Damage swap was one of the early archetypes to come out of the wood works when the game first reared it's head. Early on the deck relied on using Alakazam to get the damage to Chansey or an equally large creature and then use either Scoop Up or Pokemon center in order to get rid of the damage. It's mostly associated with being a stall tactic, but not restricted to such, especially with the addition of MP Mewtwo and Scyther in order to do some damage.

With the incoming of Gym Challenge two new cards show up that will make Damage Swap a lot more offensive and a lot scarier. Those cards are Rocket's Mewtwo and Sabrina's Golduck. It's a somewhat time consuming affect to get out, but no more so than early Damage Swap.

In the new combo you need to get either TR Mewtwo or Sabrina's Golduck out front. While using Alakazam to move around the damage you then use both of the others attacks in order to move the damage right back onto the defending pokemon. A common pokemon combo would be like below.

4 Abra

3 Alakazam

4 TR Mewtwo

3 S. Psyduck

2 S. Golduck

On top of that mix you'll need some trainers to help get the weapons out as well as to keep your pokemon alive a little longer. Especially considering the high retreat cost of Alakazam and the coin flip needed to exchange the damage on TR Mewtwo. Oaks, Bills, Searches, Finders, Breeders, Scoop Ups, GoW, and maybe even a Switch or two to keep Alakazam alive.

Now, the problems with this deck are pretty obvious. Both of the attacks this deck relies on are a little conditional. It's a good idea to keep some water or rainbow energy in the deck to give S. Golduck some offense. Also, Abra and S. Psyduck are GoW bait. Only put them down if you have an evolution waiting in the wings. As well as Kazam's little retreat problem being out there.

It's a deck you shouldn't be afraid to go offensive with. TR Mewtwo can put the hurt on, not to mention Watershot from S. Golduck can do some damage. Either way, it should offer an interesting twist on an old favorite.

Send all comments, questions, and other such gripes to dr_dem@yahoo.com

Dr Dem