[OVERVIEW]
* With excellent Special Attack and Speed, Alakazam is an amazing revenge killer and wallbreaker for offensive teams.
* Magic Guard is an amazing ability that lets it check any offensive Pokemon with Focus Sash or punch holes with recoil-less Life Orb-boosted hits.
* Alakazam has many options to get around some of its conventional checks, including various coverage moves and utility moves such as Thunder Wave, Encore, Taunt, and Counter.
* Alakazam is extremely frail and can't switch in on anything, and it is taken out or brought down to 1 HP by nearly all priority moves.
[SET]
name: Focus Sash
move 1: Psychic
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Shadow Ball
move 4: Thunder Wave / Shadow Ball
item: Focus Sash
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Psychic is Alakazam's best STAB move, chosen over Psyshock to hit Pokemon like Swampert and Cobalion hard.
* Focus Blast KOes offensive Dark-types like Hydreigon, Krookodile, and Bisharp.
* Hidden Power Fire is strongly recommended to KO Scizor, one of the most common Pokemon in the tier, though variants with a lot of Special Defense require hazard damage to OHKO.
* Thunder Wave lets Alakazam tank a hit from and paralyze faster threats such as Mega Sharpedo and Mega Aerodactyl.
* Shadow Ball is useful to hit opposing Psychic-types such as Latias and Celebi.
* Counter can be useful to guarantee a KO against Pokemon such as Mega Aerodactyl, Mega Sharpedo, Hippowdon, and various Choice Scarf users.
* Encore is also a possibility to target Pokemon like Clefable, forcing them to lock into a recovery move and allowing Alakazam's teammates a safe switch in. This is especially useful for locking Bisharp into Sucker Punch, letting Alakazam regain momentum for its team.
Set Details
========
* A straightforward spread that maximizes Special Attack and Speed lets Alakazam do its job most effectively.
* A Timid nature is required to outspeed Pokemon like Cobalion, Keldeo, and Latias.
* With Counter, a Hasty nature with 0 Defense IVs can be used to ensure that Pokemon like Hippowdon and Mega Aerodactyl bring it down to its Focus Sash.
* Focus Sash, in combination with Magic Guard, allows Alakazam to act as a one-time check and revenge killer to nearly any offensive threat.
Usage Tips
========
* Bring in Alakazam on a free switch against Pokemon it can force out or revenge kill like Keldeo, Gengar, and Life Orb Hydreigon.
* Preserve Alakazam's Focus Sash if it's needed to check a Pokemon like Mega Sharpedo or Rock Polish Cobalion.
* Alakazam can potentially switched in directly on status moves or weak attacks from Pokemon like Tentacruel, but preserving Focus Sash is a huge priority.
Team Options
========
* Alakazam fits best on offensive teams where it's needed as a revenge killer or cleaner.
* Fighting-types like Conkeldurr and Keldeo make good teammates if Alakazam doesn't want to waste its Focus Sash against Bisharp, Choice Scarf Hydreigon, or Choice Scarf Krookodile.
* Primarina and Togekiss also make good partners, since they can threaten opposing Dark-types and wallbreakers to let Alakazam clean late-game.
* Stealth Rock from an offensive teammate like Nidoqueen or Azelf is absolutely necessary to let Alakazam OHKO Pokemon like bulky Scizor and Hydreigon.
* Alakazam also works well with Froslass, which helps it achieve more KOs with Spikes and whose team benefits from Alakazam's Focus Sash.
* Bisharp, Scizor, and other Steel- and Dark-types can take care of opposing Psychic-types that Alakazam struggles with, such as Latias and Cresselia, though they need Lum Berry to safely deal with Mew.
* Other strong wallbreakers like Choice Specs Hydreigon, Choice Band Zygarde-10%, Swords Dance Decidueye, and Mega Sharpedo all make good teammates for Alakazam.
[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Psychic
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Calm Mind / Taunt / Encore
item: Life Orb
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Life Orb Psychic does huge damage to most neutral targets, 2HKOing Suicune, Togekiss, and Bold Clefable after entry hazard damage.
* Focus Blast OHKOes most Dark-types and several Steel-types and 2HKOes Porygon2.
* Shadow Ball easily 2HKOes Psychic-types such as Latias, Slowbro, and Mew.
* Calm Mind turns Alakazam into a terrifying breaker against defensive teams, allowing it to 2HKO Blissey with Focus Blast and do severe damage to Pokemon like Hippowdon and Mandibuzz.
* Taunt prevents recovery from various walls and lets Alakazam weaken them for its teammates.
* Encore forces Alakazam's switch-ins to lock into a move, such as Clefable into Soft-Boiled and Bisharp into Sucker Punch.
* Hidden Power Fire is an option to OHKO Scizor and Forretress.
* Psyshock is also a possibility to more safely 2HKO Blissey and hit targets like Primarina and Togekiss harder.
Set Details
========
* The EVs and nature simply maximize Special Attack and Speed.
* Magic Guard is key to prevent Alakazam from getting worn down by entry hazards, Life Orb recoil, and weak attacks.
Usage Tips
========
* Bring in Alakazam on a defensive Pokemon it can force out like Tentacruel, or with U-turn and Volt Switch support from its teammates.
* Alakazam can also be brought in on status moves such as Will-O-Wisp from Mew, especially if it has Encore, but must be extremely careful of switching into potential attacks such as Knock Off.
* Some prediction is required to 2HKO Pokemon like Porygon2, Mandibuzz, Mew, and Empoleon on the switch.
* Alakazam excels early-game against defensive teams after entry hazards have been set, though it's also effective against offensive teams if it can switch in safely.
Team Options
========
* Life Orb Alakazam requires pivot support from teammates like Scizor, Forretress, and Gliscor. These Pokemon can also lure in Pokemon that Alakazam capitalizes on, such as Cobalion, Hippowdon, and Suicune.
* Alakazam heavily benefits from Spikes. Klefki is a great partner, as it can set up Spikes and check Pokemon like Mega Sharpedo, Choice Scarf Hydreigon, and Scizor.
* Cobalion is an excellent offensive partner, since it checks Bisharp and Scizor and can sweep weakened teams.
* Since Alakazam can break down bulky Pokemon like Blissey and Clefable, Pokemon like Hydreigon and Raikou can take advantage of this to sweep.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
* Signal Beam is weaker than Shadow Ball against opposing Psychic-types, but it OHKOes Celebi.
* Energy Ball does more damage than Psychic to opposing Water- and Ground-types, OHKOing Swampert in particular.
* Dazzling Gleam is an accurate but weak alternative to Focus Blast that fails to KO many Dark-types.
* Substitute can punish forced switches and protect Alakazam from Sucker Punch from Bisharp.
* Calm Mind + Recover with Life Orb is a rather gimmicky set and struggles with opposing Psychic-types, but it completely decimates defensive teams.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Mega Aerodactyl**: Mega Aerodactyl outspeeds Alakazam, has the bulk to take any one hit, and can take it out or break its Focus Sash with Pursuit, although it may be forced to take a Thunder Wave in order to do so.
**Faster Pokemon**: Choice Scarf users can't switch in directly to Alakazam, but they can OHKO it easily or bring it down to its Focus Sash. Krookodile in particular can outspeed and Pursuit trap Alakazam. Crobat, Swellow, and Talonflame all outspeed Alakazam and KO it. However, most faster Pokemon have to be careful of taking a Counter, Thunder Wave, or attack.
**Priority**: Alakazam is OHKOed by priority moves from Scizor, Bisharp, Entei, and Zygarde-10%, while it also has its Focus Sash broken by Lucario and Crawdaunt.
**Bulky Pokemon**: Mandibuzz can take hits from Alakazam and recover off the damage or OHKO it. Scizor can easily switch in on Alakazam lacking Hidden Power Fire. Calm Clefable deals with Focus Sash Alakazam well, but Life Orb Alakazam can get through it with its various support options. Blissey and Porygon2 require Alakazam not missing Focus Blasts to defeat, and they can use Thunder Wave or wear down Alakazam. Tanks like Primarina and Metagross can take one hit from Alakazam and KO back.
* With excellent Special Attack and Speed, Alakazam is an amazing revenge killer and wallbreaker for offensive teams.
* Magic Guard is an amazing ability that lets it check any offensive Pokemon with Focus Sash or punch holes with recoil-less Life Orb-boosted hits.
* Alakazam has many options to get around some of its conventional checks, including various coverage moves and utility moves such as Thunder Wave, Encore, Taunt, and Counter.
* Alakazam is extremely frail and can't switch in on anything, and it is taken out or brought down to 1 HP by nearly all priority moves.
[SET]
name: Focus Sash
move 1: Psychic
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Shadow Ball
move 4: Thunder Wave / Shadow Ball
item: Focus Sash
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Psychic is Alakazam's best STAB move, chosen over Psyshock to hit Pokemon like Swampert and Cobalion hard.
* Focus Blast KOes offensive Dark-types like Hydreigon, Krookodile, and Bisharp.
* Hidden Power Fire is strongly recommended to KO Scizor, one of the most common Pokemon in the tier, though variants with a lot of Special Defense require hazard damage to OHKO.
* Thunder Wave lets Alakazam tank a hit from and paralyze faster threats such as Mega Sharpedo and Mega Aerodactyl.
* Shadow Ball is useful to hit opposing Psychic-types such as Latias and Celebi.
* Counter can be useful to guarantee a KO against Pokemon such as Mega Aerodactyl, Mega Sharpedo, Hippowdon, and various Choice Scarf users.
* Encore is also a possibility to target Pokemon like Clefable, forcing them to lock into a recovery move and allowing Alakazam's teammates a safe switch in. This is especially useful for locking Bisharp into Sucker Punch, letting Alakazam regain momentum for its team.
Set Details
========
* A straightforward spread that maximizes Special Attack and Speed lets Alakazam do its job most effectively.
* A Timid nature is required to outspeed Pokemon like Cobalion, Keldeo, and Latias.
* With Counter, a Hasty nature with 0 Defense IVs can be used to ensure that Pokemon like Hippowdon and Mega Aerodactyl bring it down to its Focus Sash.
* Focus Sash, in combination with Magic Guard, allows Alakazam to act as a one-time check and revenge killer to nearly any offensive threat.
Usage Tips
========
* Bring in Alakazam on a free switch against Pokemon it can force out or revenge kill like Keldeo, Gengar, and Life Orb Hydreigon.
* Preserve Alakazam's Focus Sash if it's needed to check a Pokemon like Mega Sharpedo or Rock Polish Cobalion.
* Alakazam can potentially switched in directly on status moves or weak attacks from Pokemon like Tentacruel, but preserving Focus Sash is a huge priority.
Team Options
========
* Alakazam fits best on offensive teams where it's needed as a revenge killer or cleaner.
* Fighting-types like Conkeldurr and Keldeo make good teammates if Alakazam doesn't want to waste its Focus Sash against Bisharp, Choice Scarf Hydreigon, or Choice Scarf Krookodile.
* Primarina and Togekiss also make good partners, since they can threaten opposing Dark-types and wallbreakers to let Alakazam clean late-game.
* Stealth Rock from an offensive teammate like Nidoqueen or Azelf is absolutely necessary to let Alakazam OHKO Pokemon like bulky Scizor and Hydreigon.
* Alakazam also works well with Froslass, which helps it achieve more KOs with Spikes and whose team benefits from Alakazam's Focus Sash.
* Bisharp, Scizor, and other Steel- and Dark-types can take care of opposing Psychic-types that Alakazam struggles with, such as Latias and Cresselia, though they need Lum Berry to safely deal with Mew.
* Other strong wallbreakers like Choice Specs Hydreigon, Choice Band Zygarde-10%, Swords Dance Decidueye, and Mega Sharpedo all make good teammates for Alakazam.
[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Psychic
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Calm Mind / Taunt / Encore
item: Life Orb
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Life Orb Psychic does huge damage to most neutral targets, 2HKOing Suicune, Togekiss, and Bold Clefable after entry hazard damage.
* Focus Blast OHKOes most Dark-types and several Steel-types and 2HKOes Porygon2.
* Shadow Ball easily 2HKOes Psychic-types such as Latias, Slowbro, and Mew.
* Calm Mind turns Alakazam into a terrifying breaker against defensive teams, allowing it to 2HKO Blissey with Focus Blast and do severe damage to Pokemon like Hippowdon and Mandibuzz.
* Taunt prevents recovery from various walls and lets Alakazam weaken them for its teammates.
* Encore forces Alakazam's switch-ins to lock into a move, such as Clefable into Soft-Boiled and Bisharp into Sucker Punch.
* Hidden Power Fire is an option to OHKO Scizor and Forretress.
* Psyshock is also a possibility to more safely 2HKO Blissey and hit targets like Primarina and Togekiss harder.
Set Details
========
* The EVs and nature simply maximize Special Attack and Speed.
* Magic Guard is key to prevent Alakazam from getting worn down by entry hazards, Life Orb recoil, and weak attacks.
Usage Tips
========
* Bring in Alakazam on a defensive Pokemon it can force out like Tentacruel, or with U-turn and Volt Switch support from its teammates.
* Alakazam can also be brought in on status moves such as Will-O-Wisp from Mew, especially if it has Encore, but must be extremely careful of switching into potential attacks such as Knock Off.
* Some prediction is required to 2HKO Pokemon like Porygon2, Mandibuzz, Mew, and Empoleon on the switch.
* Alakazam excels early-game against defensive teams after entry hazards have been set, though it's also effective against offensive teams if it can switch in safely.
Team Options
========
* Life Orb Alakazam requires pivot support from teammates like Scizor, Forretress, and Gliscor. These Pokemon can also lure in Pokemon that Alakazam capitalizes on, such as Cobalion, Hippowdon, and Suicune.
* Alakazam heavily benefits from Spikes. Klefki is a great partner, as it can set up Spikes and check Pokemon like Mega Sharpedo, Choice Scarf Hydreigon, and Scizor.
* Cobalion is an excellent offensive partner, since it checks Bisharp and Scizor and can sweep weakened teams.
* Since Alakazam can break down bulky Pokemon like Blissey and Clefable, Pokemon like Hydreigon and Raikou can take advantage of this to sweep.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
* Signal Beam is weaker than Shadow Ball against opposing Psychic-types, but it OHKOes Celebi.
* Energy Ball does more damage than Psychic to opposing Water- and Ground-types, OHKOing Swampert in particular.
* Dazzling Gleam is an accurate but weak alternative to Focus Blast that fails to KO many Dark-types.
* Substitute can punish forced switches and protect Alakazam from Sucker Punch from Bisharp.
* Calm Mind + Recover with Life Orb is a rather gimmicky set and struggles with opposing Psychic-types, but it completely decimates defensive teams.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Mega Aerodactyl**: Mega Aerodactyl outspeeds Alakazam, has the bulk to take any one hit, and can take it out or break its Focus Sash with Pursuit, although it may be forced to take a Thunder Wave in order to do so.
**Faster Pokemon**: Choice Scarf users can't switch in directly to Alakazam, but they can OHKO it easily or bring it down to its Focus Sash. Krookodile in particular can outspeed and Pursuit trap Alakazam. Crobat, Swellow, and Talonflame all outspeed Alakazam and KO it. However, most faster Pokemon have to be careful of taking a Counter, Thunder Wave, or attack.
**Priority**: Alakazam is OHKOed by priority moves from Scizor, Bisharp, Entei, and Zygarde-10%, while it also has its Focus Sash broken by Lucario and Crawdaunt.
**Bulky Pokemon**: Mandibuzz can take hits from Alakazam and recover off the damage or OHKO it. Scizor can easily switch in on Alakazam lacking Hidden Power Fire. Calm Clefable deals with Focus Sash Alakazam well, but Life Orb Alakazam can get through it with its various support options. Blissey and Porygon2 require Alakazam not missing Focus Blasts to defeat, and they can use Thunder Wave or wear down Alakazam. Tanks like Primarina and Metagross can take one hit from Alakazam and KO back.
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