The last time I wrote an article for you guys was in preparation for Canadian, Mexican and of course, US Nationals. Now that these tournaments have taken place and the results are in, finally some sort of HGSS-on metagame has been established in the lead up to the World Championships in San Diego.
For my previous article, I tried my hand at a video article that had a mixed reception. After hearing the feedback, and aiming to improve on my previous effort, I’ve tried my hardest to break down the content into more concise, easier to stream video as well as an informative written article.
In this article I’ll be discussing a variety of topics including suitable grinder deck choices and strategies of how to play with them against certain popular matchups.
Secondly, I will be talking about advice for first-time Worlds players as well as my general preparation for the tournament.
For those who may disagree with my deck choices, I’ve also included some musings in my videos about general strategy, play techniques and improving the consistency of your deck to gain that little extra edge against the rest of the competition.
Let’s Go-Go Grinders
Don’t Panic!
Don’t expect to have made a definitive deck choice yet for the event. I haven’t decided what to play for the main event yet myself. However, I have narrowed down the format to four viable choices as a result of extensive testing in match play.
Hopefully, by breaking down the decks’ core strategies, it will help you guys make an informed decision. I’ve also included my personal up to date lists for each deck, and why I play and don’t play certain cards to sway matchups in my favor.
Reshiram/Tyhphlosion
Matchups
- Magnezone/Yanmega: Slightly Favorable
- Kingdra/Yanmega: Favorable
- Emboar/Magnezone: Even to Slightly Unfavorable
- ZPS: Unfavorable
- Donphan/Yanmega/Zoroark: Even
- Vileplume variants: Even to Slightly Favorable
