Battling
Learn strategies for navigating a modern competitive Pokémon battle.
Introduction
Competitive Pokemon is less luck than you think
7min 2sec read
While luck/RNG is a component to competitive Pokemon, it’s less impactful than newer players may think. Read More
Building Up a Knowledge Base
5min 20sec read
Learn about how you can prepare yourself to fight against the most common Pokemon in a format. Read More
Before the Battle
Approaching Best of 1 vs. Best of 3
11min 27sec read
As you play VGC, you’ll play both best-of-1 battles and best-of-3 sets. Learn about key differences between the two and how you should approach both. Read More
Analyzing your opponent’s teams
8min 40sec read
Breaking down your opponent’s team quickly & understanding their general strategy will help you make better choices. Read More
Team Preview
19min 37sec read
Picking the proper Pokemon in team preview can give you a major advantage before the game even starts. Learn about frameworks for how you can approach it. Read More
What is a game plan?
5min 14sec read
Game plans will help guide you as you approach a battle - learn about the key concepts that go into making a good game plan. Read More
General Battling Principles
Pressure (Action/Reaction)
6min 58sec read
Pokemon is not a traditional turn-based competitive game because both players input their moves at the same time. Learn about how that affect how battles unfold. Read More
Predictions
5min 45sec read
Being able to anticipate your opponent’s attack and respond accordingly is a valuable skill in VGC. Learn about what predictions are and when you should go for them. Read More
Specific Battling Concepts
Battling Against Trick Room
5min 20sec read
Trick Room is one of the most common strategies in VGC. Learn how to fight against it. Read More
1 HP is Infinitely More than 0 HP
4min 57sec read
Even when a Pokemon has just 1 HP, it can still have an impact on the battle. Learn about when you should conserve a low health Pokemon. Read More
How to analyze a battle
5min 34sec read
For players who want to improve their play & learn from their battles. Read More
Annotated Battles
Will Tansley vs. Nils Dunlop, Worlds 2017
12min read
Watch two titans of VGC 2017 battle it out in a high-stakes Snorlax positioning match. Read More
Paul Chua vs. Diana Bros, North American Internationals 2019
11min 27sec read
Watch how tiny differences in similar battles can have a big effect. Read More
Alister Sandover vs. Edoardo Giunipero Ferraris, Player’s Cup 1
14min 50sec read
Watch two players position their Pokemon perfectly as the Trick Room timer winds down. Read More
FAQ
What is a “Good” Ladder Rating?
2min read
Learn about our approach to laddering on Showdown or Battle Stadium. Read More