>Spike,
>
>I created this deck from scratch. It seems to win about 5 in every 6
>games. I
>am very new at the pomeon TCG though. Please give me some suggestions!
>Here
>is my deck:
>
>     /   /  
>    /   /
>   /   /
>  /_  /                    ___
>   /  /  Shock and Burn  _/   \__
>  /  /                  _\  ___  /_
> /  /                 _/   \  /    \_
>/  /                  \   /   \     /
>
>
>======Energy=================
>
>14 x Fire Energy
>12 x Lightning Energy
>3  x Double Colorless Energy
>
>======Fire====================
>
>4  x Charmander
>3  x Charmeleon
>2  x Charizard
>
>4  x Growlithe
>3  x Arcanine
>
>======Lightning==============
>
>4  x Pikachu
>2  x Raichu
>
>======Colorless===============
>
>2  x Chansey
>
>======Trainer=================
>
>2  x Professor Oak
>3  x Bill
>2  x Gust of Wind
>
>                                            -JLL

***

Okay. This deck isn't bad for a first attempt. I think I see how I can tighten it up to make it even better. Hand over the deck. Don't be afraid...

1) First of all, you've got to drop one of your evolution families. I stick by my assertion that 2 evolution families is usually the reasonable limit for a deck. I'm going to use my considerable deck mechanic's perogative to cut the Char family completely, leaving Arcanine and Raichu. You can use Charmeleon instead of Arcanine if you want--it should be fine--but stay away from the big lizard.

Now, drop a Pikachu to even out the Rai family. Here, I recommend that the Pikachu be the League promo (most solid overall) and the Raichu be from the Base set (colorless energy requirements.) Now, add in a few BBPs of the appropriate colors--2-3 each of Electabuzz and Fossil Magmar. Your deck is looking better now. I usually prefer Kangaskhan, but Chansey is okay, so I won't quibble. Onwards to trainers!

2) Here is where you need help. Put in two Computer Searches and four Energy Removals. These cards will help any deck immensely. Now, I think you may want a couple of Energy Retrievals because of your running two colors, and also because they're just a good idea in many cases. I'm not sure how much space we'll have, but some stuff I'd like to add includes PlusPower and Item Finder. We'll see if we have room for these after I add up the card listing.

3) 29 energy is way, way too much. About 24 energy is optimum for this kind of deck, so why don't you try 10 energy of each color with 4 DCEs. The Retrieval and card drawing helps, and 4 DCEs are almost a given with Chansey, Arcanine, and Base Raichu. You've only got one discarding attack (Arcanine's) and you may actually find yourself using Take Down more often, so shouldn't be any problem there.

***

20 Pokemon:

4 Growlithe
3 Arcanine
3 Pikachu
2 Raichu
3 Electabuzz
3 Magmar
2 Chansey

16 Trainers:

3 Bill
2 Oak
2 Computer Search
2 GOW
4 Energy Removal
2 Energy Retrieval
1 Item Finder

24 Energy:

10 Fire Energy
10 Electric Energy
4 DCE

***

We had exactly 1 space, which was where the Item Finder went in. I debated whether to add a third Oak or Retrieval (other options to consider) instead of adding a single which might not do that much good. In the end, though, Finder's ability to become either of those cards, and others besides, won it the final spot.

This deck is a bit tight, but it should be better now than it was before. The addition of BBP's and Computer Searches should help. I know finding 3 Buzzes may be hard, but if you don't have them, work at it and use extra Magmars or trainers until you get them. Hell, you may even find in play testing that you don't really need the Buzzes...even though they kick ass.

Good luck!


_______________________________________________________________________

Why pay when you don't have to? Get AltaVista Free Internet Access now!
http://jump.altavista.com/freeaccess4.go

_______________________________________________________________________