The title may be a little sarcastic, but I honestly feel that Blaziken will be the deck to beat for Autumn Battle Roads. He hits hard, quick, is swarmable, can utilize the SP engine, has 3 powerful attacks, disruption, solid HP, retreat…yes I am high on him. :)
|
Pokémon-19 |
Trainers-31 |
This deck has one goal in mind: fast, simple prizes. Unlike Luxape, which has limited synergy, this deck actually has a decent number of tricks to it. First off all, Blaziken’s first attack is a pseudo-“Bright Eyes”, but with the added effect of burning the opponent’s Pokémon. This might not seem huge, but it can result in a turn 2 donk of any of the opponent’s benched Pokémon, and at the very least, disrupt the opponent’s ideal start more often than not.
Also, Blaziken FB LV.X’s “Jet Shoot” hits a magic 80, which, combined with a “Bright Eyes” from Luxray GL LV.X, results in a dead Claydol. Besides that though, Luxray allows you to play around an opponent’s Unown G, allowing you to send up something without Unown G attached via Bright Eyes, and then send up their Nidoqueen or whatever and burn them with Blaziken FB’s “Luring Flame”, leading to one shot Knock Out from Blaziken FB LV.X the following turn.
This may sound like a lot of effort, but it saves you an from placing an Energy Gain or Energy Drop on Blaziken, which can be key against Gengar and other decks. One of the amazing things about this deck is how many cards can donk the opponent’s lone basic Pokémon first turn of the game. Unlike most other SP decks, this deck is very heavy in terms of the number of Crobat G’s and PlusPowers it plays. This means that Blaziken, Luxray, Uxie, and even Unown Q and Crobat have a realistic chance of Knocking Out nearly any Pokémon the opponent starts with. You have an even greater chance of getting a KO if your opponent starts with a water Pokémon, as Luxray hits for weakness and Blaziken hits for a ridiculous 60 damage for 1 energy with an Energy Gain attached.
There are a few differences between Blaziken and Infernape, but besides the lack of “Split Bomb”, I find Blaziken to be an overall more effective Pokémon for a few reasons:
First of all, Blaziken’s attacks are all much more energy efficient than Infernape, do more damage, and have more options to them (30 or 60 for 1, drag and burn, or the smash for 80).
He also has a Pokémon Body that acts as an additional 4 PlusPowers, which may not sound like a whole lot to depend on when relying on an attack to activate it, but since many people don’t see it coming, it can result in an easy 1HKO on Gengar by Uxie, Nidoqueen by Uxie or Blaziken, any water Pokémon by Luxray, etc… This extra damage saves you PlusPowers and Crobat G’s, which are key to 1HKOing the big threats with Blaziken. With 2 PlusPowers, a Crobat G, and a Poké Turn, you can one shot a Flygon or any other 120 HP Pokémon, which I am sure no other Pokémon SP deck can really achieve consistently (save Charizard and Rayquaza).
The basic strategy is to get Blaziken out early and start drawing quick and easy prizes before your opponent can get set-up. Blaze’s first attack stops Claydol in its tracks and unless they Unown G or Unown Q it before you attack it with Luring Flame (or if they have a Switch or Warp Point in hand), they will be stuck until it gets 1HKO’d next turn because of your Pokémon Body plus 30 damage.
As long as you KO their Claydol early, you should only have to face a total of 2 of their big hitters in most Stage 2 decks. If that theory holds true, then it should be an easy Prize trade-off between Blazikens and Stage 2s, and you can also use Luxray GL LV.X’s “Bright Eyes” for the easy prizes. If you are facing off against another SP deck or Stage 1 deck, then you should just swing for 1HKOs with Blaziken and Luxray, meaning they must keep up with you, and due to your amount of recovery verus the typical amount played in most Pokémon SP decks, you should come out on top.
From testing against a few current decks (Gengar/Nidoqueen, Kingdra, Machamp, and Luxray based decks), these are the results I have found, and frankly speaking, I am not sure if any of those decks I just listed really have a chance against Blaziken.
For instance, against Kingdra, you deal 60 damage for only 1 energy, which is enough to easily 1HKO a Horsea and Seadra. This isn’t even using the Level X. Of course, you want to rely on hitting with Luxray more, but Blaziken FB is a sweet card for the easy prizes and solid damage. Without Claydol, which this deck eliminates quite nicely, Kingdra easily folds to this. No other SP deck can consistently hit for 80 damage, much less for one energy. The additional PlusPowers and Crobat G’s mean that they get 1HKO’d more often than you do, even with the 40 damage draw back.
From testing with several different variants, and from other posts, I have come to the conclusion that Luxray/anything pretty much auto-wins against Gengar, who needs to be Knocked Out (in order to activate “Fainting Spell”) to have a chance against most SP lists. This should hopefully show at Worlds and will greatly change the entire landscape when it comes time for Battle Roads or whatever tournament series we will start with.
I will post more about this deck as I continue testing, but this is only one variant I envision for Blaziken FB. This deck has many of options and will probably be one of my Battle Roads decks, as it may very well be for other people.
Thanks for reading and let me know what you think. :)
Awesome article Brian, there is some really great stuff in here. :)
Does 10 energy work ok? That number seems low to me, but I guess all your Pokemon only really need 1 energy to attack.
ALSO: If anyone has a picture of Blaziken FB (not the LV.X) that I could use for the article (or if you own the card and a scanner), send it to adam@sixprizes.com Thanks!
I had 9 in here originally (1 lighting, which was a horrible play), but 10 is plenty. I’ve had I think 2 energy misses since I started playing the deck, which is perfectly fine to me. You have 2 energy recovery cards as well, so you shouldn’t have any worries about the energy.
it’s funny but do really see yourself getting out claydol without call energy? I might reconsider claydol or use call energy. I think pluspower is a little excessive.
Claydol isn’t absolutely nessicary for the deck to work, and 2-2 is enough to hit it with the amount of search you have to find it (2 uxie+4 roseanne’s+2 bebe’s+3 cyrus (to get missing part with bebe’s/rr)+1 luxury ball). And call energy really messes with your energy count+t1 attacking. There is really nothing but baltoy to call energy for, as you have plenty of outs to get basics (4 rosey+2 bebe’s+1 luxury+3 cyrus+3 radar+2 uxie).
it’s funny but do really see yourself getting out claydol without call energy? I might reconsider claydol or use call energy. I think pluspower is a little excessive.
Claydol isn’t absolutely nessicary for the deck to work, and 2-2 is enough to hit it with the amount of search you have to find it (2 uxie+4 roseanne’s+2 bebe’s+3 cyrus (to get missing part with bebe’s/rr)+1 luxury ball). And call energy really messes with your energy count+t1 attacking. There is really nothing but baltoy to call energy for, as you have plenty of outs to get basics (4 rosey+2 bebe’s+1 luxury+3 cyrus+3 radar+2 uxie).
wow man nice article. helped out.
wow man nice article. helped out.
BTW on apprentice the network appears to be full… how do i join?
BTW on apprentice the network appears to be full… how do i join?
The part that really makes Blaziken cool is how his attack covers his water weakness so well. It really helps against the kingdra and palkia matchup (in theory), and pairing it with luxray only helps you more.
I was actually building a deck up about this, had the Blaziken FB proxyed, but there are a lot of cool tips I might include now that I’ve read your deck list. Thanks :)
I was actually building a deck up about this, had the Blaziken FB proxyed, but there are a lot of cool tips I might include now that I’ve read your deck list. Thanks :)
Awesome article Brian, there is some really great stuff in here. :)
Does 10 energy work ok? That number seems low to me, but I guess all your Pokemon only really need 1 energy to attack.
ALSO: If anyone has a picture of Blaziken FB (not the LV.X) that I could use for the article (or if you own the card and a scanner), send it to adam@sixprizes.com Thanks!
I had 9 in here originally (1 lighting, which was a horrible play), but 10 is plenty. I’ve had I think 2 energy misses since I started playing the deck, which is perfectly fine to me. You have 2 energy recovery cards as well, so you shouldn’t have any worries about the energy.
I think you’re overemphasizing Blaziken’s ability against Claydol and water pokemon. Most decks are either going to be running 3/3 Claydol, and almost any water pokemon can OHKO Blaziken pretty easily…doing 60 for one energy is not that big of a deal. In a Blaze/Lux deck I focus on Luxray much more than Blaze, using the hothead only to get a cheap prize or two if Lux can’t do enough damage. Pluspowers seem okay, but you will need Call Energy for Claydol to be effective in this list.
3-3 dol is a huge undertake for mostly any deck, and usually that means you sacrifice your uxie count or something else. As for water pokemon, yeah they easily ko blaze, but if blaze is trashing the basics and luxray is trashing the stage 2 for 1 energy while they either take more than one or claydol to run, then who cares? 60 for 1 t1 IS the big deal here, and allows you to donk a water deck before they can even get of the ground (both blaze and luxray have easy potential for this, but blaze does it no matter where that water guy is). Focusing on luxray means you lose the t1 burn switch, which absolutely messes up the opponet first turn (send up there benched baltoy, now they either have to warp out or waste thier call on it, sacing the toy in the process). Like I said before about plus power, its a dropped card (meaning you get alot more out of your uxie than most other cards) and allows you to OHKO nearly any big guy with a few and a crobat/turn drop. If I dropped plus power for call, then I have 14 energy (way to many) and make blaze just a slight upgrade from luxray, rather than the OHKO that he is. Blaze is so good because he can easily nab prizes from the bench via the GOW attack/power of luxray, and from the active via plus power/crobat drops on the opponet. Yes I use luxray quite often as an attack, since he is insanely good, but the 30 backlash is not a good thing to have early game (later on I do it freely to my crobats/claydol/uxie, but early game its nearly suicidal to do it too often).
The part that really makes Blaziken cool is how his attack covers his water weakness so well. It really helps against the kingdra and palkia matchup (in theory), and pairing it with luxray only helps you more.
I think you’re overemphasizing Blaziken’s ability against Claydol and water pokemon. Most decks are either going to be running 3/3 Claydol, and almost any water pokemon can OHKO Blaziken pretty easily…doing 60 for one energy is not that big of a deal. In a Blaze/Lux deck I focus on Luxray much more than Blaze, using the hothead only to get a cheap prize or two if Lux can’t do enough damage. Pluspowers seem okay, but you will need Call Energy for Claydol to be effective in this list.
3-3 dol is a huge undertake for mostly any deck, and usually that means you sacrifice your uxie count or something else. As for water pokemon, yeah they easily ko blaze, but if blaze is trashing the basics and luxray is trashing the stage 2 for 1 energy while they either take more than one or claydol to run, then who cares? 60 for 1 t1 IS the big deal here, and allows you to donk a water deck before they can even get of the ground (both blaze and luxray have easy potential for this, but blaze does it no matter where that water guy is). Focusing on luxray means you lose the t1 burn switch, which absolutely messes up the opponet first turn (send up there benched baltoy, now they either have to warp out or waste thier call on it, sacing the toy in the process). Like I said before about plus power, its a dropped card (meaning you get alot more out of your uxie than most other cards) and allows you to OHKO nearly any big guy with a few and a crobat/turn drop. If I dropped plus power for call, then I have 14 energy (way to many) and make blaze just a slight upgrade from luxray, rather than the OHKO that he is. Blaze is so good because he can easily nab prizes from the bench via the GOW attack/power of luxray, and from the active via plus power/crobat drops on the opponet. Yes I use luxray quite often as an attack, since he is insanely good, but the 30 backlash is not a good thing to have early game (later on I do it freely to my crobats/claydol/uxie, but early game its nearly suicidal to do it too often).
I’m very excited about BlazeRay as well, I’ll have to build this and test it soon. Good article, I’ll add more substance to my comments in a bit.
I’m very excited about BlazeRay as well, I’ll have to build this and test it soon. Good article, I’ll add more substance to my comments in a bit.
I was just looking over the deck list a little bit and noticed only 3 Cyrus. I really think all SP decks should play 4, it is just such a vital card. I would take either a Premier Ball or SP Radar out for it.
3 Sp radar is sick becuase you know that even if you prize one, you still have 2 to cyrus/draw into. The same thing with premier ball. I don’t like the idea of dropping your non-supporter search count to add to your supporter draw. Cyrus is a solid card (which is why I run 3 now instead of 2), but its basically a different tom hanks, which you never run 4 of. Yes cyrus has more benifits, but I don’t think those benifits warrant a 4th copy.
Spray is more important than Plus Power, I don’t care what kind of excuse you can come up with.
-4 plus power
-1 unown q
-1 unown g
-1 uxie lv.x
-2 premier ball
+1 cyrus
+1 cynthia’s feelings
+1 sp radar
+2 power spray
+1 bronzong g
+1 skuntank g
+1 toxicroak g
+1 luxray?
I’d do something like that.
I disagree 100%. Power spray is unuseable durning your turn, meaning it sits there and clogs up your hand. If you claydol it away, its pretty counter-productive. While searchable via cyrus, it also tips off that you have one in hand (can backfire against gengar, but can also be used to think that a poltergist (sp) will hit for huge damage. Q has been amazing early game, ensuring an easy way to get that t1 blaze/luxray, but also lets you escape with an active claydol if you don’t hit a warp point and also ups the donk count (though 30 hp means it’ll get donked as well). I don’t know why you would drop g in this deck, since I run only 1. You can’t expect gengar/champ to just die off, and it protects your dol from mirror blaze. Both unowns are bad starts, but I don’t think its wise to toss either one out of this deck (mostly g, but Q I find to be a great searchable free retreat in any sp deck). Uxie lvl X is a decent attacker, but I usually only play it as a searchable draw card, since I run 2 uxie anyways, plus the Q to get it out of there after I level up. If I did drop Q, I would probably toss uxie x, but its just another type to hit for weakness (saving pps/bats). I would never consider droping 2 premier balls in this deck. Yes you have TSD, Aaron’s, and NM to grab back your level X, but thats only a 3 time shot. Also you can use them as the 4th/5th sp radar, but only on your 3(2) level Xs. As for your suggestions…
I already talked about the 4th cyrus. Some may like it, I don’t. I would maybe do 3 cyrus, 1 Vs seeker, but thats about it.
I would love the cynthia’s in here, but I’m pretty sold on the list I have right now. The additinal draw would be welcome, and I could see me tossing uxie X (espicially if I can’t get one…:/) for it, but thats about it.
4 Sp radar sounds solid, but I could only see me doing this if I drop a crobat, which is a possiblity (though 3 has been extreemely effective).
Power spray I already discussed. I just see it as a cute little trick, but it only realiistically works against uxie, as claydol gets to use his power again. You could spray then ko him with lux/blaze combo next turn, but I’d rather let them get the additional draw in order to ensure everything is playable at all times.
I’ve never liked bronzong. Period. He’s a nice card for alot of people, but I don’t feel he’s worth the bench space to let you keep an energy in play. I’ve had about 4 times where he would have been useful, but usually you never poketurn your blaze, who is the guy who usually has the energy.
Skuntank? I don’t have any stadiums….lol
I assume that you mean the dp one, as you suggested droping the g. 60(70) for 1 is great, but that would require a deck makeover. lol. If you mean the promo, I could see it going in here, but I don’t know what I would drop for it (maybe a crobat again, but not sure).
3-1 luxray just doesn’t appeal to me. I could see lists doing it, but with the amount of recovery you have, that extra luxray is just claydol bait.
I’m sorry for the slang in the post. Just don’t have much time. Besides those fixes above, I would like to see a 3rd bebe’s in here, as well as the possible chatot, but I don’t think the deck needs alot in terms of the pokemon department. So far in testing, blaze and luxray have been all that decks can handle.
Spray is more important than Plus Power, I don’t care what kind of excuse you can come up with.
-4 plus power
-1 unown q
-1 unown g
-1 uxie lv.x
-2 premier ball
+1 cyrus
+1 cynthia’s feelings
+1 sp radar
+2 power spray
+1 bronzong g
+1 skuntank g
+1 toxicroak g
+1 luxray?
I’d do something like that.
I disagree 100%. Power spray is unuseable durning your turn, meaning it sits there and clogs up your hand. If you claydol it away, its pretty counter-productive. While searchable via cyrus, it also tips off that you have one in hand (can backfire against gengar, but can also be used to think that a poltergist (sp) will hit for huge damage. Q has been amazing early game, ensuring an easy way to get that t1 blaze/luxray, but also lets you escape with an active claydol if you don’t hit a warp point and also ups the donk count (though 30 hp means it’ll get donked as well). I don’t know why you would drop g in this deck, since I run only 1. You can’t expect gengar/champ to just die off, and it protects your dol from mirror blaze. Both unowns are bad starts, but I don’t think its wise to toss either one out of this deck (mostly g, but Q I find to be a great searchable free retreat in any sp deck). Uxie lvl X is a decent attacker, but I usually only play it as a searchable draw card, since I run 2 uxie anyways, plus the Q to get it out of there after I level up. If I did drop Q, I would probably toss uxie x, but its just another type to hit for weakness (saving pps/bats). I would never consider droping 2 premier balls in this deck. Yes you have TSD, Aaron’s, and NM to grab back your level X, but thats only a 3 time shot. Also you can use them as the 4th/5th sp radar, but only on your 3(2) level Xs. As for your suggestions…
I already talked about the 4th cyrus. Some may like it, I don’t. I would maybe do 3 cyrus, 1 Vs seeker, but thats about it.
I would love the cynthia’s in here, but I’m pretty sold on the list I have right now. The additinal draw would be welcome, and I could see me tossing uxie X (espicially if I can’t get one…:/) for it, but thats about it.
4 Sp radar sounds solid, but I could only see me doing this if I drop a crobat, which is a possiblity (though 3 has been extreemely effective).
Power spray I already discussed. I just see it as a cute little trick, but it only realiistically works against uxie, as claydol gets to use his power again. You could spray then ko him with lux/blaze combo next turn, but I’d rather let them get the additional draw in order to ensure everything is playable at all times.
I’ve never liked bronzong. Period. He’s a nice card for alot of people, but I don’t feel he’s worth the bench space to let you keep an energy in play. I’ve had about 4 times where he would have been useful, but usually you never poketurn your blaze, who is the guy who usually has the energy.
Skuntank? I don’t have any stadiums….lol
I assume that you mean the dp one, as you suggested droping the g. 60(70) for 1 is great, but that would require a deck makeover. lol. If you mean the promo, I could see it going in here, but I don’t know what I would drop for it (maybe a crobat again, but not sure).
3-1 luxray just doesn’t appeal to me. I could see lists doing it, but with the amount of recovery you have, that extra luxray is just claydol bait.
I’m sorry for the slang in the post. Just don’t have much time. Besides those fixes above, I would like to see a 3rd bebe’s in here, as well as the possible chatot, but I don’t think the deck needs alot in terms of the pokemon department. So far in testing, blaze and luxray have been all that decks can handle.
Very exciting article. It’s got me all hyped up. :)
I notice you have no Azelf in here. If either Blaziken FB Lv. X or Luxray GL Lv. X is prized and you don’t draw it within your first couple of KO’s, you’re done for.
I would play 4 Cyrus’s Conspiracy just for the chance of starting with it. By the fourth Cyrus I’d prefer searching for an Aaron’s or Cythia’s Feelings (which seems to be a natural fit with Blaziken).
lol thanks. As for azelf, I find it be alot like many of the other cards mentioned. Although it is probably needed on paper, even if you prize both, the odds of you drawing into it within the first 3 prizes are 33%, 40%, and then 50% respectively, which I don’t have time to math out exactly (I think its around 78% but just guessing really). The normal blaziken, luxray, and uxie level X should be enough to draw into 3 prizes without falling too far behind. In all honesty, I’ve prize luxray lvl X in alot of games, but I’ve never really needed it because I’ve either smoked the opponet or got wrecked way too fast. I think I’ve prized blaze once, and that game I got t2ed, so I’m not sure what usually happens if I do prize it.
WDIF makes a good point..you need that Azelf. You’re underestimating losing the Lv. X’s, which could result in an auto-loss if you don’t get lucky. Also, Toxicroak is waaaaay too good not to be used, and you can live off of 2 Crobat easily. I’d play 4 Cyrus also, as you can cycle them repeatedly like Castaway two years ago…get energy, p-turn, another Cyrus, etc. PlusPower is nice, but if you can Powerspray an Uxie or Claydol early, it solidifies the win.
I was just looking over the deck list a little bit and noticed only 3 Cyrus. I really think all SP decks should play 4, it is just such a vital card. I would take either a Premier Ball or SP Radar out for it.
3 Sp radar is sick becuase you know that even if you prize one, you still have 2 to cyrus/draw into. The same thing with premier ball. I don’t like the idea of dropping your non-supporter search count to add to your supporter draw. Cyrus is a solid card (which is why I run 3 now instead of 2), but its basically a different tom hanks, which you never run 4 of. Yes cyrus has more benifits, but I don’t think those benifits warrant a 4th copy.
Very exciting article. It’s got me all hyped up. :)
I notice you have no Azelf in here. If either Blaziken FB Lv. X or Luxray GL Lv. X is prized and you don’t draw it within your first couple of KO’s, you’re done for.
I would play 4 Cyrus’s Conspiracy just for the chance of starting with it. By the fourth Cyrus I’d prefer searching for an Aaron’s or Cythia’s Feelings (which seems to be a natural fit with Blaziken).
lol thanks. As for azelf, I find it be alot like many of the other cards mentioned. Although it is probably needed on paper, even if you prize both, the odds of you drawing into it within the first 3 prizes are 33%, 40%, and then 50% respectively, which I don’t have time to math out exactly (I think its around 78% but just guessing really). The normal blaziken, luxray, and uxie level X should be enough to draw into 3 prizes without falling too far behind. In all honesty, I’ve prize luxray lvl X in alot of games, but I’ve never really needed it because I’ve either smoked the opponet or got wrecked way too fast. I think I’ve prized blaze once, and that game I got t2ed, so I’m not sure what usually happens if I do prize it.
WDIF makes a good point..you need that Azelf. You’re underestimating losing the Lv. X’s, which could result in an auto-loss if you don’t get lucky. Also, Toxicroak is waaaaay too good not to be used, and you can live off of 2 Crobat easily. I’d play 4 Cyrus also, as you can cycle them repeatedly like Castaway two years ago…get energy, p-turn, another Cyrus, etc. PlusPower is nice, but if you can Powerspray an Uxie or Claydol early, it solidifies the win.
Why people are not using Power Spray so much anymore is a huge mystery to me. The card wins games, and definitely benefits the mirror.
Also…
I think SP decks should all be running Vs Seeker now… it’s seeing success in Japan, and is BROKEN in an SP deck. It can turn 1 Aaron’s Collection into 2, 4 Cyrus into 6, 4 Roseanne’s into 7. Its usefulness and ability to use it and the Supporter you get in the same turn makes it like a Transceiver in the late game.
VS Seeker should really have 3-4 copies in SP decks now.
I think you’re right, VS Seeker seems incredible in SP decks. It honestly might eliminate the need for Claydol.
My thoughts as well. I’ve pretty much skipped to the “2-1 Uxie” phase in all of my SP decks.
And plus power doesn’t? Warp point doesn’t? Again, it’s not droppable and there is not enough to stop where they can’t recover from that stoppage (turn luxray to use it again, same with crobat, drop a second mespirit, etc.). As for vs seeker, you can’t search it out and in order for it to be effective at all, you need to have used the supporter you want to use. Its completely unreliable and there is no way to constantly fit it into decks. Dropping claydol for it is absolutely insane and will result in more donks, less draw, and a less smoother (ew) deck. There is no draw in this format. Period. Claydol allows you to save your bebe’s for later turns by letting you draw into the pokemon you need. VS seeker makes you waste your supporter drop to get your cards. If you don’t run claydol, what do you do for draw? People didn’t run it before, save for when you played a tech briney with pidgeot, so why would you play it now, when there is NO draw outside of cynthia’s (relying on drawing into a supporter nabbing card after you burned your supporter and lost a pokemon is not a good idea), rowan (makes some sense here, since you can keep it and then use rowan again next turn, but you’re only netting 4 new cards), claydol (which you’re tossing out), uxie/x (one time use), and the random draw 2/3 cards (which don’t see play for a reason: They’re terrible). I honestly don’t see why you would even want vs seeker in here. Using cyrus multiple times is okay, but without claydol, you’re going to net LESS sp cards over time, rather than more. Bebe’s is only nessicary in an sp deck to get your claydol, so if you don’t play it, then you won’t play bebe’s (or only a few at the most). Flint’s is a resonable tech that you may want to use multiple times, so I see the use here (but to play multiple flints and multiple vs seekers, which would be nessicary to really use this, without using claydol, is asking for a beatnig). Roseanne’s is a good pokemon search, but you DON’T need to use 4. You run 7 energy grabbers, so you shouldn’t be concerned about energy. As for basics, you run 4 roseanne’s, 3-4 sp radar, and a luxury ball. You can’t keep dropping uxies (who may or may not be getting sprayed as you drop them) and there is no draw in this format to support this card. Nobody played it when copy cat and steven’s were around. It is a decent card, but unless you’re really afriad/unprepared for a dying claydol here or there, there is no need to stack your deck full of a card that can easily backfire. Baltoy can be used as a draw card. VS seeker really can’t in this format. That’s sad. :/
You should also note in your article that Blaziken’s Burn effect on the first attack prevents all Poke-Powers. So if you drag up a Claydol with it to burn it, it can’t Cosmic Power, a HUGE blow to your opponent without having to waste a Bright Look.
X_X I kinda did, though not directly. “Blaze’s first attack stops Claydol in its tracks and unless they Unown G or Unown Q it before you attack it with Luring Flame (or if they have a Switch or Warp Point in hand), they will be stuck until it gets OHKOed next turn because of your Pokemon Body plus 30 damage.” Unless they td the warp, its going to most likely be stuck there. Same thing with any tech pokemon. The first attack makes blaziken truely a beast, as you can avoid using the big blast against a fattie and go after easy prizes instead, if you must. Its also great early game and I’m going to look into what other pokemon have such an attack.
Why people are not using Power Spray so much anymore is a huge mystery to me. The card wins games, and definitely benefits the mirror.
Also…
I think SP decks should all be running Vs Seeker now… it’s seeing success in Japan, and is BROKEN in an SP deck. It can turn 1 Aaron’s Collection into 2, 4 Cyrus into 6, 4 Roseanne’s into 7. Its usefulness and ability to use it and the Supporter you get in the same turn makes it like a Transceiver in the late game.
VS Seeker should really have 3-4 copies in SP decks now.
I think you’re right, VS Seeker seems incredible in SP decks. It honestly might eliminate the need for Claydol.
My thoughts as well. I’ve pretty much skipped to the “2-1 Uxie” phase in all of my SP decks.
And plus power doesn’t? Warp point doesn’t? Again, it’s not droppable and there is not enough to stop where they can’t recover from that stoppage (turn luxray to use it again, same with crobat, drop a second mespirit, etc.). As for vs seeker, you can’t search it out and in order for it to be effective at all, you need to have used the supporter you want to use. Its completely unreliable and there is no way to constantly fit it into decks. Dropping claydol for it is absolutely insane and will result in more donks, less draw, and a less smoother (ew) deck. There is no draw in this format. Period. Claydol allows you to save your bebe’s for later turns by letting you draw into the pokemon you need. VS seeker makes you waste your supporter drop to get your cards. If you don’t run claydol, what do you do for draw? People didn’t run it before, save for when you played a tech briney with pidgeot, so why would you play it now, when there is NO draw outside of cynthia’s (relying on drawing into a supporter nabbing card after you burned your supporter and lost a pokemon is not a good idea), rowan (makes some sense here, since you can keep it and then use rowan again next turn, but you’re only netting 4 new cards), claydol (which you’re tossing out), uxie/x (one time use), and the random draw 2/3 cards (which don’t see play for a reason: They’re terrible). I honestly don’t see why you would even want vs seeker in here. Using cyrus multiple times is okay, but without claydol, you’re going to net LESS sp cards over time, rather than more. Bebe’s is only nessicary in an sp deck to get your claydol, so if you don’t play it, then you won’t play bebe’s (or only a few at the most). Flint’s is a resonable tech that you may want to use multiple times, so I see the use here (but to play multiple flints and multiple vs seekers, which would be nessicary to really use this, without using claydol, is asking for a beatnig). Roseanne’s is a good pokemon search, but you DON’T need to use 4. You run 7 energy grabbers, so you shouldn’t be concerned about energy. As for basics, you run 4 roseanne’s, 3-4 sp radar, and a luxury ball. You can’t keep dropping uxies (who may or may not be getting sprayed as you drop them) and there is no draw in this format to support this card. Nobody played it when copy cat and steven’s were around. It is a decent card, but unless you’re really afriad/unprepared for a dying claydol here or there, there is no need to stack your deck full of a card that can easily backfire. Baltoy can be used as a draw card. VS seeker really can’t in this format. That’s sad. :/
You should also note in your article that Blaziken’s Burn effect on the first attack prevents all Poke-Powers. So if you drag up a Claydol with it to burn it, it can’t Cosmic Power, a HUGE blow to your opponent without having to waste a Bright Look.
X_X I kinda did, though not directly. “Blaze’s first attack stops Claydol in its tracks and unless they Unown G or Unown Q it before you attack it with Luring Flame (or if they have a Switch or Warp Point in hand), they will be stuck until it gets OHKOed next turn because of your Pokemon Body plus 30 damage.” Unless they td the warp, its going to most likely be stuck there. Same thing with any tech pokemon. The first attack makes blaziken truely a beast, as you can avoid using the big blast against a fattie and go after easy prizes instead, if you must. Its also great early game and I’m going to look into what other pokemon have such an attack.
Yoyofsho16 actually made a great point that I overlooked. When Blaziken FB brings out a benched pokemon with it’s first attack, most poke-powers are deemed useless. Therefore I think Power Spray isn’t really necessary in this deck since Claydol can’t do anything when it’s burned.
Pretty much my point exactly. What do you powerspray? Luxray? Blaze OHKOs luxray pretty easily, and the 30 drawback is absolutely cripping, espically against mirrior and with a card that can drag out. There is really no point in playing spray if your just going to stop that draw engine later on. Now there are cards that are not being played right now coughdusknoircough that you should probably pack power spray for in most situations, but what does dusknoir really do to blaze? They need to also g thier suprise dusknoir or else its going to be sent up and locked for the easy prize. Between luxray/OHKOing and drag-burn, you really don’t need powerspray and it can actually limit how many prizes you can gain from blaze before the 40 set-back becomes a huge disadvantage. When you play a rush deck, you don’t care about the novelty cards. You WANT to draw prizes. By t4, this deck should have a 2 prize lead, even if the opponet gets set-up. With a 2 prize lead and an attack that swings for a maximum 2 shot, you don’t care about powers. There is no power that is broken enough to really care about this disadvantage. Plus power lets you use luxray and nail benched stage 1s for the easy prizes if you don’t get blaze in play….blah blah blah. lol I’m done with this rant.
Yoyofsho16 actually made a great point that I overlooked. When Blaziken FB brings out a benched pokemon with it’s first attack, most poke-powers are deemed useless. Therefore I think Power Spray isn’t really necessary in this deck since Claydol can’t do anything when it’s burned.
Pretty much my point exactly. What do you powerspray? Luxray? Blaze OHKOs luxray pretty easily, and the 30 drawback is absolutely cripping, espically against mirrior and with a card that can drag out. There is really no point in playing spray if your just going to stop that draw engine later on. Now there are cards that are not being played right now *cough*dusknoir*cough* that you should probably pack power spray for in most situations, but what does dusknoir really do to blaze? They need to also g thier suprise dusknoir or else its going to be sent up and locked for the easy prize. Between luxray/OHKOing and drag-burn, you really don’t need powerspray and it can actually limit how many prizes you can gain from blaze before the 40 set-back becomes a huge disadvantage. When you play a rush deck, you don’t care about the novelty cards. You WANT to draw prizes. By t4, this deck should have a 2 prize lead, even if the opponet gets set-up. With a 2 prize lead and an attack that swings for a maximum 2 shot, you don’t care about powers. There is no power that is broken enough to really care about this disadvantage. Plus power lets you use luxray and nail benched stage 1s for the easy prizes if you don’t get blaze in play….blah blah blah. lol I’m done with this rant.
yeah i don’t see how claydol can benefit right now in sp decks 2/1 uxie is a better alternative in this fast format. I agree with yoyofsho and adam, claydol is just having trouble right now in sp decks.
the biggest downfall with the uxie engine is that you might not hit your first cyrus until 4 turns, in which then you might be behind. Without claydols it is harder to put trainers away, and poltergiest from gengar just gets more powerful.
1/1 claydol and 2 uxie is a possibility but then you’d have to run 1-2 bebe’s.
What VS Seeker count have you been trying yoyofsho, adam, rest of you guys??????
I think 3 VS Seeker and 1 Bebe is good.
You are right that Gengar becomes much better against a deck without Claydol, definitely something to watch out for.
I am running 2-1 uxie, so why is ADDING draw not viable, espicially when uxie allows claydol to get up faster? If you want to play vs seeker, you pretty much have to play claydol in order to draw into said supporters and vs seekers. And relying on sp radar as your only search in an sp deck without claydol is asking for hand trouble. Usually tossing in a card is no big deal but unless you run ssu, you’re bench will become pretty horrible fast if you are forced to continually drop uxies for draw.
If you can cycle Cyrus’s, you should have no trouble draw-wise…I suppose it’s getting the first Cyrus. Claydol is a pain because only Bebe and Luxury can search it out, and even when it finally appears it’s an immediate easy target for a KO or to stick active and bench-snipe. I think you may just have to run some more pure draw, simply rely on the available engine to get going. Claydol simply does not work in every deck, albeit rarely.
yeah i don’t see how claydol can benefit right now in sp decks 2/1 uxie is a better alternative in this fast format. I agree with yoyofsho and adam, claydol is just having trouble right now in sp decks.
the biggest downfall with the uxie engine is that you might not hit your first cyrus until 4 turns, in which then you might be behind. Without claydols it is harder to put trainers away, and poltergiest from gengar just gets more powerful.
1/1 claydol and 2 uxie is a possibility but then you’d have to run 1-2 bebe’s.
What VS Seeker count have you been trying yoyofsho, adam, rest of you guys??????
I think 3 VS Seeker and 1 Bebe is good.
You are right that Gengar becomes much better against a deck without Claydol, definitely something to watch out for.
I am running 2-1 uxie, so why is ADDING draw not viable, espicially when uxie allows claydol to get up faster? If you want to play vs seeker, you pretty much have to play claydol in order to draw into said supporters and vs seekers. And relying on sp radar as your only search in an sp deck without claydol is asking for hand trouble. Usually tossing in a card is no big deal but unless you run ssu, you’re bench will become pretty horrible fast if you are forced to continually drop uxies for draw.
If you can cycle Cyrus’s, you should have no trouble draw-wise…I suppose it’s getting the first Cyrus. Claydol is a pain because only Bebe and Luxury can search it out, and even when it finally appears it’s an immediate easy target for a KO or to stick active and bench-snipe. I think you may just have to run some more pure draw, simply rely on the available engine to get going. Claydol simply does not work in every deck, albeit rarely.
Wow, what an interesting idea, one reason I see this deck crippling and falling apart would be because the lack of Azelf.
This whole deck is relying primarily on this “cheap-OHKO prize” ideal with the pluspowers and all, but all you need is for a Luxray GL X or Blaziken FB X to be prized, and the deck does absolutely NOTHING!!!
Too many times in peoples playing styles do they think they’ll “just get lucky” and bypass this thing, when there’s a 1/10 percent chance (6 prize cards, 60 card deck) you will not get what you need.
This 1/10 percent chance is something you can’t face if you’re playing competitively.
I really think this deck needs 3 Power Sprays, all SP decks in my opinion.
Along with 4 Cyrus Conspiracy.
Maybe a Luxury ball out for another Aarons?
Great idea though, just think it’s a little too full throttle with the OHKO-plusppower thing and not enough cliche SP powerspray stuff going on is all. =)
1) Your percents are all wrong. lol. I forget how you actually determine what are the odds of prizing one card, but you first have to factor in not opening with it in your hand and then determine what are the odds of getting it in one of your six prizes. And even going with your much, much higher percentage (I think its realy about 4% but idk where the pojo article is), thats going to happen on average (which is what we’re using, which means it can happen 0 times or every time) of 1 time a tourny (5 Rounds of swiss, 9 games of top cut=14).
2) This is a battle roads deck, meaning the tournies are small and one lose will not kill your rating or chance to top cut still. Even if prizing one of them is an auto-lose (hasn’t happened when I prized luxray yet and haven’t prized blaze yet so idk about him), you just have to win out at a battle roads, which usually isn’t that hard (so says the guy who hasn’t won a br yet and lost his invite to Hawaii because of them).
3) Althouh already mentioned, prizing luxray does NOT result in an auto-lose. I’ve won entire matches without even using luxray, even when it wasn’t prized. Plus whose to say what really happens durning the match? Because of plus power and crobat, this list can draw into prizes very easily and therefore can donk an opponet and get “lucky” and draw into one of the prized good guys early game (1/6 chance, then 1/5, then 1/4…). It is because of plus power that luxray is able to win games by himself and draw into infernape if he is ever prized.
4) Playing powerspray is entirely optional in this deck (I don’t think the deck needs it but would like to have a few in here if there was room) and I already feel that 4 cyrus’ is too many, and dropping better bebe’s for another aaron’s is…..idk just bad really. I think this deck has plenty of recovery and if anything, I would probably drop a premier ball for the mentioned azelf (though I haven’t found prizes to be a problem yet).
5) Full-throttle is what blaziken is all about. Go in there, smash faces, shake hands, walk away. lol Because blaziken can OHKO alot of guys with just one attack, you want to ensure that he can OHKO any guy with one attack at least once. Because he can beat up non-ged dols without the help of luxray, you want to have that option to explode on the opponet at the right time to seal the match against alot of decks (really the ones that take 2+ energy).
Wow, what an interesting idea, one reason I see this deck crippling and falling apart would be because the lack of Azelf.
This whole deck is relying primarily on this “cheap-OHKO prize” ideal with the pluspowers and all, but all you need is for a Luxray GL X or Blaziken FB X to be prized, and the deck does absolutely NOTHING!!!
Too many times in peoples playing styles do they think they’ll “just get lucky” and bypass this thing, when there’s a 1/10 percent chance (6 prize cards, 60 card deck) you will not get what you need.
This 1/10 percent chance is something you can’t face if you’re playing competitively.
I really think this deck needs 3 Power Sprays, all SP decks in my opinion.
Along with 4 Cyrus Conspiracy.
Maybe a Luxury ball out for another Aarons?
Great idea though, just think it’s a little too full throttle with the OHKO-plusppower thing and not enough cliche SP powerspray stuff going on is all. =)
1) Your percents are all wrong. lol. I forget how you actually determine what are the odds of prizing one card, but you first have to factor in not opening with it in your hand and then determine what are the odds of getting it in one of your six prizes. And even going with your much, much higher percentage (I think its realy about 4% but idk where the pojo article is), thats going to happen on average (which is what we’re using, which means it can happen 0 times or every time) of 1 time a tourny (5 Rounds of swiss, 9 games of top cut=14).
2) This is a battle roads deck, meaning the tournies are small and one lose will not kill your rating or chance to top cut still. Even if prizing one of them is an auto-lose (hasn’t happened when I prized luxray yet and haven’t prized blaze yet so idk about him), you just have to win out at a battle roads, which usually isn’t that hard (so says the guy who hasn’t won a br yet and lost his invite to Hawaii because of them).
3) Althouh already mentioned, prizing luxray does NOT result in an auto-lose. I’ve won entire matches without even using luxray, even when it wasn’t prized. Plus whose to say what really happens durning the match? Because of plus power and crobat, this list can draw into prizes very easily and therefore can donk an opponet and get “lucky” and draw into one of the prized good guys early game (1/6 chance, then 1/5, then 1/4…). It is because of plus power that luxray is able to win games by himself and draw into infernape if he is ever prized.
4) Playing powerspray is entirely optional in this deck (I don’t think the deck needs it but would like to have a few in here if there was room) and I already feel that 4 cyrus’ is too many, and dropping better bebe’s for another aaron’s is…..idk just bad really. I think this deck has plenty of recovery and if anything, I would probably drop a premier ball for the mentioned azelf (though I haven’t found prizes to be a problem yet).
5) Full-throttle is what blaziken is all about. Go in there, smash faces, shake hands, walk away. lol Because blaziken can OHKO alot of guys with just one attack, you want to ensure that he can OHKO any guy with one attack at least once. Because he can beat up non-ged dols without the help of luxray, you want to have that option to explode on the opponet at the right time to seal the match against alot of decks (really the ones that take 2+ energy).
I agree with Aoi, though, in that playing a list without Azelf nor Power Spray is not a wise decision. Power Spray can win games easily, and I’m not sure any SP deck should not play them. Also, Azelf is not only good for getting Pokemon, but knowing your prizes as well…in Gardy/Gallade that was yet another advantage.
I agree with Aoi, though, in that playing a list without Azelf nor Power Spray is not a wise decision. Power Spray can win games easily, and I’m not sure any SP deck should not play them. Also, Azelf is not only good for getting Pokemon, but knowing your prizes as well…in Gardy/Gallade that was yet another advantage.
This is shockingly similar to my list. However, on a straight SP deck, I think maxing out SP Radar is important… I’ll also be running 2x Power Spray and an additional Luxray GL Lv.X.
Overall, this will be the deck to beat in fall BRs.
This is shockingly similar to my list. However, on a straight SP deck, I think maxing out SP Radar is important… I’ll also be running 2x Power Spray and an additional Luxray GL Lv.X.
Overall, this will be the deck to beat in fall BRs.
Interesting list, I’ve never considered pluspowers in this deck.
I found this list on a japanese site some weeks ago.
Pokemon:16
3: Blaziken FB
1: Blaziken FB LV.X
3: Luxray GL
1: Luxray GL LV.X
2: Unown G
2: Uxie
2: Uxie LV.X
2: Crobat G
Trainer:36
2: Mysterious Pearl
1: Night Maintenence
4: Roseanne
2: Premier Ball
4: Power Spray
4: Energy Gain
4: Poketurn
4: Cyrus
4: SP Radar
3: Volkner
3: Underground Expedition
1: Aaron
Energy:8
3: Lightning energy
3: Fire energy
2: SP energy
The first thing I did was to replace the pearls with 1 lucario gl and 1 azelf.
There is also room for a 1-1 garchomp or dialga.
I’m not sure if this will be the deck to beat at battle roads, we saw this deck do well in the japanese junior division, but in masters there was another sp variant.
Interesting list, I’ve never considered pluspowers in this deck.
I found this list on a japanese site some weeks ago.
Pokemon:16
3: Blaziken FB
1: Blaziken FB LV.X
3: Luxray GL
1: Luxray GL LV.X
2: Unown G
2: Uxie
2: Uxie LV.X
2: Crobat G
Trainer:36
2: Mysterious Pearl
1: Night Maintenence
4: Roseanne
2: Premier Ball
4: Power Spray
4: Energy Gain
4: Poketurn
4: Cyrus
4: SP Radar
3: Volkner
3: Underground Expedition
1: Aaron
Energy:8
3: Lightning energy
3: Fire energy
2: SP energy
The first thing I did was to replace the pearls with 1 lucario gl and 1 azelf.
There is also room for a 1-1 garchomp or dialga.
I’m not sure if this will be the deck to beat at battle roads, we saw this deck do well in the japanese junior division, but in masters there was another sp variant.
That list looks crazy. Definately has too much draw really (ik hard to believe but the draw carsd are taking up room from other cards, like warp point and a few more energy), but otherwise looks really solid. I haven’t played this deck in weeks so I won’t be really posting any more updates to this deck (pretty much moved on to either flygon, houchkrow, or porygon). But I would definately test this deck out, just to know what the opponet will be doing against YOUR deck, no matter what you pick.
That list looks crazy. Definately has too much draw really (ik hard to believe but the draw carsd are taking up room from other cards, like warp point and a few more energy), but otherwise looks really solid. I haven’t played this deck in weeks so I won’t be really posting any more updates to this deck (pretty much moved on to either flygon, houchkrow, or porygon). But I would definately test this deck out, just to know what the opponet will be doing against YOUR deck, no matter what you pick.
Very nice article:)
i was actually trying to make up my mind on a deck for this season and this seems great.
thanks:D
Very nice article:)
i was actually trying to make up my mind on a deck for this season and this seems great.
thanks:D
Not bad I was thinking of making a deck based on blaziken fb lv.x and charizard g lv.x
Not bad I was thinking of making a deck based on blaziken fb lv.x and charizard g lv.x
I have been playing a variant of this deck. I chose to play a 1-1 Ninetails (Color Shift) to account for Mewtwo LV X. In the Northeast here, lots of folks are playing a 1-1 Mewtwo to counter the SPs.
Thanks
I have been playing a variant of this deck. I chose to play a 1-1 Ninetails (Color Shift) to account for Mewtwo LV X. In the Northeast here, lots of folks are playing a 1-1 Mewtwo to counter the SPs.
Thanks
we need blaze/blaze fb article. t2 120 dmg, possibly 140 with burn.
we need blaze/blaze fb article. t2 120 dmg, possibly 140 with burn.
Yeah, but you would essentially have to god hand it all. Kingdra and Palkia G will keep Blaziken FB in balance…
Yeah, but you would essentially have to god hand it all. Kingdra and Palkia G will keep Blaziken FB in balance…
One of the best decks, if you put in ifernape t x it’s even better.
I mean ifernape ‘4’ lv. x
One of the best decks, if you put in ifernape t x it’s even better.
I mean ifernape ‘4’ lv. x
I dont see any power sprays, you still need them for uxies that your opponent uses.
I dont see any power sprays, you still need them for uxies that your opponent uses.
good idea but the deck could be improved but i love it!
8/10
good idea but the deck could be improved but i love it!
8/10
Wonderful blog! I truly love how it’s uncomplicated on my eyes and the details is well written. I am wondering how I can be notified whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your rss feed which should do the trick! Have a nice day!Also welcome to my website.-Cheap GHD
Nice Information.
You have got really good posts there, Appreciate it, I find this is genuinely helpful. I have quite enjoyed looking through your content. Just marvelous what you have done here.
When I recently discovered your website and started following along, I was thinking I’d post my very first comment. I don’t know just what to say except that I genuinely liked reading through. Great writings. I’ll continue visiting this website more often.
I observed your site via search engine several moment ago, and luckily, this really is the only information I was looking for the last hours
This is really a very great read for me, Must admit you’re a single in the best bloggers I ever saw.Thanks for posting this informative article.
Wow! I can’t believe I have found your blog. Very useful information.
Sehr viel, wie Sie Ihren Artikel, der Hoffnung mehr Bemühungen um eine bessere Inhalte zu schreiben. cheap cell phones
I must say, as a lot as I enjoyed reading what you had to say, I couldnt support but lose interest following a while. Its as in case you had a great grasp on the subject matter, but you forgot to include your readers. Possibly you should think of this from more than 1 angle. Or perhaps you shouldnt generalise so very much. Its greater should you think about what other people may have to say rather than just going for any gut reaction towards the theme. Think about adjusting your own thought procedure and giving others who may possibly read this the benefit with the doubt.
your style is pimpin
I’m really enjoying the weblog, and wish this, as well as the excellent article some other people have written, will help somebody
Couldn’t be written any better dan dis. Skimming through this post brings to mind my old room colleague! She continuously kept blabbing about this.
ohh good data thank you admin Sesli chat