approved by alexwolf
Back in DPP, every (at least offensive) team had a dedicated lead. This all changed when BW introduced Team Preview, which means the opponent could see your lead beforehand and counterlead appropriately, thus destroying the traditional 'lead metagame'. In its place appeared a whole set of mindgames and strategy that add more depth to leading.
The purpose of this thread is to discuss the following aspects:
1) How do you pick your lead?
2) What are the XY 'dedicated leads'?
Here's a scenario to discuss, too. Which lead would you pick? I will change the teams periodically. The first set of teams is taken from Masterclass vs. GaryTheGengar's SPL match.
Team 1: Greninja / Zapdos / Heatran / Venusaur [Mega] / Ditto / Dragonite
Team 2: Charizard [Mega Y] / Bisharp / Latias / Keldeo / Thundurus / Genesect
Back in DPP, every (at least offensive) team had a dedicated lead. This all changed when BW introduced Team Preview, which means the opponent could see your lead beforehand and counterlead appropriately, thus destroying the traditional 'lead metagame'. In its place appeared a whole set of mindgames and strategy that add more depth to leading.
The purpose of this thread is to discuss the following aspects:
1) How do you pick your lead?
With the ability to choose exactly which Pokemon you want to lead with, leading is now a mindgame. Unless you see something like a Deoxys-S/D on the opposing team, or obvious LeadChomp, or are running one of those leads and want to counterlead the opponent's counterlead, you are left to assess the opponent's team and pick what will give you the best immediate matchup and thus momentum. You won't win this scenario every time, but knowing how to assess the opposing team and pick a lead is pretty important to gaining momentum from the start.
2) What are the XY 'dedicated leads'?
Despite the fact that you can see the opposing lead, Pokemon such as Deoxys-S, Deoxys-D, and SR Garchomp are still dedicated to leading and giving their users and immediate advantage. Perhaps post one you like to use.
2a) What impact do they have on the metagame?
3) What Pokemon make great leads, but aren't dedicated to the position?For example, Deoxys-S/D support an entire playstyle. How do dedicated leads impact the metagame?
Think about things like Scarf Genesect here. What Pokemon fare well in the lead position, but can't be identified as 'dedicated leads'?
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Here's a scenario to discuss, too. Which lead would you pick? I will change the teams periodically. The first set of teams is taken from Masterclass vs. GaryTheGengar's SPL match.
Team 1: Greninja / Zapdos / Heatran / Venusaur [Mega] / Ditto / Dragonite
Team 2: Charizard [Mega Y] / Bisharp / Latias / Keldeo / Thundurus / Genesect
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