This article is for all of us who play the three biggest,
baddest decks: the Stall deck, the Haymaker deck, and the Raindance deck.
In my experiences, I find that these decks are not "cheap" or
"easy" or anything of the sort; these are actually some of the most
powerful decks. Keep in mind that there's no "right" or
"wrong" for any of these decks; different people play different
variations.
First, the most popular of all, the Haymaker. These decks
should NEVER be underestimated. Haymakers are the most varied and
versitle decks in play. There is a potent arsenal of potential opponents
within one: Hitmonchan, Electabuzz, Scyther, Farfetch'd, and Magmar.
What's the key to beating a Haymaker? Well, first, let's examine how a
Haymaker works.
The most vicious Haymaker (and my personal best deck) is the
control Haymaker. The control Haymaker uses trainers to enhance the
speed at which it attacks. Usually only boasting 3-4 different Basic Pokémon,
the control Haymaker often uses Bills, Oaks, and Computer Searches to burn
through its deck quickly and get to enhancements. Enhancements include
Gust of Winds, PlusPowers, Potions, Energy Removals (and Super Energy
Removals) and other things to increase the speed and survival of this deck.
A control Haymaker usually keeps hitting hard even mid-game. So how does
one beat such a deck?
Well, playing such a deck, I can tell you the WORST way you can
hurt me is to deprive me of cards. Lasses nullify Trainers, leaving me
Oakless, Computer Searchless, and no longer in control. And the best
kind of deck? Actually, this kind of deck shouldn't use Lasses. I
use a total Stall (a Stall deck with zero energy) to run out the Haymaker.
Mr. Mimes mixed with resistant Pokémon such as Zapdos with Tentacools to
absorb damage can take the pain. Snorlax also helps with the Magamars.
Use Switches and Scoop Ups to keep your Active Pokémon healthly, and even
though it's a preservation deck, don't worry about losing a Pokémon or two.
If it gives you the needed time, then do it. Also, I use Revives to
recover the KOed Tentacool (What, a use for Revive?! Why yes, because
they can dispell the damage placed on them with Cowardice the next turn!).
This is the ONLY type of deck that has EVER beaten my Hitmonchan/Hitmonlee/Farfetch'd
control Haymaker. As a warning, good Haymakers do tend to find ways
around resistances (mine has taken Pidgeot/Farfetch'd/Zapdos decks).
Okay, now enough about defeating a Haymaker. Because we
mentioned Stall decks above, let's move right along to those. Stall
decks are also very general. A total Stall focuses on totally running
your opponent out, while an aggressive Stall is flexible to either play rough
or curl up. The total Stall is the most dangerous, because they are
designed entirely to stall you to death. These decks are the reason to
use Gust of Winds in all decks. USE YOUR GUSTS CAREFULLY! Target
the Alakazam, and use status effects if possible. If it's total Stall,
you should NEVER use anything to take cards from your deck NO MATTER WHAT.
That only takes away turns you could be trying to break the barrier. The
only reason to is early game if an extra energy or so is all you need to pin
the deck. As for an aggressive Stall, go after them before they start.
Haymakers are good at forcing them into a tough spot, and quick, precise
attacks and good planning can assure no trouble.
Finally, the most frustrating deck of all, the Raindance deck.
You know what the WORST thing you can do to a Raindance deck is? Once
again, the underused Lass; trip up the Breeders, Computer Searches, Traders,
and Poké Balls. Also, Bills and Oaks are a key target. Taking out
the Trainers of a Raindance deck early on is the key to stopping it.
Aerodactyl are also nasty, because the stop the Blastoise and other potent
enemies such as Vaporeon. If a Raindance gets fully deployed, there's
really no direct way to stop it. So, the key is preventive measures;
stop Blastoise before it starts.
Fanha