Alright, it's back. Gyarados is making a "Full Retaliation" to the Expanded format with the release of CRI Magikarp (the prevent damage to it one the bench ability) and CRI Lusamine (pick up 2 in any combo of Stadium and Supporter). Here is my list:
* This list will be continuously updated, starting on 10/29/2017
Pokémon*14
Magikarp*4 CRI
Gyarados*3 AOR
Remoraid*2 BKT (the Ion Pool one as my preference)
Octillery*2 BKT
Shaymin EX*1 ROS
Tapu Lele GX*1 GRI
Giratina promo*1 PR
Trainers*42
Professor Juniper*3 BLW
N*1 NVI
Colress*1 PLS
Lysandre*1 AOR
Guzma*1 BUS
Teammates*1 PRC
Lusamine*1 CRI (great for retrieving Team Magama's Secret Base)
Gladion*1 CRI
Ultra Ball*4 SUM
Dive Ball*3 PRC
Master Ball*1 PLB (before you say anything, Computer Search is obviously better. Unfortunately, I don't have one at the moment, just the Master Ball, which still works but not as well)
VS Seeker*4 PHF
Trainers' Mail*2 ROS
Field Blower*2 GRI
Puzzle of Time*4 BKP (great for retrieval and works with Mallow/Teammates)
Rescue Stretcher*4 GRI
Choice Band*3 GRI
Float Stone*1 BKT
Team Magma's Secret Base*4 DBC (Double Crisis)
Energy*4
Double Colorless Energy*4 SUM
Total*60
So, cards that I'd like to insert or considering are:
Tapu Koko promo: To set up latter knockouts if you prize a Magikarp and add damage Turn 1. also helps with Guzma and free retreat.
Mallow: This synergizes well with Octillery and Shaymin, and with VS Seeker you can pick and choose between Mallow and Teammates.
Target Whistle: A tech card that probably won't make the cut, but worth considering. Helps take an easy knockout on one of you opponents discarded Pokémon (especially Shaymin EX). A one of could be retrieved by Puzzle of Time if needed a second time.
Enhanced Hammer: Stalling for one turn against the lock decks (Item, Ability, and Special Energy) can be a big move, so room might be found for this if those decks become a major issue.
Shaymin EX: Maybe just another in case I prize my one.
Hex Maniac: This is a little bit of a contradiction, but it is my only solution to Xuritree GX and Ageislash EX. If they are largely played, one Hex Maniac may have to be included.
Matchups are a tricky topic, as the deck has a few weaknesses. The big three are:
Ability Lock: Hex Maniac and Garbotoxin are not favorable for Gyarados, so two copies of Field Blower is my best solution to the problem.
Item Lock: Noivern GX, Seismitoad EX, and Trevenant Break are shaky opponents, so early K.O.s are key. if you can switch the attacker (Seismitoad EX, Noivern GX, Travanent) for one turn to set up items, you'll be fine.
Special Energy Lock: Noivern GX can cause some havoc midgame, so removing the threat early is the best way to handle it. Energy denial can be a problem if you don't conserve you energy and play them only when taking a K.O. Also, Puzzle of Time and Special Charge can help.
Everything else is a good matchup in my opinion. Just as long as you watch how many Pokémon are in your discard pile (since Oricorio breaks through Magikarp's ability and is in almost every deck now) you'll be fine.
I think Gyarados is going to retake a spot in the metagame soon, so I can't wait to test it out. I'm open to any suggestions so let me know what you think. Thanks!
* This list will be continuously updated, starting on 10/29/2017
Pokémon*14
Magikarp*4 CRI
Gyarados*3 AOR
Remoraid*2 BKT (the Ion Pool one as my preference)
Octillery*2 BKT
Shaymin EX*1 ROS
Tapu Lele GX*1 GRI
Giratina promo*1 PR
Trainers*42
Professor Juniper*3 BLW
N*1 NVI
Colress*1 PLS
Lysandre*1 AOR
Guzma*1 BUS
Teammates*1 PRC
Lusamine*1 CRI (great for retrieving Team Magama's Secret Base)
Gladion*1 CRI
Ultra Ball*4 SUM
Dive Ball*3 PRC
Master Ball*1 PLB (before you say anything, Computer Search is obviously better. Unfortunately, I don't have one at the moment, just the Master Ball, which still works but not as well)
VS Seeker*4 PHF
Trainers' Mail*2 ROS
Field Blower*2 GRI
Puzzle of Time*4 BKP (great for retrieval and works with Mallow/Teammates)
Rescue Stretcher*4 GRI
Choice Band*3 GRI
Float Stone*1 BKT
Team Magma's Secret Base*4 DBC (Double Crisis)
Energy*4
Double Colorless Energy*4 SUM
Total*60
So, cards that I'd like to insert or considering are:
Tapu Koko promo: To set up latter knockouts if you prize a Magikarp and add damage Turn 1. also helps with Guzma and free retreat.
Mallow: This synergizes well with Octillery and Shaymin, and with VS Seeker you can pick and choose between Mallow and Teammates.
Target Whistle: A tech card that probably won't make the cut, but worth considering. Helps take an easy knockout on one of you opponents discarded Pokémon (especially Shaymin EX). A one of could be retrieved by Puzzle of Time if needed a second time.
Enhanced Hammer: Stalling for one turn against the lock decks (Item, Ability, and Special Energy) can be a big move, so room might be found for this if those decks become a major issue.
Shaymin EX: Maybe just another in case I prize my one.
Hex Maniac: This is a little bit of a contradiction, but it is my only solution to Xuritree GX and Ageislash EX. If they are largely played, one Hex Maniac may have to be included.
Matchups are a tricky topic, as the deck has a few weaknesses. The big three are:
Ability Lock: Hex Maniac and Garbotoxin are not favorable for Gyarados, so two copies of Field Blower is my best solution to the problem.
Item Lock: Noivern GX, Seismitoad EX, and Trevenant Break are shaky opponents, so early K.O.s are key. if you can switch the attacker (Seismitoad EX, Noivern GX, Travanent) for one turn to set up items, you'll be fine.
Special Energy Lock: Noivern GX can cause some havoc midgame, so removing the threat early is the best way to handle it. Energy denial can be a problem if you don't conserve you energy and play them only when taking a K.O. Also, Puzzle of Time and Special Charge can help.
Everything else is a good matchup in my opinion. Just as long as you watch how many Pokémon are in your discard pile (since Oricorio breaks through Magikarp's ability and is in almost every deck now) you'll be fine.
I think Gyarados is going to retake a spot in the metagame soon, so I can't wait to test it out. I'm open to any suggestions so let me know what you think. Thanks!
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