The Merc here to talk about the most underused card around. He is not
only the coolest Pokemon around, he's, well, he's Meowth!
Team Rocket's Meowth
Basic Pokemon - Colorless
40 HP
Miraculous Comeback (C): Flip a number of coins equal to the total number of
Pokemon in play. This attack does 10 damage times the number of heads.
Then, Team Rocket's Meowth does 10 damage times the number of tails to itself.
Weakness: Fighting
Resistance: Psychic
Retreat Cost: C
Now, I have heard many a person say how horrible Meowth is. It "hurts
itself" and "it has only 40 HP" and "blah, blah."
Well, I am gonna bring up a Magic secret that Pokemon players can use. We
call it "Suicide." No, it doesn't mean lose intentionally..
It means hurt yourself to hurt your opponent more. This is not like a
beatdown stragety where you simply deal as much damage as hastily as possible.
It is a careful stragety you must play as intelligently as possible.
For right now, let's compare it with the ever popular Pokemon, Wigglytuff.
Meowth: "If that's the star, then this movie is gonna be a real
snoozer."
Wigglytuff: "Wiggly!!!" *doubleslaps Meowth into
submission*
Anyway... Wiggly is more popular than Meowth for two reasons. One is
it's HP. It is double over Meowth. Second, it doesn't hurt itself.
Most Pokemon players don't like the concept of hurting one's self. Now, I
am gonna tell you two reasons Meowth is better than Wiggly. One reason is
because it is basic. I don't have to rely on putting Jiggly out, then
evolving it next turn. It's out and about. Second is the number of
energies it needs to attack. One of any. I don't have to rely on
Double Colorless Energy in my hand and I don't have to worry about my opponent
using the ever popular Energy Removal. One energy and it is all set.
Now, this is where the "Suicide" comes in. Play the attack
smart. For example, don't use it when your opponent has less Prizes than
you. The best time to use it is when there are a lot of Pokemon out.
A full bench in each side is fun; up to 120 damage to the opponent if lucky.
Also, it is nice to use it against a Pokemon with around 50 to 80 HP. It
works a little better. 30 to 40 is a waste of time, and 90 to 120 is not
very good. Meowth vs. Lapras or Meowth vs. Scyther is a good example of a
good match-up.
You can run Defender to prevent him from hurting himself, but it isn't really
necessary unless you want your opponent to waste their attack KO'ing Meowth
after he has done his damage. That way, your next Pokemon lined up for the
offense takes no damage. Of course, there is Gust of Wind to take into
effect, but that only works if they have it.
Now I know you guys will say "Scyther can waste Meowth before he can strike
back." Scyther is good, but it takes a turn-two Slash to deal 30 or
60 to Meowth, and the 60 only happens when you play Grass and DCE. 30
damage to 40 HP goes to 10 HP. This is good for Meowth. If you are
wondering why, this is a classic Magic move. When things look bad for
something, use it against the opponent. When Meowth is about to fall,
don't waste healing implements on him. Instead, fill your bench, and before you
know it, Scyther is hurt. If both benches are full, you have to make 7
heads out of the 12 coin flips to make Scyther fall. Them's good odds.
Of course, there is the probability that Scyther will live the attack, but that
is what "Suicide" is about. Take the chance. Might as
well.
Well, when do you use Mac Daddy Meowth (Note: Shameless Team Rocket promotion by
me)? When there are about 6 to 10 Pokemon in play at least. 12 is
very good. 3 or 4 is pointless. Use Meowth's attack when the
"usual suspects" come out. That's right. I am talking
about Magmar, Hitmonchan, Electabuzz, Scyther, and especially Movie Promo Mewtwo.
Now, you may ask "why Hitmonchan? Jab rips Meowth in half."
Keep Meowth in the bench till the benches are full enough. When the time
is right, send him out and watch the "Fury Swipes!!!" If the
coins come your way, 'Chan says "bye-bye" or "Ouch."
Yes, Meowth CAN KO 'Chan. And yes, if 'Chan survives, he will KO Meowth,
but a one energy attack that rips 50 HP is good. So what if Meowth goes.
Send your 'Chan out and finish it.
What deck do you use Meowth in? Haymakers can use it to counter MP Mewtwo
and Wiggly decks. Actually, almost any deck can use him. Just play
him right and he will fight for what's wrong.
Mercury Crusader (A.K.A. The self proclaimed "Greatest Water Pokemon
Trainer" and Team Rocket supporter)
themerc@angelfire.com
"Styling and profiling only the way a Horseman could..."
Angelfire for your free web-based e-mail. http://www.angelfire.com