OU Kartana (Sub SD)

Gary

Can be abrasive at times (no joke)
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[SET]
name: Sub SD
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Swords Dance
move 3: Leaf Blade
move 4: Sacred Sword
item: Fightinium Z
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Jolly
evs: 8 HP / 188 Atk / 60 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Substitute allows Kartana to set up on passive defensive Pokemon, such as Toxapex, Ferrothorn, Skarmory, and Mega Sableye. This is very crucial in protecting Kartana from status moves, Scald burns, and Skarmory's Counter. Swords Dance heavily increases Kartana's damage output and enables it to break through the majority of commonly used defensive Pokemon such as Mew, Magic Guard Clefable, defensive Landorus-T, Celesteela, and Tangrowth. Leaf Blade deals a significant amount of damage to neutral targets after a boost and is Kartana's best move to wallbreak with. Sacred Sword provides valuable coverage against most Steel-types found in the tier, such as Ferrothorn, Heatran, Magearna, and opposing Kartana. All-Out Pummeling provides an extra amount of firepower to Sacred Sword in order to break through the more durable defensive Pokemon, such as Tangrowth, Mega Scizor, Celesteela, and Skarmory. It's also useful for OHKOing Pokemon such as Mega Charizard Y and Volcarona at +2, both of which 4x resist Leaf Blade.

Set Details
========

Maximum Speed and a Jolly nature ensure Kartana outspeeds Keldeo and Speed ties with opposing Kartana. The defensive investment allows Kartana to prevent its Substitute from being broken by Toxapex's Scald, allowing Kartana to set up against it. The remaining EVs are dumped into Kartana's Attack stat for maximum power. Fightinium Z is the best item with this set because without it, Kartana struggles to break through most Steel-types such as Mega Scizor, Celesteela, and Skarmory. Beast Boost is Kartana's only ability and makes it stronger after every KO.

Usage Tips
========

Use Substitute to set up on passive Pokemon that can't break Kartana's Substitute, such as Ferrothorn, Toxapex, Skarmory, and Mega Sableye. You can also choose to use Substitute on predicted switch-ins, which forces the opponent to take at least one hit or potentially give Kartana a free Swords Dance. Sometimes it's best to just use Swords Dance instead of Substitute if in front of something that can break Kartana's Substitute anyway, such as Landorus-T, Clefable, or Tangrowth. Never hard switch Kartana into anything unless in emergency situations, as you otherwise heavily limit its opportunities to set up or use Substitute. Depending on the matchup it may be best to save Fightinium Z to break through bulkier Steel-types such as Mega Scizor and Celesteela. Otherwise, it can be used to obtain OHKOs against Pokemon such as Kyurem-B, Heatran, and opposing Kartana. Kartana has issues breaking through most defensive Pokemon without a boost, so most of the time, it's probably not worth sending in Kartana just to fire off an attack, especially if they have something like Mega Venusaur or Tangrowth, which take minimal damage from any of Kartana's unboosted attacks. Because of this, it is important to try and set up a Swords Dance whenever possible in order to start breaking walls.

Team Options
========

This set takes advantage of a lot of bulkier Pokemon found in the metagame and is capable of dismantling common defensive cores that utilize Pokemon such as Celesteela, Mega Venusaur, Heatran, Clefable, Mew, Toxapex, and defensive Landorus-T. Because of this, Kartana pairs very well with offensive Pokemon such as Ash-Greninja, Tapu Koko, and Tapu Lele. Ash-Greninja baits in Pokemon like Toxapex and Ferrothorn, which Kartana can use as setup fodder. Ash-Greninja also sets up Spikes, making Kartana's job as a wallbreaker much easier. Tapu Koko can pivot on Grass-types to give Kartana free opportunities to switch in, potentially allowing Tapu Koko to spam Thunderbolt after they are heavily weakened. Choice Scarf Tapu Lele can clean up much more easily after Kartana shreds through all the Steel-types such as Celesteela, Magearna, Mega Scizor, and Ferrothorn while also being able to revenge kill Mega Lopunny and Ash-Greninja. Mega Lopunny can spam its STAB moves much more freely with defensive Landorus-T weakened considerably and benefits from Toxapex, Mew, and Clefable being weakened. Slow pivots such as defensive Landorus-T and Assault Vest Magearna are good teammates to get Kartana in for free. Magearna can also switch into most special attackers that can revenge kill Kartana, such as Greninja, Tapu Koko, and Latios. Entry hazard removal from Pokemon such as Latios, Mew, and Excadrill is very important because Kartana needs all the health it can get for more setup opportunities. Latios is also useful because Kartana has issues breaking through Mega Venusaur, and Latios with Roost can switch into it quite freely.
 
Last edited:

GMars

It's ya boy GEEEEEEEEMARS
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Admin Alumnusis a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Senior Staff Member Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Top CAP Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
evs: 8 HP / 196 Atk / 52 SpD / 252
Add Spe after 252
Mega Lopunny can spam its STAB moves much more freely with fat Lando considerably as well as stuff like Pex, Mew, and Mega Scizor gone, which Kartana can shred through.
missing a word here after Lando, weakened?

good work QC 1/3

 
Not QC or anything, but unless there are other purposes for the defensive investment than tanking Toxapex's Scald behind a sub, I think SubSD Kartana's spread could be optimized:

8 HP / 196 Atk / 52 SpD / 252 Spe still gets the job done while having a bit more Atk
(0 SpA Toxapex Scald vs. 8 HP / 52 SpD Kartana: 54-65 (20.6 - 24.9%) -- guaranteed 5HKO)

or

24 HP / 188 Atk / 44 SpD / 252 Spe also tanks Toxapex's Scald, has a bit more physical bulk, gets a 66HP Sub instead of a 65HP one and loses the same amount of HP to SR (not Spikes though).
0 SpA Toxapex Scald vs. 24 HP / 44 SpD Kartana: 56-66 (21.1 - 24.9%) -- guaranteed 5HKO

Edit 1: corrected the amount or HP a sub would have.

Edit 2: completely forgot about reading the actual damage Scald does. Sorry for wasting your time.

Edit 3: typo (ugh... boy do I feel useless at times)
 
Last edited:

Gary

Can be abrasive at times (no joke)
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnus
Not QC or anything, but unless there are other purposes for the defensive investment than tanking Toxapex's Scald behind a sub, I think SubSD Kartana's spread could be optimized:

8 HP / 196 Atk / 52 SpD / 252 Spe still gets the job done while having a bit more Atk
(0 SpA Toxapex Scald vs. 8 HP / 52 SpD Kartana: 54-65 (20.6 - 24.9%) -- guaranteed 5HKO)

or

24 HP / 188 Atk / 44 SpD / 252 Spe also tanks Toxapex's Scald, has a bit more physical bulk, gets a 86HP Sub instead of a 85HP one and loses the same amount of HP to SR (not Spikes though).
0 SpA Toxapex Scald vs. 24 HP / 44 SpD Kartana: 56-66 (21.1 - 24.9%) -- guaranteed 5HKO
https://puu.sh/xSGUm/4e44ef0c0d.txt
 

GMars

It's ya boy GEEEEEEEEMARS
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Admin Alumnusis a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Senior Staff Member Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Top CAP Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
Not QC or anything, but unless there are other purposes for the defensive investment than tanking Toxapex's Scald behind a sub, I think SubSD Kartana's spread could be optimized:

8 HP / 196 Atk / 52 SpD / 252 Spe still gets the job done while having a bit more Atk
(0 SpA Toxapex Scald vs. 8 HP / 52 SpD Kartana: 54-65 (20.6 - 24.9%) -- guaranteed 5HKO)

or

24 HP / 188 Atk / 44 SpD / 252 Spe also tanks Toxapex's Scald, has a bit more physical bulk, gets a 86HP Sub instead of a 85HP one and loses the same amount of HP to SR (not Spikes though).
0 SpA Toxapex Scald vs. 24 HP / 44 SpD Kartana: 56-66 (21.1 - 24.9%) -- guaranteed 5HKO
Both of these spreads are not optimal. While the max damage roll is 24.9%, you need to look at the actual HP number that Kartana's sub will have.

For 8 HP / 52 SpD: Kartana will have 261 HP -> 65 HP subs, 54-65 (20.6 - 24.9%)
For 24 HP / 44 SpD: Kartana will have 265 HP -> 66 HP subs, 56-66 (21.1 - 24.9%)

Toxapex would be able to break the sub on these spreads 6.25% of the time when not considering critical hit chances. Compare this to the analysis spread:

For 8 HP / 60 SpD: Kartana will have 261 HP -> 65 HP subs, 54-64 (20.6 - 24.5%)

Toxapex can't break this sub without a crit. So, when considering crit chances, the odds of having your sub broken by Toxapex's Scald using 8 HP / 52 SpD or 24 HP / 44 SpD spreads become 12.1% rather than the 6.25% from a crit that the optimized 8 HP / 60 SpD spread would have.

The extra attack investment also wouldn't make a notable difference on any rolls I can find:
+2 188 Atk Kartana All-Out Pummeling (175 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Charizard-Mega-Y: 288-339 (96.9 - 114.1%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO
+2 196 Atk Kartana All-Out Pummeling (175 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Charizard-Mega-Y: 289-341 (97.3 - 114.8%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO

I've included more calcs below:
+2 188 Atk
Serperior (OU SubSeed)Sacred Sword83.2 - 98% guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
Gliscor (OU SubTect)Leaf Blade85.5 - 100.8% 6.3% chance to OHKO
Zygarde (OU Choice Band)Leaf Blade86.5 - 102.2% 18.8% chance to OHKO
Zygarde (OU Offensive Dragon Dance)Leaf Blade86.5 - 102.2% 18.8% chance to OHKO
Slowbro-Mega (OU Calm Mind)Leaf Blade88.3 - 104% 25% chance to OHKO
Slowbro-Mega (OU Mega Tank)Leaf Blade88.3 - 104% 25% chance to OHKO
Garchomp-Mega (OU Mega Garchomp)Leaf Blade89.9 - 106.4% 37.5% chance to OHKO
Chansey (OU Defensive)Sacred Sword91.8 - 108.1% 50% chance to OHKO
Ferrothorn (OU Hazard Setter)Sacred Sword93.1 - 109.6% 56.3% chance to OHKO
Landorus-Therian (OU Choice Scarf)Leaf Blade93.1 - 110% 56.3% chance to OHKO
Landorus-Therian (OU Double Dance)Leaf Blade93.1 - 110% 56.3% chance to OHKO
Landorus-Therian (OU Flyinium Z)Leaf Blade93.1 - 110% 56.3% chance to OHKO
Landorus-Therian (OU Rockium Z)Leaf Blade93.1 - 110% 56.3% chance to OHKO
Pidgeot-Mega (OU Offensive)Sacred Sword95.4 - 112.3% 75% chance to OHKO
Sableye-Mega (OU Utility)Leaf Blade98.3 - 116.1% 93.8% chance to OHKO
Pelipper (OU Defensive)Leaf Blade99.6 - 117.3% 93.8% chance to OHKO
Gyarados (OU Mega Dragon Dance)Leaf Blade100 - 118.1% guaranteed OHKO

+2 196 Atk
Serperior (OU SubSeed)Sacred Sword83.6 - 98.6% guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
Gliscor (OU SubTect)Leaf Blade86 - 101.4% 12.5% chance to OHKO
Zygarde (OU Choice Band)Leaf Blade87.1 - 102.5% 18.8% chance to OHKO
Zygarde (OU Offensive Dragon Dance)Leaf Blade87.1 - 102.5% 18.8% chance to OHKO
Slowbro-Mega (OU Calm Mind)Leaf Blade88.8 - 105% 31.3% chance to OHKO
Slowbro-Mega (OU Mega Tank)Leaf Blade88.8 - 105% 31.3% chance to OHKO
Garchomp-Mega (OU Mega Garchomp)Leaf Blade90.7 - 107.2% 43.8% chance to OHKO
Chansey (OU Defensive)Sacred Sword91.8 - 108.3% 50% chance to OHKO
Ferrothorn (OU Hazard Setter)Sacred Sword93.1 - 110.2% 62.5% chance to OHKO
Landorus-Therian (OU Choice Scarf)Leaf Blade93.4 - 110.3% 62.5% chance to OHKO
Landorus-Therian (OU Double Dance)Leaf Blade93.4 - 110.3% 62.5% chance to OHKO
Landorus-Therian (OU Flyinium Z)Leaf Blade93.4 - 110.3% 62.5% chance to OHKO
Landorus-Therian (OU Rockium Z)Leaf Blade93.4 - 110.3% 62.5% chance to OHKO
Pidgeot-Mega (OU Offensive)Sacred Sword95.7 - 112.7% 75% chance to OHKO
Sableye-Mega (OU Utility)Leaf Blade99 - 116.8% 93.8% chance to OHKO
Pelipper (OU Defensive)Leaf Blade99.6 - 117.9% 93.8% chance to OHKO
Gyarados (OU Mega Dragon Dance)Leaf Blade100.9 - 119% guaranteed OHKO

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Only notable change is 6.2% higher chance to OHKO offensive lando at +2 without rocks, both still drop when rocks are up

Even when considering SR, equivalent OHKO percentages is the common theme:

+2 188:
Zygarde (OU Choice Band)Leaf Blade86.5 - 102.2% 56.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
+2 196:
Zygarde (OU Choice Band)Leaf Blade87.1 - 102.5% 56.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
 
Last edited:

lotiasite

undedgy
is a Forum Moderatoris a Top Contributoris a Smogon Media Contributoris a Social Media Contributor Alumnus
1/2
][SET]
name: Sub SD Substitute + Swords Dance
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Swords Dance
move 3: Leaf Blade
move 4: Sacred Sword
item: Fightinium Z
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Jolly
evs: 8 HP / 188 Atk / 60 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Substitute allows Kartana to set(add space)up on passive defensive Pokemon, such as Toxapex, Ferrothorn, Skarmory, and Mega Sableye. This is very crucial in protecting Kartana from status moves, Scald burns, and Skarmory's Counter. Swords Dance heavily increases Kartana's damage output and enables it to break through the majority of commonly used defensive Pokemon such as Mew, Clefable, (maybe specify magic guard clefable cause it gets unaware?) defensive Landorus-T, Celesteela, and Tangrowth. Leaf Blade is Kartana's strongest STAB move that is able to deals a significant amount of damage to neutral targets after a boost, (RC) and is Kartana's best move to wallbreak with. Sacred Sword provides valuable coverage against most Steel-types found in the tier, such as Ferrothorn, Heatran, Magearna, and opposing Kartana. All-Out Pummeling provides an extra amount of firepower to Sacred Sword in order to break through the more durable defensive Pokemon, such as Tangrowth, Mega Scizor, Celesteela, and Skarmory. It's also useful for OHKOing Pokemon such as Mega Charizard Y and Volcarona at +2, both of which 4x resist Leaf Blade.

Set Details
========

Maximum Speed and a Jolly nature are to insure ensure Kartana outspeeds Keldeo and Speed ties with (? i think?) opposing Kartana. The defensive investment allows Kartana to setup a Substitute up against Toxapex, preventing prevent its Substitute from being broken by Toxapex's Scald, allowing Kartana to set up against it. The remaining EVs are dumped into Kartana's Attack stat for maximum power. Fightinium Z is the best item with this set because without it, Kartana struggles to break through most Steel-types such as Mega Scizor, Celesteela, and Skarmory. Beast Boost is Kartana's only ability, (RC) and makes its Attack stronger after every kill KO.

Usage Tips
========

Use Substitute to set(add space)up on passive Pokemon that can't break Kartana's Substitutes, such as Ferrothorn, Toxapex, Skarmory, and Mega Sableye. You can also choose to use Substitute on predicted switch-ins, which forces the opponent to take at least one hit or potentially give Kartana a free Swords Dance. Sometimes it's best to just use Swords Dance instead of Substitute if in front of something that can break your Kartana's Substitute anyway, such as Landorus-T, Clefable, and or Tangrowth. Never hard switch Kartana into anything unless in emergency situations, otherwise you as you otherwise heavily limit its opportunities to set up or use Substitute. Depending on the matchup (RH), it may be best to save Fightinium Z to break through bulkier Steel-types such as Mega Scizor and Celesteela. Otherwise, it can be used to obtain OHKOs against Pokemon such as Kyurem-B, Heatran, and opposing Kartana. Kartana has issues breaking through most defensive Pokemon without a boost, so most of the times time, it's probably not worth sending in Kartana just to fire off an attack, especially if they have something like Mega Venusaur or Tangrowth, which take minimal damage from any of Kartana's unboosted attacks. Because of this, it is important to try and set(add space)up a Swords Dance whenever possible, (RC) in order to start breaking walls.

Team Options
========

This set takes advantage of a lot of bulkier Pokemon found in the metagame, (RC) and is capable of dismantling common defensive cores that utilize Pokemon such as Celesteela, Mega Venusaur, Heatran, Clefable, Mew, Toxapex, and defensive Landorus-T. Because of this, Kartana pairs very well with offensive Pokemon such as Ash-(AH)Greninja, Tapu Koko, and Tapu Lele. Ash-(AH)Greninja baits in Pokemon like Toxapex and Ferrothorn, which Kartana can use as set(remove space)up fodder. Ash-(AH)Greninja also sets up Spikes, making Kartana's job as a wallbreaker, (RC) much easier. Tapu Koko can pivot on Grass-types to give Kartana free switch-ins opportunities to switch in, potentially allowing Tapu Koko to spam Thunderbolt after they are heavily weakened. Choice Scarf Tapu Lele can clean up much easier more easily after Kartana shreds through all the Steel-types such as Celesteela, Magearna, Mega Scizor, and Ferrothorn, (RC) while also being able to revenge kill Mega Lopunny and Ash-(AH)Greninja. Mega Lopunny can spam its STAB moves much more freely with defensive Landorus-T weakened considerably as, as well as and benefits from Toxapex, Mew, and Clefable being weakened (or smth). Slow pivots such as defensive Landorus-T and Assault Vest Magearna are good teammates to get Kartana in for free. Magearna can also switch into most special attackers that can revenge kill Kartana, such as Greninja, Tapu Koko, and Latios. Entry hazard removal from Pokemon such as Latios, Mew, and Excadrill is very important because Kartana needs all the health it can get for more setup opportunities. Good examples include Latios, Mew, and Excadrill. Latios is also useful because Kartana has issues breaking through Mega Venusaur, and Latios with Roost can switch into it quite freely.
 

Gary

Can be abrasive at times (no joke)
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnus
1/2
][SET]
name: Sub SD Substitute + Swords Dance
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Swords Dance
move 3: Leaf Blade
move 4: Sacred Sword
item: Fightinium Z
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Jolly
evs: 8 HP / 188 Atk / 60 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Substitute allows Kartana to set(add space)up on passive defensive Pokemon, such as Toxapex, Ferrothorn, Skarmory, and Mega Sableye. This is very crucial in protecting Kartana from status moves, Scald burns, and Skarmory's Counter. Swords Dance heavily increases Kartana's damage output and enables it to break through the majority of commonly used defensive Pokemon such as Mew, Clefable, (maybe specify magic guard clefable cause it gets unaware?) defensive Landorus-T, Celesteela, and Tangrowth. Leaf Blade is Kartana's strongest STAB move that is able to deals a significant amount of damage to neutral targets after a boost, (RC) and is Kartana's best move to wallbreak with. Sacred Sword provides valuable coverage against most Steel-types found in the tier, such as Ferrothorn, Heatran, Magearna, and opposing Kartana. All-Out Pummeling provides an extra amount of firepower to Sacred Sword in order to break through the more durable defensive Pokemon, such as Tangrowth, Mega Scizor, Celesteela, and Skarmory. It's also useful for OHKOing Pokemon such as Mega Charizard Y and Volcarona at +2, both of which 4x resist Leaf Blade.

Set Details
========

Maximum Speed and a Jolly nature are to insure ensure Kartana outspeeds Keldeo and Speed ties with (? i think?) opposing Kartana. The defensive investment allows Kartana to setup a Substitute up against Toxapex, preventing prevent its Substitute from being broken by Toxapex's Scald, allowing Kartana to set up against it. The remaining EVs are dumped into Kartana's Attack stat for maximum power. Fightinium Z is the best item with this set because without it, Kartana struggles to break through most Steel-types such as Mega Scizor, Celesteela, and Skarmory. Beast Boost is Kartana's only ability, (RC) and makes its Attack stronger after every kill KO.

Usage Tips
========

Use Substitute to set(add space)up on passive Pokemon that can't break Kartana's Substitutes, such as Ferrothorn, Toxapex, Skarmory, and Mega Sableye. You can also choose to use Substitute on predicted switch-ins, which forces the opponent to take at least one hit or potentially give Kartana a free Swords Dance. Sometimes it's best to just use Swords Dance instead of Substitute if in front of something that can break your Kartana's Substitute anyway, such as Landorus-T, Clefable, and or Tangrowth. Never hard switch Kartana into anything unless in emergency situations, otherwise you as you otherwise heavily limit its opportunities to set up or use Substitute. Depending on the matchup (RH), it may be best to save Fightinium Z to break through bulkier Steel-types such as Mega Scizor and Celesteela. Otherwise, it can be used to obtain OHKOs against Pokemon such as Kyurem-B, Heatran, and opposing Kartana. Kartana has issues breaking through most defensive Pokemon without a boost, so most of the times time, it's probably not worth sending in Kartana just to fire off an attack, especially if they have something like Mega Venusaur or Tangrowth, which take minimal damage from any of Kartana's unboosted attacks. Because of this, it is important to try and set(add space)up a Swords Dance whenever possible, (RC) in order to start breaking walls.

Team Options
========

This set takes advantage of a lot of bulkier Pokemon found in the metagame, (RC) and is capable of dismantling common defensive cores that utilize Pokemon such as Celesteela, Mega Venusaur, Heatran, Clefable, Mew, Toxapex, and defensive Landorus-T. Because of this, Kartana pairs very well with offensive Pokemon such as Ash-(AH)Greninja, Tapu Koko, and Tapu Lele. Ash-(AH)Greninja baits in Pokemon like Toxapex and Ferrothorn, which Kartana can use as set(remove space)up fodder. Ash-(AH)Greninja also sets up Spikes, making Kartana's job as a wallbreaker, (RC) much easier. Tapu Koko can pivot on Grass-types to give Kartana free switch-ins opportunities to switch in, potentially allowing Tapu Koko to spam Thunderbolt after they are heavily weakened. Choice Scarf Tapu Lele can clean up much easier more easily after Kartana shreds through all the Steel-types such as Celesteela, Magearna, Mega Scizor, and Ferrothorn, (RC) while also being able to revenge kill Mega Lopunny and Ash-(AH)Greninja. Mega Lopunny can spam its STAB moves much more freely with defensive Landorus-T weakened considerably as, as well as and benefits from Toxapex, Mew, and Clefable being weakened (or smth). Slow pivots such as defensive Landorus-T and Assault Vest Magearna are good teammates to get Kartana in for free. Magearna can also switch into most special attackers that can revenge kill Kartana, such as Greninja, Tapu Koko, and Latios. Entry hazard removal from Pokemon such as Latios, Mew, and Excadrill is very important because Kartana needs all the health it can get for more setup opportunities. Good examples include Latios, Mew, and Excadrill. Latios is also useful because Kartana has issues breaking through Mega Venusaur, and Latios with Roost can switch into it quite freely.
Thanks for the check. I talked with Lemonade and he told me that Sub SD for the set name is fine. Personally I think Substitute + Swords Dance just looks kinda gross and Sub SD is a very well known used term for sets like these, and is pretty self-explanatory just by looking at the set itself for people who don't know.
 

GMars

It's ya boy GEEEEEEEEMARS
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Admin Alumnusis a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Senior Staff Member Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Top CAP Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
[SET]
name: Sub SD
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Swords Dance
move 3: Leaf Blade
move 4: Sacred Sword
item: Fightinium Z
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Jolly
evs: 8 HP / 188 Atk / 60 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Substitute allows Kartana to set up on passive defensive Pokemon, such as Toxapex, Ferrothorn, Skarmory, and Mega Sableye, (Remove Period, Add Comma) This ['This' would refer to Kartana's ability to set up on defensive Pokemon, close but doesn't match quite perfectly in this context] is very crucial in by protecting Kartana from status moves, Scald burns, and Skarmory's Counter. Swords Dance heavily increases Kartana's damage output and enables it to break through the majority of commonly used defensive Pokemon such as Mew, Magic Guard Clefable, defensive Landorus-T, Celesteela, and Tangrowth. Leaf Blade deals a significant amount of damage to neutral targets after a boost and is Kartana's best move to wallbreak with. Sacred Sword provides valuable coverage against most Steel-types found in the tier, such as Ferrothorn, Heatran, Magearna, and opposing Kartana. All-Out Pummeling provides an extra amount of firepower to Sacred Sword in order to break through the more durable defensive Pokemon, such as Tangrowth, Mega Scizor, Celesteela, and Skarmory. It's also useful for OHKOing Pokemon such as Mega Charizard Y and Volcarona at +2, both of which 4x resist Leaf Blade.

Set Details
========

Maximum Speed investment and a Jolly nature ensure that Kartana outspeeds Keldeo and Speed ties with opposing Kartana. The defensive investment allows Kartana to prevent its Substitute from being broken by Toxapex's Scald, allowing Kartana to set up against it. The remaining EVs are dumped into Kartana's Attack stat for maximum power. Fightinium Z is the best item with this set because without it, Kartana struggles to break through most Steel-types such as Mega Scizor, Celesteela, and Skarmory. Beast Boost is Kartana's only ability and makes it stronger after every KO.

Usage Tips
========

Use Substitute to set up on passive Pokemon that can't break Kartana's Substitute, such as Ferrothorn, Toxapex, Skarmory, and Mega Sableye. You can also choose to use Substitute on predicted switch-ins, which forces the opponent to take at least one hit or potentially give Kartana a free Swords Dance. Sometimes it's best to just use Swords Dance instead of Substitute if in front of something that can break Kartana's Substitute anyway, such as Landorus-T, Clefable, or Tangrowth. Never hard switch Kartana into anything unless in emergency situations, as you otherwise heavily limit its opportunities to set up or use Substitute. Depending on the matchup, (AC) it may be best to save Fightinium Z to break through bulkier Steel-types such as Mega Scizor and Celesteela. Otherwise, it can be used to obtain OHKOs against Pokemon such as Kyurem-B, Heatran, and opposing Kartana. Kartana has issues breaking through most defensive Pokemon without a boost, so most of the time, it's probably not worth sending in Kartana just to fire off an attack, especially if they have something like Mega Venusaur or Tangrowth, which take minimal damage from any of Kartana's unboosted attacks. Because of this, it is important to try and set up a Swords Dance whenever possible in order to start breaking walls.

Team Options
========

This set takes advantage of a lot of bulkier Pokemon found in the metagame and is capable of dismantling common defensive cores that utilize Pokemon such as Celesteela, Mega Venusaur, Heatran, Clefable, Mew, Toxapex, and defensive Landorus-T. Because of this, Kartana pairs very well with offensive Pokemon such as Ash-Greninja, Tapu Koko, and Tapu Lele. Ash-Greninja baits in Pokemon like Toxapex and Ferrothorn, which Kartana can use as setup fodder. Ash-Greninja also sets up Spikes, making Kartana's job as a wallbreaker much easier. Tapu Koko can pivot on Grass-types to give Kartana free opportunities to switch in, potentially allowing Tapu Koko to spam Thunderbolt after they are heavily weakened. Choice Scarf Tapu Lele can clean up much more easily after Kartana shreds through all the Steel-types such as Celesteela, Magearna, Mega Scizor, and Ferrothorn while also being able to revenge kill Mega Lopunny and Ash-Greninja. Mega Lopunny can spam its STAB moves much more freely with defensive Landorus-T weakened considerably and also [optional] benefits from Toxapex, Mew, and Clefable being weakened. Slow pivots such as defensive Landorus-T and Assault Vest Magearna are good teammates to get Kartana in for free. Magearna can also switch into most special attackers that can revenge kill Kartana, such as Greninja, Tapu Koko, and Latios. Entry hazard removal from Pokemon such as Latios, Mew, and Excadrill is very important because Kartana needs all the health it can get for more setup opportunities. Latios is also useful because Kartana has issues breaking through Mega Venusaur, and Latios with Roost can switch into it quite freely.

GP 2/2
 

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[SET]
name: Sub SD
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Swords Dance
move 3: Leaf Blade
move 4: Sacred Sword
item: Fightinium Z
ability: Beast Boost
nature: Jolly
evs: 8 HP / 188 Atk / 60 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Substitute allows Kartana to set up on passive defensive Pokemon, such as Toxapex, Ferrothorn, Skarmory, and Mega Sableye, (Remove Period, Add Comma) This ['This' would refer to Kartana's ability to set up on defensive Pokemon, close but doesn't match quite perfectly in this context] is very crucial in by protecting Kartana from status moves, Scald burns, and Skarmory's Counter. Swords Dance heavily increases Kartana's damage output and enables it to break through the majority of commonly used defensive Pokemon such as Mew, Magic Guard Clefable, defensive Landorus-T, Celesteela, and Tangrowth. Leaf Blade deals a significant amount of damage to neutral targets after a boost and is Kartana's best move to wallbreak with. Sacred Sword provides valuable coverage against most Steel-types found in the tier, such as Ferrothorn, Heatran, Magearna, and opposing Kartana. All-Out Pummeling provides an extra amount of firepower to Sacred Sword in order to break through the more durable defensive Pokemon, such as Tangrowth, Mega Scizor, Celesteela, and Skarmory. It's also useful for OHKOing Pokemon such as Mega Charizard Y and Volcarona at +2, both of which 4x resist Leaf Blade.

Set Details
========

Maximum Speed investment and a Jolly nature ensure that Kartana outspeeds Keldeo and Speed ties with opposing Kartana. The defensive investment allows Kartana to prevent its Substitute from being broken by Toxapex's Scald, allowing Kartana to set up against it. The remaining EVs are dumped into Kartana's Attack stat for maximum power. Fightinium Z is the best item with this set because without it, Kartana struggles to break through most Steel-types such as Mega Scizor, Celesteela, and Skarmory. Beast Boost is Kartana's only ability and makes it stronger after every KO.

Usage Tips
========

Use Substitute to set up on passive Pokemon that can't break Kartana's Substitute, such as Ferrothorn, Toxapex, Skarmory, and Mega Sableye. You can also choose to use Substitute on predicted switch-ins, which forces the opponent to take at least one hit or potentially give Kartana a free Swords Dance. Sometimes it's best to just use Swords Dance instead of Substitute if in front of something that can break Kartana's Substitute anyway, such as Landorus-T, Clefable, or Tangrowth. Never hard switch Kartana into anything unless in emergency situations, as you otherwise heavily limit its opportunities to set up or use Substitute. Depending on the matchup, (AC) it may be best to save Fightinium Z to break through bulkier Steel-types such as Mega Scizor and Celesteela. Otherwise, it can be used to obtain OHKOs against Pokemon such as Kyurem-B, Heatran, and opposing Kartana. Kartana has issues breaking through most defensive Pokemon without a boost, so most of the time, it's probably not worth sending in Kartana just to fire off an attack, especially if they have something like Mega Venusaur or Tangrowth, which take minimal damage from any of Kartana's unboosted attacks. Because of this, it is important to try and set up a Swords Dance whenever possible in order to start breaking walls.

Team Options
========

This set takes advantage of a lot of bulkier Pokemon found in the metagame and is capable of dismantling common defensive cores that utilize Pokemon such as Celesteela, Mega Venusaur, Heatran, Clefable, Mew, Toxapex, and defensive Landorus-T. Because of this, Kartana pairs very well with offensive Pokemon such as Ash-Greninja, Tapu Koko, and Tapu Lele. Ash-Greninja baits in Pokemon like Toxapex and Ferrothorn, which Kartana can use as setup fodder. Ash-Greninja also sets up Spikes, making Kartana's job as a wallbreaker much easier. Tapu Koko can pivot on Grass-types to give Kartana free opportunities to switch in, potentially allowing Tapu Koko to spam Thunderbolt after they are heavily weakened. Choice Scarf Tapu Lele can clean up much more easily after Kartana shreds through all the Steel-types such as Celesteela, Magearna, Mega Scizor, and Ferrothorn while also being able to revenge kill Mega Lopunny and Ash-Greninja. Mega Lopunny can spam its STAB moves much more freely with defensive Landorus-T weakened considerably and also [optional] benefits from Toxapex, Mew, and Clefable being weakened. Slow pivots such as defensive Landorus-T and Assault Vest Magearna are good teammates to get Kartana in for free. Magearna can also switch into most special attackers that can revenge kill Kartana, such as Greninja, Tapu Koko, and Latios. Entry hazard removal from Pokemon such as Latios, Mew, and Excadrill is very important because Kartana needs all the health it can get for more setup opportunities. Latios is also useful because Kartana has issues breaking through Mega Venusaur, and Latios with Roost can switch into it quite freely.

GP 2/2
Jelq thanks. To site.
 

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