Pokemon CotW No.11

Part 1 of the "Big 4 Basic", since they are so good in their own ways:

Electabuzz, Hitmonchan

Name:         Electabuzz  
Type:         Basic Pokemon
Card #:       card 20 of 102  
Rarity:       Rare
Color:        Lightning  
HP:           70 HP
Weakness:     F 
Resistance:   none 
Retreat:      2
Species:      Electric 
Level:        35
Pokemon #:    125
Attack:       [L]  Thundershock  (10)
              Flip coin. If heads, defender is now paralyzed.
Attack:       [1L]  Thunderpunch  (30+)
              Flip coin.  If heads +10 dam., else 10 dam. to self.

Name:         Hitmonchan  
Type:         Basic Pokemon
Card #:       card 7 of 102  
Rarity:       Rare - Holo
Color:        Fighting  
HP:           70 HP
Weakness:     P 
Resistance:   none 
Retreat:      2
Species:      Punching 
Level:        33
Pokemon #:    107
Attack:       [F]  Jab  (20)
Attack:       [1FF]  Special Punch  (40)

History:
Electabuzz is found at the Power Plant in the Red Game.  It's a strong electric Pokemon.  
It was the Kazz Gym Leader's Favourite Pokemon.  It also gets angry at the colour red, like 
a bull.

Hitmonchan can only be earned when you defeat the Karate Leader in the unofficial gym in 
Saffron.  In the cartoon, Hitmonchan is owned by a trainer who specializes in Fighting Pokemon.  
Ash challenged him in a fighting competition using Primeape.


Strategy:
	Both are aggressive Pokemon.  Put them out in front and attack attack attack while 
you also build up your bench.  Scoop them Up or something when you encounter resistance 
(a nasty thing to do)  And please Scoop them Up when they're about to die (unless you don't 
really care)
	They also achieve something called the "70 HP phenomenon", which is that a 
continual 20 HP hit will take four turns to KO them, and a 30 HP hit will take three turns 
(Pluspower not withstanding).  This is another element that makes them powerful.
	Almost every rater I have thinks that Hitmonchan is stronger (must be the jab 
thing) but I think 'buzz is stronger, even with the Fighting Weakness.  Against everything 
but Fighting (and Chansey), 'buzz is superior.  2 Energy for the second attack, less Pokemon
 resistant to it... maybe Fighting's just popular.  (shrug)  Still, 'Chan gets a lower rating in 
the end (shrug).


Strengths:
-Both are high HP, with good first attacks (F for 20, L for 10 + 50% Paralyze) and later
 attacks (1FF for 40, 1L for 30-40)
-Electabuzz kills Water (Rain Dance), Hitmonchan kills Chansey (Very good)

Weaknesses:
-Sure, they have weaknesses... to Fighting and Psychic, respectively :-)
-Resistance trips them up so bad, too.
-I hate retreating them - but there's always Scoop :-)

Combos:
None.  Pure attack, baby!
(Actually...)
Electabuzz + Defender - Prevent up to 30 damage with the defender!

Ratings:
Electabuzz:
Jonathan Ng: 9.9
Joseph McReynolds: 10.0
Zachary Price: 10.0
Mark Woodworth: 9.0
BrockPFFA: 8.7
Ghettochu: 9.5
Johan: 10.0
AirboyBMX@aol.com: 9.0
Bret Larwick: 9.5
Casey Dennis: 9.0
Brian "Bill" Brokaw: 9.5
CatfooD: 9.5
Justin Shilts: 9.9
Mindblade: 9.5
Average: 9.5

Hitmonchan:
Jonathan Ng: 9.5
Joseph McReynolds: 9.5
Zachary Price: 10.0
Mark Woodworth: 9.25
BrockPFFA: 9.0
Ghettochu: 8.0
Johan: 10.0
AirboyBMX@aol.com: 9.0
Bret Larwick: 10.0
Casey Dennis: 9.5
Brian "Bill" Brokaw: 10.0
CatfooD: 8.0
Justin Shilts: 7.5
Mindblade: 8.0
Average: 9.09

Please Post or Mail with comments.  (Sorry, I can't accept any more ratings.  Any more and 
I'd be a fried Psyduck :-) Pikachu-style of course.)