In the beginning, there were but a few useful Trainers. PlusPower, Gust
of Wind, Bill and the like. Therefore, decks used more Pokemon than
Trainers. Unfortunately, four expansion sets later, Trainers are what
seems to be the only thing Archetypes and some freelance decks have.
Occasionally, there are more Trainers than Energies! Something about that
is just sad. Let's look at the title of this TCG: Pokemon, not Trainers,
Pokemon. <sigh> Okay, enough ranting.
When Team Rocket was heading our way, there was some anticipation of the
almighty Dark Vileplume causing a new Archetype. I have yet to see it.
It
seems that people were scarred out of using him by the "speed kills"
philosophy. But when you think about it, with Dark Vileplume's "Hay
Fever"
anti-Trainer Pokemon Power in play, there won't be much speed. And it's
not like Oddish is a bad starter....compared to others.
Gust of Wind and Goop Gas Attack won't be a problem since your opponent
won't be able to use them. Dark Vileplume could cancel Damage Swap and
Turbo 'Tuff, and hurt Raindance. Disabling Oak will be possibly its
greatest feat.
In this sort of deck (its name is up to the creator), few Trainers will be
used. I know, Trainers in an anti-Trainer deck is just a large scale
"oxy-moron." But if you can't get Dark Vileplume out quickly,
your chances
of survival will be slim. These Trainers would be Computer Search, Pokemon
Breeder, and Pokemon Trader. Possibly some defensive Trainers could be
added, but don't add too much.
Muk and others who disable Pokemon Powers WILL hurt this deck. So, in
order to counter, use Pokemon who can bring a Benched Pokemon center stage.
Dark Machoke <cough>, Ninetales, and those of the Pidgey family can
help
you in this. Although, putting a Ninetales in an otherwise Grass deck may
not be in your best interest. So I suggest Dark Machoke. Maybe about
three...with two Base and two Rocket Machop. As for Dark Vileplume's
numbers, three just may work. But just have Dark Vileplume as your only
Stage 2 family, so it's easier on you.
The point of this deck type is to bring the game back to the way it should
have been (well, as far as I see it): Pokemon vs. Pokemon with no Trainers
interfering.
Twilight
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