Why Discovery Igglybuff is NOT the end of trainer denial (Steven Reich)

Even before Neo: Discovery came out, people were saying that Igglybuff would

destroy Trainer Denial. The truth is, that which denies is only as strong (at

best) as that which it denies, and we're talking about denial of denial.

Igglybuff cannot completely stop Trainer Denial or even Pokémon Powers, for

the following reasons:

1. Limitations of Igglybuff's power

In order to be effective, Igglybuff must cancel a power that works during the

opponent's turn, while the Pokémon is Benched, and has a detrimental effect

on the Igglybuff user. That leaves out powers such as Matter Exchange and

Evolutionary Light, both used to help anti-trainer decks. Also keep in mind

that Igglybuff must (as of this writing, 6/22/2001) use its power-there is no

may.

2. Non-power trainer denial

There are several ways to defeat trainers without using powers, such as Lass,

Chaos Gym, and Fossil Psyduck's Headache. Good players will place a Chaos

Gym, then go to evolve into Dark Vileplume.

3. Noctowl

Going along with #1, Igglybuff can't stop Noctowl's power. Sure, it requires

a coin flip, but it's something to consider.

4. Power inundation

Igglybuff is a basic Pokémon, which means you'll probably know how many

powers you'll need to overcome it, as it will be placed first. Throw in some

trainer-denial Pokémon, and you're all set. Remember, any Igglybuff that your

opponent plays is dead weight on the bench, since it can't attack.

5. Bench attackers

Remember, Igglybuff can't attack, so it will probably remain on the bench,

making it vulnerable to all sorts of assaults. NP Mewtwo, Murkrow, and even

Hitmonlee are serious threats to benched babies.

6. Igglybuff is not a true Haymaker Pokémon

Haymaker is a wholly offensive archetype, and being forced to play Igglybuff

means it has to slow down to think. Thinking is just not something done with

those decks. Indeed, Igglybuff is not the savior of Haymaker, but its

designated driver.

7. Trainer Denial decks are fine without trainers

There is one nice thing about Dark Vileplume decks: They are made assuming

that trainers can't be used for a good portion of the game. Therefore,

Haymakers are hurt more by not having Igglybuff than Trainer Denial is by it

being there.

So, are Trainer Denial decks doomed? Hardly. Igglybuff can't stop it, and

anyone who thinks so is a fool. Heck, it might even help Trainer Denial to

deal with the problem of Aerodactyl's Pokémon Power.

Steven Reich (yoshi1001@aol.com)