New Psychic Deck Idea

[orion74656]

Good evening, all!

Let me preface this by saying that I'm quite a new player. I've only been playing for 2 weeks, so please excuse my lack of knowledge and know-how. Currently I'm running a blastoise deck in my league that is being modified by the friendly people on Heyfonte, but I had an idea during my insomnia, so I figured I would post it here and see if anyone had any advice/pointers for me.

Pokemon:
3x Lugia Ex (PS108)
1x Mewtwo Ex (BWP45)
4x Ralts (PS59)
3x Gardevoir (ND57)
3x Giratina (PS62)

Trainers:
4x Rare Candy
1x Computer Search
4x N
3x Energy Retrieval
4x Ultra Ball
3x Pokemon Catcher
4x Skyla
4x Professor Juniper
3x Colress
3x Colress Machine

Energy:
10x Psychic Energy
3x Plasma Energy

My strategy would be to get Gardevoir on the bench. With her ability of doubling all my psychic energies, I can do big damage with mewtwo's X-ball attack and Lugia's Plasma Gale attack (using a plasma energy that I get with Colress Machine and can get back with energy retrieval). Also, I put in the Giratina because I like to have something else to help beef up the bench in times of need.

I toyed back and forth between having 2x Giratina and 2x Mewtwo instead of 3 and 1 respectively, but I'm just not sure.

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[TuxedoBlack]

Note: Energy Retrieval only gets basic energy from the discard pile, not special energy (Plasma). However, the Supporter, Shadow Triad, can get any Team Plasma "card" (like Plasma energy) from the discard pile.

A very cool aspect of this deck is that both Mewtwo EX, as well as, Giratina can both attack for just 1 energy attached after you get Gardevoir into play. I assume both psychic basic Poké will be your main attackers then Lugia EX will then swoop in and cleanup for multiple prizes. With that said, i'd suggest the following for your consideration:

-2 Lugia EX (not that strong of an attacker without a solid support team and is definitely not a good starter).
+1 Mewtwo EX (good starter and attacker. X-ball is a really great attack; and by ONLY attaching 1 P energy, opponent's Deoxys EXs can't 1HKO your Mewtwo EX)
+1 Gallade (another good 1-energy attacker that can be very useful in some match-ups)

-3 Energy Retrieval (not strongly, as noted above)
+1 Super Rod (for Poké and/or energy recovery)
+2 Max Potion (with so many 1-energy attackers, these can help you maintain your attacking pressure, and deny prizes from your opponent)

-1 Skyla (IMHO, 3 will be quite sufficient (eventhough 4 maximizes your chances of drawing into 1...))
-1 Professor Juniper (again IMHO, 3 will be quite sufficient (more than likely you'll discard multiple Supporters when you may not want to))
+1 Exeggcute (its Ability, Propagation, can be quite useful when you discard cards from hand for 4+ Ultra Ball, Computer Search, etc.)
-1 P energy
+2 Hypnotoxic Laser (these will help Giratina inflict 100 damage for just 1 energy... )

I hope you find these comments helpful.

 

[orion74656]

These are very helpful, thanks.

Should I consider running some DCE to load up my Lugia faster? Not a lot, maybe like 2?

Also, with the Hypnotoxic Laser, should I be running Virbank City Gym?

 

[TuxedoBlack]

Should I consider running some DCE to load up my Lugia faster? Not a lot, maybe like 2?

I think not. When Gardevoir is in play, a single P energy effectively serves as a DCE; so, no additional special energy is really needed.

Also, with the Hypnotoxic Laser, should I be running Virbank City Gym?

Interestingly enough, I sometimes do not include the VCG, because my opponent will usually play them. Lol. However, I'm noticing that many Team Plasma (TP) deck players are now playing Frozen City (quite effective against non-TP decks). So, adding 1-2 VCG could be quite helpful. But what to take out...? Maybe the Lugia EX (too long to get ready to attack)?

 

[Tim17]

Tux - you might go reread a few things - Gardevoir only applies to psychic energy attached to psychic pokemon. Lugia won't get that bonus. Also, Giratina requires 3 energy for its Hex Attack, so either way you'll need a minimum of 2 psychic energy with a Gardevoir out to attack with Giratina.

that said, I still stand by what I said on another site, the plasma stuff should be cut. I do agree that a tech Gallade would be worth running as it's attacks aren't that bad.

Another Mewtwo EX would be good as well. Since you're running a stage 2 based deck, then you might look into a tech Emolga (call for family) to aid in set up. It also has free retreat. You'll still want to use Tool Scrapper or the new "plasma" Chatot to handle Garbodor decks [as they'll shut down your Gardevoir ability]. Switch/Escape Rope/Float Stone would be good too [if you go Float Stone, consider a Keldeo EX], and you need Catcher as well.

 

[TuxedoBlack]

Tux - you might go reread a few things - Gardevoir only applies to psychic energy attached to psychic pokemon. Lugia won't get that bonus.

Yes, you are correct. Apologies Orion74656.

Also, Giratina requires 3 energy for its Hex Attack, so either way you'll need a minimum of 2 psychic energy with a Gardevoir out to attack with Giratina.

I don't think so. With 1 P energy (manually attached) and using a Colress Machine to attach a single Plasma energy, the prerequisite energy is supplied for Giratina's Hex attack (PCC energy requirement with the single P energy counted as PP with Gardevoir in play). So, effectively, one could power-up Giratina in one turn - assuming Gardevoir is in play and without an active Garbotoxin.

A few DCEs would would help accelerate the necessary attachment of required energy for Lugia EX's. However, given Tim17's clarification, my earlier comment about the need for "strong support" becomes more critical since you do not get the 2x energy count when P energy is attached to Lugia EX. I've already suggested replacing 2; now you need to decide if the 3rd Lugia EX is worth keeping in the deck... IMHO, you don't need it.

 

[Tim17]

I don't think so. With 1 P energy (manually attached) and using a Colress Machine to attach a single Plasma energy, the prerequisite energy is supplied for Giratina's Hex attack (PCC energy requirement with the single P energy counted as PP with Gardevoir in play). So, effectively, one could power-up Giratina in one turn - assuming Gardevoir is in play and without an active Garbotoxin.

with that explanation you've pointed out my mistake of forgetting that Giratina is a plasma pokemon. However I initially made my comment due to your initial post:

... as well as, Giratina can both attack for just 1 energy attached after you get Gardevoir into play.

here's my recommended suggestions, based off taking out the plasma related items, and a few other things too:

-3x Lugia EX (PLS 108)
-3x Giratina (PLS 062)
+1x Emolga (DRX 045)
+1x Mewtwo EX (BWP 45)
+1x Gallade (PLS 061)
+2x Sigilyph (DRX 052)
+1x Keldeo EX (BWP 61)

-1x Energy Retrieval
-2x Skyla [this or 1 Skyla and 1 Colress]
-1x Professor Juniper
+3x Float Stone
+1x Tool Scrapper

-3x Plasma Energy
+3 Double Colorless Energy

reasoning here:

Emolga is an ideal starter to get bench set up. If you get it late game, then it's ditch fodder.
Another Mewtwo EX is good to consider, if you're not comfortable with a second, then go with a 2nd Keldeo EX
Keldeo EX is combo'd with Float Stone, using it's ability to rush in [not a retreat], then retreat for free when it has Float Stone attached.
Gallade offers another attacker and evens out to a 4-0-3/1 line up on the Ralts family.
Sigilyph offers protection from EX's and possibly can hit rather hard.
Energy Retrieval was lowered to two, supporters changed some as you need to get in Float Stone and at least one Tool Scrapper - which will help with Garbodor based opponents.
Plasma Energy will be replaced with DCE as a nearly all of the pokemon in your deck can use it.

 

[orion74656]

Ok, I've taken all this into account and here's my new deck list:

Pokemon:
2x Mewtwo Ex (BWP45)
4x Ralts (PS59)
3x Gardevoir (ND57)
2x Gallade (PS61)
2x Sigilyph (DR52)
1x Keldeo Ex (BC49)
1x Emolga (DR45)

Trainers:
4x Rare Candy
1x Computer Search
4x N
2x Energy Retrieval
4x Ultra Ball
3x Pokemon Catcher
4x Skyla
4x Professor Juniper
3x Colress
2x Level Ball
2x Float Stone
2x Tool Scrapper

Energy:
10x Psychic Energy

I'm still unsure about using Sigilyph, just because I feel that this deck is hard hitting enough that I could still use the Giratina. But I changed it. I'll test with it and see which I prefer.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Again, thanks for all the help!

 

[TuxedoBlack]

I'm not a big fan of Emolga since it only has 70 HP which is low enough that it can be easily donked. I'd suggest you check out Kangaskhan (PB) which also has a CfF attack, but has 100 HP. I'm not sure how effective Sigilyph may be; I believe a lot of good players can easily deal with it in a variety of ways. So, you might want to replace those too with Kangaskhan. With 3 you have a good chance of starting with 1.

Assuming you do decide to use Kangaskhan, I'd also suggest you replace 1 Skyla and 1 Ultra Ball (your dependence upon this Item is reduced after incorporating Kangaskhan) for 2 Switch. Your Float Stones will be Scrapper targets; so, you may find Switch to be quite useful.

 

[Tim17]

I'm not a big fan of Emolga since it only has 70 HP which is low enough that it can be easily donked. I'd suggest you check out Kangaskhan (PB) which also has a CfF attack, but has 100 HP. I'm not sure how effective Sigilyph may be; I believe a lot of good players can easily deal with it in a variety of ways. So, you might want to replace those too with Kangaskhan. With 3 you have a good chance of starting with 1.

Assuming you do decide to use Kangaskhan, I'd also suggest you replace 1 Skyla and 1 Ultra Ball (your dependence upon this Item is reduced after incorporating Kangaskhan) for 2 Switch. Your Float Stones will be Scrapper targets; so, you may find Switch to be quite useful.

While I agree with the second thing you posted here (about having switch [note* escape rope could be considered as well]) - the reason why most go with Emolga is that it has a CfF attack with FREE RETREAT. yes, it's donkable.....however it's still a better choice than losing other resources. Most decks use only 2 slots for "CfF pokemon" as usually you find yourself discarding them later on in the game.

orion74656 - if you're not fond of the sigilyph, then replace one with a second Emolga [or w/e CfF pokemon you end up choosing to use] and the second you could tech a Giratina or possibly a switch/escape rope.

I'll also point out that if you keep Computer Search and the 2 level ball, then you could probably lose one of the 4 ultra ball, like Tuxedo suggest, and a Skyla [it's rare to see people running anymore than three] for 2 Switch/Escape Rope.

 

[TuxedoBlack]

While I agree with the second thing you posted here (about having switch [note* escape rope could be considered as well]) - the reason why most go with Emolga is that it has a CfF attack with FREE RETREAT. yes, it's donkable.....however it's still a better choice than losing other resources. Most decks use only 2 slots for "CfF pokemon" as usually you find yourself discarding them later on in the game.

So, the real question is how much is a free-retreating, 70 HP, CfF Poké worth including in the deck IF you don't start first with it? Chances are, it will be donked (lost resource) unlike Kangaskhan which has a much better chance of surviving T1. Even though it may take a Switch later to get Kangaskhan out of the active position, it has done its job if I can still CfF. Kangaskhan is, IMHO, well worth the Switch vs. being down a prize (i.e., donked Emolga) with possibly no CfF results.

Orion74656 - any playtesting results yet?

 

[orion74656]

yea, I've play tested and it just...doesn't feel right yet. I never end up starting with an emolga. So I'm wasting resources getting one out there. But it does get out there, and it does the CfF just fine. But idk. I'm thinking of dropping the siggy's and definitely putting in a Kirlia. In playing my 'stoise deck at my league, I added a Wartortle and it helped IMMENSELY. Also, I'm thinking of squeezing in 2 tropical beaches, thoughts? I've heard that decks that rely on stage 2 poke's should be running the beach, and it's definitely helped with 'stoise. but maybe Kangaskhan might be a good idea? Emolga is ALWAYS donned T2, but maybe with something wtih some more HP, it can get me 2 rounds of CfF? I'll see what I can do with that.

 

[TuxedoBlack]

yea, I've play tested and it just...doesn't feel right yet. I never end up starting with an emolga. So I'm wasting resources getting one out there. But it does get out there, and it does the CfF just fine.

Oftentimes, the "feel" of the deck can vary given the resources you have to help you setup and draw - no surprise there. I am not one who subsribes to the notion that "all decks should run 4 Professor Juniper, 4 N,..." or should run that, etc. Each deck is different and has its own "feel;" so, you just got to find the right combo of things that make the deck work for you.

Hoping to start with a particular card when you just have 1 of will not yield the desired results on a consistent basis. The math is just not in favor of that.

I'm thinking of dropping the siggy's and definitely putting in a Kirlia. In playing my 'stoise deck at my league, I added a Wartortle and it helped IMMENSELY.

I've run/currently run a number of stage 2 decks. Like you, I've found that having 1 stage 1 helps alot. Along this same line, check out Exeggcute (Propagation); this Poké helps too.

Also, I'm thinking of squeezing in 2 tropical beaches, thoughts? I've heard that decks that rely on stage 2 poke's should be running the beach, and it's definitely helped with 'stoise.

Tropical Beach is a great card, especially in a Blastoise deck in particular. When I played my Team Plasma deck and put Frozen City in play, that card really can hurt a Blastoise or Emboar deck. Further (and the main intent), it helps you draw into needed cards early game to facilitate your setup. On the other hand, I choose not to play Beach, because I do not like potentially helping my opponent with it.

but maybe Kangaskhan might be a good idea? Emolga is ALWAYS donned T2, but maybe with something wtih some more HP, it can get me 2 rounds of CfF? I'll see what I can do with that.

I run Kangaskhan currently in my Kingdra deck, and it usually provides me with 2 CfF before I bench it or it is KOd. Also, its second attack is not that bad either - if needed in a pinch. I suggest playtesting it.

 

[orion74656]

Ok, so I've done a lot of testing, and so far, so good. new deck list:

Pokemon:
2x Mewtwo Ex (BWP45)
4x Ralts (PS59)
3x Gardevoir (ND57)
2x Gallade (PS61)
1x Kirlia (PS60)
1x Keldeo Ex (BC49)
3x Kangaskhan (PB71)

Supporters:
3x N
2x Skyla
2x Professor Juniper
2x Colress
2x Cheren

Items:
4x Rare Candy
1x Scramble Switch
1x Energy Retrieval
3x Ultra Ball
3x Pokemon Catcher
2x Float Stone
2x Tool Scrapper
2x Switch
3x Bicycle

Stadiums:
2x Tropical Beach

Energy:
10x Psychic Energy

thoughts?

 

[TuxedoBlack]

Looks like you like the Kangaskhan.

Does your Supporter card draw mix with Tropical Beach work well for you? Cheren seems less efficient vs. Bianca (to replenish your hand potentially more than Cheren) after depleting your hand with an Ultra Ball, for example. But, you may have done that because of Beach... As I player, I do try to deny my opponent's use of Tropical Beach. With that thought, I'd also suggest increasing your Skyla count to 3. So, my recommended card draw Item/Supporters would be: 2 Bicycle, 0 Cheren, 2 Colress, 4 N, 3 PJ, and 3 Skyla. ; so the 3rd Skyla can be quite useful in getting a needed Bicycle, for example.

 

[orion74656]

Males sense. I'll fix it.