Standard M Gallade EX - Hoopa (Post-rotation)

[TrevGallade]

Another good alternative to Hoopa and it also has similar qualities to promo Meloetta. However, this Spinda is Colorless; so, it does not present a real, alternative threat option to M Mewtwo EX (which is one of my concerns). But, as a starter, I think this is another solid option.

I love this deck (I was looking into it at one point myself) and am currently working on a Mega Alakazam deck that is using the similar strategy of using Pokémon like Hoopa, Spinda, and Meloetta to do the spread damage. One option that I've considered that might work really well for this deck is a combination of Spinda, Hoopa, and Meloetta. If you run 1 Meloetta, and 1-2 Spinda along with your 2-3 Hoopa, you will consistently have an attacker to spread damage. Ideally, you would be able to start with either Spinda and Meloetta to allow Mega Gallade to attack the bench, and then switch into Hoopa to place additional damage strategically across the board. I few other attackers I would look into are Trevenant Break (although it's slightly clunky, and lacks item lock, it does force your opponent to attach additional energy for their basic Pokémon to attack, and is a perfect Mewtwo counter because one of it's attacks deals 70 damage plus 10 for each energy on your opponent's Pokémon) and Meowstic (the idea of having Meowstic is that you could add lots of damage counters on the board with Mega Gallade and your other attackers, and then move the damage to either setup future KOs, or ideally KO multiple Pokémon like Shaymin). Also, if you are focused on continual draw vs bursts of speed, I would look into an Octillery N combo, because I have found it to be very reliable for yourself, and disruptive for your opponent (a buffed up Judge line would work just as well as N though). I honestly am not sure about how you will make space for any of these cards, but thought I would mention them in case any catch your attention. Hope this helps!

 

[TuxedoBlack]

I love this deck (I was looking into it at one point myself) and am currently working on a Mega Alakazam deck that is using the similar strategy of using Pokémon like Hoopa, Spinda, and Meloetta to do the spread damage. One option that I've considered that might work really well for this deck is a combination of Spinda, Hoopa, and Meloetta. If you run 1 Meloetta, and 1-2 Spinda along with your 2-3 Hoopa, you will consistently have an attacker to spread damage.

I was thinking the same thing... Lol. Having 5 or 6 potential starters definitely increases your odds of starting with with one of those vs. Alakazam EX, Shaymin EX or Wobbuffet. Another thought I had was using promo Celebi, a G, 70 HP Pokémon whose attack places 1 damage counter onto opponent's Pokémon. AND it's Ability allows it to be KOd or not based upon a coin flip. However, after some testing, I decided not to use due to the multipe energy type mix required.

I few other attackers I would look into are Trevenant Break (although it's slightly clunky, and lacks item lock, it does force your opponent to attach additional energy for their basic Pokémon to attack, and is a perfect Mewtwo counter because one of it's attacks deals 70 damage plus 10 for each energy on your opponent's Pokémon)

I really like my Expanded Trevenant deck and sorely missed losing Trevenant (Forest's Curse), Mystery energy and Dimension Valley with this new season's rotation. Still, we do have Trevenant BREAK which in some regards is still playable, but just as much fun perhaps without the rotated, Item-locking Trevenant. Also, Ascension Phantump is still legal. One advantage Trevenant BREAK has over all of the other aforementioned preferred starters is that its attack places damage counters which can not be countered unlike the others' attacks that could be countered by a Bench Barrier Mr. Mime. Two disadvantages playing Trevenant BREAK with M Alakazam EX are:

1. Amount of attached energy needed before it can attack - worst case requires 2 turns to manually the requisite energy.
2. Hence, the "attack time" is not ideal in Trevenant BREAK's case (2-3 turns needed to setup before one can attack) which results in 1-2 "lost" opprotunities to spread damage vs. Hoopa, Meloetta, and/or Spinda that can attack T1.

... and Meowstic (the idea of having Meowstic is that you could add lots of damage counters on the board with Mega Gallade and your other attackers, and then move the damage to either setup future KOs, or ideally KO multiple Pokémon like Shaymin).

Another ideal Pokémon for any spread damage deck. Meowstic has been a staple in my Expanded Trevenant deck for day 1.

Also, if you are focused on continual draw vs bursts of speed, I would look into an Octillery N combo, because I have found it to be very reliable for yourself, and disruptive for your opponent (a buffed up Judge line would work just as well as N though). I honestly am not sure about how you will make space for any of these cards, but thought I would mention them in case any catch your attention. Hope this helps!

Another viable strategy alternative, but I tend to rely upon card-draw Supporters more so than Pokémon which can be Lysandre and KOd, card-drawing Ability can be nullified, may require more or different mix of Trainers which could weaken the deck's ability to execute its strategy, etc.

But, the bottom line is, I suggest testing different combos till you find the one you like most and just have fun playing your favorite deck version.