OU Alakazam

Jukain , did I address your concerns well enough? When I tested Sub + Taunt, I had some good matchups, but after using it some more, you definitely had the right call. If you need me to, I can fix anything else later today
 

Aragorn the King

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what's the deal with this? is 252 speed really required on something like mega zam?
Modest
If you don't care about Speed-tying other Mega Alakazam + Mega Aerodactyl, I guess you only need 192 Speed EVs, which allow you to outspeed Weavile as a mega. Or, you could go for 212, which allow you to outpace +Spe base 100s as normal Zam.

I'm not really sure if an extra 30 HP EVs help Zam survive anything big, but they do seem to be useless in Speed, where they only help it with Speed ties.

would run at least 224 evs which lets it outrun +1 gyara
Oh yeah this...

If running HP Fire, you'll never win a Speed tie, so definitely don't go with max speed (although you'll need +4 due to the smaller EV). If running Protect, definitely go with the smallest amount possible, since you'll never need to consider normal Zam's speed.

Timid
Timid Mega Alakazam definitely only needs 176 Speed EVs, since those let it outspeed Mega Manectric. If you want to consider normal zam (ie. you're not running Protect), 216 is probably best to outspeed Starmie.
 
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Jukain I know you had commented previously on this thread, wondering if you had any finals thoughts/changes I should implement. Sorry for the inundation of PMs earlier!
 

alexwolf

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I wouldn't even mention regular Alakazam in the overview, it's not viable enough to get a mention in Overview imo, and it's definitely not OU's premiere revenge killer. I would just focus on the pros of Mega Alakazam, such as being an exceptional revenge killer that can revenge kill Swift Swim users and Excadrill, and being able to do some cool things with Trace, such as switch into Heatran, steal Sheer Force and Protean from Landorus and Greninja respectively, take advantage of Slowbro's Regenerator, etc.

Mention Hidden Power Ice and Calm Mind in the Moves section of the first set. Hidden Power Ice is great to OHKO Landorus, non-Sash Garchomp, and Landorus-T, all common Pokemon on offensive teams, as well as to revenge kill +1 Dragonite after SR and beat SpD Gliscor more easily, which avoids the 2HKO from Modest Psychic. Calm Mind lets Mega Alakazam punish switches in a similar fashion to Sub, but helps more vs balance than vs offense.

224 Spe EVs should be used when using Timid, in order to outspeed Scarf Tyranitar before MEvolving and base 115s. Also, mention that when using Timid Protect is less useful, because Alakazam outspeeds most of the metagame even before MEvolving, outside of weather sweepers and a few speedy threats.

Under Usage Tips, explain how it is advised to MEvolve Alakazam asap, in order to have Trace and the higher Speed and be able to revenge kill the threats you want to.

Under teammates, mention some strong wallbreakers to soften up the opponent so that Mega Alakazam can clean up. SD + SR Terrakion can do that, and so can Landorus, Diggersby, and Crawdaunt, and all of the can also beat or cripple Chansey and Jirachi, some of the best counters to Mega Alakazam.

Remove SpD Mega Char Y from checks and counters, this set is non existent. Instead, add SpD Jirachi, Alomomola, Cresselia, Doublade, SpD Togekiss, and Mandibuzz.

Remove Greninja as a check, it can only beat Alakazam before it MEvolves, and thus is not worth mentioning.

Do these and tag me to give you the last check.
 
alexwolf Should I give a bigger mention to any of the newly added bulky C&Cs? I wasn't sure if you just wanted a brief mention or not. Also, I had a question about including Doublade; it isn't guaranteed to avoid the 2HKO from Shadow Ball from M-Alakazam
 

alexwolf

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The better they are at dealing with Mega Zam, the bigger focus they should get. Also, scratch Doublade, my bad, it's always 2HKOed by Shadow Ball.
 

alexwolf

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Trace is not unreliable, remove this bit from the overview.

Specify when Taunt is needed against Heatran. For example, if Heatran is switching into Mega Alakazam, Taunt is not needed for Heatran, as Heatran would be relying on Lava Plume to beat Mega Alakazam anyway. However, if Mega Alakazam switches into Heatran, Taunt prevents Heatran from using Taunt and Roar, making it completely helpless.

In checks and counters you mention that Psyshock beats Chansey, which is not true, as it avoids the 2HKO even with SR up. Cresselia can Toxic or Thunder Wave Mega Alakazam, so it can definitely do something back. Also, remove Knock off and mention Toxic, a far more common move on Alomomola.

QC APPROVED 3/3
 

Weebl

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Overview
########

Mega Alakazam is an exceptional revenge killer when equipped with an Alakazite, outspeeding muchost of the unboosted metagame. However, its poor defensive typing and paper-thin defenses make Alakazam extremely susceptible to priority, hampering its effectiveness against offensive-inclined teams. Alakazam gains Trace upon Mega Evolution, an ability which allows Alakazam to revenge kill some of the most dangerous threats in the tier, notably Swift Swim sweepers and Sand Rush Excadrill. It can also be used to steal Sheer Force and Protean to boost its power to even greater levels, acting as a terrifying late-game cleaner.

Mega Alakazam
########
name: Mega Alakazam
move 1: Psychic
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Hidden Power Fire / Substitute / Protect
ability: Magic Guard
item: Alakazite
evs: 32 HP / 252 SpA / 224 Spe
nature: Modest / Timid

Moves
========

Psychic is Mega Alakazam’s optimal STAB move, as it hits physically- (remove hyphen) defensive oriented Pokemon, (AC) such as Mega Vensaur, Landorus-T, and Hippowdon, (AC) for greater damage. In order to handle Dark- and Steel-types, Focus Blast is a required coverage move in the second moveslot, threatening Tyranitar, Mega Gyarados, Heatran, and Excadrill. Opposing Psychic-types, which would otherwise wall you, are threatened by a super- (remove hyphen) effective Shadow Ball, deterring switch-ins, (AC) from the likes of such as Mew, Latios, and Latias, Mega Gardevoir, and otherpposing Mega Alakazams. In the final moveslot, Mega Alakazam has a number of viable options. Hidden Power Fire is preferred to OHKO Scizor and Ferrothorn, as well as and hitting other Steel-types more reliably. However, either Substitute or Protect can be used to ensure Mega Evolution, especially against offensive teams. Substitute shields Mega Alakazam from status and priority, prolonging its longevity, as well as acting as a buffer against possible revenge killers. Protect guarantees Mega Evolution, giving Alakazam an immediate boost to Speed and in general, greater general flexibility. It is especially advantageous against rain offense before Mega Evolving, enabling Alakazam to revenge kill Swift Swim sweepers after Mega Evolving and gaining Trace.

Taunt allows Mega Alakazam to shut down Chansey, specially defensive Heatran, Calm Mind Clefable, and obvious Stealth Rock setters entry hazard users. However, naturally strong Pokemon, like such as Hippowdon, are still able to hurt Alakazam even when Taunted. Additionally, if Prankster was copied by Trace, Taunt can prevent Thundurus from crippling you with Thunder Wave. Hidden Power Ice is a great option to OHKO Landorus, non-Sash Garchomp lacking Focus Sash, specially defensive Gliscor, which avoids the 2HKO from Psychic, and Dragonite, provided Multiscale is has been broken. It is also able to beat specially defensive Gliscor, which avoids the 2HKO from Psychic. Calm Mind is an option against balance and more defensively-oriented teams defensive teams, punishing its switch-ins, but Mega Alakazam’s frailty hampers its ability to setting up, and it is still vulnerable to priority and physical attacks. (like two extra spaces here) Lastly, Encore helps Alakazam against setup sweepers, defensive Pokemon, and users of Sucker Punch users.

Set Details
========

Full investment and a positive nature maximize Alakazam’s Special Attack, and upon Mega Evolution, its power is the equivalent of to a Life Orb user with a base 123 Special Attack stat with Life Orb equipped, with and its Speed is significantly higher speed. 224 Speed EVs allow Mega Alakazam to outspeed +1 Mega Gyarados, however, but more speed EVs can be invested if not running Hidden Power Fire. Magic Guard is the preferred ability, enabling Alakazam to switch into entry hazards without taking damage before Mega Evolving. Alakazite is needed to achieve Mega Evolution, boosting Alakazam’s Special Attack and Speed to incredible levels. As the increase in power is more beneficial when wall- (remove hyphen)breaking, and base 150 Speed is often enough, Modest is the preferred nature. A Timid nature can be used to outspeed Adamant Mega Aerodactyl, Mega Manectric, Adamant Choice Scarfed Landorus-T, and Timid Choice Scarf Heatran. If using a Timid nature, 224 Speed EVs should be used to outspeed Scarf Tyranitar and base 115s before Mega Evolution. Protect is less effective on a Timid Alakazam, as it is able to outspeed most of the metagame even when unevolved before Mega Evolving.

Usage Tips
========

When using Alakazam, iIt is imperative to consider its Mega Alakazam's frailty both before and after Mega Evolution, and it should Mega Evolve as soon as possible in order to receive Trace and the Speed needed to revenge kill. As such, it should only be brought in after a teammate has been knocked out or on an obvious switch by the opponent. Before Mega Evolution, Magic Guard allows Alakazam to switch into entry hazards, so Defog or Rapid Spin support is not a necessity. Alakazam’s primary role is to act as a revenge killer, and Trace allows Alakazam to accomplish this in a unique manner, enabling Alakazam to revenge kill Swift Swim sweepers, as well as the increasingly prevalent Sand Rush Excadrill. Additionally, Trace can be used to handle Calm Mind Clefable, as Unaware ignores accumulated boosts. Regarding Heatran, sets lacking Earth Power are completely shut down by Taunt. However, it is only necessary to use Taunt when switching into Heatran to prevent the use of Taunt and Roar; when switching into Alakazam, Heatran aims to attack directly. Thundurus and Greninja are two other notable threats that Alakazam is able to handle thanks to Trace, copying Prankster and Protean respectively. While Alakazam is best as a revenge killer, it has sufficient power and Speed to act as a late-game cleaner, especially against unprepared teams lacking priority.

Team Options
========

Strong wallbreakers, like such as Landorus, Diggersby, and Crawdaunt, are important teammates for Alakazam, as they are able to cripple or check Chansey and Jirachi, while Terrakion is notable for its access to both Stealth Rock and Swords Dance, making it one of Alakazam's best partners. Chansey, one of Alakazam’s top counters, is best handled by powerful Fighting-types, including Breloom and Keldeo. Entry hazards are important for scoring crucial KOs, especially since Alakazam cannot afford to take a hit back. As neither Latias nor Latios are KOed by Shadow Ball without significant damage beforehand, Pursuit Bisharp is a viable teammate, as is Tyranitar, whohich can lay down Stealth Rock, Pursuit trap Psychic- and Ghost-types, and handle priority from the likes of Talonflame. Pokemon able to withstand common priority users are essential teammates, so Heatran, which checks Talonflame, Scizor, and Bisharp, and Amoonguss, one of the few Pokemon that can tank Azumarill’s Aqua Jet, are valuable partners to Mega Alakazam.

Revenge Killer
########
name: Revenge Killer
move 1: Psychic
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Thunder Wave / Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Fire
ability: Magic Guard
item: Focus Sash
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid

Moves
========

Generally outdamaging Psyshock, Psychic is chosen as the obligational STAB move. Focus Blast provides necessary coverage against Dark-types immune to Psychic, as well as opposing and Steel-types, whileereas Shadow Ball hits Psychic-types that resist both Psychic and Fighting coverage. Thunder Wave is the optimal choice in the final moveslot, as, in tandem with Focus Sash, it enables Alakazam to cripple dangerous sweepers, (AC) such as Mega Charizard X and other Dragon Dance users, (AC) that would otherwise outspeed Alakazam. However, depending on what threatens your team most, Alakazam can also utilize either Hidden Power Ice or Hidden Power Fire over Thunder Wave. Hidden Power Ice OHKOes Landorus, Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Dragonite, provided Multiscale is broken, as well as and others Pokemon 4x weak to Ice. For additional and more reliable coverage against Steel-types, Hidden Power Fire can be used, especially to hit Ferrothorn and Scizor.

Set Details
========

Both Special Attack and Speed EVs are maximized to allow Alakazam to act as a premier revenge killer, and the choice of a Timid nature lets Alakazam outspeed most non-Scarfed threats lacking Choice Scarf. Magic Guard protects Alakazam from all forms of residual damage, allowing for its Focus Sash to stay preserved, (AC) even against sand and entry hazards damage. Focus Sash is the preferred item, guaranteeing at least one hit on the opponent if it is intact. Due to its Speed, Alakazam is often able to get off a second hit, provided it is not facing a Scarfed Choice Scarf Pokemon.

Usage Tips
========

Due to its frailty, Alakazam is unable to switch into the weakest of attacks, and so should therefore only be brought in after a teammate has fainted. Additionally, this serves to preserve Alakazam’s Focus Sash, and thanks to Magic Guard, Alakazam can switch freely into Stealth Rock and other hazards. Unlike most revenge killers, Alakazam can be brought in against faster threats it can OHKO, as Focus Sash guarantees that it will survive a hit. Prior damage is often needed to score OHKOs, so entry hazard support is appreciated, but the nature of its item Focus Sash somewhat mitigates this requirement somewhat. When facing a Pokemon that outspeeds Alakazam and cannot be OHKOed, Thunder Wave can be used to cripple the opponent, allowing a teammate of Alakazam to finish it off.

Team Options
========

Due to the significant drop in power Without Mega Evolving, Alakazam sees a significant drop in power, so more Dark-types threaten Alakazam, so Breloom, Keldeo, and Conkledurr are top choices when teambuilding. Stealth Rock and other entry hazards are also greatly appreciated, allowing Alakazam to OHKO a greater number of threats. Terrakion is a great teammate, with access to both Stealth Rock and STAB Close Combat to hammer Chansey and other common counters. Pursuit trappers, like such as Tyranitar and Bisharp, (AC) are also required to take on Latios, and Latias, as well as and other bulky Psychic-types.

Other Options
########

While Psychic is the preferred STAB move, Psyshock can be used in conjunction with Taunt to defeat Chansey, one of its Alakazam's top counters. When carrying either Substitute or Protect, Disable works well with on Mega Alakazam, but requires you to forego important coverage. Grass Knot allows you to reliably handle Gyarados, as it OHKOes its Mega form Mega Gyarados and provides a 2HKOes on unevolved Gyarados, helping with the "Psychic vs. Focus Blast" mindgame. Additionally, Grass Knot lets Alakazam OHKO both Omastar and Kabutops are OHKOed without having to resorting to Focus Blast, as well as Greninja following Stealth Rock and one round of Life Orb Damage. Grass Knot also 2HKOes Tyranitar, specially defensive Hippowdown, and Calm Mind Suicune, provided Suicune uses Calm Mind on the first turn. Future Sight can be used to put pressure on some of Alakazam’s usual switch-ins, as in tandem with powerful teammates, Alakazam’s hard counters often fail to avoid the 2HKO. Finally, Dazzling Gleam threatens Dragon-types, most notably Swift Swim Kingdra.

Checks & Counters
########

**Specially Defensive Walls**: Chansey is able to wall both sets due to her its high Special Defense and instant recoveringy, but Alakazam variants carrying Taunt can harass Chansey. Specially defensive Hippowdon is able to switch into Alakazam, survive the second hit, and respond with a strong Earthquake, even when uninvested. Specially defensive Jirachi is only 3HKOed by super- effective Shadow Ball, and Iron Head is a 2HKO in return. Barely scratched by any of Alakazam's moves, specially defensive Togekiss can cripple it with Thunder Wave. When equipped with Assault Vest, Azumarill avoids the 2HKO and KOes Alakazam in return, as does Alomomola, who can then Toxic Alakazam in return. Cresselia comfortably tanks all of Alakazam's moves, crippling it with either Toxic or Thunder Wave.

**Dark-types**: Bisharp can threaten Alakazam with both priority Sucker Punch and STAB Pursuit, but cannot switch into Focus Blast. Sableye is notable as it only fears the rare Dazzling Gleam, while taking nothing from being immune to Psychic and taking little damage from Shadow Ball. Mandibuzz, a bulky threat, is able to avoid the 2HKO from Alakazam and KO back with either Foul Play or Knock Off.

**Priority Attacks**: Due to its poor typing and general frailty, especially on the physical side, priority is the most efficient way of dealing with Alakazam. Talonflame is able to OHKO Alakazam with Brave Bird, and Mega- (remove hyphen) Scizor fears only Hidden Power Fire, while responding and can respond with a powerful Bullet Punch. Mega Pinsir needs a only a little prior damage or a broken Focus Sash to pick off Alakazam, and Bisharp is able to utilize its STAB Sucker Punch against Alakazam once it is in safely.[/quote]
 
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Overview
########

Mega Alakazam is an exceptional revenge killer when equipped with an Alakazite, outspeeding muchost of the unboosted metagame. However, its poor defensive typing and paper-thin defenses make Alakazam extremely susceptible to priority, hampering its effectiveness against offensive-inclined teams. Alakazam gains Trace upon Mega Evolution, an ability which allows Alakazam to revenge kill some of the most dangerous threats in the tier, notably Swift Swim sweepers and Sand Rush Excadrill. It can also be used to steal Sheer Force and Protean to boost its power to even greater levels, acting as a terrifying late-game cleaner.

Mega Alakazam
########
name: Mega Alakazam
move 1: Psychic
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Hidden Power Fire / Substitute / Protect
ability: Magic Guard
item: Alakazite
evs: 32 HP / 252 SpA / 224 Spe
nature: Modest / Timid

Moves
========

Psychic is Mega Alakazam’s optimal STAB move, as it hits physically- (remove hyphen) defensive oriented Pokemon, (AC) such as Mega Vensaur, Landorus-T, and Hippowdon, (AC) for greater damage. In order to handle Dark- and Steel-types, Focus Blast is a required coverage move in the second moveslot, threatening Tyranitar, Mega Gyarados, Heatran, and Excadrill. Opposing Psychic-types, which would otherwise wall you, are threatened by a super- (remove hyphen) effective Shadow Ball, deterring switch-ins, (AC) from the likes of such as Mew, Latios, and Latias, Mega Gardevoir, and otherpposing Mega Alakazams. In the final moveslot, Mega Alakazam has a number of viable options. Hidden Power Fire is preferred to OHKO Scizor and Ferrothorn, as well as and hitting other Steel-types more reliably. However, either Substitute or Protect can be used to ensure Mega Evolution, especially against offensive teams. Substitute shields Mega Alakazam from status and priority, prolonging its longevity, as well as acting as a buffer against possible revenge killers. Protect guarantees Mega Evolution, giving Alakazam an immediate boost to Speed and in general, greater general flexibility. It is especially advantageous against rain offense before Mega Evolving, enabling Alakazam to revenge kill Swift Swim sweepers after Mega Evolving and gaining Trace.

Taunt allows Mega Alakazam to shut down Chansey, specially defensive Heatran, Calm Mind Clefable, and obvious Stealth Rock setters entry hazard users. However, naturally strong Pokemon, like such as Hippowdon, are still able to hurt Alakazam even when Taunted. Additionally, if Prankster was copied by Trace, Taunt can prevent Thundurus from crippling you with Thunder Wave. Hidden Power Ice is a great option to OHKO Landorus, non-Sash Garchomp lacking Focus Sash, specially defensive Gliscor, which avoids the 2HKO from Psychic, and Dragonite, provided Multiscale is has been broken. It is also able to beat specially defensive Gliscor, which avoids the 2HKO from Psychic. Calm Mind is an option against balance and more defensively-oriented teams defensive teams, punishing its switch-ins, but Mega Alakazam’s frailty hampers its ability to setting up, and it is still vulnerable to priority and physical attacks. (like two extra spaces here) Lastly, Encore helps Alakazam against setup sweepers, defensive Pokemon, and users of Sucker Punch users.

Set Details
========

Full investment and a positive nature maximize Alakazam’s Special Attack, and upon Mega Evolution, its power is the equivalent of to a Life Orb user with a base 123 Special Attack stat with Life Orb equipped, with and its Speed is significantly higher speed. 224 Speed EVs allow Mega Alakazam to outspeed +1 Mega Gyarados, however, but more speed EVs can be invested if not running Hidden Power Fire. Magic Guard is the preferred ability, enabling Alakazam to switch into entry hazards without taking damage before Mega Evolving. Alakazite is needed to achieve Mega Evolution, boosting Alakazam’s Special Attack and Speed to incredible levels. As the increase in power is more beneficial when wall- (remove hyphen)breaking, and base 150 Speed is often enough, Modest is the preferred nature. A Timid nature can be used to outspeed Adamant Mega Aerodactyl, Mega Manectric, Adamant Choice Scarfed Landorus-T, and Timid Choice Scarf Heatran. If using a Timid nature, 224 Speed EVs should be used to outspeed Scarf Tyranitar and base 115s before Mega Evolution. Protect is less effective on a Timid Alakazam, as it is able to outspeed most of the metagame even when unevolved before Mega Evolving.

Usage Tips
========

When using Alakazam, iIt is imperative to consider its Mega Alakazam's frailty both before and after Mega Evolution, and it should Mega Evolve as soon as possible in order to receive Trace and the Speed needed to revenge kill. As such, it should only be brought in after a teammate has been knocked out or on an obvious switch by the opponent. Before Mega Evolution, Magic Guard allows Alakazam to switch into entry hazards, so Defog or Rapid Spin support is not a necessity. Alakazam’s primary role is to act as a revenge killer, and Trace allows Alakazam to accomplish this in a unique manner, enabling Alakazam to revenge kill Swift Swim sweepers, as well as the increasingly prevalent Sand Rush Excadrill. Additionally, Trace can be used to handle Calm Mind Clefable, as Unaware ignores accumulated boosts. Regarding Heatran, sets lacking Earth Power are completely shut down by Taunt. However, it is only necessary to use Taunt when switching into Heatran to prevent the use of Taunt and Roar; when switching into Alakazam, Heatran aims to attack directly. Thundurus and Greninja are two other notable threats that Alakazam is able to handle thanks to Trace, copying Prankster and Protean respectively. While Alakazam is best as a revenge killer, it has sufficient power and Speed to act as a late-game cleaner, especially against unprepared teams lacking priority.

Team Options
========

Strong wallbreakers, like such as Landorus, Diggersby, and Crawdaunt, are important teammates for Alakazam, as they are able to cripple or check Chansey and Jirachi, while Terrakion is notable for its access to both Stealth Rock and Swords Dance, making it one of Alakazam's best partners. Chansey, one of Alakazam’s top counters, is best handled by powerful Fighting-types, including Breloom and Keldeo. Entry hazards are important for scoring crucial KOs, especially since Alakazam cannot afford to take a hit back. As neither Latias nor Latios are KOed by Shadow Ball without significant damage beforehand, Pursuit Bisharp is a viable teammate, as is Tyranitar, whohich can lay down Stealth Rock, Pursuit trap Psychic- and Ghost-types, and handle priority from the likes of Talonflame. Pokemon able to withstand common priority users are essential teammates, so Heatran, which checks Talonflame, Scizor, and Bisharp, and Amoonguss, one of the few Pokemon that can tank Azumarill’s Aqua Jet, are valuable partners to Mega Alakazam.

Revenge Killer
########
name: Revenge Killer
move 1: Psychic
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Thunder Wave / Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Fire
ability: Magic Guard
item: Focus Sash
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid

Moves
========

Generally outdamaging Psyshock, Psychic is chosen as the obligational STAB move. Focus Blast provides necessary coverage against Dark-types immune to Psychic, as well as opposing and Steel-types, whileereas Shadow Ball hits Psychic-types that resist both Psychic and Fighting coverage. Thunder Wave is the optimal choice in the final moveslot, as, in tandem with Focus Sash, it enables Alakazam to cripple dangerous sweepers, (AC) such as Mega Charizard X and other Dragon Dance users, (AC) that would otherwise outspeed Alakazam. However, depending on what threatens your team most, Alakazam can also utilize either Hidden Power Ice or Hidden Power Fire over Thunder Wave. Hidden Power Ice OHKOes Landorus, Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Dragonite, provided Multiscale is broken, as well as and others Pokemon 4x weak to Ice. For additional and more reliable coverage against Steel-types, Hidden Power Fire can be used, especially to hit Ferrothorn and Scizor.

Set Details
========

Both Special Attack and Speed EVs are maximized to allow Alakazam to act as a premier revenge killer, and the choice of a Timid nature lets Alakazam outspeed most non-Scarfed threats lacking Choice Scarf. Magic Guard protects Alakazam from all forms of residual damage, allowing for its Focus Sash to stay preserved, (AC) even against sand and entry hazards damage. Focus Sash is the preferred item, guaranteeing at least one hit on the opponent if it is intact. Due to its Speed, Alakazam is often able to get off a second hit, provided it is not facing a Scarfed Choice Scarf Pokemon.

Usage Tips
========

Due to its frailty, Alakazam is unable to switch into the weakest of attacks, and so should therefore only be brought in after a teammate has fainted. Additionally, this serves to preserve Alakazam’s Focus Sash, and thanks to Magic Guard, Alakazam can switch freely into Stealth Rock and other hazards. Unlike most revenge killers, Alakazam can be brought in against faster threats it can OHKO, as Focus Sash guarantees that it will survive a hit. Prior damage is often needed to score OHKOs, so entry hazard support is appreciated, but the nature of its item Focus Sash somewhat mitigates this requirement somewhat. When facing a Pokemon that outspeeds Alakazam and cannot be OHKOed, Thunder Wave can be used to cripple the opponent, allowing a teammate of Alakazam to finish it off.

Team Options
========

Due to the significant drop in power Without Mega Evolving, Alakazam sees a significant drop in power, so more Dark-types threaten Alakazam, so Breloom, Keldeo, and Conkledurr are top choices when teambuilding. Stealth Rock and other entry hazards are also greatly appreciated, allowing Alakazam to OHKO a greater number of threats. Terrakion is a great teammate, with access to both Stealth Rock and STAB Close Combat to hammer Chansey and other common counters. Pursuit trappers, like such as Tyranitar and Bisharp, (AC) are also required to take on Latios, and Latias, as well as and other bulky Psychic-types.

Other Options
########

While Psychic is the preferred STAB move, Psyshock can be used in conjunction with Taunt to defeat Chansey, one of its Alakazam's top counters. When carrying either Substitute or Protect, Disable works well with on Mega Alakazam, but requires you to forego important coverage. Grass Knot allows you to reliably handle Gyarados, as it OHKOes its Mega form Mega Gyarados and provides a 2HKOes on unevolved Gyarados, helping with the "Psychic vs. Focus Blast" mindgame. Additionally, Grass Knot lets Alakazam OHKO both Omastar and Kabutops are OHKOed without having to resorting to Focus Blast, as well as Greninja following Stealth Rock and one round of Life Orb Damage. Grass Knot also 2HKOes Tyranitar, specially defensive Hippowdown, and Calm Mind Suicune, provided Suicune uses Calm Mind on the first turn. Future Sight can be used to put pressure on some of Alakazam’s usual switch-ins, as in tandem with powerful teammates, Alakazam’s hard counters often fail to avoid the 2HKO. Finally, Dazzling Gleam threatens Dragon-types, most notably Swift Swim Kingdra.

Checks & Counters
########

**Specially Defensive Walls**: Chansey is able to wall both sets due to her its high Special Defense and instant recoveringy, but Alakazam variants carrying Taunt can harass Chansey. Specially defensive Hippowdon is able to switch into Alakazam, survive the second hit, and respond with a strong Earthquake, even when uninvested. Specially defensive Jirachi is only 3HKOed by super- effective Shadow Ball, and Iron Head is a 2HKO in return. Barely scratched by any of Alakazam's moves, specially defensive Togekiss can cripple it with Thunder Wave. When equipped with Assault Vest, Azumarill avoids the 2HKO and KOes Alakazam in return, as does Alomomola, who can then Toxic Alakazam in return. Cresselia comfortably tanks all of Alakazam's moves, crippling it with either Toxic or Thunder Wave.

**Dark-types**: Bisharp can threaten Alakazam with both priority Sucker Punch and STAB Pursuit, but cannot switch into Focus Blast. Sableye is notable as it only fears the rare Dazzling Gleam, while taking nothing from being immune to Psychic and taking little damage from Shadow Ball. Mandibuzz, a bulky threat, is able to avoid the 2HKO from Alakazam and KO back with either Foul Play or Knock Off.

**Priority Attacks**: Due to its poor typing and general frailty, especially on the physical side, priority is the most efficient way of dealing with Alakazam. Talonflame is able to OHKO Alakazam with Brave Bird, and Mega- (remove hyphen) Scizor fears only Hidden Power Fire, while responding and can respond with a powerful Bullet Punch. Mega Pinsir needs a only a little prior damage or a broken Focus Sash to pick off Alakazam, and Bisharp is able to utilize its STAB Sucker Punch against Alakazam once it is in safely.
[/quote]
Implemented the above
 

Weebl

Hey!
is a Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
Erm, I think you messed up some formatting somewhere...you have an empty hide tag and an extra quote tag...You also didn't implement some of my changes without informing me, (sorry if I come off as conceited, but I'm not too sure about the policy on this) and I've usually seen others do that in the past when not implementing certain changes.
 
Which changes did I not implement? I thought I included everything. The weird tag thing was just when I quoted you, it had nothing to do with the actual check
 

Weebl

Hey!
is a Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
Hmm, just looking over, I can see that the first one hasn't been implemented, but other than that, I can't see anything else on first glance. Perhaps it was just a small error on your part, while I assumed that there were more errors that just that one. Don't worry too much about it, it's not an official check or anything. :P
 
Hmm, just looking over, I can see that the first one hasn't been implemented, but other than that, I can't see anything else on first glance. Perhaps it was just a small error on your part, while I assumed that there were more errors that just that one. Don't worry too much about it, it's not an official check or anything. :P
Haha, no problem, I think I had hit Ctrl-Z after fixing the first few sentences and forgot to check back. Everything after the overview should be properly implemented
 

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