Gen 3 Pineco GP 0/2

[churine]

PINECONE


[OVERVIEW]
Pineco's access to the rare Spikes alongside Explosion give it a solid role in the metagame, particularly as a lead. Pineco can set Spikes in the face of many common leads like Wailmer, Elekid, Voltorb, Snubbull, and Cubone, and use Explosion to bring a teammate in safely and likely trade with the opponent. Pineco also has the capacity to set Light Screen up to not only provide the potential for more layers of Spikes or room to trigger Explosion, but to also bolster a teammate's special bulk, which can be useful for helping any setup sweepers and wallbreakers. Pineco also learns Rapid Spin, letting it clear Spikes from opposing Spikes leads. However, Pineco does have some notable shortcomings, namely with its low Speed and inability to exert offensive pressure outside of Explosion. The other two Spikes leads, Cacnea and Snorunt, have better Speed stats and offensive capabilities with solid special coverage options. These traits can make Pineco awkward to use outside of being a lead, but often times, a single layer of Spikes and the ability to eliminate an opposing threat with Explosion can set the tempo for the rest of the game.

[SET]
Spikes (Pineco) @ Sitrus Berry
Level: 5
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 196 HP / 40 Def / 240 SpD
Careful Nature
- Spikes
- Rapid Spin / Earthquake
- Light Screen / Hidden Power Ghost
- Explosion

[SET COMMENTS]
Pineco is most often seen as a lead for teams as the immediate layer of Spikes can go a long way in chipping down the opposing team to hit damage thresholds. The listed EV spread lets Pineco survive a full-power Water Spout from Wailmer. Explosion not only provides immense wallbreaking power but also lets Pineco get a teammate in safely after it has set a layer of Spikes down. Rapid Spin removes Spikes set by the opposing team, which can be useful for bulkier teams that rely on grounded Pokemon like Porygon and Wailmer to repeatedly handle the myriad of opposing threats, such as Doduo and opposing Porygon. Rapid Spin also helps setup sweepers not take extra chip damage upon switch-in to more easily clean up. Earthquake is a strong move that can threaten common Electric-type leads, as well as a Houndour on the switch. Light Screen shores up Pineco's lacking Special Defense to let it handle many special threats such as Wailmer, Elekid, Staryu, Chinchou, and Houndour, providing more opportunities to set additional layers of Spikes. Additionally, the augmented special bulk from Light Screen gives Pineco more room to use Explosion, letting it safely bring a teammate in while likely trading with the opponent. Hidden Power Ghost is useful to hit Gastly and Duskull who can otherwise block Rapid Spin and nullify an Explosion.

Spikes support facilitates a wide variety of offensive threats whether they force switches to rack up Spikes damage or bring opposing Pokemon into KO ranges. Spikes helps Choice Band Doduo and offensive Wailmer immensely in their metagame assault as they not only force a lot of switches due to their innate damage output, which means racking Spikes chip damage, but also, said chip damage weakens Pokemon that try to withstand its hits into KO ranges, such as defensive Porygon. Cubone is another powerful threat who benefits greatly from Spikes, as they let it OHKO Porygon. Setup sweepers like Bagon and Larvitar also appreciate the chip damage Spikes provide in order to secure KOs on Pokemon after a Dragon Dance, as well as Pineco's capability to set up a Light Screen for them and using Explosion to bring them in safely and widen their set-up opportunities. Bagon can survive an Ice Beam from Wailmer and KO with Brick Break + Double-Edge at +1 after one layer of Spikes, while Larvitar benefits immensely from Light Screen softening any stray Hidden Power Grass. Elekid's high Speed and coverage threatens many Pokemon and forces many switches, which can give Elekid an opportunity to set up a Substitute while racking Spikes damage, putting threats into KO ranges, such as specially defensive Diglett into Ice Punch range. Pineco dislikes facing lead Doduo as its Choice Band-boosted Drill Peck easily OHKOs Pineco. Due to this, having a teammate that can either switch into Doduo while threatening it is preferred. Duskull is a great teammate for Pineco as it is immune to Normal and can tank a Drill Peck from Pineco while threatening Doduo with an Ice Beam or Will-O-Wisp. Duskull's Ghost-typing also lets it block Rapid Spin to keep Spikes up. Physically defensive Porygon can also handle lead Doduo and threaten an OHKO with Ice Beam. Magnemite is a sturdy answer to Doduo as it resists Normal and Flying, and can exert solid offensive pressure with its ability to force switches. Houndour can trap Gastly and Duskull with Pursuit to permit Pineco's ability to spin and use Explosion undeterred.


[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Protect allows Pineco to avoid an Explosion or Self-Destruct from the likes of Gastly, Exeggcute, and Wailmer, and lets it scout Choice Band Doduo leads by forcing it to lock into a move. Hidden Power Bug is a STAB option for Pineco that lets it OHKO Cacnea, Abra, and Exeggcute. Giga Drain is an option that hits many common leads such as Wailmer, Chinchou, and Staryu for decent damage while restoring a bit of HP, and threatens to stifle Larvitar's setup opportunities. Rock Slide is a decently strong move that hits Snorunt and opposing Pineco well and can dissuade switches to Pokemon like Doduo.


Checks and Counters
===================
**Doduo**: Choice Band Doduo is a common lead that can threaten to OHKO Pineco immediately, though Doduo does have to be wary of Rock Slide if trying to switch into Pineco later on.

**Explosion users**: Explosion and Selfdestruct leads such as Gastly, Exeggcute, and Wailmer are dangerous for Pineco as most of them can blow up to deny its ability to set Spikes up, though Pineco can run Protect to make their Explosion attempts whiff. With how ADV mechanics function, even if Pineco survives an Explosion, it cannot use a move due to the opponent having already fainted.

**Substitute users**: Many fast offensive Pokemon that run Substitute, such as Diglett, Elekid, and Gastly can often take advantage of Pineco's relative passivity to either force it out and have a free turn, or provoke a premature Explosion to eliminate Pineco.

**Fire- and Rock-types**: Houndour and Ponyta can easily dispatch of Pineco with their STAB moves, though they must be weary of switching into a potential Rock Slide or Earthquake. Anorith can OHKO Pineco if Rock Blast hits three or more times, while Onix and Larvitar can hit hard with Rock Slide, though they should be careful of Giga Drain.

[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/churine.264307/

Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/gangsta-spongebob.535530/

Grammar checked by:

 

[Gangsta Spongebob]

Good work, QC 1/2 when implemented

QC 1/2

Add Remove Comments

[OVERVIEW]
Pineco's access to the rare Spikes alongside Explosion give it a solid role in the metagame, particularly as a lead. Pineco can set Spikes in the face of many common leads like Porygon, Elekid, and Chinchou, and use Explosion to bring a teammate in safely and likely trade with the opponent. Pineco also has the capacity to set Light Screen up to not only provide the potential for more layers of Spikes or room to trigger Explosion, but to also bolster a teammate's special bulk, which can be useful for helping any setup sweepers or and wallbreakers. It also learns Rapid Spin, letting it clear Spikes from opposing Spikes leads. However, Pineco does have some notable shortcomings, namely with its low Speed and inability to exert offensive pressure outside of Explosion. The other two Spikes leads, Cacnea and Snorunt, have better Speed stats and offensive capabilities with solid special coverage options. Pineco's great physical bulk is often not at display since ADV LC is dominated by special attackers and most physical attackers carry Rock- or Flying-type coverage. These traits can make Pineco awkward to use outside of being a lead, but often times, a single layer of Spikes and the ability to eliminate an opposing threat with Explosion can set the tempo for the rest of the game.

[SET]
Spikes (Pineco) @ Sitrus Berry
Level: 5
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 196 HP / 40 Def / 240 SpD
Careful Nature
- Spikes
- Rock Slide / Rapid Spin
- Light Screen / Hidden Power Ghost
- Explosion

[SET COMMENTS]
Pineco is most often seen as a lead for teams as the immediate layer of Spikes can go a long way in chipping down the opposing team to hit damage thresholds. Explosion not only provides immense wallbreaking power but also lets Pineco get a teammate in safely after it has set a layer of Spikes down. Rock Slide is a decently strong move that hits Snorunt and opposing Pineco well and can dissuade switchins switches to Pokemon like Doduo. Rapid Spin removes Spikes set by the opposing team, which can be useful for bulkier teams that rely on grounded Pokemon like Porygon to repeatedly handle the opposing team. Mention which threats these bulkier Pokemon handle. Ideally give more than one example than Porygon. Light Screen shores up Pineco's lacking Special Defense to let it handle special attacks from the likes of Porygon, Elekid, and Chinchou. This can provide more leeway for Pineco to set up additional layers of Spikes or help its teammates out, even providing more setup opportunities. Give examples Additionally, the augmented special bulk from Light Screen gives Pineco more room to use Explosion, letting it safely bring a teammate in while likely trading with the opponent. Hidden Power Ghost is useful to hit Gastly and Duskull who can otherwise nullify an Explosion, and also hits Abra hard. Hidden Power Bug is a STAB option for Pineco that lets it OHKO Cacnea, Abra, and Exeggcute. Move this to Other Options

Explain what the EVs do

Pineco dislikes facing lead Doduo as its Choice Band-boosted Drill Peck can OHKO quite easily. Due to this, having a teammate that can either switch in on into Doduo while threatening it is preferred. Duskull is a great teammate for Pineco as it is immune to Normal and can tank a Drill Peck from Pineco while threatening Doduo with an Ice Beam or Will-O-Wisp, from which, Duskull can then steal a Sitrus Berry from a likely switch in to stay healthy while crippling the switch. Duskull's Ghost-typing also lets it block the relatively rare Rapid Spin to keep Spikes up. Physically defensive Porygon can also handle lead Doduo just barely and threaten an OHKO with Ice Beam, opening the room for Porygon to cripple a foe by stealing a Sitrus Berry. Magnemite is a sturdy answer to Doduo as it resists Normal and Flying, and can exert solid offensive pressure. Elekid can switch in on one Drill Peck to then outspeed and threaten to KO Doduo in return, while also able to proc a Static paralysis. Elekid is also a great abuser of the Spikes Pineco supports, particularly Substitute + Focus Punch variants, which can use a forced switch to set a Substitute up for an unbothered Focus Punch. Spikes support in general benefits all kinds of teammates as it allows them to hit damage thresholds. Pokemon like Doduo and Abra take great advantage of Spikes as they can force switches to rack up Spikes damage quickly. Setup sweepers like Bagon and Larvitar also appreciate the chip damage Spikes provide in order to secure KOs on Pokemon after a Dragon Dance, as well as Pineco's capability to set up a Light Screen for them and using Explosion to bring them in safely and widen their set-up opportunities. Give examples of 2HKOes that turn into OHKOes thanks to Spikes

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Since Pineco has a straightforward role, many of its options are different offensive moves that let it handle certain Pokemon better. Self-explanatory Giga Drain is also an option that hits many common leads such as Wailmer, Diglett, Chinchou, and Staryu for decent damage while restoring a bit of HP. Earthquake is a strong move that can OHKO Elekid with slight Attack investment, smack Chinchou hard, and serve as a decent neutral attack.


Checks and Counters
===================
**Doduo**: Choice Band Doduo is a common lead that can threaten to OHKO Pineco immediately, though Doduo does have to be wary of Rock Slide if trying to switch into Pineco later on.

**Explosion users**: Explosion / and Selfdestruct leads such as Gastly, Exeggcute, and Wailmer are dangerous for Pineco as most of them can blow up to deny its ability to set Spikes up. Mention that they do this because, even if Pineco doesn't faint, the turn ends

**Substitute users**: Many fast offensive Pokemon that run Substitute, such as Diglett, Elekid, and Gastly can often take advantage of Pineco's relative passivity to either force it out and have a free turn, or provoke a premature Explosion to eliminate Pineco.

**Fire- and Rock-types**: Houndour and Ponyta can easily dispatch of Pineco with their STAB moves, though they must be weary of switching into a potential Rock Slide or Earthquake. Anorith can OHKO Pineco if Rock Blast hits three or more times, while Onix and Larvitar can hit hard with Rock Slide, though they should be careful of Giga Drain.

[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/churine.264307/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/gangsta-spongebob.535530/

Grammar checked by:

 

[reggg]

QC 2, let me know if you have any questions about implementation

PINECONE


[OVERVIEW]
Pineco's access to the rare Spikes alongside Explosion give it a solid role in the metagame, particularly as a lead. Pineco can set Spikes in the face of many common leads like Wailmer, Elekid, Voltorb, Snubbull, and Cubone. Porygon, Elekid, and Chinchou, and use Explosion to bring a teammate in safely and likely trade with the opponent. Pineco also has the capacity to set Light Screen up to not only provide the potential for more layers of Spikes or room to trigger Explosion, but to also bolster a teammate's special bulk, which can be useful for helping any setup sweepers and wallbreakers. It also learns Rapid Spin, letting it clear Spikes from opposing Spikes leads. However, Pineco does have some notable shortcomings, namely with its low Speed and inability to exert offensive pressure outside of Explosion. The other two Spikes leads, Cacnea and Snorunt, have better Speed stats and offensive capabilities with solid special coverage options. Pineco's great physical bulk is often not at display since ADV LC is dominated by special attackers and most physical attackers carry Rock- or Flying-type coverage. These traits can make Pineco awkward to use outside of being a lead, but often times, a single layer of Spikes and the ability to eliminate an opposing threat with Explosion can set the tempo for the rest of the game.

[SET]
Spikes (Pineco) @ Sitrus Berry
Level: 5
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 196 HP / 40 Def / 240 SpD
Careful Nature
- Spikes
- Rapid Spin / Earthquake Talked with other QC and want to change the set to this. Rock Slide just is not used (very often) and isn't as good as Rapid Spin or Earthquake.
- Light Screen / Hidden Power Ghost
- Explosion

[SET COMMENTS]
Pineco is most often seen as a lead for teams as the immediate layer of Spikes can go a long way in chipping down the opposing team to hit damage thresholds. The listed EV spread allows Pineco to live a full powered Water Spout from Wailmer. to maximize Pineco's bulk against the influx of special attackers in the metagame, many of whom are common in the lead slot. Explosion not only provides immense wallbreaking power but also lets Pineco get a teammate in safely after it has set a layer of Spikes down. Rock Slide is a decently strong move that hits Snorunt and opposing Pineco well and can dissuade switches to Pokemon like Doduo. Noted above, no longer feel this is relevant Rapid Spin removes Spikes set by the opposing team, which can be useful for bulkier teams that rely on grounded Pokemon like Porygon and Wailmer to repeatedly handle the myriad of opposing threats, such as Doduo and opposing Porygon, or help set up sweepers not take extra chip damage upon switch-in to more easily set up May be more of a GP thing but this sentence feels extremely drawn out, the info is good but maybe splice it?. Light Screen shores up Pineco's lacking Special Defense to let it handle special attacks from the likes of Wailmer, Staryu, Chinchou, Elekid, and Houndour, which can allow Pineco more opportunities to set up additional layers of Spikes. Porygon, Elekid, and Chinchou. The augmented special bulk can provide more leeway for Pineco to set additional layers of Spikes or help its teammates out, such as by helping a teammate take on opposing special threats to win an exchange, or by providing more setup opportunities for sweepers like Bagon and Larvitar. Additionally, the augmented special bulk from Light Screen gives Pineco more room to use Explosion, letting it safely bring a teammate in while likely trading with the opponent. Hidden Power Ghost is useful to hit Gastly and Duskull who can otherwise nullify an Explosion and block Rapid Spin., and also hits Abra hard. Earthquake allows Pineco to threaten the common Electric-type leads, as well as a Houndour that wants to switch-in.

Pineco dislikes facing lead Doduo as its Choice Band-boosted Drill Peck can OHKO quite easily. Due to this, having a teammate that can either switch into Doduo while threatening it is preferred. Duskull is a great teammate for Pineco as it is immune to Normal and can tank a Drill Peck from Pineco while threatening Doduo with an Ice Beam or Will-O-Wisp. , from which, Duskull can then steal a Sitrus Berry from a likely switch in to stay healthy while crippling the switch Feels unnecessary to include for an analysis on Pineco. Duskull's Ghost-typing also lets it block the relatively rare Rapid Spin to keep Spikes up. Physically defensive Porygon can also handle lead Doduo and threaten an OHKO with Ice Beam, opening the room for Porygon to cripple a foe by stealing a Sitrus Berry. Magnemite is a sturdy answer to Doduo as it resists Normal and Flying, and can exert solid offensive pressure with its ability to force switches. Elekid can switch in on one Drill Peck to then outspeed and threaten to KO Doduo in return, while also able to proc a Static paralysis. Elekid is also a great abuser of the Spikes Pineco supports, particularly Substitute + Focus Punch variants, which can use a forced switch to set a Substitute up for an unbothered Focus Punch. The Elekid Sub-Punch set is used to beat Specially Defensive Diglett and isn't relevant to Spikes. Spikes support in general benefits all kinds of teammates as it allows them to hit damage thresholds. Pokemon like Doduo and Abra take great advantage of Spikes as they can force switches to rack up Spikes damage quickly. Setup sweepers like Bagon and Larvitar also appreciate the chip damage Spikes provide in order to secure KOs on Pokemon after a Dragon Dance, as well as Pineco's capability to set up a Light Screen for them and using Explosion to bring them in safely and widen their set-up opportunities. Bagon can survive an Ice Beam from Wailmer and KO with Brick Break + Double-Edge at +1 after one layer of Spikes, while Larvitar benefits immensely from Light Screen softening any stray Hidden Power Grass.

Your section defensive teammates for Pineco is fine, but you need to emphasize the Spikes teamstyle that Pineco facilitates. Specifically, CB Doduo + Spikes lets it ruin any teams that rely on Porygon as its only switch in. Offensive Wailmer with Water Spout forcing switches making its resists take chip damage. Cubone with Spikes lets it OHKO Porygon, which otherwise can live a hit. You mentioned Elekid, but I would highlight Elekid's speed and coverage lets it abuse Spikes as an effective late game cleaner, not with the Focus Punch set, as well as ruin Specially Defensive Diglett's that plan on being able to live its Ice Punch.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Hidden Power Bug is a STAB option for Pineco that lets it OHKO Cacnea, Abra, and Exeggcute. Giga Drain is an option that hits many common leads such as Wailmer, Diglett Not a common lead, Chinchou, and Staryu for decent damage, and doesn't give Larvitar a free opportunity to set up with Dragon Dance. while restoring a bit of HP. Earthquake is a strong move that can OHKO Elekid with slight Attack investment, smack Chinchou hard, and serve as a decent neutral attack. Moved to above, and you can move the parts about Rock Slide to here. Protect allows Pineco to dodge Self-Destruct or Explosion users such as Wailmer, Koffing, and Gastly, as well as scout what move a Choice Band Doduo is locking into.


Checks and Counters
===================
**Doduo**: Choice Band Doduo is a common lead that can threaten to OHKO Pineco immediately, though Doduo does have to be wary of Rock Slide if trying to switch into Pineco later on.

**Explosion users**: Explosion and Selfdestruct leads such as Gastly, Exeggcute, and Wailmer are dangerous for Pineco as most of them can blow up to deny its ability to set Spikes up, though Pineco has the option to use Protect to defend against this. With how ADV mechanics function, even if Pineco survives an Explosion, it cannot use a move due to the opponent having already fainted.

**Substitute users**: Many fast offensive Pokemon that run Substitute, such as Diglett, Elekid, and Gastly can often take advantage of Pineco's relative passivity to either force it out and have a free turn, or provoke a premature Explosion to eliminate Pineco.

**Fire- and Rock-types**: Houndour and Ponyta can easily dispatch of Pineco with their STAB moves, though they must be weary of switching into a potential Rock Slide or Earthquake. Anorith can OHKO Pineco if Rock Blast hits three or more times, while Onix and Larvitar can hit hard with Rock Slide, though they should be careful of Giga Drain.

**Rapid Spin users**: An opposing Pineco or Staryu with Rapid Spin can negate Pineco's ability to set Spikes and ruin its team's gameplan.

[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/churine.264307/

Quality checked by:
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https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/reggg.588561/

Grammar checked by:

 

[churine]

help my boomer ass spent like 20 mins looking for the thread to post request in

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[aurora]

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PINECONE


[OVERVIEW]
Pineco's access to the rare Spikes alongside Explosion give gives it a solid role in the metagame, particularly as a lead. Pineco can set Spikes in the face of many common leads like Wailmer, Elekid, Voltorb, Snubbull, and Cubone, (remove comma) and use Explosion to bring a teammate in safely and likely trade with the opponent. Pineco also has the capacity to set Light Screen up to not only provide the potential for more layers of Spikes or room to trigger Explosion, but to also bolster a teammate's special bulk, which can be useful for helping any setup sweepers and wallbreakers. Pineco also learns Rapid Spin, letting it clear Spikes from opposing Spikes leads. However, Pineco does have some notable shortcomings, namely with its low Speed and inability to exert offensive pressure outside of Explosion. The other two Spikes leads, Cacnea and Snorunt, have better Speed stats and offensive capabilities with solid special coverage options. These traits can make Pineco awkward to use outside of being a lead, but often times, a single layer of Spikes and the ability to eliminate an opposing threat with Explosion can set the tempo for the rest of the game.

[SET]
Spikes (Pineco) @ Sitrus Berry
Level: 5
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 196 HP / 40 Def / 240 SpD
Careful Nature
- Spikes
- Rapid Spin / Earthquake
- Light Screen / Hidden Power Ghost
- Explosion

[SET COMMENTS]
Pineco is most often seen as a lead for teams as the immediate layer of Spikes can go a long way in chipping down the opposing team to hit damage thresholds. The listed EV spread lets Pineco survive a full-power Water Spout from Wailmer. Explosion not only provides immense wallbreaking power but also lets Pineco get a teammate in safely after it has set a layer of Spikes down. Rapid Spin removes Spikes set by the opposing team, which can be useful for bulkier teams that rely on grounded Pokemon like Porygon and Wailmer to repeatedly handle the myriad of opposing threats, such as Doduo and opposing Porygon. Rapid Spin also helps setup sweepers not take extra chip damage upon switch-in to more easily clean up. Earthquake is a strong move that can threaten common Electric-type leads, as well as a Houndour on the switch. Light Screen shores up Pineco's lacking Special Defense to let it handle many special threats such as Wailmer, Elekid, Staryu, Chinchou, and Houndour, providing more opportunities to set additional layers of Spikes. Additionally, the augmented special bulk from Light Screen gives Pineco more room to use Explosion, letting it safely bring a teammate in while likely trading with the opponent. Hidden Power Ghost is useful to hit Gastly and Duskull who can otherwise block Rapid Spin and nullify an Explosion.

Spikes support facilitates a wide variety of offensive threats whether they force switches to rack up Spikes damage or bring opposing Pokemon into KO ranges. Spikes helps Choice Band Doduo and offensive Wailmer immensely in their metagame assault as they not only force a lot of switches due to their innate damage output, which means racking Spikes chip damage, but also, said chip damage weakens Pokemon that try to withstand its hits into KO ranges, such as defensive Porygon. Cubone is another powerful threat who benefits greatly from Spikes, as they let it OHKO Porygon. Setup sweepers like Bagon and Larvitar also appreciate the chip damage Spikes provide in order to secure KOs on Pokemon after a Dragon Dance, as well as Pineco's capability to set up a Light Screen for them and using Explosion to bring them in safely and widen their set-up opportunities. Bagon can survive an Ice Beam from Wailmer and KO with Brick Break + Double-Edge at +1 after one layer of Spikes, while Larvitar benefits immensely from Light Screen softening any stray Hidden Power Grass. Elekid's high Speed and coverage threatens many Pokemon and forces many switches, which can give Elekid an opportunity to set up a Substitute while racking Spikes damage, putting threats into KO ranges, such as specially defensive Diglett into Ice Punch range. Pineco dislikes facing lead Doduo as its Choice Band-boosted Drill Peck easily OHKOs Pineco. Due to this, having a teammate that can either switch into Doduo while threatening it is preferred. Duskull is a great teammate for Pineco as it is immune to Normal and can tank a Drill Peck from Pineco while threatening Doduo with an Ice Beam or Will-O-Wisp. Duskull's Ghost-typing also lets it block Rapid Spin to keep Spikes up. Physically defensive Porygon can also handle lead Doduo and threaten an OHKO with Ice Beam. Magnemite is a sturdy answer to Doduo as it resists Normal and Flying, and can exert solid offensive pressure with its ability to force switches. Houndour can trap Gastly and Duskull with Pursuit to permit Pineco's ability to spin and use Explosion undeterred.


[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Protect allows Pineco to avoid an Explosion or Self-Destruct from the likes of Gastly, Exeggcute, and Wailmer, and lets it scout Choice Band Doduo leads by forcing it to lock into a move. Hidden Power Bug is a STAB option for Pineco that lets it OHKO Cacnea, Abra, and Exeggcute. Giga Drain is an option that hits many common leads such as Wailmer, Chinchou, and Staryu for decent damage while restoring a bit of HP, and threatens to stifle Larvitar's setup opportunities. Rock Slide is a decently strong move that hits Snorunt and opposing Pineco well and can dissuade switches to Pokemon like Doduo.


Checks and Counters
===================
**Doduo**: Choice Band Doduo is a common lead that can threaten to OHKO Pineco immediately, though Doduo does have to be wary of Rock Slide if trying to switch into Pineco later on.

**Explosion users**: Explosion and Selfdestruct leads such as Gastly, Exeggcute, and Wailmer are dangerous for Pineco as most of them can blow up to deny its ability to set Spikes up, though Pineco can run Protect to make their Explosion attempts whiff. With how ADV mechanics function, even if Pineco survives an Explosion, it cannot use a move due to the opponent having already fainted.

**Substitute users**: Many fast offensive Pokemon that run Substitute, such as Diglett, Elekid, and Gastly can often take advantage of Pineco's relative passivity to either force it out and have a free turn, or provoke a premature Explosion to eliminate Pineco.

**Fire- and Rock-types**: Houndour and Ponyta can easily dispatch of Pineco with their STAB moves, though they must be weary of switching into a potential Rock Slide or Earthquake. Anorith can OHKO Pineco if Rock Blast hits three or more times, while Onix and Larvitar can hit hard with Rock Slide, though they should be careful of Giga Drain.

[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/churine.264307/

Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/gangsta-spongebob.535530/

Grammar checked by: