Okay, I'm going to make this clear: I'm probably going to offend both
Archetype lovers and archetype haters.  Please read on, however, as you just
*might* get some insight into the reasoning of those who choose to play or
avoid archetypes.

    First, it is important to define what an archetype is.  Archetypes are
commonplace decks that have a nearly identical theme and rely on similar
pokemon to create the deck.  At this point, there are the Big Three
(Raindance, Damage Swap, and Haymaker variants) and a lot of lesser-played
archetypes like Moltres Stall, HayFever, Catch-22, Energy Denial, AeroMew,
VenuTrans, etc.  Haymaker Variants include such decks as Traditional
Haymaker, Potpourri, TuffStuff, Sponge, and occasionally AeroMew.  Archetype
decks are often very similar, if not identical, to other decks of that
archetype, with the only differences being minimal. 

    So, why do people play archetypes?  For several reasons:
    1. They win.
    2.  Many are simple to play.
    3.  They are time-tested and can stand up against most other decks.
    4.  They don't require a lot of thinking when constructing them. 

So, let's look at each of these reasons more in more depth.

    1.  They win.  Archetypes are designed around particular attacks or
pokemon powers.  The deck is fine-tuned to cater to that particular attack or
power.  The decks that eventually make it to archetype status are those that
win consistently and without fail. 

    2.  Many are simple to play.  Decks like Haymaker require only repetitive
attacks with low amounts of energy and a lot of disruption.  Raindance
requires that one get a Blastoise in play ASAP and then Raindance the
necessary water energy onto BBB's (big, bad basics) and constantly attack
with high damage attacks.  Some archetypes are somewhat harder to play (like
Moltres Stall or HayFever) and are played by less people, but still have a
very simple strategy.

    3.  They are time-tested and stand up against most other decks.  This is
covered in number 1.

    4.  They don't require a lot of thinking when constructing them.  Most
times, an archetype-builder will copy his or her deck directly from another
person's deck, or nearly so.

Archetypes make up THE major tournament-winning stock in the game at this
time.  If playing in a tournament, most people (even those who normally don't
play an archetype) will choose to play one simply to stay competitive. 

    Although plenty of people love their archetypical decks, there are just
as many who can't stand archetypes, either.  Why?  Just look...

    1.  Archetypes get boring to play with. 
    2.  Archetypes leave no room for creativity when designing the deck.
    3.  Archetypes are boring to play against.
    4.  Archetypes require little or no strategy to use.
    5.  Archetypes require that you alter you playing style to fit the deck,
instead of altering you deck to fit your playing style.

And in more detail...

    1.  Archetypes get boring to play with.  Face it.  As the old cliche
goes, its not whether you win or lose, its how you play the game.  Just
because you stall out your opponent's Omanyte deck with your Damage Swap
doesn't mean you had an enjoyable game.  Remember, Pokemon TCG IS just a
game, and you ARE supposed to have fun.

    2.  Archetypes leave no room for creativity when designing the deck.  You
can't choose a strategy or attack and build the deck from the ground up like
in most other decks.  You instead just tweak a deck you copied from some
magazine or site.  For those who enjoy the feeling of winning with something
you created by yourself, archetypes just can't cut it.

    3.  Archetypes are boring to play against.  Do the Wave, Do the Wave, Do
the Wave.  Need I say more?

    4.  Archetypes require little or no strategy to use.  See 1.

    5.  Archetypes require that you alter you playing style to fit the deck,
instead of altering you deck to fit your playing style.  In case this makes
no sense to you, read Tyler Grund's article on finding your inner game.  I'm
not going to go into that sort of detail, considering Tyler explains this so
well.

Basically, those who choose no to play archetypes choose so because they
don't consider winning as important as enjoying the game.  They are more
creative, and can build great decks that AREN'T archetypical. 

Anyway, there ARE good reasons for each position.  So, please, don't act all
self-righteous in your articles claiming "anyone who plays Wigglysnot decks
has to be an idiot" or "the only real deck out there is Damage Swap.  All you
who play something else are fools."  Not only do these comments make you look
stuck up, but they also aggravate evryone else, since those who side with you
don't want to be associated with you, and you've insulted those who side
against you.  So please, feel free to have these feelings, but realize that
those who don't fel the same as you are just as entitled to their own
opinions, and do not need to be insulted for such reasons.
                                                -FossilMagikarp
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