Pokémon TCG: Sword and Shield—Brilliant Stars

Sablelock w/ Blaziken for states!

Oh, then don't do it.

I don't even playtest against Gyarados normally. Dunno why. In fact, I playtest only SP and then Vilegar, whcih I hate, so then Sablock would be better if you're just playing against other Sablocks, Luxchomps, Luxboxes, and Dchomp.
 
^
Yeah.

I assume this will do better considering there is a fair amount of VileGar here. I mainly playtest SP, not much on VileGar or G-dos. I only really test will those on RS.

Over here, in masters at least, it's like all SP - mainly LuxChomp, but some BLG, DialgaChomp, or Sablelock.
 
It all depends on your meta. I would play dragonite regardless, but you might want to add in an ambipom also if you're expecting much sp. But please, keep the dragonite lol.
 
^
Yeah, I play Draggy always. I generally don't play Pom however.

I don't expect tons of SP, but there's a kid I know who plays LC, and another I know who plays Palkia Lock. IDK many SP-ers in my area tho.
 
-1 Crobat G
-1 Toxicroak G
-1 Chatot G
-1 Poke Turn
-1 Psychic
-1 SP Radar
-1 Garchomp C Lv X

+1-1 BDK
+1 Fire
+1 Ambipom G
+1 VS Seeker
+1 Garchomp C
+1 Premier Ball

Chatot G, IMO, is a "win more" card. It won't (in my experience) drastically alter the course of a game. Since you're not using the Chatot, the 4th Turn is largely superfluous. Try it out without it and see how much you miss it. A 2-2 BDK line is mainly a meta choice, but with LostGar most likely making some appearances at States, it can't hurt. Running Ambipom + Draggy will sway the mirror in your favor almost every time, and please please please run a 3-1 Garchomp C line. It is superior in every way, especially in the mirror. It also allows you a more aggressive playstyle, as well as more good starting pokemon. Aaron's and Premier Ball keep it in play after it's knocked out. The SP Radar switch to a Premier ball is a solid, more consistent choice IMO.

Hope this helps.
 
^
Thanks for the help man.

3-1 Chomp is pretty much pointless in Sablelock imo - Double Rushing is golden in here.

4 PokeTurn is essential in every SP deck man... there's no reason not to play 4. I'll try removing the Chatot, but IDK about keeping it out. I'll try it of course, but in my experience it is extremely helpful to maintain a lock.

I've considered removing the Crobat, and I believe I may. However, I like it to increase chances of donking or to DRush higher HP Pokemon on the other side. It ain't a bad starter either. I don't really want to remove Promocroak, as it is amazing vs. Luxray X and pretty good vs, T-tar, which I'm sure will be at states.

I've also considered removing the 3rd SP Radar for another card I might need, but I've decided not to. It's extremely helpful to get set up, but it can occasionally clog your hand late game. However, I will try taking it out.

With Pom and Draggy, I'd prefer to only play one as SP isn't extremely heavily played in my area (about a 4th or a 5th of the decks here from good players are SP).

I might try 2-2 BDK, but I don't expect tons of LostGar here, and it will be hard to fit in. But like I said I'll try it. Prem Ball and VS Seeker are ideas, I'll try them.

I'm considering removing the Krow G for another fire energy... good idea?
 
Glad I could be of some help.

I agree that double Dragon Rushing is too good to pass up, but I feel that it's too much of a disadvantage in the mirror. But, to each his own. However, I believe that most high-level players have made the switch to a 3-1 Chomp line. That alone doesn't mean that's what you should do; again, testing is the best way to go.

I used to agree about the 4 Turns, but with Sablelock I just found myself not really missing that 4th Turn after I took it out. Same with Chatot G; I thought it was brilliant until I played without it and realized it didn't make that much difference, but that may very well be due to my playstyle.

The Toxicroak, Draggy, and Aipom are definitely all meta decisions (as well as BDK and Blaze of course) so stick with what you feel counters your meta best.

And yes, I forgot to mention the Krow G: I think it's definitely the right play to switch it for another fire....energy drops in Sablelock are so crucial and you can't really afford to miss too many. And Krow G, while good in a pinch and to snipe a quick KO now and then, again falls under Chatot G and the 4th Turn for me; I didn't really miss it when I dropped it.

I feel the same way about the SP Radar, so I would recommend swapping it for a VS Seeker to add a few more options in the late game. Being able to Cyrus or Aaron's that one more time can be gamebreaking.

All these suggestions are what I've found work best for me. The most important factor with Sablelock is testing. It has a steep learning curve, so play and play and play and tweak and tweak and tweak until you find what works for YOU.
 
^
Yeah, I really prefer 2-2. I play 4 Turns to maximize donking and healing with Chompy, or retreating if I start with liek Draggy.

I never Turn Chatot, actually - I just Search and Escape when I can't do good damage so I can search him out with SP Radar again.

I'll try to get a VS Seeker, and I will remove the Krow G for a fire. In straight Sablelock (no blaze) it is crucial, but in here I have another attacker sooo...
 
vadersnemesis said:
-1 Crobat G
-1 Toxicroak G
-1 Chatot G
-1 Poke Turn
-1 Psychic
-1 SP Radar
-1 Garchomp C Lv X

+1-1 BDK
+1 Fire
+1 Ambipom G
+1 VS Seeker
+1 Garchomp C
+1 Premier Ball

Chatot G, IMO, is a "win more" card. It won't (in my experience) drastically alter the course of a game. Since you're not using the Chatot, the 4th Turn is largely superfluous. Try it out without it and see how much you miss it. A 2-2 BDK line is mainly a meta choice, but with LostGar most likely making some appearances at States, it can't hurt. Running Ambipom + Draggy will sway the mirror in your favor almost every time, and please please please run a 3-1 Garchomp C line. It is superior in every way, especially in the mirror. It also allows you a more aggressive playstyle, as well as more good starting pokemon. Aaron's and Premier Ball keep it in play after it's knocked out. The SP Radar switch to a Premier ball is a solid, more consistent choice IMO.

Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
You NEED 4 turn in SP.
 
I would agree with taking out Chatot, but not with dropping the turns to 3, nor taking out Promocroak. Chatot is fancy, but not needed and maybe even a tad clumsy. When your opponent has a bad start and you a good one, Chatot will seal the deal, yes. But when you have a bad start and your opponent a good one, Chatot won't help you catch up in any way.

Promocroak and max turns are just very, very good overall. You already have Blaziken, so I personally would't run a 2-2 Krow. I also prefer 2-2 Garchomp over 3-1, loosing a Chomp X early on is devastating if you only have one. In general, 3-1 is better against SP, 2-2 against the rest. Research your meta, then decide.

Try to fit in at least one Smeargle, certainly if you have no Uxie Lv.X. VS Seeker and Premier Ball are also good, as mentioned.
 
Updated top thread with the current list.

Any more suggestions?

Also, I'm trying to fit a VS Seeker in here - you guys know what to take out? I'm guessing Chatot G, but how about taking out a Collector? I prefer 3 of them, but VS Seeker virtually gives me a third one, and they clog my hand late game.
 
-1 Collector
or
-1 Chatot G
and
+1 Vs Seeker

I would suggest taking out the Chatot G, since you're playing chenlock, it feels like it's overdoing the lock already, Chatot G seems more suitable in Sablelock. Also, once you get that Uxie X, you can take out that 3rd Collectors.
 
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