Gengar
Apr 13, 2012 10:20:20 GMT -8
Post by cheese on Apr 13, 2012 10:20:20 GMT -8
HP: 323
Atk: 228
Def: 218
Spd: 318 (21.5% CH)
Spc: 358
Overivew
As the only fully evolved ghost type, Gengar is completely unique. He also has a wealth of positive points. He's the fastest sleeper in the game, his special is second only to Alakazam's in OU and he's the fastest exploder bar the never seen Electrode. Finally, he's immune to Normal (and fighting) attacks, allowing him to take no damage from opponent's explosions. However, each plus point has a corresponding negative. His sleep move is only 60% accurate, he doesn't get a decent STAB move and his explosion doesn't quite pack the punch of others. Type wise he's also weak to popular Psychic and Ground attacks. Nevertheless, Gengar is still reasonably common as he's a fast pokemon that can sleep, explode and, perhaps most importantly, take nothing from opponents explosions.
Standard Moveset
Hypnosis
Thunderbolt
Night Shade
Explosion
Being the fastest sleeper makes Gengar a decent opener. Thunderbolt hits most things reasonable hard, whilst Night Shade covers everything else. Explosion is always nice when you're in a tight spot, but try not to make it too predictable.
Other options
Mega Drain is occasionally used in place of Night Shade, its main use being against Golem and Rhydon. However, Gengar is OHKO by their Earthquake (although he can occasionally survive one from Golem), meaning he'll lose 1v1 more often then not. Still, it can be great if you predict their switch-in. Seismic Toss may also be used instead of Night Shade for an identical affect. Confuse Ray may also be used, and Body Slam is nice for the paralysis chance (but will rarely do much damage). Hyper Beam and Psychic are other options, but are seldom used.
Counters
Gengar's common weaknesses mean he can be countered relatively easily. Alakazam outspeeds Gengar and has STAB Psychic (a CH will OHKO). Golem and Rhydon can easily come into a Thunderbolt and threaten a OHKO, but must watch out for Mega Drain. If Gengar has Mega Drain, Exeggutor walls him and dishes STAB Psychic back. Snorlax is pretty bulky and can EQ back, as can Tauros. Chansey is a classic Special wall, but should watch out for Explosion. A Starmie with Psychic will usually beat Gengar 1v1, but won't like switching into a Thunderbolt (or Mega Drain).
Conclusion
The list of Counters may make Gengar seem weak, but in reality in just limits his role to hit and run, as his unique strengths lift him up considerably. He's useful as a lead to get an early sleep, or as a surprise appearance mid-game to absorb an Explosion. His Normal immunity can also come in handy for walling several pokemon (Persian, SurfLax, Kingler, Victreebel...). This is especially useful as Persian and Kingler often come out late-game when switching pokemon may not be an option. Gengar can also chain-switch, particularly against Snorlax (or Tauros) to get a flying pokemon like Zapdos or Articuno in for free, as long as your opponent doesn't see it coming. Despite his weaknesses to Earthquake and Psychic and lack of a decent STAB move, Gengar is a great pokemon to consider using, especially if you think you can out-predict your opponent.
Atk: 228
Def: 218
Spd: 318 (21.5% CH)
Spc: 358
Overivew
As the only fully evolved ghost type, Gengar is completely unique. He also has a wealth of positive points. He's the fastest sleeper in the game, his special is second only to Alakazam's in OU and he's the fastest exploder bar the never seen Electrode. Finally, he's immune to Normal (and fighting) attacks, allowing him to take no damage from opponent's explosions. However, each plus point has a corresponding negative. His sleep move is only 60% accurate, he doesn't get a decent STAB move and his explosion doesn't quite pack the punch of others. Type wise he's also weak to popular Psychic and Ground attacks. Nevertheless, Gengar is still reasonably common as he's a fast pokemon that can sleep, explode and, perhaps most importantly, take nothing from opponents explosions.
Standard Moveset
Hypnosis
Thunderbolt
Night Shade
Explosion
Being the fastest sleeper makes Gengar a decent opener. Thunderbolt hits most things reasonable hard, whilst Night Shade covers everything else. Explosion is always nice when you're in a tight spot, but try not to make it too predictable.
Other options
Mega Drain is occasionally used in place of Night Shade, its main use being against Golem and Rhydon. However, Gengar is OHKO by their Earthquake (although he can occasionally survive one from Golem), meaning he'll lose 1v1 more often then not. Still, it can be great if you predict their switch-in. Seismic Toss may also be used instead of Night Shade for an identical affect. Confuse Ray may also be used, and Body Slam is nice for the paralysis chance (but will rarely do much damage). Hyper Beam and Psychic are other options, but are seldom used.
Counters
Gengar's common weaknesses mean he can be countered relatively easily. Alakazam outspeeds Gengar and has STAB Psychic (a CH will OHKO). Golem and Rhydon can easily come into a Thunderbolt and threaten a OHKO, but must watch out for Mega Drain. If Gengar has Mega Drain, Exeggutor walls him and dishes STAB Psychic back. Snorlax is pretty bulky and can EQ back, as can Tauros. Chansey is a classic Special wall, but should watch out for Explosion. A Starmie with Psychic will usually beat Gengar 1v1, but won't like switching into a Thunderbolt (or Mega Drain).
Conclusion
The list of Counters may make Gengar seem weak, but in reality in just limits his role to hit and run, as his unique strengths lift him up considerably. He's useful as a lead to get an early sleep, or as a surprise appearance mid-game to absorb an Explosion. His Normal immunity can also come in handy for walling several pokemon (Persian, SurfLax, Kingler, Victreebel...). This is especially useful as Persian and Kingler often come out late-game when switching pokemon may not be an option. Gengar can also chain-switch, particularly against Snorlax (or Tauros) to get a flying pokemon like Zapdos or Articuno in for free, as long as your opponent doesn't see it coming. Despite his weaknesses to Earthquake and Psychic and lack of a decent STAB move, Gengar is a great pokemon to consider using, especially if you think you can out-predict your opponent.