I'm here to talk about some of the best basic Pokemon cards in the game,
Electabuzz and Hitmonchan.  I'm not going to give their stats, because I'm
sure you already know them.  Before we start I will say flat out that
Electabuzz is IMO the best basic and I use 4 in my deck, but I will try to do
this equally.  Anyway, I am going to use a point system, but I will explain
everything as I go. 

HP:
Both have 70, so they tie.

Buzz-1
Chan-1

Retreat: 
Both have a retreat of 2 which isn't too good. Another tie.

Buzz-2
Chan-2

Weakness/resistance:
Psychic is very popular around here, but Hitmonchan can overcome that. 
Electabuzz has a slightly less common weakness, but since fighting types are
fast attackers, that can be bad.  Neither have resistance.

Buzz-3
Chan-3

Availability:
Hitmonchan is holo only, which makes him $10-$20 at local card shops and
about $8 on eBay (the best place for buying cards IMO).  Electabuzz is not a
holo and I've seen him for about $7 at card shops and $3 on eBay.

Buzz-4
Chan-3

First attack:
This is hard.  1 fighting energy for 20 damage is very good, but 10 damage
and chance of paralysis for 1 energy is awesome also.

Buzz-5
Chan-4

Second attack:
This is extremely hard as well.  Hitmonchan is stuck doing Jab for 2 turns,
where as Electabuzz has a powerfull second turn attack, and requires only 1
specific-color energy.  Electabuzz's attack has it's downfall however,
because if you flip tails it's like a plus power for your opponent.  Since
this is a hard decision, I'll give Chan 2 points and Buzz 3.

Buzz-8
Chan-6

How they handle other Pokes:
Electabuzz makes it possible (w/ two plus powers) for a first turn Squirtle
KO.  Hitmonchan handles colorless Pokemon with amazing efficiency.  Since
haymakers usually have trouble with well-built raindance decks, I will give
Buzz 1 point because he handles raindance so well.

Buzz-9
Chan-6

Well, there you have it.  Buzz comes out on top, that's why I use him.  I
don't really see any reasons why Chan is better than Buzz, but some people
like Chan.  As always, determine what is played most often in your area.  If
there are alot of promo Mewtwos  in your area, you should think twice about
using Chan.  If everyone thinks Hitmonchan is awesome in your area, be
careful using Buzz because Hitmonchan will KO him in almost any case.

Please post this pojo, I think this is important for people to see.

Send comments to:
Radar (seamorebns@aol.com)