-----Original Message-----
From: Michael Brengman <michael.brengman@gte.net>
To: qna@pojo.com <qna@pojo.com>
Date: Sunday, March 12, 2000 8:23 PM
Subject: Pokemon Power Question

    If you use a pokemon power, do you have to "say" that you used it? Example: My Opponent had out a ma machamp out and I had a MP Mewtwo that had 60 damage on it. I used Psyburn and he said that it did 10 damage back because of Srikes back and K.O.ed it; but he never "said" that he used strikes back. Was he right and the pokemon power always "on"? Please E-mail me back. Thanks for your help.
 
Some Pokemon Powers are always on.  Some are not.  Machamp is an example of one that is.  It is what I call a reactionary Pokemon Power.  There are 3 types:  Constant, Reactionary, and Activated. 
    Constant powers are one that have a continuous effect on the game.  They are powers such as Aerodactyl's, Muk's, and Dodrio's
    Reactionary powers are ones that check for something to be activated.  Machamp's is an example.  If damage is done to Machamp, then Strikes Back does 10.  Almost all reactionay powers can be phrased in an "if-then" sort of way.  Another prime example is Mr. Mime's Invisible Wall.  If more than 20 damage is done to Mr. Mime, then that damage is reduced to 0.  These powers never need to be activated.
    Activated is everything else.  Damage Swap, Rain Dance, Curse, & Energy Burn are all examples where the player must actually activate and announce they are using the Power.
 
I hope this cleared things up a bit for you!
 
Scott