Monotype Chien-Pao (Dark) [QC 2/2] [GP 1/1]

[sapphiree]

[SET]
Chien-Pao @ Choice Band
Name: Choice Band (Dark)
Ability: Sword of Ruin
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Icicle Crash
- Crunch
- Ice Shard
- Sacred Sword

[SET COMMENTS]
Chien-Pao is a weapon of destruction for Dark teams, boasting a lofty Speed tier that allows it to outspeed most Pokemon in the metagame like Spectrier, Sneasler, and Tornadus-T. Icicle Crash helps significantly in the Flying matchup, 2HKOing Articuno and defensive Corviknight after Stealth Rock, thus preventing any Flying Pokemon from switching in safely, and in the Dragon matchup, OHKOing Walking Wake after Stealth Rock and 2HKOing Hisuian Goodra. Icicle Crash also OHKOes foes like Ursaluna-B, 2HKOes foes like defensive Great Tusk, and secures a 2HKO on defensive Quagsire. Crunch helps in securing an OHKO on Colbur Berry Spectrier and 2HKOing bulkier foes like Hatterene and mixed Toxapex after one layer of Spikes. Ice Shard's priority allows Chien-Pao to OHKO faster targets such as Dragapult and Choice Scarf Enamorus, Landorus, Meowscarada, and Flutter Mane after Stealth Rock. Sacred Sword allows Chien-Pao to secure an OHKO on foes like Kingambit, Choice Specs Greninja, Mamoswine, and Baxcalibur. It also allows Chien-Pao to hit opposing Chien-Pao, albeit with the threat of a Speed tie.

Chien-Pao appreciates Mandibuzz's Defog support to prevent it from being worn down by entry hazards. It can also bring Chien-Pao in safely using a slow U-turn. Mandibuzz is a great switch-in for Fighting-type attacks from enemies like Choice Scarf Sneasler and Choice Scarf Great Tusk as well, which Chien-Pao is extremely vulnerable to, as well as being capable of checking setup sweepers like Azumarill and Scizor with Foul Play. In return, Chien-Pao deals with opponents like Sandy Shocks and Baxcalibur, which can cause problems for Mandibuzz. Kingambit has impressive offensive synergy with Chien-Pao due to its neutrality to Fairy-type attacks, being able to eliminate foes like Hatterene with Iron Head and Choice Scarf Flutter Mane with Sucker Punch after Stealth Rock. In return, Chien-Pao hits threats to Kingambit like Dragon Dance Dragonite, Iron Treads, Landorus-T, and defensive Gliscor, whose Earthquake can prove disadvantageous for Kingambit. Sableye is a great teammate for Chien-Pao, as its Fighting-type immunity helps it switch directly into attacks from threats like Iron Hands and Zamazenta. Paired with Prankster, Sableye can easily burn threats to Chien-Pao like Azumarill and the aforementioned Fighting-types and paralyze foes like Dragapult, Volcarona, Iron Valiant and Flutter Mane, allowing Chien-Pao to break them with ease. Sableye also offers Knock Off support against foes like Articuno and Toxapex, which will suffer damage from hazards after the removal of Heavy-Duty Boots. Greninja is also a great teammate for Chien-Pao due to its excellent coverage, being able to OHKO Fire-type threats like Volcarona and Ogerpon-H after Stealth Rock with Hydro Pump and outspeed Choice Scarf users like Enamorus and Galarian Zapdos and eliminate them with Ice Beam when running Choice Scarf itself. Choice Scarf Greninja also takes care of opposing Chien-Pao and Kingambit with Low Kick, while Extrasensory 2HKOes threats like physically defensive Toxapex and Zamazenta and secures an OHKO on Okidogi. In return, Chien-Pao deals with Ogerpon-W, Alolan Muk, and Articuno, which can take advantage of Greninja. Choice Scarf Meowscarada boasts great synergy with Choice Band Chien-Pao, allowing fast pivoting with U-turn and sweeping in the Dark mirror with the help of Play Rough. It also threatens Quagsire, Choice Scarf Great Tusk, Urshifu-R, and Quaquaval with Flower Trick. In return, Chien-Pao breaks foes like Clodsire, Kingambit, Alolan Muk, and opposing Chien-Pao that can hamper Meowscarada's ability to sweep. Teammates like Ting-Lu and Hisuian Samurott can set Spikes for Chien-Pao, boosting its wallbreaking ability and breaking potential Focus Sashes from opponents like Ceruledge. Alolan Muk absorbs Fairy-type attacks from foes like Flutter Mane, Enamorus, and Hatterene for Chien-Pao and threatens them with Poison Jab. Overqwil, on the other hand, switches in against opposing Chien-Pao and Meowscarada with the help of Intimidate and threatens them back with Barb Barrage. Teammates like Galarian Moltres and Hydreigon are other alternatives that can help break foes like defensive Great Tusk and Heatran, which Chien-Pao appreciates. Hydreigon can switch into Fire-type moves aimed at Chien-Pao from foes like Moltres and Ceruledge and set Stealth Rock to facilitate its wallbreaking.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=========

Dark
------
Chien-Pao can also run Psychic Fangs as an alternative coverage move to hit Toxapex, Iron Hands, Urshifu-R, and Okidogi while also breaking opposing screens or Aurora Veil.

[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/sapphiree.567354/
Dark analysis by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/sapphiree.567354/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/giyu.574288/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/therealbigc.532450/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/lumari.232216/

 

[Giyu]

Reserved

 

[Giyu]

add remove (comment)

Chien-Pao (Dark)

[SET]
Chien-Pao @ Choice Band
Name: Choice Band (Dark)
Ability: Sword of Ruin
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Icicle Crash
- Crunch
- Ice Shard
- Sacred Sword

[SET COMMENTS]
Chien-Pao is a weapon of destruction for Dark teams, boasting a lofty Speed tier which allows it to outspeed most Pokemon in the metagame like Meowscarada, Sneasler, and Tornadus-T. Choice Band paired with Sword of Ruin can absolutely destroy opposing teams with STAB moves like Icicle Crash and Crunch (Mention some threats that Choice Band beats which Swords Dance sets don't). Icicle Crash is the STAB Ice-type move of choice, which helps significantly in the Flying matchup, 2HKOing defensive Corviknight after Stealth Rock thus preventing any Pokemon to switch into it, Gliscor, and Articuno. It also helps in the Dragon matchup, 2HKOing Walking Wake and Hisuian Goodra Hydreigon which take neutral damage from it (Goodra-H would be an example for Sacred Sword). It also secures the OHKO on foes like Ursaluna-B and Thick Fat Mamoswine after Stealth Rock. In the Ground matchup, it secures a 2HKO on defensive Quagsire. This way, it is inconvenient for Flying, Dragon and Ground teams to counter Chien-Pao. Crunch is the second STAB move of choice, securing an OHKO on Colbur Berry Spectrier and Flutter Mane (Speed ties are unfavorable and Flutter Mane often uses a Choice Scarf), and securing a 2HKO on bulkier foes like Hatterene and mixed Toxapex after one layer of Spikes. Ice Shard is the priority move of choice, as it hits faster targets such as Dragapult, Regieleki Choice Scarf Enamorus, Choice Scarf Landorus and Choice Scarf Flutter Mane. Sacred Sword is the coverage move of choice as it allows Chien-Pao to secure an OHKO on foes like Kingambit, Choice Specs Greninja, and Baxcalibur after Stealth Rock. It also allows Chien-Pao to hit opposing Chien-Pao, albeit with the threat of a speed-tie.

Chien-Pao appreciates teammates like Mandibuzz that can use Defog to remove hazards for Chien-Pao as it is not running Heavy-Duty Boots. It can also slow pivot into Chien-Pao using U-turn. Mandibuzz is a great switchin for Fighting-type attacks from opponents like Choice Scarf Sneasler and Choice Scarf Great Tusk as well, which Chien-Pao is extremely vulnerable to (Mandibuzz is capable of shutting down setup sweepers like Azumarill and Scizor). In return, Chien-Pao deals with opponents like Sandy Shocks and Baxcalibur which can cause problems for Mandibuzz. Kingambit has impressive offensive synergy with Chien-Pao due to it's neutrality to Fairy-type attacks and decent natural bulk. It can disarm opponents like Hatterene and Galarian Weezing with Iron Head, and prevent opponents like Greninja and Meowscarada from switching in with Low Kick. It can also beat opponents like Dragon Dance Dragapult with Kowtow Cleave (Kingambit is also great versus defensive Gholdengo lacking Focus Blast and Choice Scarf Jirachi). In return, Chien-Pao hits threats to Kingambit like Dragon Dance Dragonite, whose Earthquake can prove disadvantageous for Kingambit. Chien-Pao also beats threats like Iron Treads, Landorus-T, and defensive Gliscor which are difficult for Kingambit to break due to the threat of Earthquake. Sableye is a great teammate for Chien-Pao and Kingambit (Chien-Pao analysis) as it's Fighting-type immunity helps it switch directly into attacks from threats like Iron Hands and Zamazenta. Paired with Prankster, Sableye can easily burn foes like Azumarill, Zamazenta, and Iron Hands which are threats to Chien-Pao, and paralyze foes like Dragapult, Volcarona, Iron Valiant and Flutter Mane, allowing Chien-Pao to break them with ease (Sableye provides wallbreaking opportunities by locking in setup sweepers like Baxcalibur and Kommo-o via Encore + offers Knock Off support). Greninja is also a great teammate for Chien-Pao due to it's excellent coverage and strong Special attacks. Greninja can deal with Fire-type threats like Volcarona and Ogerpon-H (Doesn't OHKO) with Hydro Pump, and aid Chien-Pao in preventing Flying-type Pokemon like Corviknight and Enamorus to switchin with Ice Beam (Corviknight takes more damage from Hydro Pump). Extrasensory on Greninja also 2HKOs opponents like physically defensive Toxapex and Zamazenta, and secure an OHKO on Okidogi. In return, Chien-Pao deals with Ogerpon-W, Alolan Muk and Articuno, who can take advantage of Greninja. Choice Scarf Meowscarada boasts great synergy with Choice Band Chien-Pao, allowing fast pivoting with U-turn, and sweeping in the Dark mirror with the help of Play Rough. It also threatens to OHKO Quagsire with Flower Trick (Meowscarada also threatens Fighting-types Choice Scarf Great Tusk, Urshifu-R, and Quaquaval). In return, Chien-Pao breaks foes like Clodsire, Kingambit, Alolan Muk, and opposing Chien-Pao that can hamper Meowscarada's ability to sweep. Teammates like Ting-Lu and Hisuian Samurott can set-up Spikes for Chien-Pao, boosting Chien-Pao's wallbreaking ability and breaking potential Focus Sash from opponents like Ceruledge. Teammates like Grimmsnarl can set up screens for Chien-Pao, boosting it's longetivity and making it an even more dangerous threat (Grimmsnarl benefits Swords Dance Chien-Pao more than Choice Band with dual screens, I'd remove the mention). Teammates like Galarian Moltres and Hydreigon are other alternatives that can help break foes like defensive Great Tusk and Heatran which Chien-Pao appreciates. (Mention Alolan Muk)

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=========
Dark
------
Chien-Pao can also run Psychic Fangs as an alternative coverage move to hit Toxapex and Okidogi, while also breaking opposing screens or Aurora Veil in Snow.

[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/sapphiree.567354/
Dark analysis by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/sapphiree.567354/
Quality checked by:

Grammar checked by:

QC: 1/2, well done!

 

[TheRealBigC]

add (comment) remove

Band Cat

SET]
Chien-Pao @ Choice Band
Name: Choice Band (Dark)
Ability: Sword of Ruin
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Icicle Crash
- Crunch
- Ice Shard
- Sacred Sword

[SET COMMENTS]
Chien-Pao is a weapon of destruction for Dark teams, boasting a lofty Speed tier which allows it to outspeed most Pokemon in the metagame like Meowscarada, (odd mention because it's normally Scarf. Could try something like Spectrier?) Sneasler, and Tornadus-T. Choice Band paired with Sword of Ruin can absolutely destroy opposing teams with moves like Icicle Crash and Crunch (could mention some calcs here, e.g, 2HKOing Quag and standard Hisuian Goodra variants, OHKOing Ogerpon-H etc.). Icicle Crash helps significantly in the Flying matchup, OHKOing Gliscor (does this even without Band?), and 2HKOing Articuno and defensive Corviknight after Stealth Rock, thus preventing any Flying Pokemon to switch into it. from switching into Chien-Pao safely. (presume this is what you meant?) It also helps in the Dragon matchup, OHKOing Hydreigon and (not really a reason to use CB because you do this anyway) Walking Wake after Stealth Rock and 2HKOing Hisuiuan Hisuian Goodra which takes neutral damage from it. It Choice Band also secures the OHKOes on foes like Ursaluna-B and Thick Fat (it's always Thick Fat) Mamoswine after Stealth Rock (I don't really understand what you're talking about here with regards to Mamoswine?). In the Ground matchup, it secures a 2HKO on defensive Quagsire (structure of this paragraph is a bit all over the place, it's not really clear whether you're talking about Choice Band or specific moves here. Overall phrasing could be more succinct. I would suggest leading with specific reasons to use Choice Band and then listing notable targets of moves where applicable). This way, it is inconvenient for Flying, Dragon and Ground teams to counter Chien-Pao (yes but needs to be towards intro). Crunch helps in securing an OHKO on Colbur Berry Spectrier, and securing a 2HKO on bulkier foes like Hatterene and mixed Toxapex after one layer of Spikes. Ice Shard's priority allows it Chien-Pao to hit OHKO faster targets such as Dragapult, Choice Scarf Enamorus, Choice Scarf Landorus and Choice Scarf Flutter Mane (Scarf Meowscarada too). Sacred Sword allows Chien-Pao to secure an OHKO on foes like Kingambit, Choice Specs Greninja, and Baxcalibur after Stealth Rock (252 Atk Choice Band Sword of Ruin Chien-Pao Sacred Sword vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Baxcalibur: 396-468 (106.7 - 126.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO). It also allows Chien-Pao to hit opposing Chien-Pao, albeit with the threat of a speed-tie Speed tie.

(In general try and cut down the length of this paragraph a bit where you can, it's a little unnecessarily lengthy)
Chien-Pao appreciates teammates like (Mandi is Dark's only Defogger) Mandibuzz support that can as it use Defog to remove hazards for Chien-Pao as it is not running Heavy-Duty Boots (preventing it from being worn down by entry hazards). It can also slow pivot into Chien-Pao using U-turn. Mandibuzz is a great switchin switch-in for Fighting-type attacks from opponents like Choice Scarf Sneasler and Choice Scarf Great Tusk as well, which Chien-Pao is extremely vulnerable to. Mandibuzz is also capable of checking setup sweepers like Azumarill and Scizor with Foul Play. In return, Chien-Pao deals with opponents like Sandy Shocks and Baxcalibur which can cause problems for Mandibuzz. Kingambit has impressive offensive synergy with Chien-Pao due to it's its neutrality to Fairy-type attacks and decent natural bulk. It can disarm (disarm is weird phrasing; maybe just "eliminate") opponents like Hatterene and Galarian Weezing (2HKO and don't want to get burned) with Iron Head, and prevent opponents like Greninja and Meowscarada from switching in with Low Kick (you don't run Low Kick and Iron Head on the same set; probably just remove this bit). It can also beat opponents like Dragon Dance Dragapult (Pao just Shards this), defensive Gholdengo without Focus Blast, and Choice Scarf Jirachi with Kowtow Cleave and Sucker Punch (can also OHKO FM with Sucker after rocks). In return, Chien-Pao hits threats to Kingambit like Dragon Dance Dragonite, whose Earthquake can prove disadvantageous for Kingambit. Chien-Pao also beats threats like Iron Treads, Landorus-T, and defensive Gliscor which are difficult for Kingambit to break due to the threat of Earthquake. Sableye is a great teammate for Chien-Pao as it's its Fighting-type immunity helps it switch directly into attacks from threats like Iron Hands and Zamazenta. Paired with Prankster, Sableye can easily burn foes like Azumarill, Zamazenta, and Iron Hands which are threats to Chien-Pao, and paralyze foes like Dragapult, Volcarona, Iron Valiant and Flutter Mane, allowing Chien-Pao to break them with ease. Sableye provides wallbreaking opportunities for Chien-Pao by locking in setup sweepers like Baxcalibur and Kommo-o via Encore and also offers Knock Off support against foes like Articuno and Mamoswine who can suffer damage from Stealth Rock after the removal of Heavy-Duty Boots. (more of an SD thing) Greninja is also a great teammate for Chien-Pao due to it's its excellent coverage and strong Special attacks. Greninja can OHKO Fire-type threats like Volcarona and Ogerpon-H after Stealth Rock with Hydro Pump, and aid Chien-Pao in preventing Flying-type Pokemon like Galarian Zapdos and Enamorus to switchin with Ice Beam (reword to say specifically it can outrun Choice Scarf Enamorus and Galarian Zapdos if running its own Scarf. Scarf Gren also takes care of opposing Chien-Pao with Low Kick). Extrasensory on Greninja also 2HKOes opponents like physically defensive Toxapex and Zamazenta, and secures an OHKO on Okidogi. In return, Chien-Pao deals with Ogerpon-W, Alolan Muk and Articuno, who can take advantage of Greninja. Choice Scarf Meowscarada boasts great synergy with Choice Band Chien-Pao, allowing fast pivoting with U-turn, and sweeping in the Dark mirror with the help of Play Rough. It also threatens Quagsire, Choice Scarf Great Tusk, Urshifu-R, and Quaquaval with Flower Trick. In return, Chien-Pao breaks foes like Clodsire, Kingambit, Alolan Muk, and opposing Chien-Pao that can hamper Meowscarada's ability to sweep. Teammates like Ting-Lu and Hisuian Samurott can set-up set Spikes for Chien-Pao, boosting Chien-Pao's wallbreaking ability and breaking potential Focus Sashes from opponents like Ceruledge. Alolan Muk absorbs Fairy-type attacks from foes like Flutter Mane, Enamorus, and Hatterene for Chien-Pao and threatens them with Poison Jab. Overqwil, on the other hand, switches in against opposing Chien-Pao and Meowscarada with the help of Intimidate. Teammates like Galarian Moltres and Hydreigon are other alternatives that can help break foes like defensive Great Tusk and Heatran which Chien-Pao appreciates. (Hydreigon specifically can switch into Fire moves aimed at Chien-Pao and set Stealth Rock to facilitate its wallbreaking. Also nice as a phys def Pex answer)

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=========

Dark
------
Chien-Pao can also run Psychic Fangs as an alternative coverage move to hit Toxapex and Okidogi (Iron Hands too), while also breaking opposing screens or Aurora Veil in Snow.

[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/sapphiree.567354/
Dark analysis by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/sapphiree.567354/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/giyu.574288/
Grammar checked by:

Will recheck after implementation

 

[TheRealBigC]

add (comment) remove

*1-2HKOes ur metagame*

[SET]
Chien-Pao @ Choice Band
Name: Choice Band (Dark)
Ability: Sword of Ruin
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Icicle Crash
- Crunch
- Ice Shard
- Sacred Sword

[SET COMMENTS]
Chien-Pao is a weapon of destruction for Dark teams, boasting a lofty Speed tier which allows it to outspeed most Pokemon in the metagame like Spectrier, Sneasler, and Tornadus-T. Choice Band paired with Sword of Ruin can destroy opposing teams with moves like Icicle Crash and Crunch, thus making it inconvenient for Flying, Dragon and Ground teams to counter Chien-Pao effectively (could cut this sentence, feels a little redundant considering you go into detail about MUs and moves in next few sentences). Icicle Crash helps significantly in the Flying matchup 2HKOing Articuno and defensive Corviknight after Stealth Rock, thus preventing any Flying Pokemon from switching into Chien-Pao safely. It also helps in the Dragon matchup, OHKOing Walking Wake after Stealth Rock and 2HKOing Hisuian Goodra. Icicle Crash also OHKOes foes like Ursaluna-B and 2HKOes foes like defensive Great Tusk. In the Ground matchup, Icicle Crash secures a 2HKO on defensive Quagsire). Crunch helps in securing an OHKO on Colbur Berry Spectrier, and securing a 2HKO on bulkier foes like Hatterene and mixed Toxapex after one layer of Spikes. Ice Shard's priority allows Chien-Pao to OHKO faster targets such as Dragapult, Choice Scarf Enamorus, Choice Scarf Landorus, Choice Scarf Meowscarada and Choice Scarf Flutter Mane after Stealth Rock. Sacred Sword allows Chien-Pao to secure an OHKO on foes like Kingambit, Choice Specs Greninja, Mamoswine, and Baxcalibur. It also allows Chien-Pao to hit opposing Chien-Pao, albeit with the threat of a Speed tie.

Chien-Pao appreciates Mandibuzz support as it can use Defog to remove hazards for Chien-Pao preventing it to be from being worn down by entry hazards. It can also slow pivot into Chien-Pao using U-turn. Mandibuzz is a great switch-in for Fighting-type attacks from opponents like Choice Scarf Sneasler and Choice Scarf Great Tusk as well, which Chien-Pao is extremely vulnerable to. Mandibuzz is also capable of checking setup sweepers like Azumarill and Scizor with Foul Play. In return, Chien-Pao deals with opponents like Sandy Shocks and Baxcalibur which can cause problems for Mandibuzz. Kingambit has impressive offensive synergy with Chien-Pao due to its neutrality to Fairy-type attacks and decent natural bulk. It can eliminate opponents like Hatterene with Iron Head and Choice Scarf Flutter Mane with Sucker Punch after Stealth Rock. In return, Chien-Pao hits threats to Kingambit like Dragon Dance Dragonite, whose Earthquake can prove disadvantageous for Kingambit. Chien-Pao also beats threats like Iron Treads, Landorus-T, and defensive Gliscor which are difficult for Kingambit to break due to the threat of Earthquake (could combine this sentence and the last). Sableye is a great teammate for Chien-Pao as its Fighting-type immunity helps it switch directly into attacks from threats like Iron Hands and Zamazenta. Paired with Prankster, Sableye can easily burn foes like Azumarill, Zamazenta, and Iron Hands which are threats to Chien-Pao, and paralyze foes like Dragapult, Volcarona, Iron Valiant and Flutter Mane, allowing Chien-Pao to break them with ease. Sableye also offers Knock Off support against foes like Articuno and Mamoswine who can suffer damage from Stealth Rock after the removal of Heavy-Duty Boots (Mamo a strange choice here because it basically never runs HDBs, maybe something like Pex instead). Greninja is also a great teammate for Chien-Pao due to its excellent coverage. Greninja can OHKO Fire-type threats like Volcarona and Ogerpon-H after Stealth Rock with Hydro Pump. Choice Scarf Greninja can outspeed Choice Scarf Enamorus and Chocie Scarf Galarian Zapdos and eliminate them with Ice Beam. Choice Scarf Greninja also takes care of opposing Chien-Pao and Kingambit with Low Kick. Extrasensory on Greninja 2HKOes opponents like physically defensive Toxapex and Zamazenta, and secures an OHKO on Okidogi. In return, Chien-Pao deals with Ogerpon-W, Alolan Muk and Articuno, who can take advantage of Greninja. Choice Scarf Meowscarada boasts great synergy with Choice Band Chien-Pao, allowing fast pivoting with U-turn, and sweeping in the Dark mirror with the help of Play Rough. It also threatens Quagsire, Choice Scarf Great Tusk, Urshifu-R, and Quaquaval with Flower Trick. In return, Chien-Pao breaks foes like Clodsire, Kingambit, Alolan Muk, and opposing Chien-Pao that can hamper Meowscarada's ability to sweep. Teammates like Ting-Lu and Hisuian Samurott can set Spikes for Chien-Pao, boosting Chien-Pao's wallbreaking ability and breaking potential Focus Sashes from opponents like Ceruledge. Alolan Muk absorbs Fairy-type attacks from foes like Flutter Mane, Enamorus, and Hatterene for Chien-Pao and threatens them with Poison Jab. Overqwil, on the other hand, switches in against opposing Chien-Pao and Meowscarada with the help of Intimidate (and threatens them back? Kinda doesn't do much to Pao). Teammates like Galarian Moltres and Hydreigon are other alternatives that can help break foes like defensive Great Tusk and Heatran which Chien-Pao appreciates. Hydreigon can switch into Fire-type moves aimed at Chien-Pao from foes like Moltres and Ceruledge, and set Stealth Rock to facilitate its wallbreaking.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=========

Dark
------
Chien-Pao can also run Psychic Fangs as an alternative coverage move to hit Toxapex, Iron Hands, Urshifu-R, and Okidogi, while also breaking opposing screens or Aurora Veil in Snow.

[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/sapphiree.567354/
Dark analysis by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/sapphiree.567354/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/giyu.574288/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/therealbigc.532450/
Grammar checked by:

QC 2/2, thanks sapphire

 

[sapphiree]

GP Team

 

[Lumari]

remove add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 1/1 GP Team done

check

[SET]
Chien-Pao @ Choice Band
Name: Choice Band (Dark)
Ability: Sword of Ruin
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Icicle Crash
- Crunch
- Ice Shard
- Sacred Sword

[SET COMMENTS]
Chien-Pao is a weapon of destruction for Dark teams, boasting a lofty Speed tier which that allows it to outspeed most Pokemon in the metagame like Spectrier, Sneasler, and Tornadus-T. Icicle Crash helps significantly in the Flying matchup, (AC) 2HKOing Articuno and defensive Corviknight after Stealth Rock, thus preventing any Flying Pokemon from switching into Chien-Pao safely, (comma) It also helps and in the Dragon matchup, OHKOing Walking Wake after Stealth Rock and 2HKOing Hisuian Goodra. Icicle Crash also OHKOes foes like Ursaluna-B, (AC) and 2HKOes foes like defensive Great Tusk, (comma) In the Ground matchup, Icicle Crash and secures a 2HKO on defensive Quagsire). Crunch helps in securing an OHKO on Colbur Berry Spectrier (RC) and securing a 2HKO on 2HKOing bulkier foes like Hatterene and mixed Toxapex after one layer of Spikes. Ice Shard's priority allows Chien-Pao to OHKO faster targets such as Dragapult (RC) and Choice Scarf Enamorus, Choice Scarf Landorus, Choice Scarf Meowscarada, (AC) and Choice Scarf Flutter Mane after Stealth Rock. Sacred Sword allows Chien-Pao to secure an OHKO on foes like Kingambit, Choice Specs Greninja, Mamoswine, and Baxcalibur. It also allows Chien-Pao to hit opposing Chien-Pao, albeit with the threat of a Speed tie.

Chien-Pao appreciates Mandibuzz's support as it can use Defog support to remove hazards for Chien-Pao preventing prevent it from being worn down by entry hazards. It can also slow pivot into bring Chien-Pao in safely using a slow U-turn. Mandibuzz is a great switch-in for Fighting-type attacks from opponents enemies like Choice Scarf Sneasler and Choice Scarf Great Tusk as well, which Chien-Pao is extremely vulnerable to, (comma) Mandibuzz is also as well as being capable of checking setup sweepers like Azumarill and Scizor with Foul Play. In return, Chien-Pao deals with opponents like Sandy Shocks and Baxcalibur, (AC) which can cause problems for Mandibuzz. Kingambit has impressive offensive synergy with Chien-Pao due to its neutrality to Fairy-type attacks, (comma) It can being able to eliminate opponents foes like Hatterene with Iron Head and Choice Scarf Flutter Mane with Sucker Punch after Stealth Rock. In return, Chien-Pao hits threats to Kingambit like Dragon Dance Dragonite, Iron Treads, Landorus-T, and defensive Gliscor, whose Earthquake can prove disadvantageous for Kingambit. Sableye is a great teammate for Chien-Pao, (AC) as its Fighting-type immunity helps it switch directly into attacks from threats like Iron Hands and Zamazenta. Paired with Prankster, Sableye can easily burn foes threats to Chien-Pao like Azumarill, Zamazenta, and Iron Hands which are threats to Chien-Pao, and the aforementioned Fighting-types and paralyze foes like Dragapult, Volcarona, Iron Valiant and Flutter Mane, allowing Chien-Pao to break them with ease. Sableye also offers Knock Off support against foes like Articuno and Toxapex, (AC) who can which will suffer damage from hazards after the removal of Heavy-Duty Boots. Greninja is also a great teammate for Chien-Pao due to its excellent coverage, (comma) Greninja can being able to OHKO Fire-type threats like Volcarona and Ogerpon-H after Stealth Rock with Hydro Pump. Choice Scarf Greninja can and outspeed Choice Scarf users like Enamorus and Chocie Scarf Galarian Zapdos and eliminate them with Ice Beam when running Choice Scarf itself. Choice Scarf Greninja also takes care of opposing Chien-Pao and Kingambit with Low Kick, (comma) while Extrasensory on Greninja 2HKOes opponents threats like physically defensive Toxapex and Zamazenta (RC) and secures an OHKO on Okidogi. In return, Chien-Pao deals with Ogerpon-W, Alolan Muk, (AC) and Articuno, who which can take advantage of Greninja. Choice Scarf Meowscarada boasts great synergy with Choice Band Chien-Pao, allowing fast pivoting with U-turn (RC) and sweeping in the Dark mirror with the help of Play Rough. It also threatens Quagsire, Choice Scarf Great Tusk, Urshifu-R, and Quaquaval with Flower Trick. In return, Chien-Pao breaks foes like Clodsire, Kingambit, Alolan Muk, and opposing Chien-Pao that can hamper Meowscarada's ability to sweep. Teammates like Ting-Lu and Hisuian Samurott can set Spikes for Chien-Pao, boosting Chien-Pao's its wallbreaking ability and breaking potential Focus Sashes from opponents like Ceruledge. Alolan Muk absorbs Fairy-type attacks from foes like Flutter Mane, Enamorus, and Hatterene for Chien-Pao and threatens them with Poison Jab. Overqwil, on the other hand, switches in against opposing Chien-Pao and Meowscarada with the help of Intimidate and threatens them back with Barb Barrage. Teammates like Galarian Moltres and Hydreigon are other alternatives that can help break foes like defensive Great Tusk and Heatran, (AC) which Chien-Pao appreciates. Hydreigon can switch into Fire-type moves aimed at Chien-Pao from foes like Moltres and Ceruledge (RC) and set Stealth Rock to facilitate its wallbreaking.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
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Dark
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Chien-Pao can also run Psychic Fangs as an alternative coverage move to hit Toxapex, Iron Hands, Urshifu-R, and Okidogi (RC) while also breaking opposing screens or Aurora Veil in Snow.

[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/sapphiree.567354/
Dark analysis by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/sapphiree.567354/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/giyu.574288/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/therealbigc.532450/
Grammar checked by: