Dear Pojo,

Please post this in your strategy section, thanx.  There are many cards which
people think should be in every deck.  Cards like Bill, Oaks, GOWs, and
others.  But how about a good basic pokémon?

Right now, there is at least one basic pokémon fit to be in a haymaker from
almost every color.  When I say "fit to be in a haymaker," I mean pokémons
with 70+HP, first turn attack, a powerful second attack, and an all around
solid basic.  There is Scyther for grass, Fossil Magmar for fire, Lapras for
water, Electabuzz for electric, Jynx and promo Mewtwo for Psychic, and the
all-powerful Hitmonchan for fighting.  The only color that doesn't have a
strong basic is probably colorless, but Tauros comes pretty darn close.

There are many things that a good basic pokémon brings to a deck.  First,
they give you an edge in the beginning of the game.  When you have a good
basic pokémon that can take a beating and throw back the damage, you have a
good chance of seizing control of the early game, a very important thing if
you are playing a haymaker.  Second, a good basic can help get you back on
your feet.  Later in the game, a good basic can help turn the tide to your
favor by crushing a powerful opposition and giving you time to power up your
bench.  A good basic pokémon also provides you with speed.  Remember, speed
kills.  If you can power up a pokémon and start dishing out damage before
your opponent, then you have just been given an edge.  Finally, they combine
all six categories of a good deck, and a good pokémon.  They have good
offense in their attacks, good defense in their HP, good speed in their first
turn attack, good disruption in their quickness and striking ability, good
prevention/comeback ability in their speed and good energy requirements, and
good versatility because they are flexible and can be useful in many
situations. 
    A good basic pokémon is very important to any game, from the beginning to
the end.  They are strong in all six of the categories upon which they are
rated.  I think that it would be wise to have at least one good basic pokémon
for each color that you have.  Still, these are just suggestions and they you
have to make the final decision.  A good basic pokémon is a very important
and useful tool.  It is up to you to use it.

Hatemails, comments, and others are welcomed at:
Pokemondwz@aol.com
Pokemondwz@hotmail.com