Changing the pace of a battle

[LucasBM]

Hi guys!

So, let's start explaining what I mean from pace of battle:

In fact, the RBY metagame is very dynamic. If you're being pushed to the wall in a turn, you may get the upper hand in the next one. So, pace of battle means the changing between attacking and defending.

I've been thinking about it, and the most brutal changes of pace seem to happen when someone switches in Alakazam, Snorlax or Starmie.

The 3 can wall special moves and threaten the opponent with strong attacks - Snorlax being the physical one.

I know there is a big variety of things the are good switches, but in early game, these appear to be the most effective. For example, when paralysis is spread around, Golem and Rhydon become good for this purpose.

Do you agree? Let's discuss this!

See ya

[t3h Icy]

They're all really bulky, though Alakazam is a bit tricky to use early since he can easily get stalled on, but fast Thunder Waves to a switch right after is safe and nice. Snorlax is tough, but he can't heal damage (except Rest ones), so if you let him get a hit, you have to make sure it's worth it, and since it's really hard switching in against Snorlax, it often is. The damage is heavy and Self-Destruct make for some major pressure.

One other thing about Snorlax is that unlike Tauros, he doesn't mind Paralysis so much, so you can use him much earlier and still be nearly as effective. I do avoid Paralysis though if I'm planning to use him to kill the opponent's Paralyzed Pokemon later, so I can attack first.

Starmie also has underrated Defense, being mostly a Specialist. 268 isn't anything to sneeze at. The thing is Chansey walls Starmie, except the Light Screen freezer variant. Starmie can lure Chansey easily though. =)

The thing with pace in the game is that luck is really involved, so a turn or two of poor luck can change the tables really fast. It makes games very exciting; just a minute ago, I had Zilch down to a 40% Dodrio vs my fresh Snorlax, but he used Body Slam, Paralyzed me and then I was Fully Paralyzed long enough for him to finish me off.

Another thing with pace is let's suppose you're winning a stall war, but you know that the opponent has a fresh Tauros waiting. While you do have the upperhand in what's currently happening, you know that's soon to change once Tauros makes his appearance.

RBY has a very nice balance of skill and luck. =)