attacks, almost across the board. Things like Mew, Cofagrigus, and Kecleon can alter someone's game plan a lot during the battle, in theory at least.
Keys to the Match up: As stated before, Ground attacks. Earthquake was the biggest killer of season 1, and it looks like the Roggenrolas are going to help it stay up there after 15 weeks. Try to plan against yourself with Mew. It's extremely diverse in its move pool(duh).
Next up is the Kansas City Kingdras, led by their coach Clutchsometimes, will be known as Clutch from here on out though. He came into the league the same week that Santoro did after week 3. He took an 0-3 team to 5th place and a few matchups keeping him out of playoffs. He's known as the master of jank builds for his ability to think well outside the box. He's a fantastic battler that's only real weakness is his predicting ability, which is still above average at its worst.
The Kingdras for season 2 are:
M-Pidgeot
Terrakion
Skarmory
Reuniclus
Shaymin
Heliolisk
Kyurem
Venomoth
Silvally
Komala
Granbull
Darkinium Z
The first thing that jumps out to me is the lack of fire and ground STAB, excluding Fire or Ground Silvally. This also means he lacks any Electric immunity. And while the Kingdras look like a big bulky defensive team with Skarmory, Reuniclus, Komala, Granbull, etc. don't forget that it is Clutch's team. Any of these could be a strong offensive force.
Keys to this matchup: I said with the Alakazams to expect some unexpected things, that comes from Adam and Clutch often team building. Jank Master and Jank Apprentice. Which is which, I don't know. But just because you see something on the other side of the field, don't think you know what it's about to do until you see it do it.
Next up is the Kennesaw Noctowls, led by Nadmikha, further going to called Nadia. She is semi new to the league, covering in as an interim coach for the Michigan Magcargos for Genki when he had scheduling issues in the later half of the season. She took a team that she mostly didn't put together, and played some of the play off teams, including going 5-0 against the eventual Champion in Michael, and that was her first week in the league. I'm looking forward to seeing what Nadia can do with a team that was fully drafted by her, in proxy by Adam.
The Noctowls include:
M-Gardevoir
Garchomp
Bisharp
Serperior
Gengar
Arcanine
Tornadus-I
Blissey
Seismitoad
Bronzong
Primeape
Dragonium Z
Talk about a fierce Fairy, Dragon, Steel core. M-Garde, Garchomp, and Bisharp can cover a lot of the field as is. The team does have some considerable 4x weaknesses but other things cover those weaknesses fairly well. Arcanine can be proper beefy when built right and Bronzong is one WolfyGlick's favorite mons to use in league play. Don't sleep on this team. It can bring enough heat to take out teams like the Lairons' or Gastrodins' bulk with ease, and still be able to withstand some offensive teams like the Rowlets or Charjabugs.
Keys to the Match: Don't go on tilt. In nearly every match I've seen played against Nadia's teams, something went out of the expected plan and made the other player tilt. Give her an inch and she'll take a mile.
Lastly for today is the East Sea Gastrodons, led by OmegaEmerson. Another new coach to me and the league. I'm very interested in this team going forward, partially due to some of the mons on the team.
The Gastrodons are:
M-Venusaur
Victini
Salamence
Hawlucha
Krookodile
Porygon2
Primarina
Regirock
Ditto
Oricorio
Glaceon
Firium Z
You like bulk? This team has it in droves. Probably the second most defensive team in the league, because Cossak wouldn't let anyone be first. Porygon2, M-Venusaur, and Regirock are just the tip of the iceberg. Some of us Season 1 vets still have nightmares about Santoro's Salamence. One of the biggest talking points during/after the draft was this Hawlucha pick up. For those that don't know, due to Unburden, many teams will draft a Tapu and Hawlucha. This was seen as an odd pick up because of the lack of terrain. I generally believe this was an okay pick up. Hawlucha can use other items and get the Unburden boost(not a Z move though). This means in the match ups against the three teams with Tapu's, of which the Gastrodons play Koko and Fini as of now, the opponents team knows if they run their Tapu, they give a boost to the opponent, if not then their opponent might have a worthless item, ability, and extremely weak attack, but they lack their Tapu.
Key to the match up: Don't underestimate Salamence. Ever. Also Trick does work if one of the mons has lost their item.
That'll be it for today, check back tomorrow for the brief analysis on the Johto Division, where I try to be unbiased about my own team.
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