http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/gyarados
[SET]
Name: Sub-Serpent
Move 1: Substitute
Move 2: Dragon Dance
Move 3: Flail
Move 4: Waterfall
Item: Liechi Berry
Nature: Adamant
EVs: 252 Attack / 8 HP / 252 Speed
Why this set should be on the site:
Based on the current analysis on Gyarados, its main counters are Porygon2, Celebi and bulky waters. This set allows Gyarados to have a chance to 1HKO most of its counters by luring them in then sweep.
The trick is to send in Gyarados on something that cannot counter Gyarados. Normally, Gyarados would use Dragon Dance and go on a rampage. This lures pokemon into attempting to cripple it with status like Thunder Wave or Will-O-Wisp on the turn it sets up. Substituting on the first turn would allow Gyarados to block status from slower enemies and then set up oon the turn the enemy breaks the substitute. (If the enemy switched out, just Dragon Dance behind the Substitute while they break it) Then Gyarados would procede to use Substitute down to the Liechi Berry while still having 1 Dragon Dance. The 8 HP EVs allow Gyarados to set up 4 Substitutes, leaving it at 1 HP, perfect for Flail.
If Jolteon comes in, it is not suggested to Dragon Dance, because it will cause a speed tie and you will not want to risk your Gyarados on chance. Instead, go straight to Substituting down to 1 HP and then go for a Waterfall, which should 1HKO after the Jolteon breaks your Substitute.
Against Gyarados Counters:
Defensive Porygon2 - 1HKO with +2 Flail
Standard Vaporeon - 1HKO with +2 Flail after Stealth Rocks
Bulky Milotic - 1HKO with +2 Flail after Stealth Rocks
CroCune - 87% Damage with +2 Flail after Stealth Rocks
Rest Talk Cresselia - 87% Damage with +2 Flail after Stealth Rocks
Defensive Celebi - 97% - 100% Damage with +2 Flail after Stealth Rocks
Rest Talk Swampert - 98% - 100% Damage with +2 Flail after with Stealth Rocks
This means Gyarados can 1HKO any of its usual counters with +2 Flail if they take Stealth Rock Damage twice.
Waterfall is to deal with any Ghost, Steel or Rock Pokemon that try to wall Flail.
Additional Comments:
Aqua Tail - As usual, its an option if you can the extra damage but will lower accuracy.
Teammates and Counters:
- Sandstorm / Hail can cause trouble when trying to leave yourself at 1 HP. You can let the Sandstorm / Hail lower your HP for your Liechi berry though.
- Priority Moves: They can come in and 1HKO Gyarados if it still loses its Substitute because it is at 1 HP.
- Any pokemon that can lure out Bulky Waters or Celebi into Stealth Rocks at least once like Heatran would work nicely with this set to ensure KOs with Flail.
