Tournament SPL XIII SS OU Discussion Thread

simp

early mornin’ wake ups
is a Smogon Discord Contributor Alumnus
Week 6

Hello all and welcome to the SS OU discussion thread for Smogon Premier League XIII! This thread will be used for discussion on the various battles, metagame trends, sets and predictions. The thread will be updated weekly by myself to include pairings, usage statistics and replays.

SPL XIII Commencement Thread
Schedule
SPL XIII Spreadsheet
SPL XIII Administrative Decisions

Auction Results:


SS OU Player Cores - likely starters bolded

Wi-Fi Wolfpack - talah, Trosko, Nat, Star, Corazan, Crihon
Dragonspiral Tyrants - Rubyblood, HSA, Eeveeto, Leo, ABR, IPF
Cryonicles - mncmt, 1 True Lycan, Storm Zone, Spl4sh, Stareal, Lusa
Congregation of the Classiest - MichaelDerBeste2, Luthier, Ruft, 64 Squares, London Beats, RaiZen1704
Team Raiders - BIHI, devin, Vaboh, TJ, Gtcha
Stark Sharks - bro fist, robjr, mind gaming, Askov, Pheo', 100%GXE
Indie Scooters - Gefährlicher Random, Niko, LNumbers, Raptor, Roseybear
Ever Grande BIGS - INSULT, samqian, Tace, ez, watashi, pj
Circus Maximum Tigers - beatiful, Eternal Spirit, Separation, Finchinator, Iza, Cicada
Alpha Ruiners - Ox the Fox, MAX UND MAX, Ajna, dice, Kenix, xavgb

 
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simp

early mornin’ wake ups
is a Smogon Discord Contributor Alumnus
With Week 1 out, here are my predictions:
[BIG] Samqian vs robjr [SHA]
[BIG] INSULT vs bro fist [SHA]
[BIG] Tace vs mind gaming [SHA]

[TIG] beatiful vs Ox the Fox [RUI]
[TIG] Separation vs Ajna [RUI]
[TIG] Eternal Spirit vs MAX UND MAX [RUI]

[TYR] Leo vs H.M.N.I.P [RAI]
[TYR] Rubyblood vs BIHI [RAI]
[TYR] HSA vs devin [RAI]

[CRY] Storm Zone vs talah [WOL]
[CRY] mncmt vs Corazan [WOL]
[CRY] 1 True Lycan vs Trosko [WOL]

[SCO] Niko vs MichaelderBeste2 [CLA]
[SCO] LNumbers vs Luthier [CLA]
[SCO] Gefährlicher Random vs 64 Squares [CLA]
Feel free to post your own predictions below!
 
Last edited:

airfare

is a Tutoris a Tiering Contributoris a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
OUPL Champion
[BIG] Samqian vs robjr [SHA]
[BIG] INSULT vs bro fist [SHA]
[BIG] Tace vs mind gaming [SHA]

[TIG] beatiful vs Ox the Fox [RUI]
[TIG] Separation vs Ajna [RUI]
[TIG] Eternal Spirit vs MAX UND MAX [RUI]

[TYR] Leo vs H.M.N.I.P [RAI]
[TYR] Rubyblood vs BIHI [RAI]
[TYR] HSA vs devin [RAI]

[CRY] Storm Zone vs talah [WOL]
[CRY] mncmt vs Corazan [WOL]
[CRY] 1 True Lycan vs Trosko [WOL]

[SCO] Niko vs MichaelderBeste2 [CLA]
[SCO] LNumbers vs Luthier [CLA]
[SCO] Gefährlicher Random vs 64 Squares [CLA]
 

frisoeva

LETS FUCKING NOOOOOOOOOOOO
[BIG] Samqian vs robjr [SHA]
[BIG] INSULT vs bro fist [SHA]
[BIG] Tace vs mind gaming [SHA]

[TIG] beatiful vs Ox the Fox [RUI]
[TIG] Separation vs Ajna [RUI]
[TIG] Eternal Spirit vs MAX UND MAX [RUI]

[TYR] Leo vs H.M.N.I.P [RAI]
[TYR] Rubyblood vs BIHI [RAI]
[TYR] HSA vs devin [RAI]

[CRY] Storm Zone vs talah [WOL]
[CRY] mncmt vs Corazan [WOL]
[CRY] 1 True Lycan vs Trosko [WOL]

[SCO] Niko vs MichaelderBeste2 [CLA]
[SCO] LNumbers vs Luthier [CLA]
[SCO] Gefährlicher Random vs 64 Squares [CLA]
 
[BIG] Samqian vs robjr [SHA]
[BIG] INSULT
vs bro fist [SHA]
[BIG] Tace vs mind gaming [SHA]

[TIG] beatiful vs Ox the Fox [RUI]
[TIG] Separation vs Ajna [RUI]
[TIG] Eternal Spirit vs MAX UND MAX [RUI]

[TYR] Leo vs H.M.N.I.P [RAI]
[TYR] Rubyblood vs BIHI [RAI]
[TYR] HSA vs devin [RAI]

[CRY] Storm Zone vs talah [WOL]
[CRY] mncmt vs Corazan [WOL]
[CRY] 1 True Lycan
vs Trosko [WOL]

[SCO] Niko vs MichaelderBeste2 [CLA]
[SCO] LNumbers vs Luthier [CLA]
[SCO] Gefährlicher Random vs 64 Squares [CLA]
 

Ara ara

sayonara
is a Social Media Contributor Alumnus
[BIG] Samqian vs robjr [SHA]
[BIG] INSULT
vs bro fist [SHA]
[BIG] Tace vs mind gaming [SHA]

[TIG] beatiful vs Ox the Fox [RUI]
[TIG] Separation vs Ajna [RUI]
[TIG] Eternal Spirit vs MAX UND MAX [RUI]

[TYR] Leo vs H.M.N.I.P [RAI]
[TYR] Rubyblood
vs BIHI [RAI]
[TYR] HSA vs devin [RAI]

[CRY] Storm Zone vs talah [WOL]
[CRY] mncmt vs Corazan [WOL]
[CRY] 1 True Lycan vs Trosko [WOL]

[SCO] Niko vs MichaelderBeste2 [CLA]
[SCO] LNumbers vs Luthier [CLA]
[SCO] Gefährlicher Random vs 64 Squares [CLA]
 
64 Squares vs Separation
Luthier vs beatiful
MichaelderBeste2
vs Eternal Spirit

Trosko vs Samqian
Corazan vs INSULT
talah
vs Tace

TJ vs mncmt
devin vs 1 True Lycan
BIHI vs Storm Zone

Ajna vs Leo
Ox the
Fox vs Rubyblood
MAX UND MAX vs HSA

robjr vs LNumbers
bro fist vs Gefährlicher Random
mind gaming vs Niko
 

Ara ara

sayonara
is a Social Media Contributor Alumnus
64 Squares vs Separation
Luthier vs beatiful
MichaelderBeste2 vs Eternal Spirit

Trosko
vs Samqian
Corazan vs INSULT
talah
vs Tace

TJ vs mncmt
devin
vs 1 True Lycan
BIHI vs Storm Zone

Ajna
vs Leo
Ox the Fox vs Rubyblood
MAX UND MAX vs HSA

robjr vs LNumbers
bro fist vs Gefährlicher Random
mind gaming vs Niko
 

simp

early mornin’ wake ups
is a Smogon Discord Contributor Alumnus
Week 1:

Replays
[BIG] Samqian vs robjr [SHA]
[BIG] Insult vs bro fist [SHA]
[BIG] Tace vs mind gaming [SHA]
[TIG] Beatiful vs Ox The Fox [RUI]
[TIG] Separation vs Ajna [RUI]
[TIG] Eternal Spirit vs MAX UND MAX [RUI]
[TYR] Leo vs H.M.N.I.P [RAI]
[TYR] Rubyblood vs BIHI [RAI]
[TYR] HSA vs devin [RAI]
[CRY] Storm Zone vs talah [WOL]
[CRY] mncmt vs Corazan [WOL]
[CRY] 1 True Lycan vs Trosko [WOL]
[SCO] Niko vs MichaelderBeste2 [CLA]
[SCO] LNumbers vs Luthier [CLA]
[SCO] Gefährlicher Random vs 64 Squares [CLA]

Usage Stats
Code:
+ ---- + ------------------ + ---- + ------- + ------- +
| Rank | Pokemon            | Use  | Usage % |  Win %  |
+ ---- + ------------------ + ---- + ------- + ------- +
| 1    | Landorus-Therian   |   23 |  76.67% |  52.17% |
| 2    | Tornadus-Therian   |   11 |  36.67% |  45.45% |
| 2    | Weavile            |   11 |  36.67% |  27.27% |
| 4    | Heatran            |   10 |  33.33% |  60.00% |
| 4    | Ferrothorn         |   10 |  33.33% |  50.00% |
| 6    | Tapu Fini          |    9 |  30.00% |  55.56% |
| 7    | Tapu Koko          |    7 |  23.33% |  57.14% |
| 7    | Slowbro            |    7 |  23.33% |  28.57% |
| 9    | Zeraora            |    5 |  16.67% |  80.00% |
| 9    | Melmetal           |    5 |  16.67% |  60.00% |
| 9    | Garchomp           |    5 |  16.67% |  40.00% |
| 12   | Dragapult          |    4 |  13.33% | 100.00% |
| 12   | Bisharp            |    4 |  13.33% |  75.00% |
| 12   | Ninetales-Alola    |    4 |  13.33% |  75.00% |
| 12   | Blacephalon        |    4 |  13.33% |  75.00% |
| 12   | Clefable           |    4 |  13.33% |  50.00% |
| 12   | Urshifu-*          |    4 |  13.33% |  50.00% |
| 12   | Zapdos             |    4 |  13.33% |  25.00% |
| 12   | Toxapex            |    4 |  13.33% |  25.00% |
| 12   | Corviknight        |    4 |  13.33% |  25.00% |
| 21   | Kartana            |    3 |  10.00% |  66.67% |
| 21   | Victini            |    3 |  10.00% |  66.67% |
| 21   | Dragonite          |    3 |  10.00% |  66.67% |
| 21   | Volcanion          |    3 |  10.00% |  33.33% |
| 21   | Magnezone          |    3 |  10.00% |   0.00% |
| 26   | Tyranitar          |    2 |   6.67% | 100.00% |
| 26   | Arctozolt          |    2 |   6.67% |  50.00% |
| 26   | Volcarona          |    2 |   6.67% |  50.00% |
| 26   | Slowking-Galar     |    2 |   6.67% |   0.00% |
| 26   | Barraskewda        |    2 |   6.67% |   0.00% |
| 26   | Seismitoad         |    2 |   6.67% |   0.00% |
| 26   | Pelipper           |    2 |   6.67% |   0.00% |
| 33   | Cloyster           |    1 |   3.33% | 100.00% |
| 33   | Scizor             |    1 |   3.33% | 100.00% |
| 33   | Buzzwole           |    1 |   3.33% | 100.00% |
| 33   | Latios             |    1 |   3.33% | 100.00% |
| 33   | Blaziken           |    1 |   3.33% | 100.00% |
| 33   | Dracozolt          |    1 |   3.33% | 100.00% |
| 33   | Swampert           |    1 |   3.33% | 100.00% |
| 33   | Kommo-o            |    1 |   3.33% | 100.00% |
| 33   | Tapu Lele          |    1 |   3.33% |   0.00% |
| 33   | Zapdos-Galar       |    1 |   3.33% |   0.00% |
| 33   | Nihilego           |    1 |   3.33% |   0.00% |
| 33   | Moltres-Galar      |    1 |   3.33% |   0.00% |

Highlights

:dragapult: - Dragapult finished week 1 being used 4 times, sporting an impressive winrate of 100%; we saw some cool set variation as mind gaming's Dragapult revealed Double-Edge to snipe Tace's torn and enable his scarfed Kartana to win the game. Other pults followed this trend, being predominantly physical (unlike SCL usage) and used on veil offenses - Leo's banded pult cleaning the remains of a rain team up in its typical anti offense fashion.

:bisharp: - Bisharp is back and better than ever, making a hell of a debut week - showing an impressive 75% win rate and a multitude of sets, the highlight for me being the double dance set used by BIHI vs Rubyblood. It tanked a body press from slowbro before dodging a triple axel and hurricane, going on to win the game with a rock polish. Banded sets featuring beat up also showed up; we saw Eternal Spirit’s Bisharp break through an Ox the Fox hail team piloted by MAX UND MAX very effectively thanks to an aggressive play by ES, pivoting into a lando defog to gain the defiant boost and force vital chip on alolatales. Overall a great week for the bishop!

:ninetales-alola: - Alolan Ninetales showed up on its typical hyper offense structures throughout the week - we saw Separation’s Cloyster carve through Ajna’s team with Aurora Veil support, setting up on Ajna’s Weavile and tanking a Body Press from Ferrothorn to win the game. Furthermore, in the Leo vs H.M.N.I.P. game it was invaluable in a matchup vs rain, resetting the weather and providing opportunities for Leo’s breakers to claim kills. Overall, a very good showing from alolatales; it ended up with a 75% winrate being used 4 times.

With that said, here are my predictions for Week 2!

64 Squares vs Separation
Luthier vs beatiful
MichaelderBeste2
vs Eternal Spirit

Trosko vs Samqian
Corazan vs INSULT
talah
vs Tace

TJ vs mncmt
devin
vs 1 True Lycan
BIHI vs Storm Zone

Ajna
vs Leo
Ox the Fox vs Rubyblood
MAX UND MAX vs HSA

robjr vs LNumbers
bro fist vs Gefährlicher Random
mind gaming vs Niko

Here’s to another great week of games!
 
Last edited:

airfare

is a Tutoris a Tiering Contributoris a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
OUPL Champion
hadn't expected people to start using cb bish again but i'm glad they did, it capitalizes well on a lot of the defensive structures used rn

of the games i watched last weak, this band spam offense was definitely my favorite team used. looks fun to use and scary af to face


64 Squares vs Separation
Luthier vs beatiful
MichaelderBeste2 vs Eternal Spirit

Trosko
vs Samqian
Corazan vs INSULT
talah
vs Tace

TJ vs mncmt
devin vs 1 True Lycan
BIHI vs Storm Zone

Ajna vs Leo
Ox the Fox
vs Rubyblood
MAX UND MAX vs HSA

robjr vs LNumbers
bro fist vs Gefährlicher Random
mind gaming vs Niko
 

simp

early mornin’ wake ups
is a Smogon Discord Contributor Alumnus
Week 2:

Replays

[CLA] 64 Squares vs Separation [TIG]
[CLA] Luthier vs Beatiful [TIG]
[CLA] MichaelderBeste2 vs Eternal Spirit [TIG]
[WOL] Trosko vs Samqian [BIG]
[WOL] Corazan vs Insult [BIG]
[WOL] talah vs Tace [BIG]
[RAI] TJ vs mncmt [CRY]
[RAI] devin vs 1 True Lycan [CRY]
[RAI] BIHI vs Storm Zone [CRY]
[RUI] Ajna vs Leo [TYR]
[RUI] Ox The Fox vs Rubyblood [TYR]
[RUI] MAX UND MAX vs HSA [TYR]
[SHA] robjr vs LNumbers [SCO]
[SHA] bro fist vs Gefährlicher Random [SCO]
[SHA] mind gaming vs Niko [SCO]

Usage Stats
Leads / Combos / Moves + Teammates
Code:
+ ---- + ------------------ + ---- + ------- + ------- +
| Rank | Pokemon | Use | Usage % | Win % |
+ ---- + ------------------ + ---- + ------- + ------- +
| 1 | Landorus-Therian | 24 | 80.00% | 45.83% |
| 2 | Weavile | 17 | 56.67% | 58.82% |
| 3 | Heatran | 9 | 30.00% | 55.56% |
| 3 | Kartana | 9 | 30.00% | 55.56% |
| 3 | Ferrothorn | 9 | 30.00% | 44.44% |
| 6 | Dragapult | 8 | 26.67% | 62.50% |
| 6 | Zapdos | 8 | 26.67% | 62.50% |
| 8 | Tapu Fini | 7 | 23.33% | 28.57% |
| 8 | Urshifu-* | 7 | 23.33% | 14.29% |
| 10 | Melmetal | 6 | 20.00% | 83.33% |
| 10 | Garchomp | 6 | 20.00% | 66.67% |
| 12 | Toxapex | 5 | 16.67% | 80.00% |
| 12 | Slowking-Galar | 5 | 16.67% | 80.00% |
| 14 | Tornadus-Therian | 4 | 13.33% | 75.00% |
| 14 | Nihilego | 4 | 13.33% | 50.00% |
| 14 | Corviknight | 4 | 13.33% | 50.00% |
| 17 | Slowbro | 3 | 10.00% | 100.00% |
| 17 | Ninetales-Alola | 3 | 10.00% | 33.33% |
| 17 | Tapu Koko | 3 | 10.00% | 0.00% |
| 20 | Scizor | 2 | 6.67% | 100.00% |
| 20 | Blaziken | 2 | 6.67% | 50.00% |
| 20 | Celesteela | 2 | 6.67% | 50.00% |
| 20 | Clefable | 2 | 6.67% | 50.00% |
| 20 | Volcanion | 2 | 6.67% | 50.00% |
| 20 | Hawlucha | 2 | 6.67% | 50.00% |
| 20 | Magnezone | 2 | 6.67% | 50.00% |
| 20 | Rotom-Wash | 2 | 6.67% | 50.00% |
| 20 | Blacephalon | 2 | 6.67% | 50.00% |
| 20 | Victini | 2 | 6.67% | 50.00% |
| 20 | Tapu Lele | 2 | 6.67% | 0.00% |
| 20 | Bisharp | 2 | 6.67% | 0.00% |
| 20 | Volcarona | 2 | 6.67% | 0.00% |
| 20 | Moltres-Galar | 2 | 6.67% | 0.00% |
| 34 | Arctozolt | 1 | 3.33% | 100.00% |
| 34 | Suicune | 1 | 3.33% | 100.00% |
| 34 | Zeraora | 1 | 3.33% | 100.00% |
| 34 | Slowking | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 34 | Dragonite | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 34 | Glastrier | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 34 | Tyranitar | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 34 | Dracozolt | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 34 | Excadrill | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 34 | Rillaboom | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 34 | Cloyster | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |

Highlight Game:

[RUI] MAX UND MAX vs HSA [TYR]:

:ss/zapdos: :ss/weavile: :ss/kartana: :ss/landorus-therian: :ss/volcanion: :ss/melmetal:

Personally, I really liked HSA's team in this game. On preview Volcanion is very threatening to Max, with Urshifu being his only water-resist. Kartana is very threatening too, as the only steel on Max's team is Ferrothorn. However, with HSA having a Weavile in the back it's bound to be overwhelmed. Likewise, Max's Weavile which might be Low Kick is scary to HSA's Melmetal. His Urshifu is also threatening, as HSA's only water resist is his own Urshifu, which rapidly gets worn down. As the game starts, we see a Kartana lead from HSA; this makes sense given it threatens to chunk anything on Max's team depending on the set. HSA makes a good double into his zap after threatening out the Urshifu that Max lead with, and reveals an offensive set with the damage it does to Max's Tapu Koko. Following this, HSA brings his Volcanion in on Ferrothorn, gaining some valuable chip on Urshifu as it pivoted in to tank a Flamethrower. Turn 11 HSA made a good midground option as he caught Max's Victini with an Earthquake from his Melmetal - facilitating Volcanion to claim another ko. Turn 19 HSA makes another aggressive double into Volcanion as Max pivots into ferrothorn, catching his lando and is rewarded with yet another ko. At this point HSA can safely sack his Volcanion and commit to a Kartana endgame after getting his Lando in to freely spam Earthquake and weaken Max's Ferro. It's a matter of scarf Kartana sweeping once the ferro is finished off by HSA's weav. Overall a very polished finish to a great game!

With all that over, here are my remaining predictions for week 3:
[BIG] insult vs Vaboh [RAI]
[BIG] samqian vs Gtcha [RAI]
[BIG] Tace vs TJ [RAI]
[TYR] Confide vs Luthier [CLA]
[TYR] HSA vs MichaelderBeste2 [CLA]
[TYR] Leo
vs 64 Squares [CLA]
[CRY] mncmt vs MAX UND MAX [RUI]
[CRY] 1 True Lycan vs xavgb [RUI]
[CRY] Storm Zone vs Ox The Fox [RUI]
[SCO] Niko vs Beatiful [TIG]
[SCO] Gefährlicher Random vs Eternal Spirit [TIG]
[SCO] LNumbers vs Separation [TIG]
[SHA] mind gaming
vs talah [WOL]
[SHA] robjr vs Nat [WOL]
[SHA] bro fist vs Trosko [WOL]
 

simp

early mornin’ wake ups
is a Smogon Discord Contributor Alumnus
Week 3:
Replays
[BIG] insult vs Vaboh [RAI]
[BIG] samqian vs Gtcha [RAI]
[BIG] Tace vs TJ [RAI]
[TYR] Confide vs Luthier [CLA]
[TYR] HSA vs MichaelderBeste2 [CLA]
[TYR] Leo vs 64 Squares [CLA]
[CRY] mncmt vs MAX UND MAX [RUI]
[CRY] 1 True Lycan vs xavgb [RUI]
[CRY] Storm Zone vs Ox The Fox [RUI]
[SCO] Niko vs Beatiful [TIG]
[SCO] Gefährlicher Random vs Eternal Spirit [TIG]
[SCO] LNumbers vs Separation [TIG]
[SHA] mind gaming vs talah [WOL]
[SHA] robjr vs Nat [WOL]
[SHA] bro fist vs Trosko [WOL]

Usage Stats
Leads / Combos / Moves + Teammates
Code:
Code:
+ ---- + ------------------ + ---- + ------- + ------- +
| Rank | Pokemon            | Use  | Usage % |  Win %  |
+ ---- + ------------------ + ---- + ------- + ------- +
| 1    | Landorus-Therian   |   27 |  90.00% |  44.44% |
| 2    | Weavile            |   17 |  56.67% |  58.82% |
| 3    | Heatran            |   13 |  43.33% |  61.54% |
| 4    | Ferrothorn         |   10 |  33.33% |  70.00% |
| 5    | Slowbro            |    9 |  30.00% |  44.44% |
| 6    | Tapu Fini          |    8 |  26.67% |  62.50% |
| 6    | Tornadus-Therian   |    8 |  26.67% |  37.50% |
| 6    | Tapu Koko          |    8 |  26.67% |  37.50% |
| 6    | Melmetal           |    8 |  26.67% |  37.50% |
| 10   | Clefable           |    7 |  23.33% |  71.43% |
| 10   | Kartana            |    7 |  23.33% |  57.14% |
| 12   | Dragapult          |    6 |  20.00% |  33.33% |
| 13   | Dragonite          |    5 |  16.67% |  80.00% |
| 13   | Volcanion          |    5 |  16.67% |  20.00% |
| 15   | Zeraora            |    4 |  13.33% |  50.00% |
| 16   | Rotom-Wash         |    3 |  10.00% | 100.00% |
| 16   | Zapdos             |    3 |  10.00% |  66.67% |
| 16   | Zapdos-Galar       |    3 |  10.00% |  66.67% |
| 16   | Garchomp           |    3 |  10.00% |  66.67% |
| 16   | Victini            |    3 |  10.00% |   0.00% |
| 21   | Slowking-Galar     |    2 |   6.67% | 100.00% |
| 21   | Buzzwole           |    2 |   6.67% |  50.00% |
| 21   | Magnezone          |    2 |   6.67% |   0.00% |
| 21   | Toxapex            |    2 |   6.67% |   0.00% |
| 21   | Tapu Lele          |    2 |   6.67% |   0.00% |
| 26   | Slowking           |    1 |   3.33% | 100.00% |
| 26   | Blissey            |    1 |   3.33% | 100.00% |
| 26   | Excadrill          |    1 |   3.33% | 100.00% |
| 26   | Tyranitar          |    1 |   3.33% | 100.00% |
| 26   | Dracozolt          |    1 |   3.33% | 100.00% |
| 26   | Nihilego           |    1 |   3.33% |   0.00% |
| 26   | Corviknight        |    1 |   3.33% |   0.00% |
| 26   | Bisharp            |    1 |   3.33% |   0.00% |
| 26   | Jirachi            |    1 |   3.33% |   0.00% |
| 26   | Venusaur           |    1 |   3.33% |   0.00% |
| 26   | Torkoal            |    1 |   3.33% |   0.00% |
| 26   | Aegislash          |    1 |   3.33% |   0.00% |
| 26   | Urshifu-*          |    1 |   3.33% |   0.00% |

Highlights:

:dragonite:- Dragonite had a great showing this week, sporting an amazing 80% winrate, showing a lot of different sets used. A surprising cleric set was used by Luthier which put in work, checking confide's Victini and gleamless koko all game, also keeping his Corviknight low thanks to it running Flamethrower. Heal Bell came into play a lot of times during the course of the game, fending off Toxics and unlucky paras from confides koko and victini core - enabling Luthiers lando to stay healthy and check them for longer than it would, had it kept getting statused. Leo used a classic dd nite with Ice Punch and Earthquake to clean against 64 squares' team, weakened by a trick sticky barb clef, and a Burnt Buzzwole.

:volcanion:- Volcanion has been great this past week - increasingly being used on weatherless structures and capitalising on teams with Slowbro as their sole water as shown in Vaboh vs Insult. It forced amazing progress over the game using its coverage of Sludge Wave and Earth Power boosted by specs to catch Slowbro trying to heal. HSA used it to great effect early game vs Michaelderbeste2, forcing him to to sac his gking and alleviating pressure on his own Slowbro. Mncmt also used Volcanion this week, capitalising on its coverage and bulk with a boots set vs MAX UND MAX; it yet again made great progress against max's Slowbro while also tanking a Weavile knock off, koing back with ease and eliminating another threat to mncmt.

:clefable:- Clefable shot up in usage this week - Trick sets with Sticky Barb were popular and put in work, enabling mons like Leo's Calm Mind gking. Wish sets were also used - xavgb's clef was great over the course of the game vs 1 True Lycan, healing Melmetal up so it could beat down Lycan's Jirachi and Landorus-T. Eternal Spirit used a very interesting rocks cm clef to lure in and get rocks up on Gefährlicher Random's Tapu Fini - although it died at the hands of Whirlpool + Nature's Madness. Overall a very interesting week for Clefable!

Here are my predictions for Week 4:

[RUI] MAX UND MAX vs pj [BIG]
[RUI] xavgb vs Tace [BIG]
[RUI] Ox The Fox vs Insult [BIG]
[RAI] TJ vs bro fist [SHA]
[RAI] Vaboh vs mind gaming [SHA]
[RAI] Gtcha
vs robjr [SHA]
[WOL] talah vs Gefährlicher Random [SCO]
[WOL] Nat
vs Leru [SCO]
[WOL] Trosko vs Roseybear [SCO]
[CLA] MichaelderBeste2 vs mncmt [CRY]
[CLA] 64 Squares
vs Storm Zone [CRY]
[CLA] Luthier vs 1 True Lycan [CRY]
[TIG] Eternal Spirit vs HSA [TYR]
[TIG] Beatiful
vs Eeveeto [TYR]
[TIG] Separation vs Leo [TYR]
 

simp

early mornin’ wake ups
is a Smogon Discord Contributor Alumnus
Week 4:
Replays
[RUI] MAX UND MAX vs pj [BIG]
[RUI] xavgb vs Tace [BIG]
[RUI] Ox The Fox vs Insult [BIG]
[RAI] TJ vs bro fist [SHA]
[RAI] Vaboh vs mind gaming [SHA]
[RAI] Gtcha vs robjr [SHA]
[WOL] talah vs Gefährlicher Random [SCO]
[WOL] Nat vs Leru [SCO]
[WOL] Trosko vs Roseybear [SCO]
[CLA] MichaelderBeste2 vs mncmt [CRY]
[CLA] 64 Squares vs Storm Zone [CRY]
[CLA] Luthier vs 1 True Lycan [CRY]
[TIG] Eternal Spirit vs HSA [TYR]
[TIG] Beatiful vs Eeveeto [TYR]
[TIG] Separation vs Leo [TYR]

Usage Stats
Leads / Combos / Moves + Teammates
Code:
+ ---- + ------------------ + ---- + ------- + ------- +
| Rank | Pokemon | Use | Usage % | Win % |
+ ---- + ------------------ + ---- + ------- + ------- +
| 1 | Landorus-Therian | 28 | 93.33% | 53.57% |
| 2 | Weavile | 14 | 46.67% | 50.00% |
| 3 | Tapu Fini | 12 | 40.00% | 41.67% |
| 4 | Ferrothorn | 11 | 36.67% | 54.55% |
| 5 | Volcanion | 8 | 26.67% | 75.00% |
| 5 | Heatran | 8 | 26.67% | 50.00% |
| 5 | Dragonite | 8 | 26.67% | 37.50% |
| 8 | Zeraora | 7 | 23.33% | 57.14% |
| 9 | Corviknight | 6 | 20.00% | 66.67% |
| 9 | Tornadus-Therian | 6 | 20.00% | 66.67% |
| 9 | Clefable | 6 | 20.00% | 50.00% |
| 12 | Zapdos | 5 | 16.67% | 60.00% |
| 13 | Toxapex | 4 | 13.33% | 75.00% |
| 13 | Slowking-Galar | 4 | 13.33% | 50.00% |
| 13 | Tapu Koko | 4 | 13.33% | 50.00% |
| 13 | Melmetal | 4 | 13.33% | 50.00% |
| 13 | Celesteela | 4 | 13.33% | 25.00% |
| 13 | Kartana | 4 | 13.33% | 25.00% |
| 19 | Tapu Lele | 3 | 10.00% | 66.67% |
| 19 | Urshifu-* | 3 | 10.00% | 33.33% |
| 19 | Nihilego | 3 | 10.00% | 33.33% |
| 22 | Blacephalon | 2 | 6.67% | 100.00% |
| 22 | Volcarona | 2 | 6.67% | 50.00% |
| 22 | Mew | 2 | 6.67% | 50.00% |
| 22 | Magnezone | 2 | 6.67% | 50.00% |
| 22 | Ninetales-Alola | 2 | 6.67% | 50.00% |
| 22 | Arctozolt | 2 | 6.67% | 50.00% |
| 22 | Hawlucha | 2 | 6.67% | 0.00% |
| 22 | Rillaboom | 2 | 6.67% | 0.00% |
| 30 | Zapdos-Galar | 1 | 3.33% | 100.00% |
| 30 | Tyranitar | 1 | 3.33% | 100.00% |
| 30 | Nidoking | 1 | 3.33% | 100.00% |
| 30 | Jirachi | 1 | 3.33% | 100.00% |
| 30 | Buzzwole | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 30 | Victini | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 30 | Rotom-Heat | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 30 | Garchomp | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 30 | Necrozma | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 30 | Pelipper | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 30 | Scizor | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 30 | Kingdra | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |


Highlight Game:

[RUI] Ox The Fox vs Insult [BIG]

:ss/landorus-therian: :ss/clefable: :ss/tapu-koko: :ss/slowking-galar: :ss/dragonite: :ss/ferrothorn:

This game was great from start to finish, with some cool techs on display. On preview we see Ox and Insult bring very similar teams. On preview, theres not really much that stands out to break the other team for both sides - only each player's Tapu Koko with support in possible sticky barb Clefables and spikes from Ferrothorn; even the chance of Future Sight support from Insult's Slowking-G. In Ox's case, Heatran could possibly break through a Dragonite without boots or crippled by status, and a chipped Lando-T. Onto the game, we see Insult lead with his clef, but Ox plays around it well, knocking its Sticky Barb, then pivoting into his Heatran to catch the Trick and force its Choice Specs on the clef. This whole sequence enabled Ox to avoid a very dangerous threat to his team. Ox later reveals his own sticky barb trick clef, paralyzing then tricking Insults glowking on the switch - this potentially enables his koko for the endgame, provided he chips Insult's lando down. We see a bit of a stalemate ensue over the next few turns, with both ferros trading body presses and stacking spikes in a bid to make progress. Ox eventually brings his koko in on Insult's crippled clef, and in turn insult pivots his lando in. Lando reveals Swords Dance as Ox's ferro comes in, then reveals adrenaline orb and subs up simultaneously as Ox pivots his lando in; a crazy reveal for a creative set. Insult then clicks Gravity, and claims Ox's lando and clef in the turns to come, eventually being revenged by his Dragonite. Insult's (tricked) specs clef now claims a kill as it comes in on dnite due to Ox's Heatran and ferro being sufficiently chipped in conjunction to the spikes on the field. Another scary set is revealed as Ox's koko attempts to set up with Calm Mind on the clef - threatening to sweep. However Insult makes a great play into ferro as it stacks another boost, luring it to roost up and chipping it heavily with Gyro Ball. This sets up for Dragonite to come in and clean up the remains of Ox's team. Overall a great game with an abundance of insane techs!
 
Last edited:

Finchinator

-OUTL
is a Tournament Directoris a Top Social Media Contributoris a Community Leaderis a Community Contributoris a Smogon Discord Contributoris a Top Tiering Contributoris a Contributor to Smogonis a Top Smogon Media Contributoris a Top Dedicated Tournament Hostis a Senior Staff Member Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnusis a Past WCoP Championis the defending OU Circuit Championis a Two-Time Former Old Generation Tournament Circuit Champion
OU Leader
Hello Leo beatiful Luthier Gtcha INSULT bro fist MichaelderBeste2 Ox the Fox Separation xavgb Nat Trosko Storm Zone Eternal Spirit talah mind gaming 100percentpureheat TJ Niko robjr MAX UND MAX mncmt 1 True Lycan HSA suapah IPF BIHI ez Leru Vaboh 64 Squares Tace lax H.M.N.I.P Ruft Confide pj RaiZen1704 Roseybear Corazan Rubyblood Eeveeto Ajna LNumbers Samqian

You have all played at least one game of SS OU in SPL this year and the SS OU council would greatly appreciate your input on the most recent SS OU tiering survey. If you have a brief moment, check it out here. Thank you and I hope you all are coping well with the fact that Leo is better than all of you :wo:
 

simp

early mornin’ wake ups
is a Smogon Discord Contributor Alumnus
Week 5:

Replays
[CRY] 1 True Lycan vs Separation [TIG]
[CRY] Storm Zone vs Eternal Spirit [TIG]
[CRY] mncmt vs Beatiful [TIG]
[SCO] Gefährlicher Random vs Leo [TYR]
[SCO] Niko vs Eeveeto [TYR]
[SCO] Leru vs HSA [TYR]
[BIG] ez vs MichaelderBeste2 [CLA]
[BIG] lax vs Luthier [CLA]
[BIG] Insult vs ruft [CLA]
[SHA] bro fist vs MAX UND MAX [RUI]
[SHA] mind gaming vs Ox The Fox [RUI]
[SHA] robjr vs xavgb [RUI]
[WOL] Nat vs Vaboh [RAI]
[WOL] talah vs 100percentpureheat [RAI]
[WOL] Trosko vs Gtcha [RAI]


Usage Stats
Leads / Combos / Moves + Teammates
Code:
+ ---- + ------------------ + ---- + ------- + ------- +
| Rank | Pokemon | Use | Usage % | Win % |
+ ---- + ------------------ + ---- + ------- + ------- +
| 1 | Landorus-Therian | 22 | 73.33% | 50.00% |
| 2 | Weavile | 16 | 53.33% | 56.25% |
| 3 | Ferrothorn | 12 | 40.00% | 66.67% |
| 4 | Heatran | 11 | 36.67% | 45.45% |
| 5 | Tapu Fini | 7 | 23.33% | 57.14% |
| 6 | Garchomp | 6 | 20.00% | 66.67% |
| 6 | Dragapult | 6 | 20.00% | 50.00% |
| 6 | Blacephalon | 6 | 20.00% | 50.00% |
| 6 | Tornadus-Therian | 6 | 20.00% | 50.00% |
| 10 | Dragonite | 5 | 16.67% | 80.00% |
| 10 | Toxapex | 5 | 16.67% | 60.00% |
| 10 | Rotom-Wash | 5 | 16.67% | 40.00% |
| 13 | Volcarona | 4 | 13.33% | 75.00% |
| 13 | Buzzwole | 4 | 13.33% | 75.00% |
| 13 | Volcanion | 4 | 13.33% | 50.00% |
| 13 | Tapu Koko | 4 | 13.33% | 50.00% |
| 13 | Slowking-Galar | 4 | 13.33% | 50.00% |
| 13 | Melmetal | 4 | 13.33% | 50.00% |
| 13 | Corviknight | 4 | 13.33% | 25.00% |
| 20 | Clefable | 3 | 10.00% | 66.67% |
| 20 | Kartana | 3 | 10.00% | 33.33% |
| 20 | Ninetales-Alola | 3 | 10.00% | 33.33% |
| 20 | Zeraora | 3 | 10.00% | 0.00% |
| 20 | Nihilego | 3 | 10.00% | 0.00% |
| 25 | Moltres-Galar | 2 | 6.67% | 50.00% |
| 25 | Hippowdon | 2 | 6.67% | 50.00% |
| 25 | Zapdos | 2 | 6.67% | 50.00% |
| 25 | Tyranitar | 2 | 6.67% | 50.00% |
| 25 | Magnezone | 2 | 6.67% | 50.00% |
| 25 | Tapu Lele | 2 | 6.67% | 50.00% |
| 25 | Arctozolt | 2 | 6.67% | 0.00% |
| 32 | Scizor | 1 | 3.33% | 100.00% |
| 32 | Cloyster | 1 | 3.33% | 100.00% |
| 32 | Skarmory | 1 | 3.33% | 100.00% |
| 32 | Reuniclus | 1 | 3.33% | 100.00% |
| 32 | Jirachi | 1 | 3.33% | 100.00% |
| 32 | Slowbro | 1 | 3.33% | 100.00% |
| 32 | Slowking | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 32 | Kommo-o | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 32 | Victini | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 32 | Urshifu-* | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 32 | Gyarados | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 32 | Mew | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 32 | Celesteela | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 32 | Blaziken | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 32 | Dracozolt | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 32 | Hydreigon | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
 
Last edited:

simp

early mornin’ wake ups
is a Smogon Discord Contributor Alumnus
Week 6:

Replays
[RAI] Gtcha vs Gefährlicher Random [SCO]
[RAI] 100percentpureheat vs Leru [SCO]
[RAI] TJ vs Niko [SCO]
[RUI] Ox The Fox vs talah [WOL]
[RUI] MAX UND MAX vs Trosko [WOL]
[RUI] Ajna vs Nat [WOL]
[CLA] MichaelderBeste2 vs suapah [SHA]
[CLA] Luthier vs mind gaming [SHA]
[CLA] RaiZen1704 vs bro fist [SHA]
[TIG] Beatiful vs INSULT [BIG]
[TIG] Separation vs Tace [BIG]
[TIG] Eternal Spirit vs ez [BIG]
[TYR] HSA vs Storm Zone [CRY]
[TYR] Leo vs mncmt [CRY]
[TYR] IPF vs 1 True Lycan [CRY]

Usage Stats
Leads / Combos / Moves + Teammates
Code:
+ ---- + ------------------ + ---- + ------- + ------- +
| Rank | Pokemon | Use | Usage % | Win % |
+ ---- + ------------------ + ---- + ------- + ------- +
| 1 | Landorus-Therian | 21 | 70.00% | 52.38% |
| 2 | Ferrothorn | 12 | 40.00% | 50.00% |
| 2 | Weavile | 12 | 40.00% | 41.67% |
| 4 | Tapu Fini | 11 | 36.67% | 27.27% |
| 5 | Buzzwole | 9 | 30.00% | 77.78% |
| 5 | Heatran | 9 | 30.00% | 55.56% |
| 5 | Tornadus-Therian | 9 | 30.00% | 55.56% |
| 8 | Dragonite | 8 | 26.67% | 50.00% |
| 9 | Slowking-Galar | 6 | 20.00% | 66.67% |
| 9 | Corviknight | 6 | 20.00% | 50.00% |
| 9 | Tapu Koko | 6 | 20.00% | 50.00% |
| 12 | Toxapex | 5 | 16.67% | 80.00% |
| 12 | Melmetal | 5 | 16.67% | 20.00% |
| 12 | Garchomp | 5 | 16.67% | 0.00% |
| 15 | Zeraora | 4 | 13.33% | 100.00% |
| 15 | Volcanion | 4 | 13.33% | 75.00% |
| 15 | Clefable | 4 | 13.33% | 50.00% |
| 15 | Dragapult | 4 | 13.33% | 50.00% |
| 15 | Zapdos | 4 | 13.33% | 25.00% |
| 20 | Magnezone | 3 | 10.00% | 66.67% |
| 20 | Urshifu-* | 3 | 10.00% | 33.33% |
| 20 | Kartana | 3 | 10.00% | 33.33% |
| 23 | Rotom-Wash | 2 | 6.67% | 100.00% |
| 23 | Nidoking | 2 | 6.67% | 100.00% |
| 23 | Slowbro | 2 | 6.67% | 100.00% |
| 23 | Blacephalon | 2 | 6.67% | 50.00% |
| 23 | Tyranitar | 2 | 6.67% | 50.00% |
| 23 | Excadrill | 2 | 6.67% | 50.00% |
| 23 | Scizor | 2 | 6.67% | 50.00% |
| 23 | Tapu Lele | 2 | 6.67% | 50.00% |
| 31 | Blissey | 1 | 3.33% | 100.00% |
| 31 | Slowking | 1 | 3.33% | 100.00% |
| 31 | Rillaboom | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 31 | Mew | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 31 | Volcarona | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 31 | Nihilego | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 31 | Victini | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 31 | Dracozolt | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 31 | Ninetales-Alola | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 31 | Arctozolt | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 31 | Jirachi | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
 
Last edited:

simp

early mornin’ wake ups
is a Smogon Discord Contributor Alumnus
Week 7:

Replays:

[SCO] Joya vs Stareal [CRY]
[SCO] LNumbers vs Reje [CRY]
[SCO] Roseybear vs mncmt [CRY]
[BIG] Insult vs Leo [TYR]
[BIG] watashi vs Sage [TYR]
[BIG] ez vs IPF [TYR]
[SHA] suapah vs Beatiful [TIG]
[SHA] bro fist vs Separation [TIG]
[SHA] mind gaming vs Eternal Spirit [TIG]
[WOL] Corazan vs Luthier [CLA]
[WOL] Trosko vs Ruft [CLA]
[WOL] talah vs MichaelderBeste2 [CLA]
[RAI] Gtcha vs MAX UND MAX [RUI]
[RAI] 100percentpureheat vs Ox The Fox [RUI]
[RAI] TJ vs xavgb [RUI]

Usage Stats
Leads / Combos / Moves + Teammates
Code:
+ ---- + ------------------ + ---- + ------- + ------- +
| Rank | Pokemon | Use | Usage % | Win % |
+ ---- + ------------------ + ---- + ------- + ------- +
| 1 | Landorus-Therian | 23 | 76.67% | 43.48% |
| 2 | Tornadus-Therian | 14 | 46.67% | 64.29% |
| 3 | Weavile | 13 | 43.33% | 53.85% |
| 4 | Heatran | 11 | 36.67% | 54.55% |
| 5 | Volcanion | 8 | 26.67% | 62.50% |
| 6 | Kartana | 7 | 23.33% | 57.14% |
| 6 | Corviknight | 7 | 23.33% | 57.14% |
| 6 | Ferrothorn | 7 | 23.33% | 14.29% |
| 9 | Dragonite | 6 | 20.00% | 16.67% |
| 10 | Buzzwole | 5 | 16.67% | 80.00% |
| 10 | Ninetales-Alola | 5 | 16.67% | 80.00% |
| 10 | Toxapex | 5 | 16.67% | 20.00% |
| 10 | Tapu Fini | 5 | 16.67% | 20.00% |
| 14 | Slowking | 4 | 13.33% | 100.00% |
| 14 | Garchomp | 4 | 13.33% | 100.00% |
| 14 | Arctozolt | 4 | 13.33% | 75.00% |
| 14 | Clefable | 4 | 13.33% | 25.00% |
| 18 | Slowbro | 3 | 10.00% | 66.67% |
| 18 | Rotom-Wash | 3 | 10.00% | 66.67% |
| 18 | Scizor | 3 | 10.00% | 66.67% |
| 18 | Dragapult | 3 | 10.00% | 33.33% |
| 18 | Zapdos | 3 | 10.00% | 0.00% |
| 23 | Tyranitar | 2 | 6.67% | 100.00% |
| 23 | Excadrill | 2 | 6.67% | 100.00% |
| 23 | Melmetal | 2 | 6.67% | 100.00% |
| 23 | Tapu Koko | 2 | 6.67% | 50.00% |
| 23 | Kommo-o | 2 | 6.67% | 50.00% |
| 23 | Urshifu-* | 2 | 6.67% | 0.00% |
| 23 | Blacephalon | 2 | 6.67% | 0.00% |
| 30 | Cloyster | 1 | 3.33% | 100.00% |
| 30 | Magnezone | 1 | 3.33% | 100.00% |
| 30 | Nidoking | 1 | 3.33% | 100.00% |
| 30 | Shuckle | 1 | 3.33% | 100.00% |
| 30 | Zapdos-Galar | 1 | 3.33% | 100.00% |
| 30 | Bisharp | 1 | 3.33% | 100.00% |
| 30 | Aegislash | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 30 | Rhyperior | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 30 | Slowking-Galar | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 30 | Zeraora | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 30 | Victini | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 30 | Volcarona | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 30 | Mamoswine | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 30 | Hydreigon | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 30 | Suicune | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 30 | Nihilego | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 30 | Gastrodon | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 30 | Hawlucha | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
| 30 | Moltres-Galar | 1 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
 

IPF

sundown
is a Tiering Contributor Alumnus
Similar to my post for WCoP last year, I'm gonna do a write up of my team choices for this season now that we're out.

W6 vs 1 True Lycan: (W)
Screenshot 2022-03-21 at 9.20.01 AM.png

First team that I used and by far my favourite team that we built. After spending the first 5 weeks on the sidelines and seeing our SS3 slot go 0-5, I was itching to get in and get some wins. While prepping, we started out with the concept of Lele-Mel, with the idea being Melmetal trades against Steels allowing Lele to come in after and clean up. Eventually we switched this to Lele-Zone, with obviously the same concept in mind but just a much more straightforward way of going about it. As a team we'd had 0 Zone usage up until that point and the abundance of Ferro balances that were susceptible to it made it a great pick. Next two mons that went in were Lando (duh) and Weav (duh), both staples on offense builds and absolutely necessary for the team to work. We opted for the NMI Weav set because of its gargantuan damage output, which you'll see in a later game, and thus decided to try something a bit less conventional in Imprison Lando, which is great at keeping Rocks off at least once, which is perfect for this kind of team. Dnite was a no brainer for me, originally there was a Kartana on the team but I felt that Dnite fit so much better and was in general stronger in the metagame at the time (and still is). Picking the last mon was a bit trickier since there were a lot of mons that could feasibly fit. We tried different waters such as Fini or Ursh, but in the end we went with Specs Volcanion, a mon that gained a ton of traction during the course of SPL and for good reason. Hits stupidly hard, can trade for kills if necessary, forces awkward turns, all around great mon.

The matchup was pretty much perfect, loading up Zone into Corv bulky offense is as good as it gets. The start was a little tricky around Torn, but once I pulled the double to Zone on the Corv switch the game was pretty much over. Made a nice predict after to Ice Punch the Torn on the switch to avoid potential Toxic shenanigans, and closed out the game comfortably. Ideal way to start the season.

W7 vs ez: (L)
Screenshot 2022-03-21 at 9.20.12 AM.png

Got my good friend ez the following week, and the idea we decided to go with was BU Zera after taking a look at his scout. My prep was a little hands off this week due to exams, and also due to us clinching playoffs the previous week, so after discussing it with devin I decided to reuse his team from week 1 since it fit with what I wanted to use and I'd had some prior experience with the team.

Loading up Zera into double Ground is never a sight you want to see at preview, however in the end the game could've been played better. I got stuck on the backfoot early and wasn't able to get my Blacephalon in to throw off hits, which is obviously going to make the game hard as hell for me. I lucked out dodging Aqua Tail with Lando, but if I had just clicked EQ the next turn instead of U-Turn and gotten the chip, endgame Zera was very much a possibility. Got a crucial turn wrong late in the game with Heatran against Chomp, opting to click Rocks instead of switching to Torn expecting ez to get greedy and go for Rocks of his own, only to be promptly dispatched by an EQ. A learning experience for sure, considering that there were definitely chances to win this game.

W8 vs robjr: (W)
1647836843967.png

If it worked once, why not do it again? Once again I was a bit uninspired in the prep department this week so I decided to just run with what worked for me in my first game and bring the same team, especially with how nice the team felt when I played with it.

At preview, this matchup looked pretty tricky honestly. Slowking wasn't a mon I expected to come and it sits on both Lele and Volcanion, so that dictated how I played the early game heavily. After being forced to sack a mon early to Specs Lele, I managed to get the next turn right by dancing with Weav, and then switching to Zone on Ferro since he's then incentivised to attack. He opted to revenge kill my Zone with Pult, which was a free SD for my Weavile right after, followed by it bopping the Buzzwole with a Triple Axel, exactly the reason why it's NMI (the roll was in my favour too!). From there the game was easy, Weav claimed another kill, Dnite forced damage on Lando, and Scarf Lele cleaned up. Really happy with how I played this game, probably the one I'll look back on the most.

W9 vs talah: (L)
Screenshot 2022-03-21 at 9.20.34 AM.png

Oddly enough this team looks like a rehash of the Zone team but the building process was completely different. Looking at talah's scout we wanted to bring Specs Lele to abuse their slow and bulky structures, and I wanted to switch it up by bringing Chomp instead of Lando as my Ground, but that obviously didn't pan out. Fini was Scarf for speed control, Tran was Rocks, Weav was NMI, and Dnite was DD 3 attacks, but there were a TON of variations that I tested and in the end just didn't feel comfortable with. Overall the team is fine, but I definitely wasn't as confident as I was with the other 2.
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As for the game...well that was as bad as it gets. I thought my matchup wasn't bad, but after Pult revealed Expert Belt I think this game was hard as fuck for me to win no matter what. BUT, I played like trash too, and that isn't excusable. At the end of the day my plays are what will win the game, not just the teams I load up. I pretty much got nailed on every crucial turn and after the start against Rotom I got stuck behind and never managed to play myself back into the game. Brutal because this game is essentially what got me benched for playoffs. One to forget, but also one to learn from.

So, 8 months after my WCoP campaign I made my SPL debut feeling a lot more confident about my play...and ended up finishing with the exact same record. Nevertheless, the quality of my games here were infinitely better than they were last year, and it's something I'll be able to remember fondly once I'm done with this site (which might be sooner than expected).

Gonna do my personal shoutouts here for the people that helped me so that I don't flood the SPL threads:
Alpha Rabbit - This one pains me to do, but I wouldn't have gotten drafted if it wasn't for you. Thanks for putting in a good word for me, and for cheering for me (even if its sandwiched between mountains of abuse)

devin - My go to man for prep, thanks for helping me even when your motivation for mons was pretty low post-ban. We probably could've done better but as far as first tours go, this wasn't the worst either.

Will of Fire - Going into this season I can't lie I was a bit skeptical of what you could do but all doubt was washed away pretty much immediately. We lost the guy who was supposed to carry our SS slots all season right at the start and you stepped up MASSIVELY. Incredible amount of work put in, honestly can't show enough respect for you. Your teambuilding brain is one of a kind.

Sage - I still remember how I used your teams for UU Majors back in 2018, and now a few years later we managed to put on a pretty solid performance together in SS OU. I know you're probably not feeling the best because of how your Semis games went, but you were awesome all season. Thanks for helping me test and providing alternative team options, you were a lot of fun to talk with.

Leo - King. You were pretty much the only person I had any prior experience with on the team at the start of the season and I was grateful for it. Still remember being a bit down in your PMs when I thought I would never get a chance to play. Tiebreak was a one off, your play this season was honestly inspiring and you were a great teammate too. Keep your head up, don't forget how to play by the time WCoP rolls around.

infinitemugen99 - Appreciate the test games a lot, even though the two weeks I tested with you are the two games I lost LOL. You were a great help, especially with the team rebuilds.

ez jonfilch Isza - Thanks for cheering for me and keeping my motivation up at the start of the season when I was pretty out of it mentally.

Finally, the Asiancy. Much love to all of you, hopping in that chat after I won my debut game was a feeling like no other. Thanks for supporting me, pre draft shenanigans included.

I'll be back for WCoP, to be honest I need a break after how much fucking laddering I've done over the last 3 months. Thanks for reading.
 

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