Grassy Tips
By John Khaou

    Okay, after fire, I decided it's now to move on toward Grass, the King of
status effects.  Although most attacks using status effects may seem
expensive, they may alter the game towards your favor.  Grass, being one of
my favorite types, is a rather slow one, and usually takes time to build. 
Hp and Basics
Obviously, speed is the utmost importance in TCGs so you'll need a little
boost.  Grass pokemon usually have slightly below average to aveage HP. 
Grass basics normally have 40-50 hp,but Pinsir,Scyther,and Nidoran F are
standouts in this category.  Nidoran F is especially speedy and powerful,
with 60 hp to boot, and a G attack that allows to dish up to 30 in one turn.
Evolution and Analysis
But don't forget about the evolutions, like the king of Grass,Venusaur.  Its
manipulative power allows to be extremely efficient, and works for you
offensively and defensively, spreading it out to make Super Energy removal
less effective, and then gather it all up for an attack. Other great
evolutions is Bellsprout/Weepinbell,Oddish/Gloom/Vileplume,Nidoking, the
Weedle evolution, and Venonat/Venomoth.
Bellsprout/Weepinbell-I've 2 words:Victreebel sux.  BUT..Weepinbell is a
truly efficient monster, not requiring more than G to attack, but it's GG for
30 is great, and it's got 70 hp for a stage 1, which is average.
Oddish/Gloom/Vileplume-This is a VERY efficient evolution, only needing one
more G up each stage, and Oddish has a stable 50 hp to start out with.  Both
of Gloom's attacks are powerful, and Vileplume can be a great game ender
while helping your other pokes recover.
Nidoran M/Nidorino/Nidoking-Do you feel lucky punk? Well, you're gonna wit'
this evol's weak li'l basic to start out with. Bother Nidoran M and Nidorino
are fairly weak, but if you keep'em alive your hard work will be paid off
when Nidoking comes around.  It's Mr. Mime's worst nightmare, with a 20
damage poison effect needs a paltry of GGG.  And if the defender is STILL
alive, jus' thrash away!
Weedle/Kakuna/Beedrill-My favorite grass evolution! This is another VERY
efficient evolution, only requiring G up each stage. Weedle is a fast li'l
guy, and Kakuna's the toughest grass Stage 1 there is.  Beedrill's the true
terror, wit' a WHOPPING 40 damage attack and a 50% chance of poisoning.  It's
also gotta FREE retreat and resistance to fight, even more increasing it's
life.
Venonat/Venomoth-This is another speedy li'l evol.  Venonat, can paralyze for
G, settin' 'em up for some deadly Venom Powder.  This guy can creep up to
Mime's invisible wall and put a stop to it.  Also, with 70 hp to kill,free
retreat, and resistance to fight, this guy's a one of the BEST Haybreakers(
if you're willing to try your luck).
Grimer/Muk-BOTH of these guys are very useful. Grimer can be thrown in any
deck for early-midgame battles to buy you time, while Muk can be the
showstopper.  Its power stops many Psychic decks, but it's also weak to
psychics,so watch it.  Be careful against Haymakers as well, since it doesn't
rely on poke powers.
Haymaker or Haybreaker?
    Gay..er..Haymaker, in my opinion, is a VERY unoriginal archetype and the
most popular.  Thus, this is another reason why Grass is one of my favorite
types.  Grass, with its full arsenal of status effects and stop Haymakers
cold and spring clean 'em away.  Here's an analysis of some of my suggestions:
Pinsir-Man, this guy's MEANT to kill off Haymakers! It's Irongrip sets 'em up
and Guillotine brushes them outta play. Unfortunately,it needs time to build
up on the bench and I wouldn't recommend it as a starting active.
Scyther-It's the reason why Hitmonchan's out of the picture!  It's valuable
resistance to fight and 70hp makes it difficult to boot.  Too bad though it
needs at least 2 turns to power up and can't touch Mr.Mime.
Koffing-The TRUE messer-upper! It's GG attack GUARANTEES a status
effect-either poison or confusion, and you can have BOTH effects running!
It's got a very nice 50 hp and not too shabby for retreating.
Cheap for Metagaming
    Well, I've stil a few pokes that may not be widely accepted, but are
metagame worthy. These are especially for metagaming and for those who have a
tight budget.
Paras/Parasect-Although fairly fragile, these guys can be thrown in for
metagaming fun and only slightly alters your strategy,and don't even need any
Gs to attack(Double colorless is advised).
Zubat/Golbat- These guys aren't the best fighters, but they do have the same
profile as the above:meant for metagaming. They also have a nice resistance
to fight.
   
    Well...that's the bottum line 'cuz Da Hamster said so!! C y'all peeps!!!

John "da Hamster"
hamsterjon@aol.com