I just read the article by Pando (11/3) about tangela, and I'd like to add
something to his observations.

The scenario that was described to show that tangela is a bad card is sorta
valid, if you just have the one card and you're starting out with that card
only, but Pando is disregarding the entire game and the plethora of things
that can happen.  I run tangela in my status effect deck, and he's great. 
Unless I have to, i never play tangela as a starting poke, he's sitting
quietly on my bench while either a koffing, fossil magmar or something faster
is doing some damage, getting energies so when he comes out, he can kick some
butt.  remember, poison (which tangela does automatically) is the attack that
keeps on giving -- long after tangela is gone, if you can pull it off.

The scenario where tangela is facing machop is interesting, but it's fantasy,
it may happen, but it's unlikely in the face of the different types of decks
out there.  I wouldn't consider it a reason to think that this is a "bad"
card.  perhaps just a card with some limitations that the smart trainer would
build his deck to minimize.

One more thing, it bothers me to see that a lot of these single card strategy
articles deal with people making up situations to "prove" their point.  No
logician would ever accept such arguments.  I know, i can just ignore these
articles, but i like to read what other people think about cards and their
takes on strategy.  I guess my beef is that i feel cheated when i click on an
article looking for some insight and find second rate logic and non-arguments
to back up opinions.

In any case, I want to say that this site is my favorite, and it's my best
source for pokemon information.  Keep it up and thanks.

send flames to :  Jae Lim -- mrjae@aol.com