By now, everyone has encountered both of these Electric Pokemon.  The question that comes up often is "Which one to use in my deck?"

 

    This is not an either-or issue.  The correct answer is both.

 

    Each one has its weaknesses, which is nicely covered by the other.  Let's start with Buzz.

 

    Buzz.  The baddest of the BBP's.  One of the original Haymakers.  70 HP is great.  His first attack does 10 with a chance of Paralysis.  His second attack is outrageous.  Doing a guaranteed 30 for only 1 colored energy and 1 colorless is nuts.  Usually, 30 damage needs 2 colored energy (i.e. - Surf).

 

    But Buzz has his problem.  Mainly, Fighting Pokemon.  This allows Chan to still strike fear into player's hearts.  Buzz was also too slow to handle Rain Dance if he went second and the Dance went off on turn two.

 

    Zappy solved this problem.  Zapdos has fighting resistance, making Chan useless.  Also, Plasma filled the void of eletric's 20 for 1.  Plasma and a PlusPower ends Rain Dance.  Electoburn is quite costly.  70 damage kills all BBP (sans Wiggly and Chansey), but does 40 to himself.  No matter.  Electoburn.  Use Super Potion.  Plasma to get the energy back.

 

    Zappy's only problem..Clefable.  Metronome has always been a Zapdos killer.  Against this menace, Buzz is better suited.

 

    Friends of the Electric Duo.

 

     Brock's Rhyhorn (the one with Horn Toss).  20 for CC is a good attack.  It can also kill Clefairy in one hit.

 

    Scyther - Rhyhorn may be used to stop Electric attacks.  However, Rhyhorn is weak against Grass.  Expect to see this one used a lot.

 

    TR Squirtle - Protect Scyther from Fire Types.  Allows Scyther to watch out for Rhyhorn.

 

    Clefable - Death to other TR Zapdos.

 

    Trainers:  Super Potion - Wipe away that damage.

                   Scoop Up - Ditto

 

I'll post a deck on this column shortly.  Must go back to Johto. (Pokemon Gold)

 

Chris

 

CMagner@cfl.rr.com