Hi, I'm Dave, and here are some ideas that should help to get through the
Pokemon League Gym Leader Challenges (even though it's a tad late!). Below
are the Challenge handicaps, and my ideas on ways of passing them. Of course,
these aren't the only or even best methods, so I leave you to your
creativity. Here we go...

      Falkner's Challenge- You may not use Colorless Pokemon or non-basic
Energy cards.
      The easiest way to get around this is to NOT INCLUDE THE SAID TYPES
CARDS! Build a real deck for this, not some mainstream Sneasel or Steelix
thing. It's still possible to win without using planetary domination-level
decks! I used psychic Pokemon for the simple fact that I like the pictures!

      Bugsy's Challenge- Your opponent draws 2 less prizes to win.
      This is easily taken care of by using strong Pokemon (Good HP, a nice
resistance, low retreat/attack cost). Scyther makes me happy, so I use it
often. Keep your Pokemon healthy with various Berries, and you should be
alright.

      Whitney's Challenge- Damage from your Pokemon is cut in half (rounded
down).
      This one is kind of a toughie. Poison is good. Gust out a costly
retreater, and give it a taste of some automatic Poisoners (Nidoking, etc.).
You could also Stall your opponent to death, since it's hard to do much
damage at a time. Moltres and Giovanni's Meowth (False Charity) along with
Imposter Oak can clear out quick.

      Morty's Challenge- You may not retreat or play Trainers or effects
that would cause your Active Pokemon to change.
      Morty might be a bit difficult. Keep your Active healthy, and your
Bench powered. Erika's Dragonair might be able to Take Away each turn, but
I'd check that out with your Gym Leader first.

      Jasmine's Challenge- Your opponent must be able to see your hand at
all times.
      This shouldn't be much of a problem. Even up the odds with a Fossil
Omanyte. Or, you could use mutually beneficial cards, like Erika's Kindness.
It's hard to Sneak Attack a potentially helpful card!
      
      Chuck's Challenge- At the beginning of the game, your opponent may
search his/her deck for a Basic Pokemon and put it on his/her bench.
      This doesn't seem like it will be a problem for most people. Try to
open up with a good, solid Pokemon like Electabuzz or Scyther.
      
      Pryce's Challenge- Only your Evolved Pokemon may attack.
      Remedy: BABIES! Use Igglybuff, Elekid, and Tyrogue, then you can
evolve for Wiggly, the Hitmon of your choice, and Electabuzz. This kind of
deck might be hard to run inasmuch as opening the game because of the default
Basic stages of Buzz and the Hitmons. If you get your Wigglys out, though,
fill up your bench and start the massacre! Keep some Switches and Warp Points
handy, just in case.
     
       Clair's Challenge- Whenever you take a Prize card, immediately
discard one card from your hand.
      All this really needs is some fodder cards. If you know you'll KO
soon, try to get an extra Energy card in there to discard, then use MP Mewtwo
or Surge's Buzz to suck it back up later. Watch out for hand-minimizing
cards, and keep a Bill handy.

There. That should help some of you who might be stuck on the Challenges.
Keep in mind, that your Pokemon League Gym Leader has final say on rulings,
and may rule some of these strategies illegal. Also keep in mind that deck
fads vary by location. Be careful about weakness and resistance!

May you earn many shiny stickers!
            Dave
Feel free to E-mail me at ScummyRAT@aol.com! Suggestions, questions,
rudeness, welcome!