Donphans & Dragons
Deck: Donphans and Dragons
Player: DawnOfXatu (Masters Division)
Format: HGSS-BW
Date Written: August 3rd 2011
Introduction
Hey everybody, for those of you who haven't been on the forums forever I am DawnOfXatu, and awhile back I was a contributor to these forums, more specifically I wrote a handful of articles on common decks that were in the format at the time. With Worlds approaching, everybody is scrambling to perfect their decks, and gain any possible last minute information on other decks that they may be seeing. With this in mind I have decided to author a string of articles on the most common decks in the format, as well as other common deckbuilding questions, hoping to provide players with that last minute info that they crave...
Donphans and Dragons
Not one of the biggest names heading into Nationals, Donphan coupled with Zekrom and Reshiram proved itself to be a capable deck, and since then has gained quite a following. Boasting a spacious Pokemon line with plenty of room for teching, as well as one of the most solid sets of matchups around, this deck is something to keep in mind while playtesting. Instead of trying to avoid the backlash from Donphan's Earthquake attack, this deck takes those damage counters and puts them to use, powering up Reshiram and Zekrom for late game Outraging. These dragons aren't just there to give meaning to Donphan's punishment either, both support Donphan, helping to counteract his weaknesses. Reshiram puts a damper on any and all Kingdra Prime that hope to take advantage of Donphan's weakness, and Zekrom hits one of Donphan's biggest counters, Yanmega, for double the damage. The synergy between these cards is noticable, and with such a simple and effective playstyle, this deck is sure to be a contender at Worlds. Although is it Top Cut material? We shall find out.
The Decklist
Pokemon: 15
4 Donphan Prime 107-HGSS
4 Phanpy 77-HGSS
3 Zekrom 114-BW
2 Reshiram 113-BW
1 Bouffalant 91-BW
1 Manaphy 3-UL
Energy: 13
4 Double Colorless Energy
9 Fighting Energy
Trainer: 32
4 Pokemon Collector 97-HGSS
4 Pokemon Communication 98-HGSS
4 PlusPower 80-UL
4 Professor Oak's New Theory 101-HGSS
4 Professor Juniper 101-BW
3 Pokemon Reversal 99-HGSS
3 Switch 102-HGSS
3 Junk Arm 87-TM
2 Revive 102-BW
1 Ruins Of Alph 76-UD
Deck Build Specifics
Donphan and Phanpy: As the main attacker in this deck a classic 4-4 line is self-explanatory. This deck is built to get out a Donphan on the second turn of the game and start attacking. The only concern that some players will have with the deck is my choice of Phanpy. The reasoning for the HGSS Phanpy over the CoL Phanpy is fairly simple. Neither Phanpy should be attacking, while the CoL Phanpy has the PokeBody that can reduce damage with an energy attached, the HGSS Phanpy has 10 extra HP. With Jirachi in the format devolving Pokemon, it makes sense to force your opponent to apply ten extra damage to your Donphans before they are able to devolve them.
Zekrom: Three Zekrom seems to be what is customary. It allows for you to always have a couple of Zekrom on the bench, soaking up damage, awaiting a chance at taking a prize. Zekrom counters most water type Pokemon which hit Donphan's weakness, as well as countering Yanmega which can be used as a counter to Donphan due to its resistance to fighting. Zekrom has great synergy with Donphan and the two of them work wonders together.
Reshiram: Reshiram serves two purposes in the deck. First Reshiram reduces the amount of damage that a Kingdra can deal, nullifying Kingdra as a threat to Donphan. Decks such as Kingdra/Yanmega/Jirachi and Magnezone/Yanmega/Kingdra are no longer able to threaten your Donphan by simply attaching a Rainbow Energy to their Kingdra. The second, purpose for Reshiram in this deck is to counter some of the various rogue options that are still in the format. Grass decks such as Serperior and Jumpluff can still be viable and Reshiram helps to tip those matchups in your favor. Due to the lack of Grass and Steel in the format and how a single Reshiram card can counter Kingdra from the bench, the number of Reshiram needed is less than that of Zekrom. Two Reshiram provides the ideal amount of support to Donphan.
Bouffalant: In most decks that play Double Colorless Energy, Bouffalant exists as a revenge killer. After losing one of your Pokemon, you can advance Bouffalant, attach a DCE, and swing for a sizeable 90 damage. While also acting as a revenge killer, Bouffalant is the way that this deck answers to Rayquaza-Deoxys-Legend, a card that would otherwise tear straight through the deck.
Manaphy: As far as this deck is concerned there is not a huge need for starters. You have plenty of draw supporters, and a fairly simple setup. However this deck does not always start ideally, and therefore you may need to use Manaphy as a starter.
Lack of Cleffa and Tyrogue: Cleffa and Tyrogue have slowly worked their way into staple status, but in this deck the two cards are a liability at best. Cleffa is an easy prize, and is outclassed by Manaphy in this deck. Tyrogue donks are becoming less and less prevalant with more people phasing out their Cleffa. Both of these cards are easy prizes and if you have the misfortune of having these cards sitting on your bench, you are going to lose them quickly due to the damamge from Donphan's Earthquake.
Energy: Most of my energy choices are fairly simple. I decided to max out the DCE instead of going with the customary three in order to ensure timely Outrages and revenge kills from Bouffalant. I went with a total of 13 energy because the deck requires very little as far as energy is concerned, and that extra space allows for a beefed up trainer line.
Search Engine (Pokemon Collector & Pokemon Communication): Maxing out the Collectors and Communcations is a must. No need for any further search besides these two cards either. Collectors will gather the needed Phanpy and Dragons, while Communication will grab your Donphan.
Draw Engine (Professor Oak's New Theory & Professor Juniper): Most people will say that you need somewhere between 9 and 12 draw/shuffle supporters for your decks, but in this case you will be able to get away with eight. While draw supporters have become extremely important in this format that is basically devoid of draw power, it is also important to notice that this deck is not exactly heavy on cards that need to be set up. This deck is easy to get out and start attacking with, and these supporters are just there to make sure that you have a healthy amount of trainers in your hand at every time to deal with every situation.
PlusPower: PlusPower has become a key partner for Donphan as it gives the extra needed damage to reach knock outs that you couldn't reach otherwise. With PlusPower Magnezone Prime goes down in a single hit from Donphan, as well as Zekrom. Reshiram goes down in two hits from a Donphan with a PlusPower. With a great deal of the format just a PlusPower away from Donphan you will need three or four of them in a deck like this.
Revive vs. Flower Shop Lady: Although Flower Shop Lady does allow for a more compact and effective recovery, Revive is both more practical in a deck that runs so many basics as main attackers, and more helpful in that you can play the cards straight to the bench. Revive also does not require you to waste your supporter usage for the turn. However one can also make an arguement that you do not need to play recovery in this deck at all. It is possible to remove the recovery aspect from the trainers in order to bulk up your draw supporters, or even add a tech to the Pokemon line if you feel that your format could be countered with one specific card.
Ruins Of Alph: With Yanmega being one of the biggest cards in the format, it seems irresponsible to not make attempts to counter it in your deck. While Zekrom does provide a counter to Yanmega already, playing Ruins Of Alph can give you yet another big advantage over Yanmega players and remove their resistance, thus making Yanmega a two hit knock out for Donphan.
Possible Techs
Zoroark 71-BW Should you find yourself in a format filled with Reshiram variants, you may chose to add a 2-2 line of Zoroark into your deck, so as to counter Reshiram. With just a Double Colorless Energy and a PlusPower you will be able to knock out any Zekrom and Reshiram. Zoroark also provides a counter for Rayquaza-Deoxys-Legend. The choice to add a Zoroark comes down to whether or not you feel that you deck is threatened by Reshiram, and whether or not you are willing to sacrifice deck space in order to remedy the situation.
Matchups
Vs. Yanmega/Magnezone : Slightly Favorable
While MegaZone does have its advantages, Donphan and Dragons has something to counteract whatever MegaZone throws at it. Should they use Yanmega, you can counter with Zekrom or Ruins Of Alph. Should they use Magnezone you can counter with Donphan and PlusPower. Should they tech a Kingdra thinking that they can gain the advantage that way you can always play down a Reshiram. Assuming that you do not get shafted on an early game Judge, or taken out early by a quick Yanmega, you should be fine. However I have always had qualms with reactionary playing. In order to win this matchup you have to see what you opponent is going to do, and then play to counter that. It leaves a lot of wiggle room for you to make a mistake, and for your opponent to change the way that they are going about the game.
Vs. Zekrom/Pachirisu/Shaymin/Yanmega : Favorable
As long as you don't get donked, you should be fine in this matchup. You can use Pokemon Reversal to grab easy knock outs on the Pachirisu and Shaymin, while using Donphan to take down Zekrom, and Zekrom to take down Yanmega. You have a counter to everything that this deck can throw at you, so as long as you are fortunate enough to still be playing on the second turn, you should be fine.
Vs. Kingdra/Yanmega/Jirachi : Slightly Favorable
Make sure that you put down a Reshiram with your opening Collector and you should be fine. Reshiram renders Kingdra completely useless, and if you swarm a couple of Zekrom, your opponent will have no way of knocking them out without being knocked out first. Your opponent can still devolve your Donphan for an easier knock out, but by that point you should be able to revenge kill the Jirachi without much effort.
Vs. Yanmega/Donphan/Zoroark : Unfavorable
This will be your most difficult matchup, and it will mostly come down to who can set up faster. They can knock out your dragons with Zoroark, and Yanmega and Donphan both prove to be difficult to kill for your own Donphan. The best that you can hope for is a prize trade off that will leave you able to win with a well timed Reversal. Other than that it will be a hard fought battle to the end.
Vs. Reshiram/Typhlosion/Ninetales : Even
During the early points in this matchup you will have no problems, it takes Reshiram Typhlosion a couple of turns to get cooking. In that time you should aim to Reversal and kill whatever important Pokemon you can. Cripple their draw power by taking down Ninetales, and take a couple of shots at a Typhlosion is possible. Once they have their setup it will be an even prize trade-off. They kill you off in two turns, and you kill them off in two turns as well. Hopefully your early prize advantage will allow you to take the win.
Vs. MewBox : Highly Favorable
This is one of the few matchups that you should have no fear going in to. You knock out their Mew without much difficulty and as long as they don't get an early Trainer Lock on you, there is almost nothing that they can do to prevent you from taking your prizes quickly with impunity. Muk can be a difficult card to deal with, but you have Switch, and you can still attempt to grab a KO through the confusion if you are feeling a little daring.
Closing Thoughts
Well thank you for reading. I hope that this has been helpful in some way or another. The Last Chance Qualifier Starts on the 12th and I hope to have all of my articles up and done by then. I will be hitting most, if not all, of the biggest decks in the metagame, as well as answering some other questions that people may have before Worlds. If you have any decks or questions that you would like to make sure that I am writing about, feel free to ask. If you have any questions or comments about this deck feel free to ask, as I am here to help.
Deck: Donphans and Dragons
Player: DawnOfXatu (Masters Division)
Format: HGSS-BW
Date Written: August 3rd 2011
Introduction
Hey everybody, for those of you who haven't been on the forums forever I am DawnOfXatu, and awhile back I was a contributor to these forums, more specifically I wrote a handful of articles on common decks that were in the format at the time. With Worlds approaching, everybody is scrambling to perfect their decks, and gain any possible last minute information on other decks that they may be seeing. With this in mind I have decided to author a string of articles on the most common decks in the format, as well as other common deckbuilding questions, hoping to provide players with that last minute info that they crave...
Donphans and Dragons
Not one of the biggest names heading into Nationals, Donphan coupled with Zekrom and Reshiram proved itself to be a capable deck, and since then has gained quite a following. Boasting a spacious Pokemon line with plenty of room for teching, as well as one of the most solid sets of matchups around, this deck is something to keep in mind while playtesting. Instead of trying to avoid the backlash from Donphan's Earthquake attack, this deck takes those damage counters and puts them to use, powering up Reshiram and Zekrom for late game Outraging. These dragons aren't just there to give meaning to Donphan's punishment either, both support Donphan, helping to counteract his weaknesses. Reshiram puts a damper on any and all Kingdra Prime that hope to take advantage of Donphan's weakness, and Zekrom hits one of Donphan's biggest counters, Yanmega, for double the damage. The synergy between these cards is noticable, and with such a simple and effective playstyle, this deck is sure to be a contender at Worlds. Although is it Top Cut material? We shall find out.
The Decklist
Pokemon: 15
4 Donphan Prime 107-HGSS
4 Phanpy 77-HGSS
3 Zekrom 114-BW
2 Reshiram 113-BW
1 Bouffalant 91-BW
1 Manaphy 3-UL
Energy: 13
4 Double Colorless Energy
9 Fighting Energy
Trainer: 32
4 Pokemon Collector 97-HGSS
4 Pokemon Communication 98-HGSS
4 PlusPower 80-UL
4 Professor Oak's New Theory 101-HGSS
4 Professor Juniper 101-BW
3 Pokemon Reversal 99-HGSS
3 Switch 102-HGSS
3 Junk Arm 87-TM
2 Revive 102-BW
1 Ruins Of Alph 76-UD
Deck Build Specifics
Donphan and Phanpy: As the main attacker in this deck a classic 4-4 line is self-explanatory. This deck is built to get out a Donphan on the second turn of the game and start attacking. The only concern that some players will have with the deck is my choice of Phanpy. The reasoning for the HGSS Phanpy over the CoL Phanpy is fairly simple. Neither Phanpy should be attacking, while the CoL Phanpy has the PokeBody that can reduce damage with an energy attached, the HGSS Phanpy has 10 extra HP. With Jirachi in the format devolving Pokemon, it makes sense to force your opponent to apply ten extra damage to your Donphans before they are able to devolve them.
Zekrom: Three Zekrom seems to be what is customary. It allows for you to always have a couple of Zekrom on the bench, soaking up damage, awaiting a chance at taking a prize. Zekrom counters most water type Pokemon which hit Donphan's weakness, as well as countering Yanmega which can be used as a counter to Donphan due to its resistance to fighting. Zekrom has great synergy with Donphan and the two of them work wonders together.
Reshiram: Reshiram serves two purposes in the deck. First Reshiram reduces the amount of damage that a Kingdra can deal, nullifying Kingdra as a threat to Donphan. Decks such as Kingdra/Yanmega/Jirachi and Magnezone/Yanmega/Kingdra are no longer able to threaten your Donphan by simply attaching a Rainbow Energy to their Kingdra. The second, purpose for Reshiram in this deck is to counter some of the various rogue options that are still in the format. Grass decks such as Serperior and Jumpluff can still be viable and Reshiram helps to tip those matchups in your favor. Due to the lack of Grass and Steel in the format and how a single Reshiram card can counter Kingdra from the bench, the number of Reshiram needed is less than that of Zekrom. Two Reshiram provides the ideal amount of support to Donphan.
Bouffalant: In most decks that play Double Colorless Energy, Bouffalant exists as a revenge killer. After losing one of your Pokemon, you can advance Bouffalant, attach a DCE, and swing for a sizeable 90 damage. While also acting as a revenge killer, Bouffalant is the way that this deck answers to Rayquaza-Deoxys-Legend, a card that would otherwise tear straight through the deck.
Manaphy: As far as this deck is concerned there is not a huge need for starters. You have plenty of draw supporters, and a fairly simple setup. However this deck does not always start ideally, and therefore you may need to use Manaphy as a starter.
Lack of Cleffa and Tyrogue: Cleffa and Tyrogue have slowly worked their way into staple status, but in this deck the two cards are a liability at best. Cleffa is an easy prize, and is outclassed by Manaphy in this deck. Tyrogue donks are becoming less and less prevalant with more people phasing out their Cleffa. Both of these cards are easy prizes and if you have the misfortune of having these cards sitting on your bench, you are going to lose them quickly due to the damamge from Donphan's Earthquake.
Energy: Most of my energy choices are fairly simple. I decided to max out the DCE instead of going with the customary three in order to ensure timely Outrages and revenge kills from Bouffalant. I went with a total of 13 energy because the deck requires very little as far as energy is concerned, and that extra space allows for a beefed up trainer line.
Search Engine (Pokemon Collector & Pokemon Communication): Maxing out the Collectors and Communcations is a must. No need for any further search besides these two cards either. Collectors will gather the needed Phanpy and Dragons, while Communication will grab your Donphan.
Draw Engine (Professor Oak's New Theory & Professor Juniper): Most people will say that you need somewhere between 9 and 12 draw/shuffle supporters for your decks, but in this case you will be able to get away with eight. While draw supporters have become extremely important in this format that is basically devoid of draw power, it is also important to notice that this deck is not exactly heavy on cards that need to be set up. This deck is easy to get out and start attacking with, and these supporters are just there to make sure that you have a healthy amount of trainers in your hand at every time to deal with every situation.
PlusPower: PlusPower has become a key partner for Donphan as it gives the extra needed damage to reach knock outs that you couldn't reach otherwise. With PlusPower Magnezone Prime goes down in a single hit from Donphan, as well as Zekrom. Reshiram goes down in two hits from a Donphan with a PlusPower. With a great deal of the format just a PlusPower away from Donphan you will need three or four of them in a deck like this.
Revive vs. Flower Shop Lady: Although Flower Shop Lady does allow for a more compact and effective recovery, Revive is both more practical in a deck that runs so many basics as main attackers, and more helpful in that you can play the cards straight to the bench. Revive also does not require you to waste your supporter usage for the turn. However one can also make an arguement that you do not need to play recovery in this deck at all. It is possible to remove the recovery aspect from the trainers in order to bulk up your draw supporters, or even add a tech to the Pokemon line if you feel that your format could be countered with one specific card.
Ruins Of Alph: With Yanmega being one of the biggest cards in the format, it seems irresponsible to not make attempts to counter it in your deck. While Zekrom does provide a counter to Yanmega already, playing Ruins Of Alph can give you yet another big advantage over Yanmega players and remove their resistance, thus making Yanmega a two hit knock out for Donphan.
Possible Techs
Zoroark 71-BW Should you find yourself in a format filled with Reshiram variants, you may chose to add a 2-2 line of Zoroark into your deck, so as to counter Reshiram. With just a Double Colorless Energy and a PlusPower you will be able to knock out any Zekrom and Reshiram. Zoroark also provides a counter for Rayquaza-Deoxys-Legend. The choice to add a Zoroark comes down to whether or not you feel that you deck is threatened by Reshiram, and whether or not you are willing to sacrifice deck space in order to remedy the situation.
Matchups
Vs. Yanmega/Magnezone : Slightly Favorable
While MegaZone does have its advantages, Donphan and Dragons has something to counteract whatever MegaZone throws at it. Should they use Yanmega, you can counter with Zekrom or Ruins Of Alph. Should they use Magnezone you can counter with Donphan and PlusPower. Should they tech a Kingdra thinking that they can gain the advantage that way you can always play down a Reshiram. Assuming that you do not get shafted on an early game Judge, or taken out early by a quick Yanmega, you should be fine. However I have always had qualms with reactionary playing. In order to win this matchup you have to see what you opponent is going to do, and then play to counter that. It leaves a lot of wiggle room for you to make a mistake, and for your opponent to change the way that they are going about the game.
Vs. Zekrom/Pachirisu/Shaymin/Yanmega : Favorable
As long as you don't get donked, you should be fine in this matchup. You can use Pokemon Reversal to grab easy knock outs on the Pachirisu and Shaymin, while using Donphan to take down Zekrom, and Zekrom to take down Yanmega. You have a counter to everything that this deck can throw at you, so as long as you are fortunate enough to still be playing on the second turn, you should be fine.
Vs. Kingdra/Yanmega/Jirachi : Slightly Favorable
Make sure that you put down a Reshiram with your opening Collector and you should be fine. Reshiram renders Kingdra completely useless, and if you swarm a couple of Zekrom, your opponent will have no way of knocking them out without being knocked out first. Your opponent can still devolve your Donphan for an easier knock out, but by that point you should be able to revenge kill the Jirachi without much effort.
Vs. Yanmega/Donphan/Zoroark : Unfavorable
This will be your most difficult matchup, and it will mostly come down to who can set up faster. They can knock out your dragons with Zoroark, and Yanmega and Donphan both prove to be difficult to kill for your own Donphan. The best that you can hope for is a prize trade off that will leave you able to win with a well timed Reversal. Other than that it will be a hard fought battle to the end.
Vs. Reshiram/Typhlosion/Ninetales : Even
During the early points in this matchup you will have no problems, it takes Reshiram Typhlosion a couple of turns to get cooking. In that time you should aim to Reversal and kill whatever important Pokemon you can. Cripple their draw power by taking down Ninetales, and take a couple of shots at a Typhlosion is possible. Once they have their setup it will be an even prize trade-off. They kill you off in two turns, and you kill them off in two turns as well. Hopefully your early prize advantage will allow you to take the win.
Vs. MewBox : Highly Favorable
This is one of the few matchups that you should have no fear going in to. You knock out their Mew without much difficulty and as long as they don't get an early Trainer Lock on you, there is almost nothing that they can do to prevent you from taking your prizes quickly with impunity. Muk can be a difficult card to deal with, but you have Switch, and you can still attempt to grab a KO through the confusion if you are feeling a little daring.
Closing Thoughts
Well thank you for reading. I hope that this has been helpful in some way or another. The Last Chance Qualifier Starts on the 12th and I hope to have all of my articles up and done by then. I will be hitting most, if not all, of the biggest decks in the metagame, as well as answering some other questions that people may have before Worlds. If you have any decks or questions that you would like to make sure that I am writing about, feel free to ask. If you have any questions or comments about this deck feel free to ask, as I am here to help.
