Reports

Published on November 19th, 2014 | by GreySong

5

You’re Too Slow: A Regional Finalist and Top 16 LCQ Team Analysis

Hello readers! My name is Greyson Garren, but I go by simply as GreySong on the forums. I first got my feet wet back in 2006 when the Journey Across America series was traveling all over the United States, but it wasn’t until late 2009/early 2010 that I became inspired to get better at the game from watching the Senior World Finals. My most notable accomplishment was placing 5th at the US National Championships in 2011, and following that up with a 3-3, 18th place finish at the World Championships. Earlier this year, I competed in the 2014 Winter Regionals in St. Louis and the 2014 Spring Regionals located in Kansas City and Madison, where I was able to place 4th, 2nd, and 11th respectively. Unfortunately, I was unable to Top Cut Nationals this year, which was necessary for me to earn my second Worlds invite. With the $300 I earned for being in the top 16 in Championship Points going into Nationals, I was able to pay for my plane ticket to Washington D.C., where I had my eyes set on the Last Chance Qualifier. I decided to give this team one last chance to redeem itself in D.C., and I knew it would still be successful despite the metagame evolving throughout the year. I felt confident and comfortable with the team, and in the end I placed Top 16 at the Last Chance Qualifier. The EVs remained the same throughout the season up until the Last Chance Qualifier, so I will be writing about the final version of the team.

The Team

kangaskhan-mega
Kangaskhan @ Kangaskhanite
Ability: Scrappy > Parental Bond
EVs: 84 HP / 204 Atk / 28 Def / 4 SpD / 188 Spe
Adamant Nature
– Return
– Protect
– Power-Up Punch
– Sucker Punch

Kangaskhan was an obvious choice to me, mainly due to its massive impact on the metagame. It’s also my favorite Pokémon from RBY, so how could I resist? In the first months of the metagame, most Kangaskhan were using Fake Out, with Protect being far rarer. I thought giving mine Protect would not only confuse my opponent and allow me to deflect incoming Fake Outs, but it also ended up allowed Kangaskhan to last much longer on the field. When I first used it, Protect was extremely successful in luring attacks. Later on, many more players knew about Protect Kangaskhan, but despite that, I continued to use Protect, and it has continued to be successful. The rest of the attacks are standard staples on Mega Kangaskhan.

While most Kangaskhan were running bog-standard Jolly spreads, I decided to build my Kangaskhan more defensively, adding more Attack and bulk while cutting out excessive speed. During my Regionals run, I ran 252 Attack and 156 Speed. This allowed it to outspeed maximum Speed Smeargle. Before the Last Chance Qualifier I decided that maximum Attack investment was unnecessary due to Power-Up-Punch, and my friend David Mancuso (Mancuso) agreed. I chose to add a few more points of Speed instead. This gives Kangaskhan the ability to outspeed Mega Blastoise, a threat that started to see play after Simon Yip (Simon) and Randy Kwa (R Inanimate) used it successfully. The Defense EVs allow it to survive Hammer Arm from opposing Kangaskhan 15 out of 16 times.

gardevoir
Gardevoir @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Trace
EVs: 28 HP / 108 Def / 132 SpA / 4 SpD / 236 Spe
Modest Nature
– Moonblast
– Psychic
– Thunderbolt
– Dazzling Gleam

When I read about the powerful Garchomp/Salamence duo that was very common in Japan, I decided that I needed a powerful Fairy-type. My immediate answer was Choice Scarf Gardevoir. Despite all of the hate, I found it to be an extremely strong asset for my team. Her great Special Attack allowed her to deal tons of damage to her opponents even without a boosting item, so Choice Specs or Life Orb were unnecessary. With a Choice Scarf, Gardevoir also allowed me to outspeed certain threats outside of Tailwind. Likely due to Gardevoir, I did not have a single problem with Garchomp over the entire season. Gardevoir ability, Trace, allowed it to pull off some massive shenanigans. Learning that Trace could not copy Stance Change allowed me to strategically copy a necessary ability. My favorite use of Trace was to copy Parental Bond from Mega Kangaskhan, which provided a significant offensive boost.

Moonblast and Psychic were standard choices, and Dazzling Gleam was just a reliable spread move should I ever need it. Thunderbolt was an odd choice, but it gave Gardevoir the ability to pick up a surprise KO on Gyarados and dealt decent damage to Mega Charizard Y and Talonflame. Although Shadow Ball would have given it the ability to damage Aegislash, I felt I could defeat the sword with my other Pokémon. In a pinch, Gardevoir could also provide chip damage on Aegislash to allow Hydreigon’s Dark Pulse to pick up the KO.

The EV spread was given to me by my very good friend Biosci. It allowed Gardevoir to withstand Life Orb Talonflame’s Brave Bird 70% of the time. As an aside, the spread also can withstand a +2 Tyranitar Rock Slide roughly 70% of the time. Before LCQ, Gardevoir’s spread was designed to outspeed Timid Noivern, but after unexpectedly running into Weavile at Nationals, I decided to invest the additional Speed to outspeed it.

hydreigon
Hydreigon @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 44 HP / 36 Def / 220 SpA / 4 SpD / 204 Spe
Modest Nature
– Draco Meteor
– Protect
– Fire Blast
– Dark Pulse

Hydreigon proved to be an absolute monster throughout my VGC 2014 season. It provided amazing coverage, as it was able to hit many different Pokémon super effectively. Ironically, Hydreigon’s most important purpose was to deal with Mawile, as it was able to cleanly remove 252 HP Mawile with a Fire Blast. Dark Pulse dealt with Aegislash—it wasn’t an OHKO, but it came close enough that chip damage could pick up the knockout. Hydreigon also helped to stop otherwise annoying Pokémon such as Meowstic, and also took care of Ferrothorn, Trevenant, and Gourgeist, Pokémon that I would otherwise be unable to deal with. I chose Life Orb since I felt that two Choice items would put me at a disadvantage, and it worked out well.

Like Kangaskhan, Hydreigon originally used a spread with maximum Special Attack and enough Speed to outspeed Smeargle. Mancuso suggested that it didn’t require all of that power, and that I should invest more EVs into bulk and Speed. As such, I designed a spread that would outspeed Mega Blastoise. The HP and Defense EVs allowed Hydreigon to comfortably take a Dragon Claw from Jolly Garchomp.

talonflame

Talonflame @ Focus Sash
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
– Brave Bird
– Tailwind
– Quick Guard
– Will-O-Wisp

The glue that held the team together. Support Talonflame was actually a product of my goofing off with my friend, Uncle Taint. It was originally a purely damage-oriented Pokémon, but I thought it would be helpful to add Will-O-Wisp and Tailwind into the mix since I never used Flare Blitz. After the change, I started winning game after game after game, and I knew I had a monster in my hands. The difference between choosing support Talonflame and a similar Pokémon such as Aerodactyl came down to the move Will-O-Wisp. Will-O-Wisp gave Talonflame a great option to cripple the physical attackers that ran amok this season, most notably Kangaskhan, Garchomp and Mawile. It also provided decent residual damage over time. Quick Guard blocked moves such as Fake Out, Prankster-boosted status moves, and Brave Bird from opposing Talonflame. Tailwind proved to be extremely beneficial for the team. In a role similar to that of Tornadus from VGC 2011, Talonflame could immediately use Tailwind before opponents attacked. Even if Talonflame failed to do anything else, the Tailwind it set up was massively useful. It is truly horrifying to face a Mega Kangaskhan and a Hydreigon that are faster than your Choice Scarf Salamence. As the metagame evolved, Tailwind helped me counter the powerful Rain teams that started to see play, as it essentially matched their Speed boost from Swift Swim and allowed me to outspeed opposing Ludicolo and Kingdra.

I decided to use a very simple EV spread for Talonflame. Due to its fraility, I decided to use a Focus Sash on Talonflame. This gave it the capability to perform its various support roles more effectively. If I felt that the Sash was unnecessary, I could just choose to use Brave Bird instead. Once Talonflame was at 1 HP, I had the option of either setting up Tailwind or going out with a Brave Bird. Support Talonflame created a lot of mindgames on the battlefield, and I’m so happy that its set proved to be extremely successful.

amoonguss
Amoonguss @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 196 HP / 180 Def / 132 SpD
IVs: 0 Spe
Relaxed Nature
– Giga Drain
– Protect
– Rage Powder
– Spore

Although this slot was originally a Ferrothorn, my friends JiveTime and TheBattleRoom showed me how necessary Amoonguss was for this team. I took their advice and switched Ferrothorn for Amoonguss at the last minute before St. Louis Regionals. I haven’t looked back, as its Rage Powder and Spore support has proven invaluable. Sitrus Berry gave Amoonguss significantly better longetivity. I’ve always loved physically defensive Amoonguss, and this spread in particular can take attacks as powerful as a +6 Play Rough from Azumarill. Despite my failure to optimize the spread for Tailwind, I felt that this Amoonguss was very successful at its job, and I’m glad I made the change.

rotom-wash
Rotom-Wash @ Chesto Berry
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 84 Def / 36 SpA / 132 SpD / 4 Spe
Calm Nature
– Thunderbolt
– Will-O-Wisp
– Rest
– Hydro Pump

Rotom was another excellent support Pokémon for the team. It provided Will-O-Wisp if I couldn’t bring Talonflame, and Rotom helped deal with threats such as Rotom-Heat, Aerodactyl, and Mega Charizard Y. The “ChestoRest” moveset was inspired by Babbytron’s Worlds-winning Rotom-Wash. Rest had the potential to pull me out of tough situations where Sitrus Berry would not have been nearly as helpful. The defensive EVs allowed Rotom to take a Solar Beam from Modest Mega Charizard Y 15 out of 16 times, while the Special Attack EVs allowed it to OHKO Talonflame with Thunderbolt after any recoil damage. Overall, Rotom-Wash was a fantastic Pokémon that helped cover the remaining weaknesses that the team had.

Team Combinations

kangaskhan-mega + talonflame

This was my most commonly used lead option during the Swiss rounds. Many of my opponents would focus their attention on Kangaskhan, worrying about a potential Fake Out or Power-Up Punch. Meanwhile, Talonflame would be able to freely set up Tailwind. Getting Tailwind set up causes most games to turn in my favor, as it brings massive offensive pressure in the form of incredible Speed.

kangaskhan-mega + amoonguss

When I felt that Amoonguss would be a relatively safe lead, I often used this combination. This was my answer to various rain teams, as well as teams that couldn’t threaten Amoonguss or were very slow. Against teams of these natures, Amoonguss was free to spam Rage Powder and Spore while Kangaskhan started setting up with Power-Up Punch. This combination is very nostalgic for me, as it is extremely similar to a combination I used with my Worlds team from 2011 that involved Amoonguss and a physical Swords Dance Samurott.

hydreigon + amoonguss

This was my anti-Trick Room lead. The majority of Trick Room users (Trevenant, Gourgeist, and Meowstic to name a few) are weak to Dark Pulse, and Mawile, the most common Trick Room sweeper, was weak to Fire Blast. Due to this, I felt that Hydreigon was the perfect team member to lead with Amoonguss.

Closing Thoughts

Overall, I felt that I was very comfortable with how this team worked. Despite my attempts to make different teams, I always found myself returning to this one due to its success. It was able to adapt to the constantly changing metagame, and such a quality is fairly unique. This season has easily become one of my favorite VGC seasons, and I far exceeded my expectations. Although in the end I wasn’t able to earn my second Worlds invite, this setback only motivates me to continue to do my very best and to work even harder next season. This year was a perfect stepping stone for that goal, and I’m very happy with the accomplishments I was able to achieve with this team.

Thank You!

  • Tommy (TMan) and David (Mancuso): My brothers. Thank you for being by my side and believing in me whenever I had doubts. Whether it was for practice, to adjust EVs, or for metagame advice, you guys were always there for me. I enjoyed sharing team ideas with you guys, and I can’t wait to hang with you guys again at Nationals!
  • Tom (TheGr8): We’ve been best friends since Nationals in 2012, and I feel like I’ve gotten stronger every day since then. You’ve always been there for me whenever I needed someone to talk to, and I wouldn’t have made it far in the LCQ without that motivational speech you gave me. Thank you, for helping me become stronger not only as a player, but as an individual.
  • Rhyder: I’ve known you since Tom introduced us way back in 2012, and it’s a shame we couldn’t finally meet until Worlds this year. You’re such a cool guy to hang out with, and I really hope you can come to more events in the future.
  • Matthew (mattj): Thank you my friend, for introducing me to the competitive side of Pokémon. Back in 2009, when you and I fought in the finals of that 2009 VGC tournament in SerebiiForums, you told me that I had enough potential to make it to Worlds one day. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be typing this article out today. Also, thank you so much for allowing Brady and I to spend the night at your house the night before St. Louis Regionals. Your family was such a joy to meet, and I hope to see you guys again next season.
  • Kevin (UncleTaint), Adib, (honchkro13), and the rest of the Poke-Pokes crew: Kevin, thank you so much for helping me build this team from the bottom up to what it is now. It’s too bad you had to experience our results first hand at St. Louis, but I’m so happy we were able to create something that was so successful. Adib, thank you so much for letting me stay with you at Worlds. You are such a kind individual, along with the rest of you guys. Those Multi Battles we had at Worlds were insane and amazing, witnessing the glory that is Ariados. I hope we can continue hanging out in future competitions!
  • Jonathan (MrEobo), Keegan (Darkness), and the rest of the Michigan players: Thank you guys for being able to pick me up to help take me to Kansas City and Madison. Kansas City was the greatest, buying Yu-Gi-Oh cards at Collector’s Cache and just passing the time at the Salvation Army while we wait to check into our rooms. These are memories I cherish, and I want us to create more memories in the seasons to come. Also, don’t worry Jonathan. We will have our duel eventually. 😉
  • Michael (JiveTime), Collin (TheBattleRoom), and William (Biosci): Thank you guys for showing me what last minute changes I needed to make for my team to truly make it complete. We need to hang out more in the future.
  • Brianna (TR Jessie): Thank you so much for the shiny Talonflame!
  • Brady (Styrofoameon): Man, thank you so much for picking me up so we could go to St. Louis. If it had not have been for you, I wouldn’t have started this season the way I did. I hope you can continue attending these events in the future so we can hang out more.
  • Osamu and Yohei from Japan: Thank you guys so much for transferring over my Pokémon back when Pokémon Bank was unavailable here in the states. Thanks to you guys, I was able to have a stylish Kangaskhan in a Safari Ball and a Gardevoir in a Love Ball just in time for Regionals. I’m happy we were able to meet at Worlds this year, as well as trade and battle after the event ended. Your gifts are just simply amazing, and I’ll try to make it to Worlds next year so that we can meet again.
  • Marriland and the rest of the Pokémon YouTube community: I know I have thanked you numerous times before, but I don’t think I’ve expressed it enough. Had it not have been for you and the rest of the YouTubers, I wouldn’t have been able to see the phenomenon that was the Pokémon Symphony Orchestra. You told me that there was only one seat empty at the premier, and we all knew who that seat belonged to. It was stressful choosing between potentially a Worlds invite and attending the Symphony at all. Thanks to you, I was able to experience such a wondrous performance, and I’m eternally grateful for everything you guys did just so I could a fantastic time at Worlds. Thank you guys so, so much.
  • TPCi: Thank you so much for awarding me free travel, a hotel room, and $300 for placing in the Top 16 in Championship Points this season. You guys continue to improve each and every year for the fans, and and thank you for everything you guys do.

Everyone else in the Pokémon community: I’m so thankful to know each and every one of you, whether it be online or in real life. This community is unlike any other, and you guys are what makes it worth it for me to go to these events. Thank you all, and I can’t to see you guys again in the upcoming 2015 season!


About the Author

Greyson G. first stepped into the competitive scene in 2010 and hasn't looked back since. His most notable accomplishment includes qualifying for Worlds during the 2011 season. While not playing Pokemon, Greyson loves to play the saxophone and draw in his spare time. He's currently a student at Illinois Central College.



5 Responses to You’re Too Slow: A Regional Finalist and Top 16 LCQ Team Analysis

  1. AlucardZain says:

    Like the support T.Flame. I kinda wanna use one as well. Very good report!

  2. Mancuso says:

    Ahh Greyson. Where do I begin? I met you last year at Wisconsin regionals through Tommy and we’ve been friends ever since. I’m so proud of the finishes you obtained last year and hoping you get the same ones this year, I’m SOO proud to call you my brother, ily <3

  3. TheGr8 says:

    Great article buddy <3 Thank you for the shoutout I really appreciate it and was really happy to see you do well all last season! <3

  4. Amarillo says:

    I like the team, it’s always a pleasure playing you!

  5. Sam says:

    I’ve been using the same support Talonflame for a couple months now really cool to see it’s done well at some big events! I did do one thing differently however, in that I made mine Jolly to be able to block out Raichu’s Fake Out guaranteed as opposed to it being a potential speed tie. Just something I thought I’d add in case people wanted to run the same Talonflame.

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