Unconventional Moves Lead to #2 Rank in Pokémon Gen 9 Competitive!
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Unconventional Moveset of Clire
- The Purpose of Poison Sting and Bulldoze
- The Unique Stat Spread
- The Role of Gcore in the Team
- The Importance of Poison Jab
- Countering Terrakion and Clefable
- The Use of Stealth Rock and Rapid Spin
- The Strength of the Stall Team
- Conclusion
The Unique Stall Team That Reached Number Two on the Ladder 💯
In the world of competitive Pokémon battles, there are certain moves that are often overlooked and considered non-viable. Poison Sting and Bulldoze are two such moves that have found little use, especially outside of the main games. However, there is a team in the Generation 9 competitive scene that defies convention and reaches unprecedented heights. This team, created by the player Super G Money, features a Clire using both Poison Sting and Bulldoze, along with the rarely seen Poison Jab. Let's dive into the details of this unconventional team and explore how it managed to secure the second spot on the ladder.
The Unconventional Moveset of Clire 🎯
When it comes to choosing moves for Clire, most players opt for Toxic and Earthquake as they are considered standard choices. But Super G Money's Clire takes a different approach by utilizing Poison Sting and Bulldoze. The high PP of Poison Sting (56) allows Clire to outlast opponents who heavily rely on moves such as Calm Mind plus Agility and Iron Defense. Moreover, Poison Sting has a 30% chance to inflict Poison on the opponent without making contact, making it an ideal move for Clire to spam without the fear of getting burned or hurt by Rocky Helmet users. Bulldoze, on the other hand, offers good damage against targets like Gastrodon and Corviknight. Since Clire is not particularly strong in physical attacks, the damage drop-off is not significant.
The Purpose of Poison Sting and Bulldoze 💢
Poison Sting and Bulldoze serve a specific purpose in Super G Money's team. Poison Sting's high PP allows Clire to counter stall powerhouses and inflict status conditions on opponents. It proves to be effective against Pokemon like Hatterene and Iron Defense users. Additionally, Poison Sting cannot be shut down by Taunt users like Grimmsnarl. On the other hand, Bulldoze provides Clire with a move that rivals the power of Earthquake while still dealing decent damage to targets such as Golisopod and Corviknight. The combination of Poison Sting and Bulldoze allows Clire to handle specific threats effectively.
The Unique Stat Spread 📊
Super G Money's Clire features an unorthodox stat spread that deviates from the traditional sets. The purpose of this Amnesia Clire is to wall special attackers that Clefable struggles to handle. This includes threats like Nihilego on Rain teams, Grimmsnarl, and potential Trick Room setters. By using Amnesia, Clire can easily absorb Special hits and increase its overall Special Bulk. With this stat distribution, Clire minimizes the need for high Special Attack as it can increase its power through Amnesia. This unique stat spread allows Clire to take on a variety of Psychic-type Pokemon, even before using its Terrain move.
The Role of Gcore in the Team ⚔️
While Clire takes the spotlight in this team, Gcore plays a crucial role as well. Its unconventional move choice of Poison Jab over Toxic is an essential part of countering certain threats. Poison Jab, unlike Toxic, poses a significant threat to Pokemon like Toxapex, as it not only deals super effective damage but also has a 30% chance to inflict Poison. This greatly reduces their durability and gives Clire and Blissey an edge in battle. Poison Jab also proves to be effective against Clefable, a Pokemon that is annoying for stall teams due to its immunity to status and hazards. Furthermore, Poison Jab forces Clefable to use Moonlight more often, slowly wearing the opponent down. With more PP than Toxic, Gcore can also stall opposing Gcores effectively.
Countering Terrakion and Clefable 🔒
Terrakion and Clefable are two formidable threats that stall teams often struggle to handle. However, Super G Money's team has a solution for these challenges. The inclusion of Poison Jab on Gcore allows it to threaten Terrakion, which would otherwise safely switch in and block Gcore from setting up Spikes. The move not only deals super effective damage but also has a chance to poison Terrakion, making it less durable. This move choice also improves the matchup against Clefable, a Pokemon that stall teams find particularly difficult to deal with. Poison Jab forces Clefable to use Moonlight more frequently and wear down its own PP.
The Use of Stealth Rock and Rapid Spin 🌪️
Stealth Rock and Rapid Spin are essential tools in the stall team's arsenal. Stealth Rock helps wear down the opponent's team by inflicting residual damage on switch-ins. On the other hand, Rapid Spin is used to remove hazards from the field, such as Stealth Rock, Spikes, and Toxic Spikes, which can cripple stall teams. Super G Money's team utilizes these moves strategically to gain an advantage in battle. It's worth noting that Gcore utilizes its ability, St Ghost, to block Rapid Spin attempts, thus preserving the team's hazards and maintaining control over the battlefield.
The Strength of the Stall Team 💪
Stall teams are often dreaded by many players, but there's no denying their effectiveness. Super G Money's team showcases the power of stall strategies in the current metagame. By utilizing unique movesets, clever stat spreads, and strategic choices, this stall team managed to reach as high as the second spot on the ladder. If you're curious to try this team and learn more about its matchups and building process, Super G Money provides an in-depth analysis and threat breakdown in a Smoke and Threat video, which you can find linked below.
Conclusion 🏆
In the world of competitive Pokémon battles, innovation and thinking outside of the box can lead to tremendous success. Super G Money's stall team featuring an unconventional Clire moveset has demonstrated the potential of overlooked moves and unique approaches. This team's impressive performance on the ladder serves as a testament to the power of adaptation and creativity in the ever-evolving competitive scene. So, if you're looking to shake things up and surprise your opponents, why not give this stall team a try?
Highlights:
- Unconventional movesets can bring success in competitive battles.
- Poison Sting and Bulldoze prove to be effective choices for Clire.
- Unique stat spread enhances Clire's ability to wall special attackers.
- Gcore's Poison Jab provides an edge against Terrakion and Clefable.
- Strategic use of Stealth Rock and Rapid Spin improves team performance.
- Stall teams can be formidable and reach high rankings on the ladder.
FAQ:
Q: What makes this stall team unique?
A: The team features a Clire using Poison Sting and Bulldoze, along with the rarely seen Poison Jab. This combination allows for versatile strategies and counters specific threats.
Q: How does Poison Sting help Clire?
A: Poison Sting's high PP allows Clire to beat stall powerhouses and inflict poison on opponents. It works particularly well against Calm Mind plus Agility and Iron Defense users.
Q: Why is Poison Jab important in this team?
A: Poison Jab on Gcore threatens Terrakion and Clefable, two threats that stall teams struggle against. It deals super effective damage and has a chance to poison, reducing their durability.
Q: What is the role of Gcore in the team?
A: Gcore plays a crucial role in countering specific threats. Its Poison Jab choice allows it to take down Toxapex, threaten Clefable, and provide support against Terrakion.
Q: How does the team handle hazards?
A: The team utilizes Stealth Rock to wear down the opponent's team and Rapid Spin to remove hazards. Gcore's ability, St Ghost, blocks Rapid Spin attempts, ensuring the team's hazards remain intact.
