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Spiritomb: Another One Of Those Starters (Pokemon Card of the Day)

Written by chinigo | January 1, 2010 | 59 comments | 2,081 views | Rating: -1

Hello guys! This is shinichigo (also known as Chinigo), from the Philippines!

I’ve been playing Pokemon since I was 3 (I’m not joking), and I’ve been playing for 10 years now. I’m more of a deck/card tester and analyser than a collector, but I do both. I help kids (and adults too!) in my place build their decks and I discuss strategies and tips with them.

Okay, let’s get down to business.

Benefits!

Let’s take a look first at Spiritomb’s Poke-Body: “Keystone Seal”. “Keystone Seal” prohibits each player to play Trainer cards. Now, this Poke-Body only works when Spiritomb is the Active Pokemon. This is both a nuisance and a blessing. Since majority of the players out there use certain Trainer Cards for either set-up, attack boost, etc., Spiritomb can shut them off, slowing your opponent’s gameplay. However, YOU can’t play Trainer Cards too! So, you get a bit slowed as well. T_T.

“Keystone Seal” can be paired with Gengar SF‘s “Poltergeist”. Trainer Cards would get stuck in your opponent’s hand, courtesy of Spiritomb, and that’s where “Poltergeist” comes in! You can deliver as much as 90+ damage to your opponent, and for only 2 Psychic Energy, that’s an efficient move!

“Keystone Seal” also pairs with Gliscor, but I won’t discuss that because there’s already an article on that…

Now, let’s take a look at Spiritomb’s attacks. “Darkness Grace” evolves one of your Pokemon, but at a cost; 10 damage to Spiritomb. When you really need to speed your game, “Darkness Grace” can aid you in setting up. Just be wise at using it; that 10 damage may give your opponent a chance to make a move against you (ex. Gengar LV.X‘s “Compound Pain”). “Will-o’-the-wisp” is just a basic attack that does 10 damage for one Darkness energy. Nothing special. Actually, Spiritomb can fit in any deck. “Darkness Grace” does not demand any Energy at all, so it’s versatile.

Counters/Roadblocks

Claydol GE – “Cosmic Power” ruins the “Poltergeist”-”Keystone Seal” combo. You opponent can put all his Trainer Cards back to his deck to lessen the damage “Poltergeist” will do.

Dialga G LV.X – “Time Crystal” completely shuts down “Keystone Seal”. The “Poltergeist”-”Keystone Seal” combo will do no good here. Your opponent now can play those Trainer Cards stuck in his hand.

So far, this is what I have observed. Feel free to post comments or suggestions! That would be a great aid for this article to be helpful to others.

—ChInigo

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http://forum.pokemon.fi/ Tonu

If you let your Spiritomb to KO while setupping your game, it also triggers Upper Energy for you and some other effects as well (Machamp DP’s Revenge, Minun’s Power, Slowking’s Power, etc). Also, even if you’re on your own Spiritomb’s Trainer lock; when you have all needed trainers on your hand, you can retreat to get rid of the Trainer lock and start spamming Trainers to get your Pokémons out. Unless you play Switch or some other card with similar changing effect, your opponent can use Trainers on next turn.
http://forum.pokemon.fi/ Tonu

If you let your Spiritomb to KO while setupping your game, it also triggers Upper Energy for you and some other effects as well (Machamp DP’s Revenge, Minun’s Power, Slowking’s Power, etc). Also, even if you’re on your own Spiritomb’s Trainer lock; when you have all needed trainers on your hand, you can retreat to get rid of the Trainer lock and start spamming Trainers to get your Pokémons out. Unless you play Switch or some other card with similar changing effect, your opponent can use Trainers on next turn.
http://forum.pokemon.fi Tonu

If you let your Spiritomb to KO while setupping your game, it also triggers Upper Energy for you and some other effects as well (Machamp DP’s Revenge, Minun’s Power, Slowking’s Power, etc). Also, even if you’re on your own Spiritomb’s Trainer lock; when you have all needed trainers on your hand, you can retreat to get rid of the Trainer lock and start spamming Trainers to get your Pokémons out. Unless you play Switch or some other card with similar changing effect, your opponent can use Trainers on next turn.
Vyse

Offtopic – Where abouts in the Philipines? I live in Australia, but have lots of filipino relatives. What’s the scene like over there? Are there any kind of organised play events?
Vyse

Offtopic – Where abouts in the Philipines? I live in Australia, but have lots of filipino relatives. What’s the scene like over there? Are there any kind of organised play events?
Vyse

Offtopic – Where abouts in the Philipines? I live in Australia, but have lots of filipino relatives. What’s the scene like over there? Are there any kind of organised play events?
Lapras Lover

That is a very good analysis. It is a good wall that can help you set up and can be sacrificed for upper energy. Good writing too.

WDIF

I disagree. This is a below-average article with too many mistakes and a lack of focus. Don’t accept bad advice.
WDIF

I disagree. This is a below-average article with too many mistakes and a lack of focus. Don’t accept bad advice.

Lapras Lover

That is a very good analysis. It is a good wall that can help you set up and can be sacrificed for upper energy. Good writing too.
Lapras Lover

That is a very good analysis. It is a good wall that can help you set up and can be sacrificed for upper energy. Good writing too.

WDIF

I disagree. This is a below-average article with too many mistakes and a lack of focus. Don’t accept bad advice.

http://myspace.com/gottabuyemallcards iScoop

Chatot Lv.30 HP60
- Mimic
CC Chatter 20
The Defending Pokemon can’t retreat during your opponent’s next turn.
Weakness L+20
Resistance F-20
Retreat 0

55/100 MD

Surprised no one has mentioned it yet.

—

In short — Chatot attacks with Chatter. Spiritomb takes no damage because of resistance and is unable to retreat.

SMGausch

Chatot is a great counter to this, and has been at least relatively common in stage two decks since its release, if you play spiritomb AR you need to have a way around this just for the odd chance someone decides to try to lock you. Double colorless coming back will make chatter much more playable as a counter too.
SMGausch

Chatot is a great counter to this, and has been at least relatively common in stage two decks since its release, if you play spiritomb AR you need to have a way around this just for the odd chance someone decides to try to lock you. Double colorless coming back will make chatter much more playable as a counter too.

HunterJ

yer cant wait for double colourless to be released :)!!!!! it will totally reform curent decks and how game is played AGAIN
HunterJ

yer cant wait for double colourless to be released :)!!!!! it will totally reform curent decks and how game is played AGAIN

http://myspace.com/gottabuyemallcards iScoop

Chatot Lv.30 HP60
- Mimic
CC Chatter 20
The Defending Pokemon can’t retreat during your opponent’s next turn.
Weakness L+20
Resistance F-20
Retreat 0

55/100 MD

Surprised no one has mentioned it yet.

—

In short — Chatot attacks with Chatter. Spiritomb takes no damage because of resistance and is unable to retreat.
http://myspace.com/gottabuyemallcards iScoop

Chatot Lv.30 HP60
- Mimic
CC Chatter 20
The Defending Pokemon can’t retreat during your opponent’s next turn.
Weakness L+20
Resistance F-20
Retreat 0

55/100 MD

Surprised no one has mentioned it yet.

—

In short — Chatot attacks with Chatter. Spiritomb takes no damage because of resistance and is unable to retreat.

SMGausch

Chatot is a great counter to this, and has been at least relatively common in stage two decks since its release, if you play spiritomb AR you need to have a way around this just for the odd chance someone decides to try to lock you. Double colorless coming back will make chatter much more playable as a counter too.

HunterJ

yer cant wait for double colourless to be released :)!!!!! it will totally reform curent decks and how game is played AGAIN

shinichigo

Oh no. DCE would even boost Chatot. We need to find new ways to go around with it and make Spiritomb triumph! :D
http://forum.pokemon.fi/ Tonu

^ unless you play some Warp Energies or have Skuntank G & Stidium in play, attach Unown G to it or evolve 6 Pokémon to get rid of your Spiritomb. xP
http://forum.pokemon.fi Tonu

^ unless you play some Warp Energies or have Skuntank G & Stidium in play, attach Unown G to it or evolve 6 Pokémon to get rid of your Spiritomb. xP
SMGausch

Spiritomb can be great as a starter the only hesitation I have with it is that it does damage to itself and thus is an easy KO for many cards in the format. Use it to stall and possibly set-up if you have room for it in your deck, but don’t rely on it because if you do you may just be giving your opponent the edge. Like most newer starters Jirachi RR, Spiritomb, etc. its very luck dependent whether it be having basics on the bench or supporters in your hand I just think the old standbys in Sableye and Pachirishu are better bets because you know exactly what you are getting. Good article and this card will be played a lot to see what it works in, and someone will find the perfect list to exploit its benefits while minimizing its shortcomings.
shinichigo

Hey, I forgot Chatot MD, but yes, Warp Energy will do it. XD

That is a very good analysis. It is a good wall that can help you set up and can be sacrificed for upper energy. Good writing too.

Thanks LaprasLover! I’m a perfectionist at writing, you see. XD
shinichigo

Hey, I forgot Chatot MD, but yes, Warp Energy will do it. XD

That is a very good analysis. It is a good wall that can help you set up and can be sacrificed for upper energy. Good writing too.

Thanks LaprasLover! I’m a perfectionist at writing, you see. XD

Kyle

where are you in the Philippines?? Im in Manila…
Kyle

where are you in the Philippines?? Im in Manila…

SMGausch

Spiritomb can be great as a starter the only hesitation I have with it is that it does damage to itself and thus is an easy KO for many cards in the format. Use it to stall and possibly set-up if you have room for it in your deck, but don’t rely on it because if you do you may just be giving your opponent the edge. Like most newer starters Jirachi RR, Spiritomb, etc. its very luck dependent whether it be having basics on the bench or supporters in your hand I just think the old standbys in Sableye and Pachirishu are better bets because you know exactly what you are getting. Good article and this card will be played a lot to see what it works in, and someone will find the perfect list to exploit its benefits while minimizing its shortcomings.
shinichigo

Hey, I forgot Chatot MD, but yes, Warp Energy will do it. XD

That is a very good analysis. It is a good wall that can help you set up and can be sacrificed for upper energy. Good writing too.

Thanks LaprasLover! I’m a perfectionist at writing, you see. XD

Kyle

where are you in the Philippines?? Im in Manila…

shinichigo

Ok, that I think would be my next article; Countering Chatot. :D
shinichigo

Oh no. DCE would even boost Chatot. We need to find new ways to go around with it and make Spiritomb triumph! :D
shinichigo

Oh no. DCE would even boost Chatot. We need to find new ways to go around with it and make Spiritomb triumph! :D
SMGausch

Lol, we’ll have to watch out for all the rogue chatot decks!!!
SMGausch

Lol, we’ll have to watch out for all the rogue chatot decks!!!
SMGausch

Lol, we’ll have to watch out for all the rogue chatot decks!!!
shinichigo

Ok, that I think would be my next article; Countering Chatot. :D
shinichigo

Ok, that I think would be my next article; Countering Chatot. :D
poke fart

Nice analysis.
poke fart

Nice analysis.
poke fart

Nice analysis.
tragicmat1

This card really helps out Stage 2 Decks in this format. Shutting down trainers means no Sp Radar, Power Spray, Poke Turns and other Galactic Inventions ( Well there really aren’t any more besides damage porter -,- ) . Darkness Grace , as you mentioned, is an extra boost to speed up evolving your Baltoy and other Pokemon. With the High Energy cost in Stage 2 Decks, Upper can be used if you are willing to sacrifice the Spiritomb. Unown Q is an amazing tech to give spiritomb free retreat.

All in all, This card SLOWS down SP decks, Speeds up Stage 2 Decks. I LIKE :)
tragicmat1

This card really helps out Stage 2 Decks in this format. Shutting down trainers means no Sp Radar, Power Spray, Poke Turns and other Galactic Inventions ( Well there really aren’t any more besides damage porter -,- ) . Darkness Grace , as you mentioned, is an extra boost to speed up evolving your Baltoy and other Pokemon. With the High Energy cost in Stage 2 Decks, Upper can be used if you are willing to sacrifice the Spiritomb. Unown Q is an amazing tech to give spiritomb free retreat.

All in all, This card SLOWS down SP decks, Speeds up Stage 2 Decks. I LIKE :)
tragicmat1

This card really helps out Stage 2 Decks in this format. Shutting down trainers means no Sp Radar, Power Spray, Poke Turns and other Galactic Inventions ( Well there really aren’t any more besides damage porter -,- ) . Darkness Grace , as you mentioned, is an extra boost to speed up evolving your Baltoy and other Pokemon. With the High Energy cost in Stage 2 Decks, Upper can be used if you are willing to sacrifice the Spiritomb. Unown Q is an amazing tech to give spiritomb free retreat.

All in all, This card SLOWS down SP decks, Speeds up Stage 2 Decks. I LIKE :)
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