Hey Pokebeach, it's been a while since my last article, but I'm back with another Tournament Analysis here in the Pokebeach forums! Today, I'll be going over the recent events that took place out in Sao Paulo, Brazil's Internationals and the new format shift that occurred there. Was Zoroark GX victorious, has Espeon GX/Garbodor regained the lead, or has a new deck entered into the gladiator ring? Keep reading to find the answers to these questions and more!
Metagame Preceding Sao Paulo-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In between my most recent Standard article (featuring Portland, OR's Regional) and this one, two other Regionals have taken place in Perth, Australia and Jakarta, Indonesia. As we know, Espeon GX/Garbodor prevailed in Portland, OR, but since then, Zoroark GX variants have come out on top in most tournaments (as predicted). Out of all of the variants, it seems that Zoroark GX/Lycanroc GX and Zoroark GX/Lucario GX are the most popular, most likely due to the type advantage over other Zoroark GX variants. Right on Zoroark GX's heels heading into Sao Paulo stood Buzzwole GX variants, Garbodor variants, VikaBulu, Greninja Break, and Gardevoir GX, each hoping deck to take the win over the others.
This isn't any ordinary tournament though, this is an International, which means that almost anything could happen when it comes to standings. It all boils down to the players' stamina and the individual skill of each when put into sometimes unlucky situations.
Since we've now been able to take a look at what the format was like beforehand, let's dive into the standings of Sao Paulo!
Master's Division Top 8------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here is the Top 8 of Sao Paulo's International (brought to you by Pokestats.com)!
1st. Dyego Rathje: Buzzwole-GX/Lycanroc-GX
2nd. Azul Garcia Griego: Buzzwole-GX/Lycanroc-GX
3rd. Vinicius Lopes: VikaBulu
4th. Pedro Eugenio Torres: Zoroark-GX/Lucario-GX
5th. Matias Matricardi: VikaBulu
6th. Fabien Pujol: Zoroark-GX/Garbodor/Kartana-GX/Unit Energy LPM
7th. Caleb Gedemer: Zoroark-GX/Lycanroc-GX
8th. Brent Tonisson: Zoroark-GX/Golisopod-GX
Dyego Rathje's List------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
****** Pokémon Trading Card Game Deck List ******
##Pokémon - 16
* 3 Buzzwole-GX CIN 57
* 1 Regirock-EX FCO 43
* 1 Rockruff GRI 73
* 1 Rockruff PR-SM SM06
* 1 Sudowoodo BKP 67
* 1 Zygarde-EX FCO 54
* 2 Lycanroc-GX GRI 74
* 1 Oricorio GRI 56
* 1 Tapu Lele-GX GRI 60
* 2 Remoraid BKT 32
* 2 Octillery BKT 33
##Trainer Cards - 31
* 3 Brooklet Hill GRI 120
* 1 Energy Switch SUM 117
* 3 Professor Sycamore BKP 107
* 1 Super Rod BKT 149
* 2 Cynthia UPR 119
* 4 Guzma BUS 115
* 4 Max Elixir BKP 102
* 4 Ultra Ball SUM 135
* 3 N FCO 105
* 3 Choice Band GRI 121
* 3 Float Stone BKT 137
##Energy - 13
* 4 Strong Energy FCO 115
* 9 Fighting Energy 6
Total Cards - 60
****** Deck List Generated by the Pokémon TCG Online www.pokemon.com/TCGO ******
A "Dangerous Rogue"--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Due to the sea of Zoroark GX raging once again, we find ourselves thrown into another round of the "triangle cycle" that I've mentioned in previous articles. This time, it seems that a Buzzwole GX variant (today of which features Buzzwole GX/Lycanroc GX) stands on top. It was an excellent meta call by Dyego Rathje (and those who chose to play Buzzwole GX/Lycanroc GX), and we can see that both of these decks that made Top 8 also placed 1st and 2nd. Besides that, there were a total of eight other Buzzwole GX/Lycanroc GX decks that made Top 64 (ten including the two that made Top 8). If your wondering why there were that many, it may be because thirty-one Zoroark GX variants made Top 64. That gives Buzzwole GX a great advantage in this tournament overall and ultimately leading to its victory in Sao Paulo (initiating the shift from Zoroark GX being dominated to Buzzwole GX taking its place).
As we can see, the Top three decks in the "triangle" (Garbodor, Buzzwole GX, and Zoroark GX) made forty-six Top 64 placements (there were 5 Garbodor decks excluding Zoroark GX/Garbodor). Besides that, VikaBulu made two Top 8 appearances in 3rd (Vinicius Lopes) and 5th (Matias Matricardi) place while Dusk Mane Necrozma GX/Magenezone, Gardevoir GX/Talonflame, and Sylveon GX managed to make Top 32 placements as well.
Into the Forbidden Light!----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
With a new set fresh out of the box, we get a boatload of cards available to be used in our decks, a lot of which will definitely shake up the format. A few cards I'm looking forward to using are Zygarde GX, Bonnie, and Diance Prism Star. At first look, this trio of cards may not seem to be as powerful as the menacing Ultra Necrozma GX/Malamar deck, but being able to guarantee energy acceleration onto one's self for a DCE is a great aspect that not even Buzzwole GX has. Add in the ability to reuse a GX attack and extra damage from Diance {*}, and almost nothing seems impossible. Here is a deck list I've been tweaking back and forth with:
****** Pokémon Trading Card Game Deck List ******
##Pokémon - 16
* 4 Zorua SLG 52
* 1 Zoroark BKT 91
* 4 Zoroark-GX SLG 53
* 1 Buzzwole-GX CIN 57
* 1 Diancie {*} FLI 74
* 3 Zygarde-GX FLI 73
* 2 Tapu Lele-GX GRI 60
##Trainer Cards - 32
* 1 Bonnie FLI 103
* 4 Puzzle of Time BKP 109
* 3 Choice Band GRI 121
* 2 Cynthia UPR 119
* 2 Field Blower GRI 125
* 3 Scorched Earth FCO 110
* 1 Float Stone BKT 137
* 2 Guzma BUS 115
* 2 N FCO 105
* 1 Evosoda XY 116
* 2 Professor Sycamore BKP 107
* 3 Brigette BKT 134
* 4 Ultra Ball SUM 135
* 1 Acerola BUS 112
* 1 Rescue Stretcher GRI 130
##Energy - 12
* 4 Double Colorless Energy SUM 136
* 6 Fighting Energy 6
* 2 Strong Energy FCO 115
Total Cards - 60
****** Deck List Generated by the Pokémon TCG Online www.pokemon.com/TCGO ******
Card Choices--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Zoroark (BKT): Taking advantage of your opponent's bench size is definitely a unique factor of Zoroark (BKT), but combine that with the fact that most decks in today's Standard meta can't function properly without access to a full bench can devastate opponents (especially Zoroark GX players). This is also a counter to Turbo Hoopa decks that you could possibly run into, so having this option is a nice factor.
1 Buzzwole GX (CRI): As impenetrable as Zygarde GX seems, it can quickly fall to decks such as VikaBulu who hit Zygarde GX for weakness. Buzzwole GX can cover up for the crack in Zygarde GX's armor while snipping bench sitters such as charged-up attackers or support Pokémon like Vikavolt.
3 Scorched Earth (FCO): To accelerate energy, Zygarde GX requires Fighting Energy in the discard pile in order for it to attach them to itself. Though we have Zoroark GX for this, Scorched Earth provides an extra "Trade" effect for you to take advantage of while charging up Zygarde GX.
Potential Techs-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Parallel City (BKT): Since Bonnie (FBL) requires a Stadium card in play in order to function, playing a good amount means that you have one less card to search for when pulling off this combo. A fourth Stadium would be nice, but playing four Scorched Earth may not be as effective as having a variety of Stadiums to work with. A single Parallel City (or two if you would prefer to cut one Scorched Earth) can disrupt your opponent a good amount while providing something for Bonnie to discard (which you have to remember, if you use Bonnie with a Parallel City in play, the player with the bench disruptive side can refill their bench).
1 Prof. Kukui (SUM): Though Zygarde GX can hit for high numbers, it can occasionally be off by a very small amount (such as 150;Verdict GX+30;Choice Band+20;Diancie {*}=200 HP, 10 off of Golisopod GX, Lucario GX, etc.). If your not able to get a Strong Energy attached, than all you need is a Prof. Kukui to make up the difference (as long as this is the first GX attack of the game). Prof. Kukui can also be used in pair with Zoroark (BKT) to hit 210 with a Choice Band and your opponent's full bench.
1 Mew EX (PR): As we all know, Zoroark GX decks have a hard time dealing with Buzzwole GX and Lucario GX due to weakness. Mew EX allows you to have an out to the situation by taking a return K.O. on the attacking Pokémon. Zygarde GX is also able to handle most of the trouble, but having a Mew EX on hand is always a great asset.
Matchups-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are a few decks that can give this deck quite a bit of trouble, such as VikaBulu and the occasional Shining Genesect/Venusaur. In these scenarios, Zoroark GX, Buzzwole GX, and baby Zoroark GX are your friends, so try to apply pressure as early as possible and remove your opponent's options to K.O. you (such as Choice Band for VikaBulu).
In between the spectrum, decks like Buzzwole GX/Lycanroc GX and Zoroark GX/Golisopod GX can give you trouble, but sticking to an attacker that isn't weak to an attacker on the opponent's side of the field can buy you enough time to take a lead. Using Zygarde GX against Buzzwole GX and Zoroark GX against Golisopod GX (unless attacking a Zoroark GX) is the best way to go. As for Gardevoir GX, if you can get a Verdict GX off early game while your opponent is setting up, you can follow up with an attack from Zoroark GX to protect Zygarde GX for late game.
The best matchups definitely include the whole Zoroark GX family (besides the Golisopod GX and Gardevoir GX variants), using Zygarde GX early game to take K.O.s on Zorua while charging itself up to take bigger K.O.s later on. Just make sure not to give your opponent any room to maneuver and beware of an N play late game without anything to attack with on board.
Conclusion-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Being tournament legal in around three weeks, the Pokémon TCG Sun & Moon—Forbidden Light expansion has an immense store of raw power hidden inside of it. Testing in between now and then can gives us an edge over the competition and insight on tournaments to come. As we move forward, I expect Zygarde GX to take a commanding position in the format along with Ultra Necrozma GX/Malamar. Are there other decks to be wary of with the release of Forbbiden Light, will Buzzwole GX/Lycanroc GX remain on top, or shall we see another rotation in the format beforehand? Check back here in the Pokebeach forums for answers to these questions and more! Also, check out my Article Homepage for links to recent articles featuring Tournament Analyses, Deck Profiles, and the upcoming Set Rankings!
Until next time!
~FrostBiter12
Metagame Preceding Sao Paulo-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In between my most recent Standard article (featuring Portland, OR's Regional) and this one, two other Regionals have taken place in Perth, Australia and Jakarta, Indonesia. As we know, Espeon GX/Garbodor prevailed in Portland, OR, but since then, Zoroark GX variants have come out on top in most tournaments (as predicted). Out of all of the variants, it seems that Zoroark GX/Lycanroc GX and Zoroark GX/Lucario GX are the most popular, most likely due to the type advantage over other Zoroark GX variants. Right on Zoroark GX's heels heading into Sao Paulo stood Buzzwole GX variants, Garbodor variants, VikaBulu, Greninja Break, and Gardevoir GX, each hoping deck to take the win over the others.
This isn't any ordinary tournament though, this is an International, which means that almost anything could happen when it comes to standings. It all boils down to the players' stamina and the individual skill of each when put into sometimes unlucky situations.
Since we've now been able to take a look at what the format was like beforehand, let's dive into the standings of Sao Paulo!
Master's Division Top 8------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here is the Top 8 of Sao Paulo's International (brought to you by Pokestats.com)!
1st. Dyego Rathje: Buzzwole-GX/Lycanroc-GX
2nd. Azul Garcia Griego: Buzzwole-GX/Lycanroc-GX
3rd. Vinicius Lopes: VikaBulu
4th. Pedro Eugenio Torres: Zoroark-GX/Lucario-GX
5th. Matias Matricardi: VikaBulu
6th. Fabien Pujol: Zoroark-GX/Garbodor/Kartana-GX/Unit Energy LPM
7th. Caleb Gedemer: Zoroark-GX/Lycanroc-GX
8th. Brent Tonisson: Zoroark-GX/Golisopod-GX
Dyego Rathje's List------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
****** Pokémon Trading Card Game Deck List ******
##Pokémon - 16
* 3 Buzzwole-GX CIN 57
* 1 Regirock-EX FCO 43
* 1 Rockruff GRI 73
* 1 Rockruff PR-SM SM06
* 1 Sudowoodo BKP 67
* 1 Zygarde-EX FCO 54
* 2 Lycanroc-GX GRI 74
* 1 Oricorio GRI 56
* 1 Tapu Lele-GX GRI 60
* 2 Remoraid BKT 32
* 2 Octillery BKT 33
##Trainer Cards - 31
* 3 Brooklet Hill GRI 120
* 1 Energy Switch SUM 117
* 3 Professor Sycamore BKP 107
* 1 Super Rod BKT 149
* 2 Cynthia UPR 119
* 4 Guzma BUS 115
* 4 Max Elixir BKP 102
* 4 Ultra Ball SUM 135
* 3 N FCO 105
* 3 Choice Band GRI 121
* 3 Float Stone BKT 137
##Energy - 13
* 4 Strong Energy FCO 115
* 9 Fighting Energy 6
Total Cards - 60
****** Deck List Generated by the Pokémon TCG Online www.pokemon.com/TCGO ******
A "Dangerous Rogue"--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Due to the sea of Zoroark GX raging once again, we find ourselves thrown into another round of the "triangle cycle" that I've mentioned in previous articles. This time, it seems that a Buzzwole GX variant (today of which features Buzzwole GX/Lycanroc GX) stands on top. It was an excellent meta call by Dyego Rathje (and those who chose to play Buzzwole GX/Lycanroc GX), and we can see that both of these decks that made Top 8 also placed 1st and 2nd. Besides that, there were a total of eight other Buzzwole GX/Lycanroc GX decks that made Top 64 (ten including the two that made Top 8). If your wondering why there were that many, it may be because thirty-one Zoroark GX variants made Top 64. That gives Buzzwole GX a great advantage in this tournament overall and ultimately leading to its victory in Sao Paulo (initiating the shift from Zoroark GX being dominated to Buzzwole GX taking its place).
As we can see, the Top three decks in the "triangle" (Garbodor, Buzzwole GX, and Zoroark GX) made forty-six Top 64 placements (there were 5 Garbodor decks excluding Zoroark GX/Garbodor). Besides that, VikaBulu made two Top 8 appearances in 3rd (Vinicius Lopes) and 5th (Matias Matricardi) place while Dusk Mane Necrozma GX/Magenezone, Gardevoir GX/Talonflame, and Sylveon GX managed to make Top 32 placements as well.
Into the Forbidden Light!----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
With a new set fresh out of the box, we get a boatload of cards available to be used in our decks, a lot of which will definitely shake up the format. A few cards I'm looking forward to using are Zygarde GX, Bonnie, and Diance Prism Star. At first look, this trio of cards may not seem to be as powerful as the menacing Ultra Necrozma GX/Malamar deck, but being able to guarantee energy acceleration onto one's self for a DCE is a great aspect that not even Buzzwole GX has. Add in the ability to reuse a GX attack and extra damage from Diance {*}, and almost nothing seems impossible. Here is a deck list I've been tweaking back and forth with:
****** Pokémon Trading Card Game Deck List ******
##Pokémon - 16
* 4 Zorua SLG 52
* 1 Zoroark BKT 91
* 4 Zoroark-GX SLG 53
* 1 Buzzwole-GX CIN 57
* 1 Diancie {*} FLI 74
* 3 Zygarde-GX FLI 73
* 2 Tapu Lele-GX GRI 60
##Trainer Cards - 32
* 1 Bonnie FLI 103
* 4 Puzzle of Time BKP 109
* 3 Choice Band GRI 121
* 2 Cynthia UPR 119
* 2 Field Blower GRI 125
* 3 Scorched Earth FCO 110
* 1 Float Stone BKT 137
* 2 Guzma BUS 115
* 2 N FCO 105
* 1 Evosoda XY 116
* 2 Professor Sycamore BKP 107
* 3 Brigette BKT 134
* 4 Ultra Ball SUM 135
* 1 Acerola BUS 112
* 1 Rescue Stretcher GRI 130
##Energy - 12
* 4 Double Colorless Energy SUM 136
* 6 Fighting Energy 6
* 2 Strong Energy FCO 115
Total Cards - 60
****** Deck List Generated by the Pokémon TCG Online www.pokemon.com/TCGO ******
Card Choices--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Zoroark (BKT): Taking advantage of your opponent's bench size is definitely a unique factor of Zoroark (BKT), but combine that with the fact that most decks in today's Standard meta can't function properly without access to a full bench can devastate opponents (especially Zoroark GX players). This is also a counter to Turbo Hoopa decks that you could possibly run into, so having this option is a nice factor.
1 Buzzwole GX (CRI): As impenetrable as Zygarde GX seems, it can quickly fall to decks such as VikaBulu who hit Zygarde GX for weakness. Buzzwole GX can cover up for the crack in Zygarde GX's armor while snipping bench sitters such as charged-up attackers or support Pokémon like Vikavolt.
3 Scorched Earth (FCO): To accelerate energy, Zygarde GX requires Fighting Energy in the discard pile in order for it to attach them to itself. Though we have Zoroark GX for this, Scorched Earth provides an extra "Trade" effect for you to take advantage of while charging up Zygarde GX.
Potential Techs-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Parallel City (BKT): Since Bonnie (FBL) requires a Stadium card in play in order to function, playing a good amount means that you have one less card to search for when pulling off this combo. A fourth Stadium would be nice, but playing four Scorched Earth may not be as effective as having a variety of Stadiums to work with. A single Parallel City (or two if you would prefer to cut one Scorched Earth) can disrupt your opponent a good amount while providing something for Bonnie to discard (which you have to remember, if you use Bonnie with a Parallel City in play, the player with the bench disruptive side can refill their bench).
1 Prof. Kukui (SUM): Though Zygarde GX can hit for high numbers, it can occasionally be off by a very small amount (such as 150;Verdict GX+30;Choice Band+20;Diancie {*}=200 HP, 10 off of Golisopod GX, Lucario GX, etc.). If your not able to get a Strong Energy attached, than all you need is a Prof. Kukui to make up the difference (as long as this is the first GX attack of the game). Prof. Kukui can also be used in pair with Zoroark (BKT) to hit 210 with a Choice Band and your opponent's full bench.
1 Mew EX (PR): As we all know, Zoroark GX decks have a hard time dealing with Buzzwole GX and Lucario GX due to weakness. Mew EX allows you to have an out to the situation by taking a return K.O. on the attacking Pokémon. Zygarde GX is also able to handle most of the trouble, but having a Mew EX on hand is always a great asset.
Matchups-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are a few decks that can give this deck quite a bit of trouble, such as VikaBulu and the occasional Shining Genesect/Venusaur. In these scenarios, Zoroark GX, Buzzwole GX, and baby Zoroark GX are your friends, so try to apply pressure as early as possible and remove your opponent's options to K.O. you (such as Choice Band for VikaBulu).
In between the spectrum, decks like Buzzwole GX/Lycanroc GX and Zoroark GX/Golisopod GX can give you trouble, but sticking to an attacker that isn't weak to an attacker on the opponent's side of the field can buy you enough time to take a lead. Using Zygarde GX against Buzzwole GX and Zoroark GX against Golisopod GX (unless attacking a Zoroark GX) is the best way to go. As for Gardevoir GX, if you can get a Verdict GX off early game while your opponent is setting up, you can follow up with an attack from Zoroark GX to protect Zygarde GX for late game.
The best matchups definitely include the whole Zoroark GX family (besides the Golisopod GX and Gardevoir GX variants), using Zygarde GX early game to take K.O.s on Zorua while charging itself up to take bigger K.O.s later on. Just make sure not to give your opponent any room to maneuver and beware of an N play late game without anything to attack with on board.
Conclusion-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Being tournament legal in around three weeks, the Pokémon TCG Sun & Moon—Forbidden Light expansion has an immense store of raw power hidden inside of it. Testing in between now and then can gives us an edge over the competition and insight on tournaments to come. As we move forward, I expect Zygarde GX to take a commanding position in the format along with Ultra Necrozma GX/Malamar. Are there other decks to be wary of with the release of Forbbiden Light, will Buzzwole GX/Lycanroc GX remain on top, or shall we see another rotation in the format beforehand? Check back here in the Pokebeach forums for answers to these questions and more! Also, check out my Article Homepage for links to recent articles featuring Tournament Analyses, Deck Profiles, and the upcoming Set Rankings!
Until next time!
~FrostBiter12