Quoted By:
Put this quick guide together for ppl who are brand new to comp. Thought I'd share it here.
Play low tiers so that you learn actual varied gameplay and not just how to bring/counter keldeo/scizor.
Start with two random pokemon from your tier or a lower one that you like based on design/single player. Consider the weaknesses of those two pokemon and add another to counter. Now look at all three repeat until you have 6 mons. This team will probably not be great but at least have some variety. Change the team gradually as you learn more until it is ace. You do NOT need stealth rocks or rapid spin on your team, although it is certainly a nice option.
Start playing. You will gradually get better as you start seeing the same sets and develop gut feeling. When the game starts, look on your opponents team for a pokemon that usually carries stealth rock or passive weather. Assume that he will lead with that pokemon and lead with a counter to it. This will pay off in about 80% of cases. If your opponent leads with something that catches you off guard, assume he is above average and start predicting plays. If not. assume he will always make the most obvious play and stomp him surgically.
NEVER use a "lead" pokemon on your team. Lead pokemon are a youtube faggot term that will lose you games. Truly great players would never have something as predictable as a popular lead on their team and automatically lose the first turn momentum whenever they face an opponent who can think.
Finally, get some priority. Fake out, sucker punch, espeed, quick attack and shadow sneak are good options. Aqua jet isn't, it's too predictable. This lets you revenge kill even against choice scarf fagets who get their sets off smogon. A bulky pokemon with a phasing move like whirlwind or roar is great for when they set up. Take a hit and force them out.
Source: Played a long time. 1800+ rating in all tiers with original sets. Try to have fun and best of luck not becoming a boring smogonfaggot!
