Hey

This is a reply to the article written by Keith Williams, self appointed
Pokémon Master Trainer, about the Computer Error promo that was in the
Featured Articles section dated 26 May 2000.  I didn't really know who to
post this reply to, but as its a correction on a single card strategy, I sent
it here.

The article considered the Computer Error trainer as a broken card, its
primary uses being in stall decks and evolution decks.

My first point is this: how is it good in stall decks?  The trainer doesn't
force any player to draw any cards... If you read the trainer carefully, it
says you MAY draw UP TO five cards, and then your opponent MAY draw UP TO
five cards.  With only five cards left in his / her deck, your opponent is
unlikely to draw ANY cards.  The card may work in the opening turns, but to
be honest any experienced opponent who is given the opportunity to draw a
whole load of extra cards against a stall deck is going to refuse, unless
they have a Gambler somewhere in their deck - in which case just give them
all the extra options to destroy you five cards can bring, with no greater
risk of decking themselves.

As for evolution decks, yes Computer Error may become important, but there
are plenty of other options besides Computer Error that work just as well. 
Too many options to list infact.  Its not even appropriate in a lot of stall
decks; consider a Raindance deck with the all too common scenario of a lone
Squirtle out on turn one.  Don't play Computer Error, you have to attack and
try and Paralyse your opponent or else their Electabuzz and Pluspowers are
going to beat you turn one.

The main use I see for Computer Error (that the Pokémon Master Trainer
missed) is in certain decks that have no first-turn attacking Pokémon.  I run
a turbo Arcanine deck and in order to get Arcanine out on turn two, I need to
have on the first round a Growlithe with a fire energy on it on the bench and
an active Voltorb (or the other way round if I'm against fighting decks). 
The next round I need Arcanine, another Fire energy, and base Electrode. 
Defender is always a nice extra to have as well.  See the use of Computer
Error?  At the end of turn one?  I can't attack so I don't lose anything when
I use Computer Error - and I need to draw lots of cards early for this deck
to work.

Computer Error can also be used as an emergency measure if you have no
Pokémon on the bench and you need some before your active faints - but again,
alternative trainers are available.

To summarise, Computer Error is a highly situational card.  It is not a
broken card - it comes with a high price in the form of losing your attack. 
It might see some play, it might not, but it doesn't belong in stall decks
(although I'm sure I'll see it there).

Just one last note... I know the quality of the articles appearing on POJO
varies, and I know you guys get lots of e-mails, but surely some form of
screening takes place for the featured articles.  I don't want to highlight
Keith Williams especially because lots of the featured articles contain
glaring errors in strategy and how cards are interpreted.  I could easily
produce an article a week on all kinds of different topics related to playing
the Pokémon TCG; while I'm no Pokémon Master Trainer, I can write clear,
interesting and CORRECT articles on card strategy... I send plenty in but
they're not getting published (never mind).

... Your site is still the best...

Phil