Gengar Decklist
****** Pokémon Trading Card Game Deck List ******
##Pokémon - 17
* 2 Crobat V DAA 182
* 3 Gengar V FST 156
* 4 Houndour BST 95
* 4 Houndoom BST 96
* 3 Gengar VMAX FST 157
* 1 Single Strike Urshifu V BST 85
##Trainer Cards - 36
* 2 Boss's Orders RCL 154
* 3 Evolution Incense SSH 163
* 4 Quick Ball FST 237
* 3 Urn of Vitality BST 139
* 4 Path to the Peak CRE 148
* 4 Battle VIP Pass FST 225
* 2 Tower of Darkness BST 137
* 4 Marnie CPA 56
* 4 Professor's Research CEL 23
* 2 Switch SSH 183
* 4 Cram-o-matic FST 229
##Energy - 7
* 3 Hiding {D} Energy DAA 175
* 4 Single Strike Energy BST 141
Total Cards - 60
****** Deck List Generated by the Pokémon TCG Online www.pokemon.com/TCGO ******
I have had a great deal of fun playing in past Team Challenges and figured I would give this one a try. The day before the event, I saw there was a tournament being held online to represent a local Columbus game store called Beyond the Board. Funny enough, despite visiting the store once before, this would be my first tournament there as a prior tournament had been cancelled due to lack of players. However, this tournament would go on despite organizers putting it together just a few days before.
In selecting my deck, I wanted to play something that had a good matchup against what many believe to be the BDIF - Mew VMAX. I really didn't want to take something into the tournament that couldn't at least hold it's own there. Additionally, I guessed that the deck of choice for my competitors might be Jolteon VMAX as that can steal wins against pretty much anything and is widely regarded as the second best deck, and one of the main counter decks to Mew.
I settled on Gengar for a few reasons: 1. I wanted to try something new(ish) that I could farm a YouTube video from. Time is at a PREMIUM for me, so any chance I can get to showcase something new, I'll take.
2. I felt Gengar had solid matchups against both Mew and Jolteon, particularly with the inclusion of the Single Strike Urshifu. Heading forward, I might actually consider the SS Stonjourner in place of Urshifu as it is a one prize pokemon with a better first attack. The lower HP is largely negligible since you're damaging yourself with Houndoom anyway.
3. I wanted something low maintenance and consistent that could deal with random stuff. For these types of local tournaments, you just never know what to expect. Losing a game to dead drawing is never fun, and even less so when your opponent is playing some Crustle/Delcatty/Muk abomination. Additionally, I liked the list having a full count of Path to the Peak to potentially put opponents in awkward spots should the play something more unusual like Duraludon, Suicune, or Eternatus. It's something I enjoy about attacking lists is to have that element of disruption and Path certainly provides that.
Round 1: Sableye / Inteleon (W 2-0)
This was a straightforward matchup moreso because of the list my opponent was playing and less so for anything I did. They played a thick Inteleon engine, but only 4 draw supporters so game one I was able to Marnie them into junk and game 2, I KOd their only Sobble on turn two. They generally had a hard time getting out of any situation that I put them in and also didn't run Bosses Orders which allowed me to save attackers from being KOd.
Round 2: Single Strike Umbreon with 2-2 Urshifu and Morpeko (W 2-1)
This matchup was extremely tough but I knew I could gain an advantage with correct Path play. His deck more than mine relied on drawing with Tower of Darkness so I tried to play my Paths after a Marnie to limit his draw. Generally, I always felt on the back foot through the entire game especially when he was able to effectively use Morpeko to swing for 160 or when he was able to bring my prizes down to 1 and leave a lightly damaged Urshifu VMAX active. Despite that, as you will see in the video, I was able to make some cute plays with Houndoom and Houndour to take the dubs.
Round 3: SIngle Strike Gengar (W 2-1)
Paul is a local who I enjoy playing against and our banter before the games we play is always top tier. In this matchup, it really just came down to whoever could get the first big VMAX KO. You want to prioritize drawing without Crobat in order to prevent them from getting additional damage with Gengars first attack. One of the wins for me was pretty simple since Paul started a Crobat and needed another to draw. In the end, I came out with the win including an amazing final turn which you can see in the video!!
FlexDaddy Playability Index:
Viability ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Longevity ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Portability ⭐⭐⭐
Novelty ⭐⭐⭐ Affordability ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Enjoyability ⭐⭐⭐
Mostly enjoyable deck with some frustrating draws at times. Happy to get the win in my first Team Challenge attempt!!