Machamp archetype (TCG): Difference between revisions

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{{XmasInuse/2
{{cleanup}}
|date=23 December, 2010
{{outdated}}
|time=18:47
|user=Platinumwaiter
}}
 
{{FAC notice}}
{{ArchetypeInfobox
{{ArchetypeInfobox
|title=Machamp
|title=Machamp
|image=MachampStormfront20.jpg
|image=MachampStormfront20.jpg
|image2=MachampTriumphant95.jpg
|image2=MachampTriumphant95.jpg
|caption={{TCG ID|Stormfront|Machamp|20}} and {{TCG ID|Triumphant|Machamp|95}}, the two Machamps that are featured in the decks
|caption={{TCG ID|Stormfront|Machamp|20}} and [[Machamp (Triumphant 95)|Machamp Prime]]
|types={{e|Fighting}}
|types={{e|Fighting}}
|cards={{TCG ID|Stormfront|Machamp|20}}, {{TCG ID|Triumphant|Machamp|95}} Prime, {{TCG ID|HeartGold & SoulSilver|Donphan|107}} Prime (Optional)
|cards={{TCG ID|Stormfront|Machamp|20}} and [[Machamp (Triumphant 95)|Machamp Prime]]
|era=2008-Present
|era=2008-2011
}}
}}
=Overview=
The '''Machamp archetype''' was a popular deck in the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]]. After the release of the {{TCG|Platinum}} expansion, {{TCG|Stormfront}} {{TCG ID|Stormfront|Machamp|20}} gained recognition as a viable counter to the {{TCG|Pokémon SP|SP decks}} that began to dominate [[Play! Pokémon|Pokémon Organized Play]] tournaments. Although Machamp faces weak matchups against decks such as {{TCG|Gyarados archetype|Gyarados}}, {{TCG|VileGar}}, and {{TCG|Charizard archetype|Charizard}}, the deck's ability to donk and easily beat most SP decks has made it a consistent staple of the metagame. With the release of [[Machamp (Triumphant 95)|Machamp Prime]] in {{TCG|Triumphant}}, Machamp decks gained a strong, bulky attacker against non-SP decks.
'''Machamp''' (the Stormfront one) is a good contender against {{TCG|Pokémon SP}} decks because of [[Machamp]]'s ''Take Out'' attack which makes all non-[[evolved]] [[Pokémon]] get knocked out in one hit. Since all Pokémon SP are {{TCG|Basic Pokémon}}, they get knocked out by Machamp in one hit; even if they were a {{TCG|LV.X}}. So, for some successful SP decks like the quick, fast paced, and popular {{TCG|LuxChomp}}, it was nearly an auto-loss for them. Also, Machamp could potentially donk a person's deck because it uses many cards to search out Machamp, its pre-evolutions, and supporting cards and also to evolve [[Machop]] into Machamp in one turn. Some cards that help the Machamp player to do that are {{TCG ID|Unleashed|Rare Candy|82}} and {{TCG ID|Stormfront|Poké Drawer +|89}}. However, Machamp doesn't fare as well as to other decks that are stage 1 or stage 2 unlike versus SP Pokémon, especially ones that are resistant to it such as {{TCG|Gyarados}} and {{TCG|Jumpluff}}.  


IF it is just the Stormfront Machamp. From the {{TCG|Triumphant}} set, Machamp gained {{TCG|Triumphant|Machamp|95}} Prime which has 150 HP, has a ''Fighting Tag'' {{TCG|Poké-Power}} which lets it switch with the active Pokémon and move all the {{TCG|fighting}} {{TCG|energy}} from it to Machamp Prime. This potentially can makes it switch with a badly damaged Machamp and then the damaged Machamp can be picked up by {{TCG ID|Triumphant|Seeker|88}} or {{TCG ID|Unleashed|Super Scoop Up|83}} (not included in the archetype) and then be played again with {{TCG ID|Platinum|Broken Time-Space|104}} in play. Then, if the Machamp that was switched in for the other Machamp is badly damaged, the Machamp in the bench, (presuming it is also Machamp Prime) can use its ''Fighting Tag'' Poké-Power to switch in with the damaged Machamp and then the cycle just continues. Machamp Prime also has an attack, ''Champ Buster'' which requires the same amount of energy for the other Machamp's ''Rage'' attack, that does 100 damage plus 10 damage for every bench Pokémon that has damage on it. If paired with {{TCG ID|HeartGold & SoulSilver|Donphan|107}}'s [[Earthquake]] attack which does 60 damage and does 10 to each of your benched Pokémon, that is a total of 150 damage that the player is doing to the opponent.
==Strategy==
[[File:PokéDrawerStormfront89.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Poké Drawer +]]
Machamp's strategy is simple, although it varies based on the opposing deck. If facing a deck based around [[Pokémon SP]], it is critical to get {{TCG ID|Stormfront|Machamp|20}} out as soon as possible using {{TCG|Broken Time-Space}}, {{TCG|Rare Candy}}, and the deck's various drawing and searching effects, such as {{TCG|Pokémon Collector}}. From that point forward, he or she simply attempts to use Machamp's ''Take Out'' attack constantly in order to knock out the opponent's Basic Pokémon. Because SP decks use few evolved Pokémon, they generally provide easy matchups for Machamp as long as the Machamp player can expend resources sparingly and retrieve knocked out Machamp easily.


===The deck overview===
If the opponent is not playing an SP deck, [[Machamp (Triumphant 95)|Machamp Prime]] is the main attacker. However, if the opponent has only one Basic Pokémon on the field early in the game, {{TCG ID|Stormfront|Machamp|20}} is capable of donking the opponent, or knocking out his or her only Pokémon turn one or two. If not, the Machamp player uses essentially the same basic strategy to get a Machamp Prime on the field quickly and begin attacking with ''Crushing Punch'' and/or ''Champ Buster''. Because {{TCG ID|Stormfront|Machamp|20}} can often take easy prizes early in the game with ''Take Out'' while the opponent is only partially set up, winning with Machamp Prime is a very attainable goal despite its inability to KO most Stage 2 Pokémon in one shot. Since both Machamp and Machamp Prime have considerable HP, they can withstand attacks from many Pokémon, and the deck has the ability to take knockouts while the opponent cannot respond with a KO on Machamp.
There are three main Machamp decks in the current format. The first main deck is straight Machamp. It just utilizes the Stormfront Machamp and only has a few other Pokémon cards, mainly for draw power. The rest is just {{TCG|trainer card}}s, {{TCG|supporter card}}s, {{TCG|stadium card}}s, and energy cards. The other main deck is a Stormfront Machamp and Machamp Prime combination which mainly focuses on switching Machamp Primes in and out of the active spot with ''Fighting Tag''. The last one is a Machamp and Donphan combination which focuses on hitting hard just like straight Machamp except that Machamp has support if it gets knocked out. Players can also tech in a Machamp Prime or two just in case. Today, most people play mostly the Stormfront and Machamp Prime deck rather than the other two mainly because they can hit hard and could potentially have a bit more of a chance against Gyarados decks that the other Machamp decks.
 
=Strategy=
[[Image:PokéDrawerStormfront89.jpg|thumb|left|Poké Drawer +]]
*The strategy for Machamp is simple. If the player goes second, they try to get Machamp out or get Machamp out as soon as possible by using Broken Time-Space, Poké Drawer +, Rare Candy, Pokémon Communication, Bebe's Search, Pokémon Collector, {{TCG ID|Legends Awakened|Uxie|43}}, and Unown R. These cards help them set up. Unown R's Poké-Power, ''Retire'', lets the player discard it and draw an extra card. It is helpful to the player sometimes because that extra card could be a key card that they would need to set up. Pokémon Collector lets the player search for up to three basic Pokémon which is also helpful because it lets the player search for key Pokémon that you need such as Machops, Uxies, and/or Unown R. Uxie's ''Set Up'' Poké-Power lets the player draw until you have 7 cards in their hand when they put it down on your bench. It helps the user set up, basically like Unown R. With Bebe's Search, the user can search for a Pokémon card from your deck and put it in their hand as long as they put one card from their hand on top of their deck. It can help them search for Machamp or any other Pokémon if they need it. Pokémon Communication is basically the same as Bebe's Search except that '''the player has to put a Pokémon, not any card like Bebe's Search''' on top of their deck to search for a Pokémon. This card is similar to Pokémon Trader from {{TCG|Base Set}}. It can search for a Pokémon even if the player used a supporter card like Pokémon Collector because it is a trainer. Broken Time-Space lets the player evolve a Machop to Machamp in one turn if they have the necessary cards to do it. Rare Candy lets them [[evolve]] Machop to Machamp in one turn without Machoke. That can be an alternative if the player doesn't have a Machoke in hand at the moment when they want to evolve their Machop. It is also the reason there is only 3 Machokes rather than 4. Finally, Poké Drawer + lets the user draw a card if they play it alone. However, if they play two at the same time, they get to search for two cards of any kind from their deck. This card can net the player key cards they need in order for them to attack, get a Machamp out, and/or to search for a Seeker to pick up a damaged Machamp or to use Uxie's Poké-Power again. As for the deck archetype, it will be the Stromfront Machamp and Triumphant Machamp deck.
 
*When the player gets set up, and/or they go second, if possible, they go for the donk. If they can't, they try to hit hard with Machamp's ''Rage'' and ''Hurricane Punch'' attacks. With Machamp Prime, they try to get both Machamp Primes in play along with the energy necessary to attack with ''Champ Buster'' and then start recycling the damaged Machamps with ''Fighting Tag'' and Seeker. In the case when their opponent is using SP Pokémon, they use the Stormfront Machamp's ''Take Out'' attack to knock the SP Pokémon out in one hit. If the player is facing a lock deck such as SableLock or Palkia Lock, they try to stay out of the lock and get out Machamp out as soon as possible so they won't have too much trouble. If you are facing a stage 1 or stage 2 deck or a deck that is resistant to fighting, player will most likely try to knock out the opponent's key Pokémon and get easy prizes before they get fully or even partly set up.


===Key cards===
===Key cards===
*'''{{TCG ID|Stormfront|Machamp|20}}''' - Machamp is the ideal starter players usually want at the start of the game (the one with the ''Take Out'' attack). This Machamp can knock out any non-evolved Pokémon which is very convenient, especially against SP Pokémon because it can knock them out in one hit too (even if the SP Pokémon leveled up into its {{TCG|LV.X}} form). This makes an SP match-up against Machamp pretty difficult with Machamp's fast-paced set up ability and the ability to knock them out in one hit.  
[[File:UnownRLegendsAwakened77.jpg|thumb|200px|right|{{TCG ID|Legends Awakened|Unown R|77}}]]
*'''{{TCG ID|Triumphant|Machamp|95}}''' - This is the back up Machamp or the really hard hitting Machamp. If there are two of these Machamp out in play on the player's side of the field, they can use its Poké-Power, ''Fighting Tag'' to recycle Machamps over and over (presuming you have the Seekers and energy needed). It can also hit for up to 150 Damage with the ''Champ Buster'' attack.
* '''{{TCG ID|Stormfront|Machamp|20}}''' - Machamp's ability to knock out any Unevolved Pokémon for only {{e|Fighting}} with its ''Take Out'' attack makes it the deck's most important component. It can often take easy prizes early in the game before the opponent sets up, and it is the main attacker against {{TCG|Pokémon SP|SP decks}}. Before the release of [[Machamp (Triumphant 95)|Machamp Prime]], the {{TCG|Stormfront}} Machamp was the deck's only attacker. In addition to ''Take Out'', Machamp possesses the ''Hurricane Punch'' and ''Rage'' attacks. ''Hurricane Punch'' can do considerable damage, based on coin flips, for {{e}}{{e}}, while ''Rage''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s damage is based on how much damage Machamp has taken. ''Rage'' costs {{e|Fighting}}{{e|Fighting}}{{e}}{{e}}.
*'''Rare Candy''' - Lets the user evolve Machop into Machamp in a single turn which is vital to its set up.
* '''[[Machamp (Triumphant 95)|Machamp Prime]]''' - Machamp Prime provides an alternative attacker against non-SP decks. Its ''Crushing Punch'' and ''Champ Buster'' attacks are capable of significant damage, making it a threat against opposing Pokémon with mid-range HP. Unfortunately, Machamp Prime's attacks cost {{e|Fighting}}{{e}}{{e}} and {{e|Fighting}}{{e|Fighting}}{{e}}{{e}} respectively, making it difficult to charge. This problem is rectified by Machamp Prime's ''Fighting Tag'' {{TCG|Pokémon Power|Poké-Body}}. ''Fighting Tag'' states that if Machamp Prime is on a player's bench, he or she may switch Machamp Prime with the Active Pokémon and move all energies attached to that Pokémon to Machamp Prime. Through the combination of ''Fighting Tag'' and {{TCG|Seeker}}, it is possible to keep up a steady stream of fully charged, fully healed Machamp Primes.
*'''Poké Drawer +''' - This card lets the player search for any two cards from their deck if they play two down at the same time. Players can search for what they need at the time such as energy for attacking, Seekers to pick up Machamps or Uxies, Rare Candies or Broken Time-Space to evolve into Machamp, and Pokémon Collector, Bebe's Search, and Pokémon Communication for searching out Pokémon such as Uxie, Unown R, Machop, Machoke, and Machamp when the player needs them.
* '''{{TCG|Rare Candy}}''' - Lets the user evolve Machop into Machamp in a single turn which is vital to its set up.
*'''{{TCG ID|Legends Awakened|Uxie|43}}''' - This Pokémon is the main draw power in the deck. It can be searched out by using Bebe's Search, Pokémon Communication, Poké Drawer + (assuming the player has two of them in hand), Luxury Ball, and Pokémon Collector which are all in the deck archetype. Uxie's Poké-Power lets the user draw cards until they have 7 in their hand when they put it down from their hand. Uxie can net the player the resources they need or the cards they need. It can also be picked up by Seeker (assuming that it is on the bench) so the player can use its Poké-Power again.
* '''{{TCG|Poké Drawer +}}''' - This card lets the player search for any two cards from their deck if they play two down at the same time. Players can search for what they need at the time such as energy for attacking, Seekers to pick up Machamp or Uxie, Rare Candies or Broken Time-Space to evolve into Machamp, and Pokémon Collector, Bebe's Search, and Pokémon Communication for searching out Pokémon such as Uxie, Unown R, Machop, Machoke, and Machamp when the player needs them.
*'''{{TCG ID|Rising Rivals|Bebe's Search|89}}''', '''{{TCG ID|Stormfront|Luxury Ball|86}}''', '''{{TCG ID|HeartGold & SoulSilver|Pokémon Communication|98}}''' - These cards let you search for any Pokémon from you deck. Luxury Ball is only a one time use and for Bebe's Search and Pokémon Communication to be used, you need to put a card on top of the deck for Bebe's Search and a Pokémon for Pokémon Communication.
* '''{{TCG ID|Legends Awakened|Uxie|43}}''' - This Pokémon is the main draw power in the deck. It can be searched out by using Bebe's Search, Pokémon Communication, Poké Drawer + (assuming the player has two of them in hand), Luxury Ball, and Pokémon Collector which are all in the deck archetype. Uxie's Poké-Power lets the user draw cards until they have 7 in their hand when they put it down from their hand. Uxie can net the player the resources they need or the cards they need. It can also be picked up by Seeker (assuming that it is on the bench) so the player can use its Poké-Power again.
*'''{{TCG ID|HeartGold & SoulSilver|Pokémon Collector|97}}''' - This lets the player search for up to three [[basic Pokémon]] from your deck. They can use this to search for Uxies, Machops, or Unown Rs.
* '''{{TCG|Bebe's Search}}''', '''{{TCG ID|Stormfront|Luxury Ball|86}}''', '''{{TCG ID|HeartGold & SoulSilver|Pokémon Communication|98}}''' - These cards let the player search for any Pokémon from their deck. Luxury Ball is only a one time use. For Bebe's Search and Pokémon Communication to be used, the player needs to put a card on top of their deck for Bebe's Search and a Pokémon for Pokémon Communication.
*'''{{TCG ID|Platinum|Broken Time-Space|104}}''' - A bit like Rare Candy, Broken Time-Space lets the player (and their opponent) be able to evolve Pokémon the turn they put it down. However, unlike Rare Candy, the user needs all the evolutions of the Pokémon they are to evolve using this stadium.
* '''{{TCG|Pokémon Collector}}''' - This lets the player search for up to three [[Basic Pokémon]] from their deck. They can use this to search for some Uxie, Machop, or Unown R.
*'''{{TCG ID|Supreme Victors|Palmer's Contribution|139}}''' - Lets the player search for the Machamp line, or other Pokémon and basic energy from their discard pile and put it in their deck. This is usually used for recovery.
* '''{{TCG|Broken Time-Space}}''' - A bit like Rare Candy, Broken Time-Space lets the player (and their opponent) be able to evolve Pokémon the turn they put it down. However, unlike Rare Candy, the user needs all the evolutions of the Pokémon they are to evolve using this stadium.
*'''{{TCG ID|Triumphant|Seeker|88}}''' - Lets the player pick up a damaged Machamp or an Uxie in order to heal damage off of the Machamp or to use Uxie's Poké-Power again. This card is usually used with the Machamp Prime ''Fighting Tag'' switch out and heal tactic.  
* '''{{TCG|Palmer's Contribution}}''' - Lets the player search for the Machamp line, or other Pokémon and basic energy from their discard pile and put it in their deck. This is usually used for recovery.
 
* '''{{TCG|Seeker}}''' - Lets the player pick up a damaged Machamp or an Uxie in order to heal damage off of the Machamp or to use Uxie's Poké-Power again. This card is usually used with the Machamp Prime ''Fighting Tag'' switch out and heal tactic.


=The deck archetype=
==The deck archetype==
[[Image:UnownRLegendsAwakened77.jpg|thumb|right|Unown R (アンノーン R Unknown R)]]
{{DeckArchetype}}  
{{DeckArchetype}}  
{{decklist/header}}
{{decklist/header}}
{{decklist/entry|2|[[Machamp (Triumphant 95)|Machamp Prime]]|Fighting||Rare Holo}}
{{decklist/entry|2|{{TCG ID|Stormfront|Machamp|20}}|Fighting||Rare}}
{{decklist/entry|3|{{TCG ID|Stormfront|Machoke|41}}|Fighting||Uncommon}}
{{decklist/entry|4|{{TCG ID|Stormfront|Machop|64}}|Fighting||Common}}
{{decklist/entry|4|{{TCG ID|Stormfront|Machop|64}}|Fighting||Common}}
{{decklist/entry|3|{{TCG ID|Stormfront|Machoke|41}}|Fighting||Uncommon}}
{{decklist/entry|2|{{TCG ID|Stormfront|Machamp|20}}|Fighting||Rare}}
{{decklist/entry|2|{{TCG ID|Triumphant|Machamp|95}}|Fighting||Rare Holo}}
{{decklist/entry|4|{{TCG ID|Legends Awakened|Unown R|77}}|Psychic||Uncommon}}
{{decklist/entry|4|{{TCG ID|Legends Awakened|Unown R|77}}|Psychic||Uncommon}}
{{decklist/entry|2|{{TCG ID|Legends Awakened|Uxie|43}}|Psychic||Rare}}
{{decklist/entry|2|{{TCG ID|Legends Awakened|Uxie|43}}|Psychic||Rare}}
{{decklist/entry|1|{{TCG ID|Legends Awakened|Azelf|19}}|Psychic||Rare}}
{{decklist/entry|1|{{TCG ID|Legends Awakened|Azelf|19}}|Psychic||Rare}}
{{decklist/entry|1|{{TCG ID|Majestic Dawn|Chatot|55}}|Colorless||Common}}
{{decklist/entry|1|{{TCG ID|Majestic Dawn|Chatot|55}}|Colorless||Common}}
{{decklist/entry|3|{{TCG ID|Rising Rivals|Bebe's Search|89}}|Supporter||Uncommon}}
{{decklist/entry|3|{{TCG|Bebe's Search}}|Supporter||Uncommon}}
{{decklist/entry|2|{{TCG ID|Triumphant|Seeker|88}}|Supporter||Uncommon}}
{{decklist/entry|2|{{TCG|Seeker}}|Supporter||Uncommon}}
{{decklist/entry|3|{{TCG ID|HeartGold & SoulSilver|Pokémon Collector|97}}|Supporter||Uncommon}}
{{decklist/entry|3|{{TCG|Pokémon Collector}}|Supporter||Uncommon}}
{{decklist/entry|1|{{TCG ID|Supreme Victors|Palmer's Contribution|139}}|Supporter||Uncommon}}
{{decklist/entry|1|{{TCG|Palmer's Contribution}}|Supporter||Uncommon}}
{{decklist/entry|1|{{TCG ID|Stormfront|Luxury Ball|86}}|Trainer||Uncommon}}
{{decklist/entry|1|{{TCG|Luxury Ball}}|Trainer||Uncommon}}
{{decklist/entry|2|{{TCG ID|HeartGold & SoulSilver|Pokémon Communication|98}}|Trainer||Uncommon}}
{{decklist/entry|2|{{TCG|Pokémon Communication}}|Trainer||Uncommon}}
{{decklist/entry|1|{{TCG ID|Supreme Victors|VS Seeker|140}}|Trainer||Uncommon}}
{{decklist/entry|1|{{TCG|VS Seeker}}|Trainer||Uncommon}}
{{decklist/entry|4|{{TCG ID|Stormfront|Poké Drawer +|89}}|Trainer||Uncommon}}
{{decklist/entry|4|{{TCG|Poké Drawer +}}|Trainer||Uncommon}}
{{decklist/entry|3|{{TCG ID|Great Encounters|Rare Candy|102}}|Trainer||Uncommon}}
{{decklist/entry|3|{{TCG|Rare Candy}}|Trainer||Uncommon}}
{{decklist/entry|2|{{TCG ID|Majestic Dawn|Warp Point|88}}|Trainer||Uncommon}}
{{decklist/entry|2|{{TCG|Warp Point}}|Trainer||Uncommon}}
{{decklist/entry|4|{{TCG ID|Platinum|Broken Time-Space|104}}|Stadium||Uncommon}}
{{decklist/entry|4|{{TCG|Broken Time-Space}}|Stadium||Uncommon}}
{{decklist/entry|3|{{TCG ID|Majestic Dawn|Call Energy|92}}|Energy|Colorless|Uncommon}}
{{decklist/entry|3|{{TCG|Call Energy}}|Energy|Colorless|Uncommon}}
{{decklist/entry|4|{{TCG ID|HeartGold & SoulSilver|Double Colorless Energy|103}}|Energy|Colorless|Uncommon}}
{{decklist/entry|4|{{TCG|Double Colorless Energy}}|Energy|Colorless|Uncommon}}
{{decklist/entry|8|{{TCG ID|Diamond & Pearl|Fighting Energy|128}}|Energy|Fighting|None}}
{{decklist/entry|8|{{TCG|Fighting Energy}}|Energy|Fighting|None}}
{{decklist/footer}}
{{decklist/footer}}


=Possible techs=
==Possible techs==
[[Image:025691 P DOBURU.jpg|thumb|left|Smeargle]]
[[File:SmeargleUndaunted8.jpg|thumb|200px|left|{{TCG ID|Undaunted|Smeargle|8}}]]
*'''{{TCG ID|HeartGold & SoulSilver|Donphan|107}}''' - Donphan is a card that does 60 damage for one energy and 90 damage for three energy. Paired with Machamp, it has a potential to donk the opponent as well as do lots of damage to the opponent.  
*'''{{TCG ID|HeartGold & SoulSilver|Donphan|107}}''' - Donphan is a card that does 60 damage for {{e|Fighting}} and 90 damage for {{e|Fighting}}{{e|Fighting}}{{e|Fighting}}. Paired with Machamp, it has a potential to donk the opponent as well as do lots of damage to the opponent.  
*'''{{TCG ID|Arceus|Spiritomb|32}}''' - This can help to evolve Machop into Machamp in two turns. Spiritomb's attack, ''Darkness Grace'', lets the player search their deck for a card that evolves from one of their Pokémon and then put it onto the Pokémon. Then they will put 1 damage counter on Spiritomb. While the attack can be helpful, the {{TCG|Poké-Body}} ''Keystone Seal'' locks each player's trainers which can slow the opponent down. However, the player has the potential to slow themselves down too because of the high trainer card amounts in the deck.
*'''{{TCG ID|Arceus|Spiritomb|32}}''' - This can help with evolving Machop into Machamp in two turns. Spiritomb's attack, ''Darkness Grace'', lets the player search their deck for a card that evolves from one of their Pokémon and put it onto the Pokémon. Then, 1 damage counter will be put on Spiritomb. While the attack can be helpful, the {{TCG|Poké-Body}} ''Keystone Seal'' locks each player's Trainer cards, which can slow the opponent down. However, the player has the potential to slow themselves down too because of the high amount of Trainer cards in the deck.
*'''{{TCG ID|Undaunted|Smeargle|8}}''' - Players usually want one Smeargle to begin with if they want to tech this in. Smeargle's Poké-Power, ''Portrait'', lets the player look at their opponent's hand and then use a supporter's effect of a supporter you find there as the effect of the Poké-Power. This lets them use a helpful supporter card such as Pokémon Collector or Bebe's Search (presuming it is in your opponent's hand).
*'''{{TCG ID|Undaunted|Smeargle|8}}''' - Players usually want one Smeargle to begin with if they want to tech this in. Smeargle's Poké-Power, ''Portrait'', lets the player look at the opponent's hand. Then, as the effect of the Poké-Power, the player will use the effect of one of the opponent's Supporter cards. This lets them use a helpful Supporter card such as {{TCG ID|HeartGold & SoulSilver|Pokémon Collector|97}} or {{TCG ID|Mysterious Treasures|Bebe's Search|109}} (presuming it is in their opponent's hand).
*'''{{TCG ID|Majestic Dawn|Unown Q|49}}''' - Its Poké- Power lets the player attatch it to one of their Pokémon and then the Pokémon's [[retreat cost]] is one colorless less. This will let Uxie have free retreat if the player would have to send it active or it is pulled up active.It will also give Smeargle free retreat too; if it is in the deck.
*'''{{TCG ID|Majestic Dawn|Unown Q|49}}''' - Its Poké-Power lets the player attach it to one of their Pokémon, causing the Pokémon's [[retreat cost]] to be {{e|Colorless}} less. This will let Uxie have free retreat if the player would have to send it active or it is pulled up active. It will also give Smeargle free retreat too, if it is in the deck.
*'''{{TCG|Unleashed|Judge|78}}''' - Used for disruption. It is used to shuffle away a big hand, shuffle away important cards away from the opponent, and to end a {{TCG|Platinum|Cyrus's Conspiracy|105}} chain.
*'''{{TCG ID|Unleashed|Judge|78}}''' - This is used for disruption. It is used to shuffle away a hand with many cards, to shuffle important cards away from the opponent, and to end a {{TCG ID|Platinum|Cyrus's Conspiracy|105}} chain.
*'''{{TCG|Unleashed|Super Scoop Up|83}}''' - An alternative for Seeker. However, Super Scoop Up can pick up any Pokémon the player has in play, not just benched Pokémon. Also, the user needs to flip heads in order for it to work.
*'''{{TCG ID|Neo Genesis|Super Scoop Up|98}}''' - Super Scoop Up is an alternative for Seeker. However, while Super Scoop Up can pick up any Pokémon the player has in play instead of just benched Pokémon, the user needs to flip heads in order for it to work.
*'''{{TCG|Stormfront|Machamp LV.X|98}}''' - This LV.X can help Machamp hit harder because of its Poké-Body ''No Guard''. If Machamp LV.X is the active Pokémon, its attacks and the opponent's attacks do 60 more damage.
*'''{{TCG ID|Stormfront|Machamp LV.X|98}}''' - This LV.X can help Machamp hit harder because of its Poké-Body ''No Guard''. If Machamp LV.X is the Active Pokémon, its attacks and the opponent's attacks do 60 more damage.
*'''{{TCG|Stormfront|Premier Ball|91}}''' - Could be considered to search for Machamp LV.X.
*'''{{TCG ID|Great Encounters|Premier Ball|101}}''' - Premier Ball assists in searching for Machamp LV.X.
*'''{{TCG|Rising Rivals|Volkner's Philosophy|98}}''' - If a player wants to tech this in, they would need at least two. This can be used to discard Magikarps and to draw cards. It is the closest replacement to {{TCG|Great Encounters|Felicity's Drawing|98}}.
*'''{{TCG ID|Arceus|Expert Belt|87}}''' - Expert Belt makes Machamp have 20 more HP and do 20 more damage to the opponent. Therefore, it is used for making Machamp survive a bit longer and hit even harder.
*'''{{TCG|Arceus|Expert Belt|87}}''' - Makes Machamp have 20 more HP and do 20 more damage to the opponent. Used for making Machamp survive a bit longer and to hit even harder.
 
=Counters=
{{Project TCG notice}}
*'''[[VileGar]]''' - Players might try to get a Spiritomb trainer lock going so that Machamp will have limited options. They will also try to use {{TCG ID|Unleashed|Judge|78}} to shuffle their opponent's hand away so their options will be further limited. Machamp also has a X2 weakness to [[Psychic]] Pokémon so [[Gengar]] has an advantage over it.
[[Category:Deck archetypes]]
*'''[[TCG|Gyarados]]''' - Gyarados players will try to set up Gyarados fast so that it will have instant [[resistance]] to Machamp and will hit hard with 90 damage per turn if they have 3 [[Magikarp]] in their discard pile, 110 damage with {{TCG ID|Arceus|Expert Belt|87}} equipped on it. Gyarados also has a massive 110 HP which could be taken down by Machamp except Gyarados has a -20 resistance to fighting type Pokémon.
[[Image:GyaradosStormfront19.jpg|thumb|right|Gyarados]]

Revision as of 10:23, 22 September 2015

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Machamp
MachampStormfront20.jpg
MachampTriumphant95.jpg
Machamp and Machamp Prime
Types used Fighting
Major cards Machamp and Machamp Prime
Era 2008-2011

The Machamp archetype was a popular deck in the Pokémon Trading Card Game. After the release of the Platinum expansion, Stormfront Machamp gained recognition as a viable counter to the SP decks that began to dominate Pokémon Organized Play tournaments. Although Machamp faces weak matchups against decks such as Gyarados, VileGar, and Charizard, the deck's ability to donk and easily beat most SP decks has made it a consistent staple of the metagame. With the release of Machamp Prime in Triumphant, Machamp decks gained a strong, bulky attacker against non-SP decks.

Strategy

Poké Drawer +

Machamp's strategy is simple, although it varies based on the opposing deck. If facing a deck based around Pokémon SP, it is critical to get Machamp out as soon as possible using Broken Time-Space, Rare Candy, and the deck's various drawing and searching effects, such as Pokémon Collector. From that point forward, he or she simply attempts to use Machamp's Take Out attack constantly in order to knock out the opponent's Basic Pokémon. Because SP decks use few evolved Pokémon, they generally provide easy matchups for Machamp as long as the Machamp player can expend resources sparingly and retrieve knocked out Machamp easily.

If the opponent is not playing an SP deck, Machamp Prime is the main attacker. However, if the opponent has only one Basic Pokémon on the field early in the game, Machamp is capable of donking the opponent, or knocking out his or her only Pokémon turn one or two. If not, the Machamp player uses essentially the same basic strategy to get a Machamp Prime on the field quickly and begin attacking with Crushing Punch and/or Champ Buster. Because Machamp can often take easy prizes early in the game with Take Out while the opponent is only partially set up, winning with Machamp Prime is a very attainable goal despite its inability to KO most Stage 2 Pokémon in one shot. Since both Machamp and Machamp Prime have considerable HP, they can withstand attacks from many Pokémon, and the deck has the ability to take knockouts while the opponent cannot respond with a KO on Machamp.

Key cards

  • Machamp - Machamp's ability to knock out any Unevolved Pokémon for only Fighting with its Take Out attack makes it the deck's most important component. It can often take easy prizes early in the game before the opponent sets up, and it is the main attacker against SP decks. Before the release of Machamp Prime, the Stormfront Machamp was the deck's only attacker. In addition to Take Out, Machamp possesses the Hurricane Punch and Rage attacks. Hurricane Punch can do considerable damage, based on coin flips, for   , while Rage's damage is based on how much damage Machamp has taken. Rage costs FightingFighting  .
  • Machamp Prime - Machamp Prime provides an alternative attacker against non-SP decks. Its Crushing Punch and Champ Buster attacks are capable of significant damage, making it a threat against opposing Pokémon with mid-range HP. Unfortunately, Machamp Prime's attacks cost Fighting   and FightingFighting   respectively, making it difficult to charge. This problem is rectified by Machamp Prime's Fighting Tag Poké-Body. Fighting Tag states that if Machamp Prime is on a player's bench, he or she may switch Machamp Prime with the Active Pokémon and move all energies attached to that Pokémon to Machamp Prime. Through the combination of Fighting Tag and Seeker, it is possible to keep up a steady stream of fully charged, fully healed Machamp Primes.
  • Rare Candy - Lets the user evolve Machop into Machamp in a single turn which is vital to its set up.
  • Poké Drawer + - This card lets the player search for any two cards from their deck if they play two down at the same time. Players can search for what they need at the time such as energy for attacking, Seekers to pick up Machamp or Uxie, Rare Candies or Broken Time-Space to evolve into Machamp, and Pokémon Collector, Bebe's Search, and Pokémon Communication for searching out Pokémon such as Uxie, Unown R, Machop, Machoke, and Machamp when the player needs them.
  • Uxie - This Pokémon is the main draw power in the deck. It can be searched out by using Bebe's Search, Pokémon Communication, Poké Drawer + (assuming the player has two of them in hand), Luxury Ball, and Pokémon Collector which are all in the deck archetype. Uxie's Poké-Power lets the user draw cards until they have 7 in their hand when they put it down from their hand. Uxie can net the player the resources they need or the cards they need. It can also be picked up by Seeker (assuming that it is on the bench) so the player can use its Poké-Power again.
  • Bebe's Search, Luxury Ball, Pokémon Communication - These cards let the player search for any Pokémon from their deck. Luxury Ball is only a one time use. For Bebe's Search and Pokémon Communication to be used, the player needs to put a card on top of their deck for Bebe's Search and a Pokémon for Pokémon Communication.
  • Pokémon Collector - This lets the player search for up to three Basic Pokémon from their deck. They can use this to search for some Uxie, Machop, or Unown R.
  • Broken Time-Space - A bit like Rare Candy, Broken Time-Space lets the player (and their opponent) be able to evolve Pokémon the turn they put it down. However, unlike Rare Candy, the user needs all the evolutions of the Pokémon they are to evolve using this stadium.
  • Palmer's Contribution - Lets the player search for the Machamp line, or other Pokémon and basic energy from their discard pile and put it in their deck. This is usually used for recovery.
  • Seeker - Lets the player pick up a damaged Machamp or an Uxie in order to heal damage off of the Machamp or to use Uxie's Poké-Power again. This card is usually used with the Machamp Prime Fighting Tag switch out and heal tactic.

The deck archetype

The deck list appearing below is not official; it is meant to represent an average build of the archetype, not specifically constructed for any regional metagame. Being that this is merely an archetype, a player may wish to change any part of this deck when building his or her own version.

Quantity Card Type Rarity
Machamp Prime Fighting Rare Holo
Machamp Fighting Rare
Machoke Fighting Uncommon
Machop Fighting Common
Unown R Psychic Uncommon
Uxie Psychic Rare
Azelf Psychic Rare
Chatot Colorless Common
Bebe's Search Su Uncommon
Seeker Su Uncommon
Pokémon Collector Su Uncommon
Palmer's Contribution Su Uncommon
Luxury Ball T Uncommon
Pokémon Communication T Uncommon
VS Seeker T Uncommon
Poké Drawer + T Uncommon
Rare Candy T Uncommon
Warp Point T Uncommon
Broken Time-Space St Uncommon
Call Energy Colorless E Uncommon
Double Colorless Energy Colorless E Uncommon
Fighting Energy Fighting E


Possible techs

  • Donphan - Donphan is a card that does 60 damage for Fighting and 90 damage for FightingFightingFighting. Paired with Machamp, it has a potential to donk the opponent as well as do lots of damage to the opponent.
  • Spiritomb - This can help with evolving Machop into Machamp in two turns. Spiritomb's attack, Darkness Grace, lets the player search their deck for a card that evolves from one of their Pokémon and put it onto the Pokémon. Then, 1 damage counter will be put on Spiritomb. While the attack can be helpful, the Poké-Body Keystone Seal locks each player's Trainer cards, which can slow the opponent down. However, the player has the potential to slow themselves down too because of the high amount of Trainer cards in the deck.
  • Smeargle - Players usually want one Smeargle to begin with if they want to tech this in. Smeargle's Poké-Power, Portrait, lets the player look at the opponent's hand. Then, as the effect of the Poké-Power, the player will use the effect of one of the opponent's Supporter cards. This lets them use a helpful Supporter card such as Pokémon Collector or Bebe's Search (presuming it is in their opponent's hand).
  • Unown Q - Its Poké-Power lets the player attach it to one of their Pokémon, causing the Pokémon's retreat cost to be Colorless less. This will let Uxie have free retreat if the player would have to send it active or it is pulled up active. It will also give Smeargle free retreat too, if it is in the deck.
  • Judge - This is used for disruption. It is used to shuffle away a hand with many cards, to shuffle important cards away from the opponent, and to end a Cyrus's Conspiracy chain.
  • Super Scoop Up - Super Scoop Up is an alternative for Seeker. However, while Super Scoop Up can pick up any Pokémon the player has in play instead of just benched Pokémon, the user needs to flip heads in order for it to work.
  • Machamp LV.X - This LV.X can help Machamp hit harder because of its Poké-Body No Guard. If Machamp LV.X is the Active Pokémon, its attacks and the opponent's attacks do 60 more damage.
  • Premier Ball - Premier Ball assists in searching for Machamp LV.X.
  • Expert Belt - Expert Belt makes Machamp have 20 more HP and do 20 more damage to the opponent. Therefore, it is used for making Machamp survive a bit longer and hit even harder.


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