Dominating the Dragons Exalted Prerelease -- A How-To.

[Master_Z]

Many people say that you cannot really "win" a prerelease, and in a technical sense, they are correct. You don't get points for having the best record, there is no top cut, and there aren't any prizes aside from the deck box and promo that everyone receives. However, some of us still retain that sense of competitiveness even at prerelease events. The purpose of this article is to share some of my insight on past prereleases, as well as to give you basic strategies from the Dragons Exalted set, in order for you to have a better shot at getting 1st standing of the event.

-----------------------------------------
INTRO

Firstly, I should say that I'm not this veteran player who has been dominating tournaments for the 10+ years. That's not me at all. While I did play the original WOTC game back in 1999-2000 or so, I was on hiatus until my sophomore year of college or so this past August. It was then that I decided to get back into game and see how it had progressed. Since then, I have gotten 4th at a Cities, 5-2 at my states this past March (barely missed top 16 due to win percentages), and 1st-2nd standing at every prerelease since. I tend to do well at these because I can think on the spot pretty well. In competitive events like Battle Roads or states, it seems that only those who are willing to pay for high end cards like Darkrai Ex or Mewtwo Ex did well. Being a poor college student, this wasn't an option for me, so I often had to make do. Regardless, prereleases are different, and although it's possible for anyone to have a good record, you can separate yourself from the majority and do better if you look a little deeper.

-----------------------------------------
THE PRERELEASE

Some people often give tips about how to prepare the night before of an event, but in this case, you can't do much. If you want to skim over the Dragon Blast/Blade sets to see if you missed anything, by all means do so. Otherwise, just set your alarm and get some sleep.

Once you arrive at your prerelease, get in line as soon as possible and pay the fee (usually $20-25) to receive your 6 packs. You'll also receive 2 more packs, a deck box, and an Altaria promo card (a useful card, for once), but we're not worried about those for now.

Seat yourself in an area with plenty of room. As you open the packs, put the cards in separate stacks by type. Also put all trainers in a stack of their own. As there are no supporters in Dragons Exalted, you will want to use any of the trainers you get.
------------------------------------------
STRATEGY TIME

With your cards in neat piles, you can now begin to think of a strategy to perform well. Keep an eye on the clock and listen for announcements from event officials during this time. It normally takes me about 15-20 minutes to make a deck. Remember that it can only have 40 cards. In my experience, the following is a good formula:

-17-18 Pokemon
-17-18 Energy
-4-6 Trainers

Keep the energy in that range always, but if you don't get that many trainers, up your Pokemon count. You will typically be alright energy-wise the entire match, but getting the right Pokemon, especially without trainers like Ultra Ball or Level Ball in this set, will be a bit difficult.

On to the Pokemon now. Since your cards are separated by type, I thought it'd be best to list which cards I think will do best in the same manner. This list isn't set in stone -- feel free to improvise, especially if you get stage 1's and enough cards to fit your strategy together.

The key is pick basics with 70HP+ that can hit immediately. You will also find that there are several 60HP Pokemon who usually do less damage but have interesting effects. I have my put personal list of pros and cons of each below.

GRASS

1) Wurmple - Grass - HP60
Basic Pokemon

[C] Sleep Poison: Flip a coin. If heads, the Defending Pokemon is now Asleep and Poisoned.

Weakness: Fire (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1

Pros: Fits in any deck due to colorless attack. Dual status inducing attack. One retreat cost.
Cons: 60 HP is low, No damage output from attack. Coin flip.

2) Roselia – Grass – HP70
Basic Pokemon

[C] Double Whip: 10x damage. Flip 2 coins. This attack does 10 damage times the number of heads.
[G] Relaxing Scent: Heal 30 damage and remove all Special Conditions from this Pokemon.

Weakness: Fire (x2)
Resistance: Water (-20)
Retreat: 1

Pros: 70HP. First attack fits in any deck. Can do damage and then stall with second attack. One retreat.
Cons: Second attack is useful only if opponent is using a low damage attacker and you use grass energy.

3) Roserade – Grass – HP90
Stage 1 – Evolves from Roselia

[G] Cross Whip: 30x damage. Flip 4 coins. This attack does 30 damage times the number of heads.
[G][C][C] Poison Barb: 60 damage. The Defending Pokemon is now Poisoned.

Weakness: Fire (x2)
Resistance: Water (-20)
Retreat: 1

Pros: First attack is amazing with up to 120 damage output. Second attack poisons. One retreat.
Cons: Stage 1; second attack needs 3 energy. Only 90HP.

FIRE

1) Ho-Oh-EX – Fire – HP160
Basic Pokemon

Ability: Phoenix
This ability can be used 1 time during your turn if this card is in your discard pile. Flip 1 coin. If heads, attach 3 different Basic Energy cards to this card and play it onto your Bench.

[C][C][C] Rainbow Burn: 20+ damage. Does 20 more damage for each different type of Basic Energy attached to this Pokemon.

When Pokemon-EX has been Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.

Weakness: Water (x2)
Resistance: Fighting (-20)
Retreat: 2

Pros: High HP. Rainbow burn will typically do 60-80 a turn since you use different types of energy in the deck. Only 2 retreat for an Ex. Fighting resistance.

Cons: Gives 2 prizes. Phoenix ability is only good if your Ho-Oh is KO'd.

2) Vulpix – Fire – HP60
Basic Pokemon

[R] Singe: The Defending Pokemon is now Burned.

Weakness: Water (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1

Pros: Burning without flips. 1 Retreat.
Cons: Low HP, no damage output,

WATER

1) Feebas – Water – HP30
Basic Pokemon

[W] Easy Draw: Flip 2 coins. For each heads, draw a card.

Weakness: Lightning (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1

Pros: Good draw support. 75% chance of drawing 1 card.
Cons: 30HP is way too low. Emolga can one shot it.

2) Milotic – Water – HP110
Stage 1 – Evolves from Feebas

[W] Clear Search: Choose 3 cards from your deck and put them into your hand.
[W][C][C] Water Pulse: 60 damage. The Defending Pokemon is now Asleep.

Weakness: Lightning (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1

Pros: First attack is incredibly useful since there is no draw support in this set. One retreat.
Cons: Stage 1's are difficult to get out.

3) Wailmer – Water – HP100
Basic Pokemon

[C] Lullaby: Flip a coin. If heads, the Defending Pokemon is now Asleep.
[W][C][C] Water Gun: 30 damage.

Weakness: Lightning (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 3

Pros: High HP. First attack can inflict status.
Cons: Retreat cost is way too much. Second attack requires too many energy.

4) Wailord – Water – HP200
Stage 1 – Evolves from Wailmer

[W] Water Cannon: 30x damage. Flip a coin. If heads, this attack does 30 damage times the amount of Water Energy attached to this Pokemon.
[W][C][C][C] Giant Wave: 80 damage. This Pokemon can’t use Giant Wave during your next turn.

Weakness: Lightning (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 4

Pros: Ridiculous tank. First attack can probably one shot most basics. Gives opponent just one prize.
Cons: High retreat cost, but for what he offers, that's irrelevant. Use him if you can get him out.

5) Buizel – Water – HP70
Basic Pokemon

[C] Wave Splash: 10 damage.

Weakness: Lightning (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1

Pros: Fits in any deck. Good HP. One retreat.
Cons: Low damage output, but that is expected.

LIGHTNING

1) Electrike – Lightning – HP60
Basic Pokemon

[L] Tackle: 10 damage.
[L][C] Quick Attack: 10+ damage. Flip a coin. If heads, this attack does 20 more damage.

Weakness: Fighting (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1

Pros: Can attack immediately. Second attack is decent. One retreat.
Cons: Easy KO for Stunfisk or similar attacker.

2) Manectric – Lightning – HP90
Stage 1 – Evolves from Electrike

[L] Energy Crush: 20x damage. Does 20 damage for each Energy attached to all of your opponent’s Pokemon.
[L][C][C] Flash Impact: 80 damage. Does 20 damage to 1 of your Pokemon (don’t apply Weakness and Resistance when damaging the Bench).

Weakness: Fighting (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 0

Pros: Free retrear. First attack is amazing.
Cons: Stage 1. Fighting weakness.

3) Emolga – Lightning – HP70
Basic Pokemon

[C] Call for Family: Search your deck for two Basic Pokemon and put them onto your Bench. Shuffle your deck afterward.
[L] Static Shock: 20 damage.

Weakness: Lightning (x2)
Resistance: Fighting (-20)
Retreat: 0

Pros: perfect lead. Fighting resistance means Stunfisk and Terrakion will have early trouble. 20 damage for 1 energy is great. First attack allows it to fit in any deck. Free retreat.
Cons: Can get 2HKO'd by Elecktrike and other attackers. Can't touch Stunfisk.

PSYCHIC

1) Gothita – Psychic – HP50
Basic Pokemon

[P] Future Sight: Look at the top 5 cards of your deck, then return them to the top of your deck in any order.

Weakness: Psychic (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1

Pros: Can help you draw what you need quickly and gives you options.
Cons: Low HP, weak to psychic. No damage output.

2) Mew-EX – Psychic – HP120
Basic Pokemon

Ability: Versatile
This Pokemon can use the attacks of all Pokemon in play as its own. (You still need the necessary Energy to use each attack.)

[P] Replace: Choose as many Energy cards attached to your Pokemon as you like, then reattach them to your Pokemon in any way you like.

When Pokemon-EX has been Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.

Weakness: Psychic (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1

Pros: Versatile is a good combo with retreating your Pokemon out. One retreat for an Ex.
Cons: Low HP for an EX. 2 Prizes.

3) Dustox – Psychic – HP130
Stage 1 – Evolves from Cascoon

[P] Dangerous Scale: The Defending Pokemon is now Asleep, Burned, and Poisoned.
[P][C][C] Aerial Ace: 50+ damage. Flip a coin. If heads, this attack does 30 more damage.

Weakness: Psychic (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1

Pros: One energy lets you inflict triple status. High HP for a stage 1. One retreat.
Cons: Needs 3 energy for second attack. Psychic weakness.

4) Sigilyph – Psychic – HP90
Basic Pokemon

Ability: Safeguard
Prevent all effects of attacks, including damage, done to Sigilyph by your opponent’s Pokemon-EX.

[P][C][C] Psychic: 50+ damage. Does 10 more damage for each Energy card attached to the Defending Pokemon.

Weakness: Psychic (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1

Pros: Safe from Ex's. Mew counter. Attack can be useful against certain Pokemon. Good HP and low retreat.
Cons: Attack needs 3 energies.

FIGHTING

1) Marowak – Fighting – HP100
Stage 1 – Evolves from Cubone

[F] Bone Lock: 30 damage. The Defending Pokemon can’t retreat during your opponent’s next turn.
[F][C][C] Vortex Chop: 60+ damage. If the Defending Pokemon has a Resistance, this attack does 30 more damage.

Weakness: Water (x2)
Resistance: Lightning (-20)
Retreat: 1

Pros: Lightning resistance. First attack lets you build up your bench and combo next turn for a KO. Second attack is effectively a KO against most Pokemon with resistance. 1 retreat.
Cons: Stage 1. 3 energy needed for second attack.

2) Sawk – Fighting – HP90
Basic Pokemon

[C] On Guard: Heal 30 damage from this Pokemon. Then, switch this Pokemon with 1 of your Benched Pokemon.
[F][C][C] Karate Chop: 70- damage. Does 10 less damage for each damage counter on this Pokemon.

Weakness: Psychic (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1

Pros: First attack is a good combo for building your bench up while tanking. Second attack can be useful if he has no damage.
Cons: Psychic weakness. Karate Chop needs 3 energy.

3) Stunfisk – Fighting – HP100
Basic Pokemon

[F] Muddy Water: 20 damage. Does 20 damage to 1 of your opponent’s Benched Pokemon. (Don’t apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokemon.)
[F][C] Rumble: 40 damage. The Defending Pokemon can’t retreat during your opponent’s next turn.

Weakness: Water (x2)
Resistance: Lightning (-20)
Retreat: 3

Pros: First attack is incredible. Can combo with Large Cloak or Rescue Scarf, as well as Registeel Ex. Second attack means anything with 60HP or fighting weakness is gone in a couple turns. Lightning resistance.
Cons: 3 retreat is horrible. If your opponent leads with something decent, you could be in trouble from the start.

4) Terrakion-EX – Fighting – HP180
Basic Pokemon

[F][C] Rock Tumble: 50 damage. This attack’s damage isn’t affected by Resistance.
[F][F][C] Pump Smash: 90 damage. Choose 2 Basic Energy cards from your hand, then attach them to your Benched Pokemon in any way you like.

When Pokemon-EX has been Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.

Weakness: Grass (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 3

Pros: Energy acceleration. Good HP. Rock Tumble is effective against lightning types.
Cons: High retreat. 2 prizes.

DARK

1) Stunky – Darkness – HP60
Basic Pokemon

[D] Acid Spray: 10 damage. Flip a coin. If heads, discard an Energy attached to the Defending Pokemon.

Weakness: Fighting (x2)
Resistance: Psychic (-20)
Retreat: 1

Pros: Energy disruption with damage output turn 1. Psychic resistance. 1 retreat.
Cons: Fighting weakness. Coin flip.

2) Skuntank – Darkness – HP90
Stage 1 – Evolves from Stunky

[D] Smogscreen: 20 damage. The Defending Pokemon is now Poisoned. If the Defending Pokemon tries to attack during your opponent’s next turn, your opponent flips a coin. If tails, that attack does nothing.

[D][D][C] Hammer In: 80 damage.

Weakness: Fighting (x2)
Resistance: Psychic (-20)
Retreat: 1

Pros: Smogscreen has it all -- damage output, status infliction, and stops opponent from retreating. Can probably take down an Ex that is not set up. One retreat.

Cons: Fighting Weakness.

METAL

1) Registeel-EX – Metal – HP180
Basic Pokemon

[C][C][C] Triple Laser: Choose 3 of your opponent’s Pokemon. This attack does 30 damage to each of them. (Don’t apply Weakness or Resistance for Benched Pokemon.)
[M][M][C][C] Protect Charge: 80 damage. During your opponent’s next turn, this Pokemon recieves 20 less damage from attacks.

When Pokemon-EX has been Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.

Weakness: Fire (x2)
Resistance: Psychic (-20)
Retreat: 4

Pros: Fits in any deck. Combos nicely with Stunfisk. Can get multiple prizes within a couple turns. High HP. Psychic resistance.

Cons: High retreat. 2 prizes. Needs 3 energy for triple laser.

2) Probopass – Metal – HP110
Stage 1 – Evolves from Nosepass

[C][C] Magnetic Lines: 30 damage. You may choose 1 Energy attached to your opponent’s Active Pokemon and move it to a Benched Pokemon.
[M][C][C] Heavy Nose: 60+ damage. Does 30 more damage if the Defending Pokemon already has damage counters on it.

Weakness: Fire (x2)
Resistance: Psychic (-20)
Retreat: 4

Pros: First attack is great and fits in any deck. Can 2 hit a lot of things with second attack. Psychic resistance.
Cons: 4 retreat is ridiculous. Stage 1.

3) Durant – Metal – HP70
Basic Pokemon

[C] Pick Up: Search your discard pile for any 1 card, show it to your opponent, and put it on top of your deck.
[M][C] Iron Head: 30x damage. Flip a coin until you get tails. This attack does 30 damage times the number of heads.

Weakness: Fire (x2)
Resistance: Psychic (-20)
Retreat: 1

Pros: First attack can let you get tools and good Pokemon like Ex's back. Fits in any deck. Psychic resistance. 1 retreat.

Cons: No damage output, but this things is good nonetheless.

DRAGON

Giratina-EX – Dragon – HP180
Basic Pokemon

[G][P][C] Tear: 90 damage. This attack’s damage isn’t affected by any effects on the Defending Pokemon.
[G][P][C][C] Dragon Pulse: 130 damage. Discard the top three cards from your deck.

When Pokemon-EX has been Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.

Weakness: Dragon (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 3

Pros: Can one shot any dragon. High HP.
Cons: High retreat. Target for other dragon types. Needs 3 energy to attack. 2 prizes.

2) Deino – Dragon – HP60
Basic Pokemon

[D] Roar: Flip a coin. If heads, the Defending Pokemon is now Paralyzed.
[P][C] Power Breath: 30 damage. Discard an Energy card attached to this Pokemon.

Weakness: Dragon (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 2

Pros: Fits in dark decks or ones with blend energy. Possible paralysis.
Cons: 2 retreat is dumb. No damage output. Coin flip, so stall factor is only 50%.

3) Rayquaza-EX – Dragon – HP170
Basic Pokemon

[C] Heaven’s Call: Discard the top 3 cards from your deck, and if there are any Energy cards, attach them to this Pokemon.
[R][L] Dragon Burst: 60x damage. Discard either all basic Fire Energy or Lightning Energy cards attached to this Pokemon. This attack does 60 damage times the number of Energy discarded in this way.

When Pokemon-EX has been Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.

Weakness: Dragon (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1

Pros: First attack is actually useful since roughly 45% (18/40) of your deck is energy. Second attack can one shot anything. 1 retreat is great. High HP.
Cons: Discarding energy after every attack. Dragon weakness. 2 prizes.

4) Rayquaza – Dragon – HP120
Basic Pokemon

[L] Dragon Pulse: 40 damage. Discard the top 2 cards from your deck.
[R][L][C] Tear Up: 90 damage. This attack’s damage isn’t affected by any effects on the Defending Pokemon.

Weakness: Dragon (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 3

Pros: High damage output for 1 energy. Will have your opponent second guessing using Emolga's Call For Family. 120 HP.
Cons: High retreat. Weak to dragons. Having to discard to attack.

NORMAL

1) Bouffalant – Colorless – HP100
Basic Pokemon

Ability: Afro Guard
This Pokemon takes 20 less damage from attacks.

[C][C][C] Golden Break: 60+ damage. If the Defending Pokemon is a Pokemon-EX, this attack does 60 more damage.

Weakness: Fighting (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 2

Pros: Built in damage reduction. Effective Ex counter. High HP.
Cons: Fighting weakness. High retreat.

Those are the Pokemon I think will see frequent play at the prerelease. There are other attackers, like Magmar, that can hit for 1 colorless, but I didn't think they should have been included.

-----------------------------------------

OTHER TIPS

1) Avoid stage 1's and stage 2's. At the last prerelease for Dark Explorers, this wasn't the case since you had cards like ultra ball, Cheren, and Professor Juniper at your disposal. However, your "supporters" in this case will be cards like Emolga, Milotic (a stage 1), and Gothita.

2) Resource management is key. Do not waste 3-4 energy on an attack. Once that Pokemon is KO'd, those 3-4 energies are gone (unless you can manage to get Ho-Oh in the discard and reuse). Go for Pokemon like Stunfisk that can do decent damage turn 1 and have an effect.

3) Don't rely on coin flips. As I said, you're relying on a 50% chance that something will happen. Often times when people get multiple tails, they wonder why despite this. The payoff can be worth it if you're leading with something like Wurmple or managed to get Roserade out, but be careful.

4) Ex's are underrated. While they give 2 prizes, they have massive HP and good attacks/abilities. An easy way to make use is to not send 2 ex's out in a row. Instead of 2+2 prizes given to your opponent (them winning the match), instead you're doing 2 +1 +2 or 1+2+2, meaning they have to knock both your ex's and a normal Pokemon (preferably a high HP one like Wailord or Stunfisk) in order to win the match. Combine this with the free or low cost retreaters, and your opponent will get highly annoyed.

5) Use Blend Energy! It's an awesome way to put multiple types in your deck. Cards like Stunfisk, Milotic, and Emolga can suddenly work together through this. You will likely get at least 1, so I highly recommend it.

6) Use tools intelligently. Don't just throw it on the first think you have out. As there is no draw support in Dragons Exalted, you have to use everything in an efficient manner. For example, both rescue scarf and large cloak are incredible useful on a Stunfisk, but I would opt for the scarf since he can probably get a few more snipes out and help you take another prize or two later on. And with Giant Cape (aka large cloak), suddenly Mew Ex can only be taken out by Rayquaza with 3 energies. While it's great to be aggressive, you have to play smart too.

7) Throw your opponent off as frequent as possible by knowinig your cards. At the Dark Explorers prerelease, I ultra ball'd my Raikou Ex away to get the Excadrill I needed. My opponent didn't know what I was up to until I use Excadrill's Dig Uppercut to not only one shot his Chansey, but also get my Raikou back from the discard and proceeded to Volt Bolt. We may not have cards like ultra ball in this set, but are plenty of other useful cards.

8) Emolga wars will be common. You have two options here. You can either get your 2 basics and free retreat out the following turn, or you can instead aggressively hit the opponent's Emolga with your own for a single lightning energy. Since Emolga is weak to lightning, that's 40 damage, which can 2HKO it. This is especially useful if you go first, as this early pressure might cause your opponent to free retreat out. If he/she doesn't, this is a free prize for you.

9) Stunfisk + Registeel Ex = Autowin. Seriously, it's that good.

--------------------------------------

CLOSING

I hope this guide has proven useful for you guys. Again, many people won't find use out of this article if they go to prereleases just for the packs or trading. However, I try to stay competitive while having fun too. Prereleases are a great way to get a feel for the new set, and in this case, the new BW-on format. If you have any suggestions or comments for this article, feel free to make them.

[Bigbowlr1037]

I dont think you can overlook the EX+39 energy strategy. It doesnt work with every ex but i went 3-0 with Giratina EX using that very strategy. Once i hit turn 4 it was over since i no longer needed to worry about energy. Its far less skill intensive but alot of fun.

[UnpokemonMom]

Newbie here. My younger son just taught me how to play the trading card game, and we went to our first pre-release last weekend.

This description of the Dragons Exalted prerelease was really helpful. I have a question.

I received a Reyqueza EX in my 6 booster packs but had trouble putting together a good deck because it needs fire and electric energy, but I didn't have very many strong pokemon of those types (had more psychic and dark).

I wound up with mostly dark and psychic pokemon and energies, but threw in 5 each fire and electric for Reyqueza EX.

I lost 4 games, won 1. Not sure if it was because of my deck or inexperience (probably combination of both!)

Looking back (or forward, since we're going to another prerelease this weekend) maybe I should have not used the Reyqueza EX card, and just focused on my dark and psychic types?

Sorry if this question is rambling or I'm not using the correct terminology, and TIA.

[ShuckleLVX]

Originally Posted by UnpokemonMom

Newbie here. My younger son just taught me how to play the trading card game, and we went to our first pre-release last weekend.

This description of the Dragons Exalted prerelease was really helpful. I have a question.

I received a Reyqueza EX in my 6 booster packs but had trouble putting together a good deck because it needs fire and electric energy, but I didn't have very many strong pokemon of those types (had more psychic and dark).

I wound up with mostly dark and psychic pokemon and energies, but threw in 5 each fire and electric for Reyqueza EX.

I lost 4 games, won 1. Not sure if it was because of my deck or inexperience (probably combination of both!)

Looking back (or forward, since we're going to another prerelease this weekend) maybe I should have not used the Reyqueza EX card, and just focused on my dark and psychic types?

Sorry if this question is rambling or I'm not using the correct terminology, and TIA.

I pulled a Rayquaza EX as well, and went with Rayquaza, a Giant Cloak, and 18 of each Fire and Electric energy, and went 3-0. You're almost guaranteed a turn two 120 (Baring a 6 Fire energy, 5 Fire Energy in a row topdeck start), and will win the whole game by Turn 6 if they can't KO you.

[UnpokemonMom]

Originally Posted by ShuckleLVX

I pulled a Rayquaza EX as well, and went with Rayquaza, a Giant Cloak, and 18 of each Fire and Electric energy, and went 3-0. You're almost guaranteed a turn two 120 (Baring a 6 Fire energy, 5 Fire Energy in a row topdeck start), and will win the whole game by Turn 6 if they can't KO you.

Okay, thanks.

Did want to mention that in one of my battles, I pulled Rayquaza EX right away to use as my active pokemon. Of course wouldn't you know, opponent had Bouffalant up there.

Thanks again for the info.

[Master_Z]

I do not recommend the Ex + 39 energy strategy. My first opponent tried this on me, and I all I had to do was use Emolga to search my Sigilyph. He gave up once I got it out because his Ex couldn't do damage to it. Another opponent of mine had Giratina and Ho-Oh loaded with energies, but I still won. I would rather have a basic strategy outlined than throw out an Ex.

[King Piplup]

Originally Posted by Master_Z

I do not recommend the Ex + 39 energy strategy. My first opponent tried this on me, and I all I had to do was use Emolga to search my Sigilyph. He gave up once I got it out because his Ex couldn't do damage to it. Another opponent of mine had Giratina and Ho-Oh loaded with energies, but I still won. I would rather have a basic strategy outlined than throw out an Ex.

But your opponent has to have a Sigilyph, and it's a rare holo, so...

[Bigbowlr1037]

Originally Posted by Master_Z

I do not recommend the Ex + 39 energy strategy. My first opponent tried this on me, and I all I had to do was use Emolga to search my Sigilyph. He gave up once I got it out because his Ex couldn't do damage to it. Another opponent of mine had Giratina and Ho-Oh loaded with energies, but I still won. I would rather have a basic strategy outlined than throw out an Ex.

Sigilyth is a holo thats not easy to pull. Hooh and giratina dont pair well together at all. Hooh needs more tyen 2 energy types to work well and giratina only needs 2 to work well.

[pnoodle5]

For my prerelease i used Roserade and Ambipom. Despite it being a pain to bring out stage 1 pokemon, emolga could fight fairly well for one energy. I used Flaafy to stall but looking back, that was a poor choice.

Ambipom was defintely my hero, though, with an attack that does ten damage times the number of cards in my hand. As far as I know none of this set's Pokemon have colorless weakness, so at the most you can do 50 by t2, but that can build up quickly, especially if you take prizes.

[Mainejuggalo]

I used 3 Bouffalant, 2 Stunfisk, 2 sawk, and a Terrakion EX to go 4-0. It was pretty fun loading up my bench with energy after using pump up smash.

[RogueListers]

Gabite Dragon Call allowed me to set up 3 Hydreigons and sweep 2 of 3 games. Throh won me the other. His first attack can paralyze and has a decent damage output? yes please. I went 3-0

Also, a friend of mine pulled Rayquaza EX and just built a deck with 39 energy. That way when she used the first attack it would set her up for a OHKO on anything by turn 2. She went 3-0

[Bigbowlr1037]

Wailord with 38 energy went 3-1 and took second in the draft i was at saturday. So its a viable strategy even without exs.

[Master_Z]

Just noticed this made front page. Wow. I will definitely write another how-to for November's set. As for the second prerelease I got to attend yesterday, I went 2-1 but won the afterdraft with a 4-0 record. Our PTO changed the afterdraft rules so that you could evolve any stage 1-2 from any basic. So for example, if you wanted to evolve Mareep to Gabite, that was fine. Definitely an interesting way to play. As for what I got, I pulled Registeel Ex in my normal packs, full art Ho-Oh ex in my afterdraft packs, Terrakion Ex in the prize packs, and I traded for 2 Giratina ex's.

And again, Rayquaza Ex is pretty much an autowin, as long as Sigilyph isn't in the picture.

[IcedFire]

I got lucky and pulled a 3-3-2 line of Gibble, Gabite (ability), and Garchomp, so I added that to the 2-1 Swablu and Altaria line. Every match I could easily set up with Gabite (well except for the one where my opponent had a perfect hand and all my Gibbles were prized/@ the bottom of my deck). At the side event I went with 34 energies + Rayquaza Ex, Swablu, Altaria, and Feebas (don't ask on that last one), and ended with the same record despite not caring what the outcome was. (I was drafting for my collection/to fill out the deck I'd built at the main event not to make anything competitive).

[Master_Z]

Originally Posted by IcedFire

I got lucky and pulled a 3-3-2 line of Gibble, Gabite (ability), and Garchomp, so I added that to the 2-1 Swablu and Altaria line. Every match I could easily set up with Gabite (well except for the one where my opponent had a perfect hand and all my Gibbles were prized/@ the bottom of my deck). At the side event I went with 34 energies + Rayquaza Ex, Swablu, Altaria, and Feebas (don't ask on that last one), and ended with the same record despite not caring what the outcome was. (I was drafting for my collection/to fill out the deck I'd built at the main event not to make anything competitive).

You should have just run Rayquaza + 39 energies instead of with techs. I'm surprised you drew into it at all.

[sid18]

We had 2 pre releases, first one I pulled GiratinaEX, played it with my 2 Tool Scrapper and 1 Giant cloak and then 18 Grass Energy and 18 Psychic Energy, I went 4-1 and came 2nd only losing to a RayquazaEX + 39 energy.

Second pre release I pulled RayquazaEX and played it with 2 Giant Cloak and 1 Tool Scrapper and 18-18 split of Fire and Lightning and I went 5-0 to win.

Our Next Destinies and Dark Explorers pre releases were exactly the same too, since the EX's have been released nothing else has won our pre releases, just EX + energy.

[Bigbowlr1037]

Went 2-1 yesterday with 3 wurmple, 1 tympole, and 1 deep growl deino with energy

[ryuninja]

I pulled a rayquaza EX FA at my local's pre-release, but instead of going the ex + 39 energies (afraid of sigylph/dragons) i decided to play 4 deino [guard press] 2 zweilous [dragon claw] 2 emolga 1 sigilylph 1 rayquaza ex 3 swablu 1 altaria RH 1 bouffalant 2 vulpix 1 ninetales and 22 dark/psychic energies. i ended up getting to top 2 out of 30+ participants, beating out a terrakion ex + 39 energies deck in top 4 thanks to opening emolga -> sigilyph -> offer handshake. i excitedly went to the event coordinator and asked what the prizing would be for the top 2 (planning on splitting and getting then some lunch) only to find out that there was no additional prizing for any participant, and the entire prerelease "tournament" was essentially pointless -_- needless to say i was pissed, and spent a good portion of the next half hour ranting about how i was shafted out of all happiness i gained from my wins, and 3 hours of my day. THE END

[EricDent]

Isn't Dustox a Stage 2?

IE Wurmple>Cascoon>Dustox?

Anyhow, at previous pre-releases, it really depended on what cards you actually get.
If you can get really powerful cards out of 6 packs, then go for it.
I had a rather annoying habit of getting good cards, but had nothing to do with any of the other cards I got.

Have not played in a long time (mostly due to unemployment & lack of $ to buy cards).
Kinda thinking about giving all my cards to the local league (though they are mostly Diamond-Platinum).
Or maybe just hanging out & playing my old decks.

What's a good way to get back in the game (for cheap)?
I have some of the Black & White cards, and some HeartGold/SoulSilver cards as well.

It beats sitting home all day on a Sunday...