Mat Block (move)

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Mat Block (Japanese: たたみがえし Tatami Flip) is a non-damaging Fighting-type move introduced in Generation VI. Prior to Generation VII, it was the signature move of Greninja.

Effect

Mat Block protects all Pokémon on the user's side of the field from any moves except status moves for that turn. Unlike Protect, this move is not an increased priority move. Similar to Fake Out, Mat Block will only work if used on the first turn after the Pokémon enters the field; the Pokémon must be switched out and back in to be able to use Mat Block again.

Feint, Hyperspace Fury, Hyperspace Hole, Phantom Force, and Shadow Force will hit regardless and lift the effect of Mat Block from the target's team when successfully used.

If the Pokémon has the Protean Ability, it will only change to Fighting-type if Mat Block succeeds.

If powered up by a Fightinium Z into Z-Mat Block, the user's Defense stat raises one stage.

Description

Learnset

By leveling up

#	Pokémon		Types	Egg Groups		Level
						I	II	III	IV	V	VI	VII	VIII	IX
0538		Throh		Human-Like		Human-Like		1
0658		Greninja		Water 1		Water 1	1	1
Bold indicates a Pokémon gains STAB from this move. Italics indicates a Pokémon whose evolution or alternate form receives STAB from this move. A dash (−) indicates a Pokémon cannot learn the move by the designated method. An empty cell indicates a Pokémon that is unavailable in that game/generation.

In the manga

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

Greninja
The user creates a mat that blocks the opponent.
Pokémon	Method
User	First Chapter Used In		Notes
	Greninja summons multiple tiles that block attacks from the opponent.
Y's Croaky	PAXY37		Debut

In other games

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U

Mat Block appears at the start of Greninja's Final Smash, Secret Ninja Attack. The initial Mat Block flip sends opponents into the air, allowing Greninja to slice them repeatedly before launching them with a final blow.

Trivia

• This move is a reference to a trick that has been used by ninjas, which involves flipping a tatami (a type of mat used as a flooring material in traditional Japanese-style rooms) to block incoming projectile attacks.

In other languages

Language Title French Tatamigaeshi German Tatami-Schild Italian Ribaltappeto Korean 마룻바닥세워막기 Marutbadaksewomaggi Brazilian Portuguese Esteira Bloqueio Spanish Escudo Tatami

This article is part of Project Moves and Abilities, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on two related aspects of the Pokémon games.