Hey everyone! Lately, I've seen a lot of anti-archetype decks in the TCG
strategies section. Well, that's what I'm writing about in this article. I'll
share some thoughts a person should keep in mind while building a deck
specifically to destroy an archetype.

1. Not all decks of the same archetype are exactly the same!  For example,
one person's Haymaker might use Hitmonchans, while another might use Fossil
Magmars instead. An anti-hay that dominates in one area where
Chan/Buzz/Scythers are common isn't guaranteed the win against a Haymaker
variant with Magmars and Dittos. Never make a deck that's supposed to beat a
typical version of the deck.  Modified versions of that archetype might
destroy you easily if you're not prepared for it. If you want to make an
anti-hay, you'll obviously need some Pokémon strong against common types in
most Haymakers. But you'll also want to include something else, in case your
opponent is running something unusual in their Haymaker. Make sure your deck
is ready for almost anything your opponent might throw at you. Also, be sure
to throw in some surprises as well. A friend of mine (who is an excellent
player) once made an anti-stall deck, that was specifically made to beat the
stereotypical Mr. Mime-Alakazam-Chansey deck. He ran into an evolving problem
when he Mr. Fuji-ed his Aerodactyl so he could evolve his Fossil into Omanyte
this turn, and the Grimer he played this turn into Muk for his next turn. He
managed to get the Omanyte out, but after I evolved a Fossil of my own into
Aerodactyl (!), he was stuck with an un-evolved Grimer. With no way to
prevent my Damage Swapping, I continued to swap and scoop up until he decked
out. So it helps to have a nice surprise.

2. There is no deck that is good against everything! A deck with more than 3
colors will not work. Don't even try one. You'll have lots of energy
problems, and you'll be destroyed fast.  Just because you run 5 types and 4
GOWs doesn't mean you'll be strong against any type.  Try to make a deck that
works well against a few types, with some support Pokémon.

3. Anti-archetype decks have limited uses. Make sure you include some
colorless Pokémon or others that will give you a chance against a deck
besides the one your deck is made to destroy. For example, an anti-Wiggly
will probably use some fighting types. But what if you're stuck against a
deck that resists fighting? Another type, used in lesser quantities in the
deck, will help out against other decks as well. Your anti-archetype deck
shouldn't be made just to destroy one type of deck-- most tournaments won't
let you switch decks. So your mono-fighting anti-Wiggly will run into trouble
against a deck with no Wigglys.

Well, I hope these tips help you if you plan on making an archetype counter.
Questions/comments? E-mail me at raiden9984@aol.com. Send all flames, hate
mail, and spam to Microsoft.

-Will

(raiden9984@aol.com)