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Author
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Topic: Getting Expedition Poliwrath to Work - NOT!
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SteveP
Member # 14743
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posted October 30, 2002 06:39 AM
This topic could have easy gone in the deck help section. But since I've tried Poliwrath in dozens of different deck configurations, I don't have a solid deck list to show.
I've been testing the feasibility of E-Poliwrath in a tournament-quality deck (Modified format). At first, I thought Poliwrath seemed destined to become a viable archtype deck; that is, until I playtested it. The decks I playtested used Poliwrath as the main attacker and added a few supporting basics (i.e., Cleffa, Suicune). Here's what I found:
1. The deck works pretty good when it comes out in a Poliwrath swarm (3-4 Poliwraths). Any less Poliwraths makes the deck much less effective.
2. The deck requires TONS of trainers and support cards to keep the Poliwrath with energy cards from getting KO'd (ie., P-Nurse, P-center, Gold Berry, Switch, Suicune). The deck virtually dies when the Poliwrath with energy is KO'd.
3. The deck is very slow and doesn't get going until about the 5-6th turn.
4. The Poliwag and Poliwhirl stages aren't that great, although the Neo version helps speed up the energy-building process, but makes it very vulnerable to a KO.
5. Forget trying to fighting against Espeon, Muk, Slowking, Pichu, etc., decks!
6. Finally, it's TOTALLY flip reliant!
SO, IMO, E-Poliwrath will only see limited use in fun decks. Serious players will become SO frustrated with its many shortcomings that it will NEVER make it!
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Proud member of Team PokéParents - we play Pokémon with our kids!
From: Colorado Springs, CO, USA | Registered: Apr 2001
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Dark and Vile
Member # 74653
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posted October 30, 2002 04:10 PM
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1. The deck works pretty good when it comes out in a Poliwrath swarm (3-4 Poliwraths). Any less Poliwraths makes the deck much less effective.
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Agreed. This deck needs a lot of draw power to get the right things up. And with 12 cards in the evolution (4-4-4) you are almost guaranteed that at least one will be in your prizes. As a result, don't count on more than 3 Poliwraths in play at one time.
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2. The deck requires TONS of trainers and support cards to keep the Poliwrath with energy cards from getting KO'd (ie., P-Nurse, P-center, Gold Berry, Switch, Suicune). The deck virtually dies when the Poliwrath with energy is KO'd.
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I'm surprised to see Switch in this list, considering Poliwrath's power. Also, I've found that Pokemon Center is not very effective in this deck.
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3. The deck is very slow and doesn't get going until about the 5-6th turn.
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I have found that 4th turn works consistently for me. But it sounds like we've got different trainer engines.
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4. The Poliwag and Poliwhirl stages aren't that great, although the Neo version helps speed up the energy-building process, but makes it very vulnerable to a KO.
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Yep, nothing special about the Basic and Stage 1s.
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5. Forget trying to fighting against Espeon, Muk, Slowking, Pichu, etc., decks!
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Muk is brutal against this deck. Espeon is tough as well. Pichu? I haven't had much problem. Slowking? That's always an issue in this format. Tech an Iggly.
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6. Finally, it's TOTALLY flip reliant!
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I love it. I'll take the flip every time.
From: Melbourne, FL | Registered: Apr 2002
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Dan the Pokeman
Member # 242
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posted November 01, 2002 08:50 AM
I agree with the assessment that it's slow. 4th turn is possible, but perhaps a bit optimistic, especially if you have to "Eeeeeeek" a turn or two to draw a 'Wag. I've had difficulty in "swarming", as well. I've only been able to get more than 2 in play at any one time exactly twice, and it really needs 3-4 to perform optimally.
Using Plunge rather than Switch is a nice side effect, but you end up with all your energy on 1 'Wrath that way. That's great for your next attack, but as noted, you're pretty much done if your opponent can KO the 'Wrath with all your Energy attached. Switch allows you to spread your Energy to more than 1 'Wrath, but it also prevents you from maximizing your abuse of P' Nurse and P' Center.
I also tried the Neo 'Whirl/Rainbow Energy/Gold Berry/Belly Drum combo, but I only managed to pull it off once.
I too thought E Poliwrath had a lot of potential, but the drawbacks seem to be enough to keep it out of the "elite" level of MMF Decks. If you choose to play it, I wish you the best of luck.
[ November 01, 2002, 10:02 AM: Message edited by: Dan the Pokeman ]
From: Goose Creek, SC | Registered: Feb 2001
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