Draft Dugtrio

CheesyNutButterBoy

CheesyNutButterBoy

[overview]
**Draft Order**: Round 6 onwards

**Price Range**: 8-10 points

**Overview**: With a great Speed stat, the ability to trap grounded foes, and decent Ground / Rock coverage that hits most of the metagame at least neutrally, Dugtrio is a solid revenge killer that can pick off weakened foes and remove problematic ones. Its ability Arena Trap can often force foes to sacrifice a valuable item slot for Shed Shell, and its high Speed means many foes are not fast enough to pivot out and avoid its attacks. However, Dugtrio can struggle to hit bulkier Pokemon for significant damage, and foes that avoid the trapping effect of Arena Trap can remove much of its functionality and pivot to faster teammates or strong priority users that threaten it due to its low bulk.


[strategy comments]
Common Roles
========
**Revenge Killer**: Thanks to its Speed, Choice Band can be comfortably run to boost Dugtrio's otherwise middling Attack stat and make it a threatening revenge killer. Other damage-boosting items can also be run to bluff Choice Band and not lock it into a move.

**Suicide Lead**: In matchups where it struggles as a revenge killer, Dugtrio can still function decently well as a suicide lead. Arena Trap can trap foes into potentially undesirable first-turn matchups, and with Focus Sash, its high Speed means it can usually set Stealth Rock and get off a damaging move or create momentum with Memento before it is KOed.

Common Moves
========
**Primary STAB Moves**: Earthquake

**Setup Moves**: Swords Dance, Hone Claws

**Utility Moves**: Stealth Rock, Memento, Endeavor, Endure, Smack Down, Substitute

**Coverage**: Stone Edge, Rock Slide, Rock Blast, Sucker Punch, Throat Chop, Foul Play, Shadow Claw

Niche Moves
========
**Stomping Tantrum**: When facing teams with Grassy Surge setters, Stomping Tantrum can be run instead of or alongside Earthquake to allow Dugtrio to still do decent damage if Grassy Terrain is up.

**Reversal**: Reversal is notably Dugtrio's only Fighting-type move and can function similarly to Endeavor when paired with a Focus Sash or Endure.

Common Items
========
**Choice Band**: Choice Band is what allows Dugtrio to most effectively lock down and eliminate its teammates' checks or clean up on its own.

**Focus Sash**: Focus Sash primarily serves as a way to get more than one move out of suicide lead Dugtrio sets, but it can also guarantee it a chance to use a setup move.

**Other Damage-boosting Items**: Items such as Life Orb and Soft Sand can be used to give Dugtrio a damage boost without locking it into a move.

Niche Items
========
**Choice Scarf**: Despite Dugtrio's already-great Speed, a Speed boost from Choice Scarf can allow it to outspeed foes even faster than it and fellow Speed-boosters, catching them off guard. Although its damage is cut by not running a damage-boosting item, it can still trap and remove glass cannons such as Booster Energy Iron Valiant and Choice Scarf Chi-Yu.

**Heavy-Duty Boots**: Dugtrio tends to be switched in and out a lot, as its low bulk means it rarely wants to be in front of a foe that it cannot KO. Heavy-Duty Boots prevents residual damage from entry hazards building up on it over time.

Tera
========
Dugtrio does not need to be a Tera Captain, but if you do select it as one, it can benefit from Tera types that boost its offensive capabilities such as Tera Ground, Rock, and types that help its matchup into specific Pokemon it would like to trap and remove.

Draft Strategy
========
Though Dugtrio is a solid revenge killer, it can often struggle to fit on drafts and should only be drafted to shore up specific weaknesses your draft has. Ground is one of the most valuable typings, and thus it often fits quite awkwardly. Even on teams where it does fit, it's often not worth bringing into matchups that lack foes Dugtrio can easily trap and remove, though at worst it can still act as a suicide lead that can set Stealth Rock and create early momentum.

**Wallbreakers**: Wallbreakers that struggle against Steel-types such as Kyurem, Latios, and Gholdengo benefit from Dugtrio's ability to trap and remove their checks. Strong special wallbreakers in particular can force foes to invest more in Special Defense, allowing it to do its job more effectively.

**Cleaners / Sweepers**: Similarly to wallbreakers, cleaners and sweepers that struggle against Pokemon that Dugtrio can effectively remove do well with it on their team. Pokemon weak to fast Electric-type moves like Greninja and Palafin and Pokemon that struggle to break defensive Steel-types like Raging Bolt all appreciate Dugtrio removing their checks.

**Knock Off Support**: While Dugtrio's ability to force foes to run Shed Shell instead of a preferred item is one of its strengths, it still functions worse as a revenge killer when foes are holding it. Knock Off users like Scizor, Empoleon, and Ogerpon-W can assist it by removing Shed Shell while also acting as defensive switch-ins for it.

Checks and Counters
========
**Grass-Type Pokemon**: Grass-type Pokemon resist Dugtrio's STAB moves and do not take super effective damage from any of its coverage moves while also threatening a super effective move back. Ogerpon and Shaymin fulfill this role well, but Rillaboom in particular can cut Earthquake's damage by half by setting Grassy Terrain on entry and threaten a KO back with Grassy Glide.

**Trapping-immune Pokemon**: Ghost-types and any non-grounded Pokemon are immune to the trapping effect of Arena Trap, and thus disable a key part of Dugtrio's effectiveness. Trapping-immune Pokemon with a type that it usually wants to eliminate such as Gholdengo, Moltres, and Zapdos can fulfill their respective roles while being free to switch out to a teammate that can threaten it.

**Faster Threats**: Dugtrio's lacking bulk and general reliance on damage-boosting items leave it vulnerable to Pokemon faster than it. This includes Pokemon like Meowscarada, Greninja, and Weavile, which outspeed and deal super effective damage to it.

**Priority**: Similarly to faster threats, strong priority users also threaten Dugtrio due to its lacking bulk and ease of being revenge killed. Pokemon like Hisuian Samurott, Palafin, and Azumarill all have strong priority attacks that threaten an OHKO on it.

**Bulky Attackers**: Dugtrio struggles against bulkier Pokemon in general, but ones that can hit it back are an even greater problem for it. Pokemon like Zarude, Hydrapple, and Landorus-T can easily take a hit from it and threaten an OHKO back.

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Not giving the check yet, as this requires a few large rewrites in some sections. Feel free to tag me once changes have been made.

[overview]
**Draft Order**: Round 5 onwards

**Price Range**: 8 - 10 points

Going to preface this by saying that you might have the wallbreaker and revenge killer roles mixed up. As dugtrio is not an effective wallbreaker, being rather weak without a damage-boosting item, and still failing to get OHKOs on several noteworthy offensive pokemon even when equipped with a Choice Band, and some bulkier ones like Kingambit can even live a super effective banded earthquake. Putting this at the start so I don't have to keep repeating myself every time this needs to be corrected.
**Overview**: Though it tends to rely on damage-boosting items like Choice Band, Dugtrio functions as a highly effective wallbreaker revenge killer on teams with particular weaknesses to the Fire, Steel, and Electric-types that Earthquake hits super effectively. Its ability to trap foes with Arena Trap can often force opponents to sacrifice a valuable item slot for Shed Shell, and its high Speed means many foes are not fast enough to pivot out and avoid its attacks. However, Dugtrio's effectivness is heavily reduced by foes that set Grassy-terrain, and it unnecessary to mention this imo since there is only one relevant Pokemon in the format that sets grassy terrain reliably (Rillaboom) can struggle to hit Grass-types Ground-resistant Pokémon in general. Similarly, foes that avoid the trapping effect of Arena Trap can remove much of Dugtrio's functionality, and pivot into faster teammates or strong priority users that threaten Dugtrio due to its low bulk.


[strategy comments]
Common Roles
========
**Wallbreaker Revenge Killer**: With an excellent Speed stat, ability to trap grounded foes, and solid Ground / Rock coverage that hits most of the metagame at least neutrally, Dugtrio is a great wallbreaker that puts immense pressure on enemy teams revenge killer that can pick off weakened foes or remove problematic threats to your team. Thanks to its Speed, Choice Band can be comfortably run to boost Dugtrio's otherwise middling Attack stat, though other damage boosting items can still allow it to output decent damage while not being locked to a move.

**Suicide Lead**: While Arena Trap and excellent Speed make Dugtrio a great wallbreaker, they also let it function well as a suicide lead. Arena Trap can trap foes into potentially undesirable first-turn matchups, and with Focus Sash, Dugtrio's high speed means it can usually set Stealth Rock and get off a damaging move or create momentum with Memento before it is KOed.

Common Moves
========
**Primary STAB Moves**: Earthquake

**Setup Moves**: Agility, Hone Claws, Swords Dance

**Utility Moves**: Endeavor, Memento, Stealth Rock, Smack Down, Substitute

**Coverage**: Body Slam far too weak to even be considered in the vast majority of scenarios. For the rare cases where what you're trying to trap resists EQ + all other coverage moves, you'd want double edge for damage output, Double Edge, Foul Play, Rock Blast, Rock Slide, Shadow Claw, Stone Edge, Sucker Punch, Throat Chop Reorder these, as we list coverage moves in order of usefulness. Rock moves coming first, then dark / ghost, and double edge last.

Niche Moves
========
**Stomping Tantrum**: When playing into teams with Grassy Terrain setters, Stomping Tantrum can be run instead of or alongside Earthquake to allow Dugtrio to still do decent damage if Grassy Terrain is up.

**Reversal**: Reversal is notably Dugtrio's only Fighting-type move, and can function similarly to Endeavor when paired with a Focus Sash or Endure. When Dugtrio is brought below 3% HP, Reversal becomes a powerful 200 BP move that unlike Endeavor, can potentially KO enemies in one turn.

Common Items
========
**Choice Band**: Choice Band is Dugtrio's best option for up-front damage, and is what allows it to most effectively lock down and eliminate its teammates' checks, or clean up on its own.

**Focus Sash**: Focus Sash primarily serves as a way to get more than one move out of suicide lead Dugtrio, but it can also be used to guarantee Dugtrio a chance to use a setup move such as Swords Dance or Agility.

**Other Damage-Boosting Items**: Items such as Life Orb and Soft Sand can be used to give Dugtrio a damage boost without locking it into a move. Notably, items like Soft Sand, Earth Plate, or Expert Belt can be used to bluff Choice Band, and can bait in Flying-type foes otherwise expecting to be immune to the Earthquake they believe Dugtrio is locked into, opening them up to a possible KO from Stone Edge. Damage-boosting items also allow Dugtrio to use setup moves to boost its damage further, though its lack of bulk means it struggles to find opportunities to do so. Generally setup Dugtrio sets would much rather have something that allows it to take a hit and setup, instead of damage-boosting items that only help it if it's already in a winning position.

Niche Items
========
**Choice Scarf**: Despite Dugtrio's already great speed, a speed boost from Choice Scarf can allow it to outspeed foes even faster than it and catch them off guard.

**Heavy-Duty-Boots**: Dugtrio tends to be switched in and out a lot as its low bulk means it rarely wants to be in front of a foe that it cannot KO. Heavy-Duty-Boots prevents residual damage from entry hazards building up on Dugtrio over time, and also means it can't lose its important Speed to Sticky Web.

Tera
========
Dugtrio does not need to be a Tera Captain to do its job well, though if you do select it as a Tera Captain, it can benefit from Tera types that boost its offensive capabilities such as Ground, Rock, or types that help its matchup into Grass-types like Fire and Flying specific Pokémon it would like to trap and remove (if you're not going for a stab tera, you're probably going for something to remove a specific mon, so singling out Grass types here feels unnecessary). Defensive Tera types with immunities like Dragon Dark, Fairy, or Steel can also be used to makeup for its lacking bulk and create setup opportunities against foes locked into attacks it is immune to. Dugtrio's 35/50/70 bulk is far too low to setup safely, even against resisted attacks. The meta is far too offensive to allow dugtrio to get a setup turn without focus sash / opponent switching out / an opponent locked into an attack you're immune to. Even the defensive pokemon that are run nowadays have ways to punish you trying to setup on them if they're trapped.

Draft Strategy
========
This part needs a major rewrite, as dugtrio doesn't function as an effective wallbreaker most of the time. I'll add in extra notes on each topic for things that need to be pointed out.
Dugtrio should be drafted on teams in need of a physical wallbreaker, particularly those that find themselves weak to Fire, Steel, or Electric types. Its reliance on items like Choice Band to do significant damage means it shouldn't be your team's only wallbreaker, but it can be very effective at locking down and removing threats that your team would otherwise struggle into. For example, rain teams can draft Dugtrio to greatly improve their matchup into sun teams, forcing sun setters like Torkoal to drop Heat Rock for Shed Shell or be trapped and KOed outright Not a great example, as Torkoal can safely live even an adamant banded earthquake from dugtrio if it has no prior chip and is guaranteed to OHKO it in return.. In matchups where Dugtrio's trapping ability is less valuable, it can still act as a suicide lead that can set Stealth Rock and create early momentum.

**Special Wallbreakers**: Dugtrio can often struggle to do enough damage to function as a team's sole wallbreaker, particularly into foes not weak to its STAB or viable coverage moves. An additional special wallbreaker such as Iron Moth Iron Moth is more of a cleaner, a better example would be Raging Bolt or Enamours or Kyurem can cover for foes resistant to Dugtrio's attacks, while also forcing foes to invest more in Special Defense EVs and further enable Dugtrio.

**Entry Hazard Setters**: Dugtrio benefits greatly from its foes being weakened by entry hazards, and rarely wants to set them itself unless its run as a suicide lead. Pokemon like Archaludon and Skarmory can set entry hazards for Dugtrio while also covering defensively for its weaknesses.

**Slow Pivots**: Due to its lacking bulk, Dugtrio often has trouble switching in, and appreciates teammates that can take a hit and pivot to allow it in. Pokemon like Corviknight, Fezandipiti, and Empoleon can all act in this role, while also luring in the Fire, Steel, and Electric-type Pokemon that Dugtrio excells at eliminating.

Checks and Counters
========
**Grass-Type Pokemon**: Grass-type Pokemon resist Dugtrio's STAB and do not take super effective damage from any of Dugtrio's coverage moves, while also threatening a super effective move back. Grassy Terrain setters like Rillaboom and Arboliva Arboliva is, funnily enough, not a good example, since Dugtrio can run focus sash or endure alongside reversal to do huge damage to arboliva, threatening to OHKO it if it's not very invested into physical defense especially wall Dugtrio by cutting its Earthquake damage in half, while also threating to OHKO it.

**Trapping-Immune Pokemon**: Ghost-types and any non-grounded Pokemon are immune to the trapping effect of Arena Trap, and thus disable a key part of Dugtrio's effectiveness. Trapping-immune pokemon that share a type that Dugtrio usually wants to eliminate such as Gholdengo, Moltres, and Zapdos can fulfill their respective roles while being free to switch out to a teammate that can threaten Dugtrio.

**Faster Threats**: Dugtrio's lacking bulk and general reliance on damage-boosting items leave it vulnerable to Pokemon faster than it. This includes Pokemon like Meowscarada and Greninja, who both outspeed and deal super effective damage to Dugtrio. Dugtrio is also notably weak to several common priority moves, and is vulnerable to strong priority users in general due to its low bulk.

[credits]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/cheesynutbutterboy.619297/
Quality checked by:
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The suggested changes were made. Went over the analysis again and I'm fine giving this the first check.

QC 1 approved
 
[overview]
**Draft Order**: Round 5 onwards

**Price Range**: 8 - 10 points

**Overview**: Though it tends to rely on damage-boosting items like Choice Band, Dugtrio functions as a highly effective solid revenge killer on teams with particular weaknesses to the Fire, Steel, and Electric-types that Earthquake hits super effectively While all of this is true, its not what youd put in sentence one of an overview, could maybe work with a rewrite focusing on its strong speed tier and the fact that it can revenge kill most glass cannons/frail pokemon, no need to mention the typing or eq. can also bring arena trap into this sentence and edit the next to account for this. Its ability to trap foes with Arena Trap can often force opponents to sacrifice a valuable item slot for Shed Shell, and its high Speed means many foes are not fast enough to pivot out and avoid its attacks. However, Dugtrio can struggle to hit Grass-type bulkier Pokemon for significant damage, and foes that avoid the trapping effect of Arena Trap can remove much of Dugtrio's functionality and pivot into faster teammates or strong priority users that threaten Dugtrio due to its low bulk.


[strategy comments]
Common Roles
========
**Revenge Killer**: With an excellent a great hard to call it excellent anymore sadly Speed stat, ability to trap grounded foes, and solid Ground / Rock coverage that hits most of the metagame at least neutrally, Dugtrio is a great revenge killer that can pick off weakened foes or remove problematic threats to your team this feels like a great sentence for the overview. Thanks to its Speed, Choice Band can be comfortably run to boost Dugtrio's otherwise middling Attack stat, though other damage boosting items can still allow it to output decent damage while not being locked to a move.

**Suicide Lead**: While Arena Trap and excellent Speed make Dugtrio a great revenge killer, they also let it function well as a suicide lead. Arena Trap can trap foes into potentially undesirable first-turn matchups, and with Focus Sash, Dugtrio's high speed means it can usually set Stealth Rock and get off a damaging move or create momentum with Memento before it is KOed.

Common Moves
========
**Primary STAB Moves**: Earthquake

**Setup Moves**: Agility, Hone Claws, Swords Dance

**Utility Moves**: Endeavor, Endure, Memento, Stealth Rock, Smack Down, Substitute

**Coverage**: Stone Edge, Rock Slide, Rock Blast, Sucker Punch, Throat Chop, Foul Play, Shadow Claw, Double Edge

Niche Moves
========
**Stomping Tantrum**: When playing into teams with Grassy Terrain Surge setters, Stomping Tantrum can be run instead of or alongside Earthquake to allow Dugtrio to still do decent damage if Grassy Terrain is up.

**Reversal**: Reversal is notably Dugtrio's only Fighting-type move, and can function similarly to Endeavor when paired with a Focus Sash or Endure. When Dugtrio is brought below 3% HP, Reversal becomes a powerful 200 BP move that unlike Endeavor, can potentially KO enemies in one turn. dex info

Common Items
========
**Choice Band**: Choice Band is Dugtrio's best option for up-front damage, and is what allows it to most effectively lock down and eliminate its teammates' checks, or clean up on its own.

**Focus Sash**: Focus Sash primarily serves as a way to get more than one move out of suicide lead Dugtrio, but it can also be used to guarantee Dugtrio a chance to use a setup move such as Swords Dance or Agility.

**Other Damage-Boosting Items**: Items such as Life Orb and Soft Sand can be used to give Dugtrio a damage boost without locking it into a move. Notably, items like Soft Sand, Earth Plate, or Expert Belt can be used to bluff Choice Band, and can bait in Flying-type foes otherwise expecting to be immune to the Earthquake they believe Dugtrio is locked into, opening them up to a possible KO from Stone Edge.

Niche Items
========
**Choice Scarf**: Despite Dugtrio's already great speed, a speed boost from Choice Scarf can allow it to outspeed foes even faster than it and catch them off guard. would also mention +1 pokemon such as Booster Valiant or scarfers

**Heavy-Duty-Boots**: Dugtrio tends to be switched in and out a lot as its low bulk means it rarely wants to be in front of a foe that it cannot KO. Heavy-Duty-Boots prevents residual damage from entry hazards building up on Dugtrio over time, and also means it can't lose its important Speed to Sticky Web.

Tera
========
Dugtrio does not need to be a Tera Captain to do its job well, though if you do select it as a Tera Captain, it can benefit from Tera types that boost its offensive capabilities such as Ground, Rock, or types that help its matchup into specific Pokemon it would like to trap and remove. Defensive Tera types like Dark, Fairy, or Steel can also be used to makeup for its lacking bulk and create setup opportunities against foes locked into attacks it is immune to. this comes off as too positive, using tera on a dedicated revenge killer is usually never the play, i also dont rly know if the defensive utility of tera is worth mentioning since it dies to stab resisted hits as is. could maybe spin it to say that it flips matchups against se coverage into being liveable hits but even that is a stretch if smth is setup

Draft Strategy
========
Dugtrio is a great revenge killer to pick up if you are looking to shore up your team's weaknesses to the Fire, Steel, and Electric types that it can effectively remove. However, Dugtrio's reliance on items like Choice Band to do significant damage means it cannot work well on every team and should only be drafted when needed, though even in matchups where Dugtrio's trapping ability is less valuable, it can still act as a suicide lead that can set Stealth Rock and create early momentum. would mention that while its a solid revenge killer, it doesnt fit into many drafts in the first place as what it does is quite niche, and even on those drafts it finds itself riding the bench often as it simply isnt worth bringing to a lot of games

**Special Wallbreakers** Dugtrio can often struggle to remove bulkier Pokemon, particularly defensive walls that are neutral or resistant to its primary STAB and coverage moves. Strong special wallbreakers like Chi-Yu or Kyurem can break through foes resistant to Dugtrio's attacks, while also forcing foes to invest more in Special Defense EVs and further enable Dugtrio. wallbreakers are worth having but this needs to be rewritten to say what dugtrio supports, not whats supported by dugtrio. you can mention mons like bax and kyurem + 1 that benefit a lot from steel types being dead

**Entry Hazard Setters**: Dugtrio benefits greatly from its foes being weakened by entry hazards, and rarely wants to set them itself unless its run as a suicide lead. Pokemon like Archaludon and Skarmory can set entry hazards for Dugtrio while also covering defensively for its weaknesses.

**Defensive Pivots**: As a revenge killer with low bulk that lacks any pivot moves aside from Memento, Dugtrio will commonly have to hard switch after it has removed a threat. Pokemon such as Slowking-Galar, Corviknight, and Jirachi can all comfortably take a hit for Dugtrio while then pivoting out to regain momentum.

scrap these entirely, with whats ultimately a support pick, write about what it supports, not what supports it. id suggest the bullet points of knock off support, cleaners/sweepers (referring here to faster mons such as gren, valiant, darkrai)

Checks and Counters
========
**Grass-Type Pokemon**: Grass-type Pokemon resist Dugtrio's STAB and do not take super effective damage from any of Dugtrio's coverage moves, while also threatening a super effective move back. Rillaboom in particular can half Earthquake's damage by setting Grassy Terrain on entry, and then threaten a KO back with Grassy Glide.

**Trapping-Immune Pokemon**: Ghost-types and any non-grounded Pokemon are immune to the trapping effect of Arena Trap, and thus disable a key part of Dugtrio's effectiveness. Trapping-immune pokemon that share a type that Dugtrio usually wants to eliminate such as Gholdengo, Moltres, and Zapdos can fulfill their respective roles while being free to switch out to a teammate that can threaten Dugtrio.

**Faster Threats**: Dugtrio's lacking bulk and general reliance on damage-boosting items leave it vulnerable to Pokemon faster than it. This includes Pokemon like Meowscarada and Greninja, who both outspeed and deal super effective damage to Dugtrio. Dugtrio is also notably weak to several common priority moves, and is vulnerable to strong priority users in general due to its low bulk.add one more example, aim for 3 per bullet

add a point on bulky attackers, this thing is not strong

[credits]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/cheesynutbutterboy.619297/
Quality checked by:
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https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/nyx.564960/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/abriel.473082/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user4.400000
Gonna need to see the edits implemented before giving this a 2nd stamp, this analysis is way too positive for what's ultimately a one dimensional revenge killer with no real reason to come to a game otherwise, the suicide lead set is usually outclassed most of the time. Credit abriel with the QC check too.
 
Good to send to GP after implementing
[overview]
**Draft Order**: Round 5 6 onwards

**Price Range**: 8 - 10 points

**Overview**: With a great Speed stat, the ability to trap grounded foes, and decent Ground / Rock coverage that hits most of the metagame at least neutrally, Dugtrio is a solid revenge killer that can pick off weakened foes or remove problematic threats to your team. Its ability Arena Trap can often force opponents to sacrifice a valuable item slot for Shed Shell, and its high Speed means many foes are not fast enough to pivot out and avoid its attacks. However, Dugtrio can struggle to hit bulkier Pokemon for significant damage, and foes that avoid the trapping effect of Arena Trap can remove much of Dugtrio's functionality and pivot into faster teammates or strong priority users that threaten Dugtrio due to its low bulk.


[strategy comments]
Common Roles
========
**Revenge Killer**: Thanks to its Speed, Choice Band can be comfortably run to boost Dugtrio's otherwise middling Attack stat and make it a threatening revenge killer. Other damage boosting items can also be run to bluff Choice Band or not lock Dugtrio into a move.

**Suicide Lead**: In matchups where it struggles as a revenge killer, Dugtrio can still function decently well as a suicide lead. Arena Trap can trap foes into potentially undesirable first-turn matchups, and with Focus Sash, Dugtrio's high speed means it can usually set Stealth Rock and get off a damaging move or create momentum with Memento before it is KOed.

Common Moves
========
**Primary STAB Moves**: Earthquake

**Setup Moves**: Hone Claws, Swords Dance move Swords Dance first.

**Utility Moves**: Endeavor, Endure, Memento, Stealth Rock, Smack Down, Substitute move Stealth Rock and Memento first slots.

**Coverage**: Stone Edge, Rock Slide, Rock Blast, Sucker Punch, Throat Chop, Foul Play, Shadow Claw

Niche Moves
========
**Stomping Tantrum**: When playing into teams with Grassy Surge setters, Stomping Tantrum can be run instead of or alongside Earthquake to allow Dugtrio to still do decent damage if Grassy Terrain is up.

**Reversal**: Reversal is notably Dugtrio's only Fighting-type move, and can function similarly to Endeavor when paired with a Focus Sash or Endure.

Common Items
========
**Choice Band**: Choice Band is Dugtrio's best option for up-front damage, and is what allows it to most effectively lock down and eliminate its teammates' checks, or clean up on its own.

**Focus Sash**: Focus Sash primarily serves as a way to get more than one move out of suicide lead Dugtrio, but it can also be used to guarantee Dugtrio a chance to use a setup move.

**Other Damage-Boosting Items**: Items such as Life Orb and Soft Sand can be used to give Dugtrio a damage boost without locking it into a move.

Niche Items
========
**Choice Scarf**: Despite Dugtrio's already great speed, a speed boost from Choice Scarf can allow it to outspeed foes even faster than it and fellow Speed boosters, and catching them off guard. Although its damage is cut by not running a damage-boosting item, it can still trap and remove glass cannons such as Booster Energy Iron Valiant or Choice Scarf Chi-Yu.

**Heavy-Duty-Boots**: Dugtrio tends to be switched in and out a lot as its low bulk means it rarely wants to be in front of a foe that it cannot KO. Heavy-Duty-Boots prevents residual damage from entry hazards building up on Dugtrio over time.

Tera
========
Dugtrio does not need to be a Tera Captain, but if you do select it as a Tera Captain, it can benefit from Tera types that boost its offensive capabilities such as Ground, Rock, or types that help its matchup into specific Pokemon it would like to trap and remove. Dugtrio with Tera will primarily be used as a customizable way of attempting to remove the most threatening foe and is thus a considerable supportive pick.

Draft Strategy
========
Though Dugtrio is a solid revenge killer, it can often struggle to fit into drafts, and should only be drafted to shore up specific weaknesses your draft has. Ground is one of the most valuable typings in Draft and thus Dugtrio will often fit quite awkwardly. Even on teams where it does fit, its often not worth bringing into matchups that lack foes Dugtrio can easily trap and remove, though at worst it can still act as a suicide lead that can set Stealth Rock and create early momentum.

**Wallbreakers**: Wallbreakers that can struggle into steel types such as Kyurem, Baxcalibur Latios, and Gholdengo benefit from Dugtrio's ability to trap and remove their checks. Strong special wallbreakers in particular can force foes to invest more in Special Defense EVs, allowing Dugtrio to do its job more effectively.

**Cleaners / Sweepers**: Similarly to wallbreakers, cleaners and sweepers that struggle into Pokemon that Dugtrio can effectively remove do well with Dugtrio on their team. Pokemon weak to fast or priority electric-type moves like Greninja and Palafin, and Pokemon that struggle to break defensive steel types like Raging Bolt all apprectiate Dugtrio removing their checks.

**Knock Off Support**: While Dugtrio's ability to force opponents to run shed shell instead of a preferred item is one of its strengths, it still functions worse as a revenge killer when this item is in play. Knock Off users like Scizor, Empoleon, and Ogerpon-Wellspring can assist Dugtrio by removing shed shell while also acting as defensive switch-ins for it.

Checks and Counters
========
**Grass-Type Pokemon**: Grass-type Pokemon resist Dugtrio's STAB and do not take super effective damage from any of Dugtrio's coverage moves, while also threatening a super effective move back. Rillaboom in particular can half Earthquake's damage by setting Grassy Terrain on entry, and then threaten a KO back with Grassy Glide. List a few grass checks ie Ogerpon

**Trapping-Immune Pokemon**: Ghost-types and any non-grounded Pokemon are immune to the trapping effect of Arena Trap, and thus disable a key part of Dugtrio's effectiveness. Trapping-immune pokemon that share a type that Dugtrio usually wants to eliminate such as Gholdengo, Moltres, and Zapdos can fulfill their respective roles while being free to switch out to a teammate that can threaten Dugtrio.

**Faster Threats**: Dugtrio's lacking bulk and general reliance on damage-boosting items leave it vulnerable to Pokemon faster than it. This includes Pokemon like Meowscarada, Greninja, and Weavile Chien-Pao who outspeed and deal super effective damage to Dugtrio. Dugtrio is also notably weak to several common priority moves, and is vulnerable to strong priority users in general due to its low bulk. Chien Pao is banned

**Priority**: Make priority its own section and explain its complete frailty and ease of being revenged.

**Bulky Attackers**: Dugtrio struggles into bulkier Pokemon in general, but bulky Pokemon that can hit Dugtrio back are an even greater problem for it. Pokemon like Rillaboom, Hydrapple, and Landorus-T can easily take a hit from Dugtrio and threaten an OHKO back.

[credits]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/cheesynutbutterboy.619297/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/vmnunes.613460/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/nyx.564960/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/abriel.473082/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user4.400000
[/QUOTE]
 
jscurf2 said:
Good to send to GP after implementing
[overview]
**Draft Order**: Round 5 6 onwards

**Price Range**: 8 - 10 points

**Overview**: With a great Speed stat, the ability to trap grounded foes, and decent Ground / Rock coverage that hits most of the metagame at least neutrally, Dugtrio is a solid revenge killer that can pick off weakened foes or remove problematic threats to your team. Its ability Arena Trap can often force opponents to sacrifice a valuable item slot for Shed Shell, and its high Speed means many foes are not fast enough to pivot out and avoid its attacks. However, Dugtrio can struggle to hit bulkier Pokemon for significant damage, and foes that avoid the trapping effect of Arena Trap can remove much of Dugtrio's functionality and pivot into faster teammates or strong priority users that threaten Dugtrio due to its low bulk.


[strategy comments]
Common Roles
========
**Revenge Killer**: Thanks to its Speed, Choice Band can be comfortably run to boost Dugtrio's otherwise middling Attack stat and make it a threatening revenge killer. Other damage boosting items can also be run to bluff Choice Band or not lock Dugtrio into a move.

**Suicide Lead**: In matchups where it struggles as a revenge killer, Dugtrio can still function decently well as a suicide lead. Arena Trap can trap foes into potentially undesirable first-turn matchups, and with Focus Sash, Dugtrio's high speed means it can usually set Stealth Rock and get off a damaging move or create momentum with Memento before it is KOed.

Common Moves
========
**Primary STAB Moves**: Earthquake

**Setup Moves**: Hone Claws, Swords Dance move Swords Dance first.

**Utility Moves**: Endeavor, Endure, Memento, Stealth Rock, Smack Down, Substitute move Stealth Rock and Memento first slots.

**Coverage**: Stone Edge, Rock Slide, Rock Blast, Sucker Punch, Throat Chop, Foul Play, Shadow Claw

Niche Moves
========
**Stomping Tantrum**: When playing into teams with Grassy Surge setters, Stomping Tantrum can be run instead of or alongside Earthquake to allow Dugtrio to still do decent damage if Grassy Terrain is up.

**Reversal**: Reversal is notably Dugtrio's only Fighting-type move, and can function similarly to Endeavor when paired with a Focus Sash or Endure.

Common Items
========
**Choice Band**: Choice Band is Dugtrio's best option for up-front damage, and is what allows it to most effectively lock down and eliminate its teammates' checks, or clean up on its own.

**Focus Sash**: Focus Sash primarily serves as a way to get more than one move out of suicide lead Dugtrio, but it can also be used to guarantee Dugtrio a chance to use a setup move.

**Other Damage-Boosting Items**: Items such as Life Orb and Soft Sand can be used to give Dugtrio a damage boost without locking it into a move.

Niche Items
========
**Choice Scarf**: Despite Dugtrio's already great speed, a speed boost from Choice Scarf can allow it to outspeed foes even faster than it and fellow Speed boosters, and catching them off guard. Although its damage is cut by not running a damage-boosting item, it can still trap and remove glass cannons such as Booster Energy Iron Valiant or Choice Scarf Chi-Yu.

**Heavy-Duty-Boots**: Dugtrio tends to be switched in and out a lot as its low bulk means it rarely wants to be in front of a foe that it cannot KO. Heavy-Duty-Boots prevents residual damage from entry hazards building up on Dugtrio over time.

Tera
========
Dugtrio does not need to be a Tera Captain, but if you do select it as a Tera Captain, it can benefit from Tera types that boost its offensive capabilities such as Ground, Rock, or types that help its matchup into specific Pokemon it would like to trap and remove. Dugtrio with Tera will primarily be used as a customizable way of attempting to remove the most threatening foe and is thus a considerable supportive pick.

Draft Strategy
========
Though Dugtrio is a solid revenge killer, it can often struggle to fit into drafts, and should only be drafted to shore up specific weaknesses your draft has. Ground is one of the most valuable typings in Draft and thus Dugtrio will often fit quite awkwardly. Even on teams where it does fit, its often not worth bringing into matchups that lack foes Dugtrio can easily trap and remove, though at worst it can still act as a suicide lead that can set Stealth Rock and create early momentum.

**Wallbreakers**: Wallbreakers that can struggle into steel types such as Kyurem, Baxcalibur Latios, and Gholdengo benefit from Dugtrio's ability to trap and remove their checks. Strong special wallbreakers in particular can force foes to invest more in Special Defense EVs, allowing Dugtrio to do its job more effectively.

**Cleaners / Sweepers**: Similarly to wallbreakers, cleaners and sweepers that struggle into Pokemon that Dugtrio can effectively remove do well with Dugtrio on their team. Pokemon weak to fast or priority electric-type moves like Greninja and Palafin, and Pokemon that struggle to break defensive steel types like Raging Bolt all apprectiate Dugtrio removing their checks.

**Knock Off Support**: While Dugtrio's ability to force opponents to run shed shell instead of a preferred item is one of its strengths, it still functions worse as a revenge killer when this item is in play. Knock Off users like Scizor, Empoleon, and Ogerpon-Wellspring can assist Dugtrio by removing shed shell while also acting as defensive switch-ins for it.

Checks and Counters
========
**Grass-Type Pokemon**: Grass-type Pokemon resist Dugtrio's STAB and do not take super effective damage from any of Dugtrio's coverage moves, while also threatening a super effective move back. Rillaboom in particular can half Earthquake's damage by setting Grassy Terrain on entry, and then threaten a KO back with Grassy Glide. List a few grass checks ie Ogerpon

**Trapping-Immune Pokemon**: Ghost-types and any non-grounded Pokemon are immune to the trapping effect of Arena Trap, and thus disable a key part of Dugtrio's effectiveness. Trapping-immune pokemon that share a type that Dugtrio usually wants to eliminate such as Gholdengo, Moltres, and Zapdos can fulfill their respective roles while being free to switch out to a teammate that can threaten Dugtrio.

**Faster Threats**: Dugtrio's lacking bulk and general reliance on damage-boosting items leave it vulnerable to Pokemon faster than it. This includes Pokemon like Meowscarada, Greninja, and Weavile Chien-Pao who outspeed and deal super effective damage to Dugtrio. Dugtrio is also notably weak to several common priority moves, and is vulnerable to strong priority users in general due to its low bulk. Chien Pao is banned

**Priority**: Make priority its own section and explain its complete frailty and ease of being revenged.

**Bulky Attackers**: Dugtrio struggles into bulkier Pokemon in general, but bulky Pokemon that can hit Dugtrio back are an even greater problem for it. Pokemon like Rillaboom, Hydrapple, and Landorus-T can easily take a hit from Dugtrio and threaten an OHKO back.

[credits]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/cheesynutbutterboy.619297/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/vmnunes.613460/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/nyx.564960/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/abriel.473082/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user4.400000
Click to expand...

Implemented
 
1/1, GP Team done
add remove comment

[overview]
**Draft Order**: Round 6 onwards

**Price Range**: 8-10 points remove spaces between hyphen

**Overview**: With a great Speed stat, the ability to trap grounded foes, and decent Ground / Rock coverage that hits most of the metagame at least neutrally, Dugtrio is a solid revenge killer that can pick off weakened foes or and remove problematic threats to your team ones. Its ability Arena Trap can often force opponents foes to sacrifice a valuable item slot for Shed Shell, and its high Speed means many foes are not fast enough to pivot out and avoid its attacks. However, Dugtrio can struggle to hit bulkier Pokemon for significant damage, and foes that avoid the trapping effect of Arena Trap can remove much of Dugtrio's its functionality and pivot into to faster teammates or strong priority users that threaten Dugtrio it due to its low bulk.


[strategy comments]
Common Roles
========
**Revenge Killer**: Thanks to its Speed, Choice Band can be comfortably run to boost Dugtrio's otherwise middling Attack stat and make it a threatening revenge killer. Other damage boosting damage-boosting items can also be run to bluff Choice Band or and not lock Dugtrio it into a move.

**Suicide Lead**: In matchups where it struggles as a revenge killer, Dugtrio can still function decently well as a suicide lead. Arena Trap can trap foes into potentially undesirable first-turn matchups, and with Focus Sash, Dugtrio's its high Speed means it can usually set Stealth Rock and get off a damaging move or create momentum with Memento before it is KOed.

Common Moves
========
**Primary STAB Moves**: Earthquake

**Setup Moves**: Swords Dance, Hone Claws

**Utility Moves**: Stealth Rock, Memento, Endeavor, Endure, Smack Down, Substitute

**Coverage**: Stone Edge, Rock Slide, Rock Blast, Sucker Punch, Throat Chop, Foul Play, Shadow Claw

Niche Moves
========
**Stomping Tantrum**: When playing into facing teams with Grassy Surge setters, Stomping Tantrum can be run instead of or alongside Earthquake to allow Dugtrio to still do decent damage if Grassy Terrain is up.

**Reversal**: Reversal is notably Dugtrio's only Fighting-type move (RC) and can function similarly to Endeavor when paired with a Focus Sash or Endure.

Common Items
========
**Choice Band**: Choice Band is Dugtrio's best option for up-front damage, and is what allows it Dugtrio to most effectively lock down and eliminate its teammates' checks (RC) or clean up on its own.

**Focus Sash**: Focus Sash primarily serves as a way to get more than one move out of suicide lead Dugtrio sets, but it can also be used to guarantee Dugtrio it a chance to use a setup move.

**Other Damage-boosting Items**: Items such as Life Orb and Soft Sand can be used to give Dugtrio a damage boost without locking it into a move.

Niche Items
========
**Choice Scarf**: Despite Dugtrio's already great already-great Speed, a Speed boost from Choice Scarf can allow it to outspeed foes even faster than it and fellow Speed boosters Speed-boosters, catching them off guard. Although its damage is cut by not running a damage-boosting item, it can still trap and remove glass cannons such as Booster Energy Iron Valiant or and Choice Scarf Chi-Yu.

**Heavy-Duty-Boots Duty Boots**: Dugtrio tends to be switched in and out a lot, (AC) as its low bulk means it rarely wants to be in front of a foe that it cannot KO. Heavy-Duty-Boots Duty Boots prevents residual damage from entry hazards building up on Dugtrio it over time.

Tera
========
Dugtrio does not need to be a Tera Captain, but if you do select it as a Tera Captain one, it can benefit from Tera types that boost its offensive capabilities such as Tera Ground, Rock, or and types that help its matchup into specific Pokemon it would like to trap and remove.

Draft Strategy
========
Though Dugtrio is a solid revenge killer, it can often struggle to fit into on drafts (RC) and should only be drafted to shore up specific weaknesses your draft has. Ground is one of the most valuable typings, (AC) in Draft and thus Dugtrio will it often fit fits quite awkwardly. Even on teams where it does fit, its it's often not worth bringing into matchups that lack foes Dugtrio can easily trap and remove, though at worst it can still act as a suicide lead that can set Stealth Rock and create early momentum.

**Wallbreakers**: Wallbreakers that can struggle into against steel types Steel-types such as Kyurem, Latios, and Gholdengo benefit from Dugtrio's ability to trap and remove their checks. Strong special wallbreakers in particular can force foes to invest more in Special Defense EVs, allowing Dugtrio it to do its job more effectively.

**Cleaners / Sweepers**: Similarly to wallbreakers, cleaners and sweepers that struggle into against Pokemon that Dugtrio can effectively remove do well with Dugtrio it on their team. Pokemon weak to fast or priority Electric- priority is basically implied & there's only one, thunderclap type moves like Greninja and Palafin (RC) and Pokemon that struggle to break defensive steel types Steel-types like Raging Bolt all apprectiate appreciate Dugtrio removing their checks.

**Knock Off Support**: While Dugtrio's ability to force opponents foes to run Shed Shell instead of a preferred item is one of its strengths, it still functions worse as a revenge killer when this item is in play foes are holding it. Knock Off users like Scizor, Empoleon, and Ogerpon-Wellspring W can assist Dugtrio it by removing Shed Shell while also acting as defensive switch-ins for it.

Checks and Counters
========
**Grass-Type Pokemon**: Grass-type Pokemon resist Dugtrio's STAB moves and do not take super effective damage from any of Dugtrio's its coverage moves (RC) while also threatening a super effective move back. Ogerpon and Meowscarada Shaymin fulfill this role well, but Rillaboom in particular can half cut Earthquake's damage by half by setting Grassy Terrain on entry (RC) and then threaten a KO back with Grassy Glide try to keep examples used once total - i replaced a lot of rillabooms in later sections too.

**Trapping-immune Pokemon**: Ghost-types and any non-grounded Pokemon are immune to the trapping effect of Arena Trap, and thus disable a key part of Dugtrio's effectiveness. Trapping-immune Pokemon that share with a type that Dugtrio it usually wants to eliminate such as Gholdengo, Moltres, and Zapdos can fulfill their respective roles while being free to switch out to a teammate that can threaten Dugtrio it.

**Faster Threats**: Dugtrio's lacking bulk and general reliance on damage-boosting items leave it vulnerable to Pokemon faster than it. This includes Pokemon like Meowscarada, Greninja, and Weavile, (AC) which who outspeed and deal super effective damage to Dugtrio it.

**Priority**: Similarly to faster threats, strong priority users also threaten Dugtrio due to its lacking bulk and ease of being revenge killed. Pokemon like Rillaboom Hisuian Samurott, Palafin, and Azumarill all have strong priority attacks that threaten an OHKO on Dugtrio it.

**Bulky Attackers**: Dugtrio struggles into against bulkier Pokemon in general, but bulky Pokemon ones that can hit Dugtrio it back are an even greater problem for it. Pokemon like Rillaboom Zarude, Hydrapple, and Landorus-T can easily take a hit from Dugtrio it and threaten an OHKO back.

[credits]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/cheesynutbutterboy.619297/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/vmnunes.613460/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/nyx.564960/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/abriel.473082/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/jscurf2.608304/
Grammar checked by:
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