Tentacool

[NeoSeth]

I can't believe there isn't a thread on this guy. He's such a great Pokemon in LC!

Alright, here we have Tentacool. I'm feeling lazy, so...

http://veekun.com/dex/pokemon/tentacool

There's everything you need to know about his movepool, stats, etc. Now, Tentacool is seeing some use and praise for his use on defensive/balanced teams as a Rapid Spinner/Toxic Spiker. He also has access to very useful moves like Haze, Knock Off and Boil Over. So, here's what he can dp:

Cool Standard
Tentacool @ Evolution Stone/Oran Berry
Trait: Liquid Ooze
EVs: 116 HP / 236 Def / 36 SAtk / 116 SDef OR switch SDef and Def
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk) or Calm (+SDef, -Atk)
- Boil Over/Surf/Venom Shock
- Toxic Spikes
- Rapid Spin
- Knock Off/Ice Beam/Protect

This set's been around for a while, and basically does two things: Lays Toxic Spikes and Rapid Spins. It's good at what it does, and that's what matters. It can also act as a Specially-defensive pivot, which is always nice. I'm honestly not sure about the EVs, but that's what I use. Feel free to suggest anything else.

Hazer
Tentacool @ Evolution Stone/Oran Berry
Trait: Liquid Ooze
EVs: 116 HP / 236 Def / 36 SAtk / 116 SDef
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Boil Over/Surf
- Toxic Spikes
- Haze
- Knock Off/Ice Beam

This is the set that I've seen the most. It lays down Toxic Spikes, and Hazes things (Unfortunately, PO does not allow Haze and Rapid Spin to be used together). It stops set-up sweepers fairly well, and can run through a team if used/supported properly. Again, suggest EV spreads.

Swords Dance
Tentacool @ Oran Berry
Trait: Clear Body
EVs: 196 Atk / 196 Spe / 116 SAtk
Jolly/Hasty Nature (+Spe, -SpA OR +Spe, - Def)
- Waterfall
- Return
- Poison Jab/ Hydro Pump
- Swords Dance

I'm not sure how good this set it, to be honest, but after an SD Tentacool hits 26 Atk with a Jolly nature. Puruiru might stand in your way, but it does have some sweeping potential. Hydro Pump nails specially-weak Pokemon, but your physical moves should do the job.

Other Options: Tentacool has some interesting moves, like Aqua Ring and Barrier. It's also possible to run a Choice Scarf set for surprise value (Helpful for nailing Gligar).

 

[Darkamber8828]

Why does the SD set run Return when Poison Jab is far better?

I don't think Haze is as good, now that there's no Inconsistent.

Tspikes, Water-type, and Fighting resist make it a cool pokemon. But Ground-weak sucks.

It gets Sludge Wave and Venom Shock, which are pretty cool moves.

 

[NeoSeth]

Neutral coverage, mostly. Only Puruiru resists Water/Normal. And it does get those nifty-keen Poison-STAB moves, so maybe I'll slash those. Venom Shock in particular could be nasty on a Toxic Spike set, since most things will be poisoned throughout the match.

As for Haze, I've personally used it and I can say for a fact that it works very well. I had a hard time giving it up for Rapid Spin.

 

[Darkamber8828]

Tesshildo does too.

Also, iirc, only Tessy and Pururiru and Tentacool resist Water/Poison...

...ok maybe not. Croagunk and Water Absorb Wooper (whoever uses that). But still, I prefer Waterfall/Poison Jab/Hydro Pump for getting past physical walls, which, collectively, are more numerous than Croagunk (which is mostly outclassed by Meditite)

 

[NeoSeth]

The physical walls I think of are Hippo and Gligar, neither of which like Waterfall (And in Gligar's case, will outspeed and OHKO you). I guess it has merit on Koffing. I don't think the SD set is as legit as it was in OU for Tentacruel, but I felt it was worth mentioning.