Friday, January 10, 2014

Bisharp

Bisharp: Analysis


Bisharp is a Pokemon that has a unique niche in VGC 14. Due to the highly physical nature of the current Metagame, Pokemon with intimidate are widely used, and most teams have some way of lowering opposing physical attacker's stats. This is generally done through Intimidate, Will-O-Wisp, Reflect, or some combination of those. However, Bisharp's usual ability, Defiant, changes any -1 Attack drop into an immediate +1 Attack boost, or any other -1 stat drop into a +2 Attack boost. For this reason, teams that have multiple physical attackers are able to utilize Bisharp in order to protect their partner Pokemon from nasty Attack drops stemming from Intimidate. Defiant isn't the only advantage to using Bisharp: XY's boost to Quick Guard, and wider distribution, allows Bisharp to effectively stop Meowstic, and other Pokemon that abuse priority, from affecting your team. Bisharp has great offensive typing, made better by the new Fairy type, and Priority in the form of Sucker Punch. These contribute to an impressive offensive presence. Low defenses, however, cause Bisharp users to be wary when switching it in, or even taking neutral attacks. 
I experimented with Bisharp for about thirty battles on Battle Spot, and though I was generally impressed with what I saw, I eventually ended up replacing it. Bisharp is an enormous help in dealing damage; however, its low defenses and poor defensive typing limit its use when attempting to claim victory through prediction. Because of the fact that Bisharp was often unable to survive two unboosted neutral attacks, or even resisted attacks from a strong Pokemon, I found that it was more of a hindrance trying to ensure Bisharp's survival than a help.
Despite my personal experience with Bisharp feeling rather lackluster, I feel the Pokemon has enormous potential. With the right team support (Bisharp is often paired with Amoongus), Bisharp is capable of tearing holes in opposing defenses, especially when combined with smart offensive playing and pressure. Bisharp could benefit from the use of Wide Guard, Light Screen, and status moves such as Will-O-Wisp, Thunder Wave, Swagger, and Spore to ensure it remains on the field longer. Prankster Meowstic with Swagger and Lum Bisharp is also an option, which would allow a +2 Attack Sucker Punch to catch opponents off guard. I am sure that Bisharp will make its way far during the VGC 14 season with the correct support.


The sets:
 
Bisharp (F) @ Focus Sash
Trait: Defiant
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Sucker Punch
- Iron Head
- Night Slash
- Protect

 This is the most standard Bisharp set and should function as a default for anyone looking to experiment with Bisharp. The Ev's are placed in Speed and Attack in order to ensure the most damage as possible, because Focus Sash ensures Bisharp will stick around for more than one attack barring passive damage. Sucker Punch is utlized because of the powerful priority it provides, which forces foes to play defensively around it and can finish off weakened Pokemon as well as take advantage of Choice locked Pokemon who are forced to attack. Iron Head is Bisharp's secondary coverage move and is especially strong given that Fairy type Pokemon are now weak to Steel. Night Slash is the preferred option when facing an opponent who would prefer to play around Sucker Punch with Status category moves, and does not force Bisharp to rely on prediction to use one of its STAB's. Lastly, Protect is essential to this set by making Bisharp a little more resilient and because Protect is a staple in general and especially on frail Pokemon.

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