I WON my first Pokémon tournament!
Team Report, part 1
Alola!
Last Sunday on July 14, I participated in my very first Pokémon tournament, the Chaos League Sunday Slam #18, and I WON it (well, technically tied for first place)!
This is going to be a thread with multiple posts: today, I have a team report with my team!
Meet the Team!
1. Calyrex Ice
Notes
Calyrex Ice Rider proves to be a formidable force in this format. Its natural bulk and ability to survive numerous attacks consistently impressed me. The primary threat it poses lies in its potential to snowball games with the combination of Glacial Lance and Chilling Neigh.
Clear Amulet stands out as the optimal item choice, effectively countering Intimidate spam. In my opinion, Close Combat is a superior option compared to High Horsepower. It enables Calyrex to hit Terapagos and Non-tera Zamazenta super effectively while providing a stronger attack to eliminate Incineroar and Steel types.
Additionally, the Fire-type Tera type is highly advantageous due to its immunity to Incineroar's Will-O-Wisp. Glacial Lance sweeps through teams, making Calyrex Ice Rider a crucial component of my team.
Calcs
252+ SpA Choice Specs Kyurem-White Fusion Flare vs. 252 HP / 36 SpD Calyrex-Ice Rider: 178-210 (85.9 - 101.4%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO
252 SpA Life Orb Calyrex-Shadow Rider Astral Barrage vs. 252 HP / 36 SpD Calyrex-Ice Rider: 182-218 (87.9 - 105.3%) -- 25% chance to OHKO
252+ Atk Calyrex-Ice Rider Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Kyurem-White in Snow: 130-154 (56 - 66.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
220+ Atk Calyrex-Ice Rider Glacial Lance vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Calyrex-Shadow Rider: 118-139 (67.4 - 79.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 220+ Atk Calyrex-Ice Rider Glacial Lance vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Calyrex-Shadow Rider: 177-208 (101.1 - 118.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
220+ Atk Calyrex-Ice Rider Glacial Lance vs. 220 HP / 132 Def Flutter Mane: 129-153 (81.6 - 96.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 220+ Atk Calyrex-Ice Rider Glacial Lance vs. 220 HP / 132 Def Flutter Mane: 193-228 (122.1 - 144.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
220+ Atk Calyrex-Ice Rider Glacial Lance vs. 236 HP / 156+ Def Amoonguss: 198-234 (90.4 - 106.8%) -- 37.5% chance to OHKO
220+ Atk Calyrex-Ice Rider Close Combat vs. 236 HP / 20 Def Incineroar: 188-222 (94 - 111%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO
2. Maushold
Notes
(Mistake: It’s Friend Guard, not Technician) Initially, I thought using Maushold was just my anti-meta inclinations taking over, expecting it to be another failed experiment. However, I was pleasantly surprised by its effectiveness. The EV spread allows it to survive an Adamant Scarf Urshifu’s Surging Strikes while outspeeding Mienshao. Additionally, it is Timid to minimize damage from Foul Play, as the attack stat is unnecessary.
Maushold can execute fast Taunts to prevent Wide Guard users and other setup Pokémon from hindering my team. This, combined with Super Fang, makes Maushold an excellent counter to Terapagos and other bulky setup Pokémon. My team is designed to have at least one passive turn before dealing damage, often giving opponents an opportunity to set up. Helping Hand maintains offensive pressure, ensuring Maushold remains a threat inside Trick Room due to its utility with redirection, Helping Hand, and Friend Guard ability.
Another clever mechanism I discovered is that Super Fang now finishes off Pokémon with 1 HP, allowing Maushold to pick off those hanging on by a Focus Sash or Sturdy, such as Rockpon.
Maushold, paired with Calyrex Ice Rider or Farigiraf, secured all my games by guaranteeing Trick Room setup. Taunt effectively dealt with Calm Mind Kyogre or Terapagos and generally stopped Protect stall tactics against my Trick Room strategy.
Calcs
252+ Atk Urshifu-Rapid Strike Surging Strikes (3 hits) vs. 252 HP / 36 Def Maushold on a critical hit: 138-165 (76.2 - 91.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
3. Torkoal
Notes
Torkoal's job is to sit on the field and dish out massive damage with its moves. Tera Fire Eruption is a game-changer in Trick Room, wiping out opponents left and right. However, this strategy doesn't always go smoothly, especially if opponents have priority moves on the field after Farigiraf is down or if Torkoal takes a lot of damage on a switch-in during Trick Room.
To handle these situations, I chose Flamethrower instead of Overheat because Overheat has let me down too many times by missing when I needed it most. Flamethrower, on the other hand, provides steady damage without losing power, keeping Torkoal's damage output consistent in Trick Room. Earth Power is super useful for dealing with opposing Fire types and Pokémon that Terastalize into Fire types to counter my Calyrex and Torkoal combo. Finally, I picked Heat Wave because it still hits hard even if Torkoal has taken some damage, although I don't want to rely on it in a tight spot.
Eruption is nearly impossible to stop, making Torkoal a powerhouse in Trick Room and a key player in my team's success.
Calcs
252+ SpA Choice Specs Torkoal Eruption (150 BP) vs. 4 HP / 4 SpD Calyrex-Shadow Rider in Sun: 177-208 (100.5 - 118.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ SpA Choice Specs Torkoal Eruption (150 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Groudon in Sun: 192-226 (92.7 - 109.1%) -- 56.3% chance to OHKO
252+ SpA Choice Specs Tera-Fire Torkoal Eruption (150 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Groudon in Sun: 256-302 (123.6 - 145.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ SpA Choice Specs Torkoal Eruption (150 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Calyrex-Ice Rider in Sun: 284-336 (137.1 - 162.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ SpA Choice Specs Torkoal Flamethrower vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Calyrex-Ice Rider in Sun: 230-272 (111.1 - 131.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ SpA Choice Specs Torkoal Earth Power vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Miraidon: 114-136 (64.7 - 77.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Choice Specs Torkoal Earth Power vs. 236 HP / 124+ SpD Incineroar: 112-132 (56 - 66%) -- 24.6% chance to 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
252+ SpA Choice Specs Torkoal Earth Power vs. 188 HP / 4 SpD Assault Vest Raging Bolt: 94-112 (41.9 - 50%) -- 0.4% chance to 2HKO
252+ SpA Choice Specs Torkoal Earth Power vs. 188 HP / 4 SpD Raging Bolt: 140-166 (62.5 - 74.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Choice Specs Tera-Fire Torkoal Eruption (150 BP) vs. 188 HP / 4 SpD Raging Bolt in Sun: 130-154 (58 - 68.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Calyrex-Ice Rider High Horsepower vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Tera-Fire Torkoal: 108-128 (61 - 72.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Life Orb Calyrex-Shadow Rider Astral Barrage vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Tera-Fire Torkoal: 156-185 (88.1 - 104.5%) -- 31.3% chance to OHKO
252+ Atk Groudon Precipice Blades vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Torkoal: 140-168 (79 - 94.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Choice Band Tera-Dark Urshifu-Single Strike Wicked Blow vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Torkoal on a critical hit: 146-174 (82.4 - 98.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 252+ SpA Tera-Stellar Terapagos-Stellar Tera Starstorm vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Torkoal: 134-158 (75.7 - 89.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+3 156+ Def Zamazenta-Crowned Body Press vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Torkoal: 139-165 (78.5 - 93.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
4. Farigiraf
Notes
Farigiraf is the perfect partner in crime for Calyrex when it comes to setting up Trick Room. As a Normal type, it is immune to Astral Barrage from Shadow Rider Calyrex, and being a Psychic type, it is safe from Expanding Force. Its Armor Tail ability is fantastic for blocking priority moves, which some people rely on as a Trick Room counter.
Twin Beam is a great tech option against Mienshao and Iron Valiant, who can be troublesome for my team with their Wide Guards. Given the current meta, with Chien Pao and Chi-Yu being more common and Urshifu Single Strike less prevalent, Tera Water is the best choice for Farigiraf. Foul Play is also effective in mirror matchups against Ice Rider Calyrex, while Shadow Ball is a great option to handle threats like Calyrex Shadow and Flutter Mane. This adjustment has made opponents less likely to set up with their Calyrex Ice Riders.
Life Orb has allowed Farigiraf to pressure opponents and score KOs, setting up my bigger sweepers to take over. Two Life Orb-boosted Hyper Voices deal more damage than a single neutral Hyper Voice combined with a boosted hit, making Farigiraf an even more formidable force on the field.
Calcs
252+ Atk Calyrex-Ice Rider Glacial Lance vs. 188 HP / 68 Def Farigiraf: 121-144 (55.2 - 65.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Rillaboom Wood Hammer vs. 188 HP / 68 Def Farigiraf in Grassy Terrain: 172-204 (78.5 - 93.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
252 Atk Orichalcum Pulse Tera-Fire Koraidon Flare Blitz vs. 188 HP / 68 Def Farigiraf in Sun: 255-301 (116.4 - 137.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
220 SpA Choice Specs Tera-Fairy Flutter Mane Moonblast vs. 188 HP / 124 SpD Farigiraf: 186-220 (84.9 - 100.4%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Tera-Electric Miraidon Electro Drift vs. 188 HP / 124 SpD Farigiraf: 200-236 (91.3 - 107.7%) -- 43.8% chance to OHKO
252+ Atk Rillaboom Wood Hammer vs. 188 HP / 20 Def Farigiraf in Grassy Terrain: 184-217 (84 - 99%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
252+ SpA Choice Specs Torkoal Eruption (150 BP) vs. 188 HP / 140 SpD Farigiraf in Sun: 198-234 (90.4 - 106.8%) -- 43.8% chance to OHKO
252+ SpA Life Orb Ursaluna-Bloodmoon Blood Moon vs. 188 HP / 140 SpD Farigiraf: 195-230 (89 - 105%) -- 31.3% chance to OHKO
252+ Atk Groudon Heat Crash (120 BP) vs. 188 HP / 20 Def Farigiraf in Sun: 163-192 (74.4 - 87.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Friend Guard Changes:
+2 252+ Atk Groudon Precipice Blades vs. 188 HP / 20 Def Farigiraf with Friend Guard: 181-214 (82.6 - 97.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Calyrex-Ice Rider Glacial Lance vs. 188 HP / 20 Def Farigiraf with Friend Guard: 97-115 (44.2 - 52.5%) -- 20.7% chance to 2HKO
252+ SpA Choice Specs Torkoal Eruption (150 BP) vs. 188 HP / 140 SpD Farigiraf in Sun with Friend Guard: 148-175 (67.5 - 79.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Life Orb Tera-Normal Ursaluna-Bloodmoon Blood Moon vs. 188 HP / 140 SpD Farigiraf with Friend Guard: 195-230 (89 - 105%) -- 31.3% chance to OHKO
Offense:
156+ SpA Life Orb Farigiraf Twin Beam (2 hits) vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Urshifu-Rapid Strike: 250-296 (142 - 168.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
156+ SpA Farigiraf Shadow Ball vs. 4 HP / 4 SpD Calyrex-Shadow Rider: 168-200 (95.4 - 113.6%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO
156+ SpA Life Orb Farigiraf Twin Beam (2 hits) vs. 236 HP / 116 SpD Amoonguss: 172-208 (78.5 - 94.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
156+ SpA Life Orb Farigiraf Helping Hand Twin Beam (2 hits) vs. 252 HP / 252 SpD Amoonguss: 224-270 (101.3 - 122.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
156+ SpA Life Orb Farigiraf Helping Hand Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Calyrex-Shadow Rider: 322-385 (184 - 220%) -- guaranteed OHKO
5. Rillaboom
Notes
Rillaboom works exceptionally well, just as I thought it would. It provides a backup plan if I am unable to set up Trick Room, thanks to its strong Grassy Glides. The Assault Vest is the best item choice for Rillaboom, as it solidifies the Amoonguss matchup, ensuring that Rillaboom can take hits and stay on the field longer.
Calcs
116+ Atk Rillaboom Wood Hammer vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Ursaluna-Bloodmoon in Grassy Terrain: 222-264 (100.9 - 120%) -- guaranteed OHKO
116+ Atk Rillaboom Wood Hammer vs. 220 HP / 132 Def Flutter Mane in Grassy Terrain: 169-199 (106.9 - 125.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
132+ Atk Tera-Grass Rillaboom Helping Hand Grassy Glide vs. 220 HP / 132 Def Flutter Mane in Grassy Terrain: 158-186 (100 - 117.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
132+ Atk Tera-Grass Rillaboom Helping Hand Grassy Glide vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Calyrex-Shadow Rider in Grassy Terrain: 142-168 (81.1 - 96%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
132+ Atk Tera-Grass Rillaboom Wood Hammer vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Calyrex-Shadow Rider in Grassy Terrain: 206-244 (117.7 - 139.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
220+ Atk Rillaboom Wood Hammer vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Groudon in Grassy Terrain: 210-248 (101.4 - 119.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
-1 220+ Atk Rillaboom High Horsepower vs. 236 HP / 20 Def Incineroar: 80-96 (40 - 48%) -- 14% chance to 3HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery and Sitrus Berry recovery
220+ Atk Rillaboom High Horsepower vs. 188 HP / 132 Def Raging Bolt: 108-128 (48.2 - 57.1%) -- 40.2% chance to 2HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
220+ Atk Rillaboom High Horsepower vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Miraidon: 114-136 (64.7 - 77.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
252 SpA Choice Specs Calyrex-Shadow Rider Helping Hand Astral Barrage vs. 132 HP / 92 SpD Assault Vest Rillaboom: 160-190 (83.3 - 98.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
+1 252 SpA Choice Specs Calyrex-Shadow Rider Astral Barrage vs. 132 HP / 92 SpD Assault Vest Rillaboom: 160-190 (83.3 - 98.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
252 SpA Choice Specs Miraidon Draco Meteor vs. 132 HP / 92 SpD Assault Vest Rillaboom: 135-159 (70.3 - 82.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
252+ SpA Choice Specs Protosynthesis Tera-Fairy Flutter Mane Moonblast vs. 132 HP / 156 SpD Assault Vest Rillaboom: 174-206 (90.6 - 107.2%) -- 43.8% chance to OHKO
252+ Atk Calyrex-Ice Rider Glacial Lance vs. 132 HP / 4 Def Tera-Water Rillaboom: 54-64 (28.1 - 33.3%) -- 89.6% chance to 4HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
6. Raging Bolt
Notes
As I expected, Raging Bolt was the least used member of my team, but whenever I did bring it, it performed exceptionally well. It provided the necessary pressure on the field and assumed the role of cleaning up once Trick Room expired. With its Sun, Zap Plate, and sometimes Tera-boosted Thunderclaps, Raging Bolt could finish off opponents without worrying much about speed brackets.
I mainly used Raging Bolt in my Round 2 matchup against Miraidon and Dondozo Tatsugiri. Although I lost the first game with my Maus + Calyrex build, I made a crucial read in games 2 and 3. Using Helping Hand + Thunderclap, I was able to take out the Chi-Yu, which proved to be an exceptional strategy and turned the tide in my favor.
Calcs
252+ Atk Calyrex-Ice Rider High Horsepower vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Raging Bolt: 154-182 (66.3 - 78.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Calyrex-Shadow Rider Astral Barrage vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Tera-Electric Raging Bolt: 150-177 (64.6 - 76.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 252 SpA Life Orb Calyrex-Shadow Rider Astral Barrage vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Tera-Electric Raging Bolt: 195-230 (84 - 99.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Magnet Protosynthesis Tera-Electric Raging Bolt Thunderclap vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Calyrex-Shadow Rider: 142-168 (81.1 - 96%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Magnet Protosynthesis Tera-Electric Raging Bolt Thunderclap vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Tera-Water Calyrex-Ice Rider: 224-268 (108.2 - 129.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ SpA Magnet Protosynthesis Tera-Electric Raging Bolt Thunderclap vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Kyogre: 216-256 (104.3 - 123.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO
And that’s the team! Stay tuned for a round-by-round analysis.
Sayonara!