Common Deck Mistakes in Pokemon TCG: How Pocket Golem & Aerodactyl ex Can Cost You Games

In the competitive landscape of the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), one card that stands out in popular decks displays an unexpected vulnerability that opponents can leverage to their advantage.

Fighting-type decks have gained significant traction, with Golem decks leading the charge due to their impressive balance of offensive and defensive capabilities. Close behind in performance is Aerodactyl ex, known for its ability to hinder evolution plays effectively.

A key player in both these decks is Marshadow, a Fighting Pokémon celebrated for its potent attack known as Revenge. This attack inflicts 100 damage, provided an allied Pokémon has fallen in the previous turn. However, as highlighted by users on PTCGP Reddit, there are means to counter this powerful move.

PSA: If your active dies to Poison, you (correctly) won’t get the bonus damage from Marshadow by u/TVboy_ in PTCGP

Countering Marshadow’s Revenge through Indirect Damage

Marshadow’s Revenge attack specifically triggers when a Pokémon is knocked out due to damage inflicted by an opponent’s direct attack. Nonetheless, various game mechanics exist that can lead to a Pokémon’s knockout without directly involving an attack.

One notable method involves the use of Weezing, which applies a dangerous Poison effect. The gradual damage from Poison can ultimately bring down a Pokémon, but this damage does not count as an attack in the context of activating Revenge.

This principle extends to damage caused by Pokémon Abilities, such as Druddigon’s Rough Skin. This Ability inflicts 20 damage back to an opponent when they attack. Importantly, should Rough Skin result in a knockout, it similarly fails to activate Marshadow’s Revenge.

Marshadow is designed to function as a follow-up attacker after an enemy Pokémon has been defeated. When activated, Revenge can inflict a substantial 100 damage, making it a formidable threat against opponents who have already sustained damage in earlier rounds.

However, if Revenge is not empowered by a recent knockout, its damage output diminishes significantly to just 40 points. This lower damage may struggle to break through the defenses of sturdier Pokémon that populate the competitive scene.

Players who are unaware of this counterplay may mistakenly assume Marshadow guarantees a knockout, only to find it underwhelming against resilient opponents. Therefore, it’s crucial for users of Marshadow to remain vigilant about the circumstances surrounding the previous Pokémon encounters.

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