Dear Pojo,

This article is regarding the new theme deck Wotc has made and the strategy
to use it.  Please post this in your strategy section, thanx.

    When Fossil first arrived, two brand new theme decks also arrived.  One
called Bodyguard and the other called Lock Down.  I'm here to talk about a
very interesting strategy that comes from the deck Bodyguard. 
    The strategy of bodyguard is to be able to take anything the opponent can
throw at you and ditch the same damage back at them.  This goal is obtained
by using potions, super potions, and other "defensive" trainers.  This goal
is also obtained by using pokémons with high HP, resistance, or pokémon with
an attack that can heal themselves.  While many people overlook this "dumb"
and "weak" strategy, I'm here to say that this strategy, when built properly,
can be one of the best.
    I know you guys are say: "Is this guy nuts?  How can a dumb strategy like
this beat my all powerful haymaker?"  But stop for a sec and think about it. 
Think of a deck that can dish out an average of 30 damage a turn, containing
pokémon with good HP, add an attack that can heal the pokémon by at least 20
HP, and finally throw in some potions and super potions and you have a deck
that can stand toe to toe with any punishment, and make the opposition pay. 
A good bodyguard deck can do just that.  You see, a bodyguard is kind of like
a beatdown deck.  But unlike any old beatdown deck, this one can deal less
damage, but can heal its pokémon.  That is kind of like a defensive beatdown.
In a battle, the ability to heal yourself is an invaluable advantage.  That,
teamed with the element of surprise, can set any good deck back a few steps. 
    Along with attacking, the bodyguard strategy also has another ability
that many people don't realize, the ability to mulligan.  Because of its
defensive strength, you can secretly mulligan in tough situations without
your opponent even realizing this until he/she has only 3 cards in his/her
deck, but still has 2 prizes left. 
    The bodyguard strategy is highly underestimated.  When used poorly it is
a one way road to disaster.  But when used efficiently, it can win you almost
any game against haymakers, beatdowns, or any other deck that comes your way.
I hope that this article can give trainers a new and efficient way to battle.

                                                    David "PokéTrainer" Zhang

Hatemails, comments or others are welcomed at:
PokemonDWZ@aol.com
PS:  I have built an excellent bodyguard deck that have fared very well
against haymakers and other decks over the net.  If you want it, e-mail me.