>>31171817>Notes on using Cloyster-when Ice is resisted and Water/Rock is neutral, Rock Blast is a stronger move than Surf due to more base Attack and high base power.
-when Ice is neutral and Rock is 2x SE, Icicle Spear may still be enough to KO (ex. Abomasnow, Charizard, ; if so, then use IS for its 100 accuracy vs RB's 90 acc.
-be aware of potential Thick Fat mons (Mamoswine, Snorlax, Hariyama, Grumpig, Miltank) that will prevent otherwise expected OHKOs.
-If you know that the opposing mon both has a priority move and a KO move, switch and try to set up later given the rarity of hazards to break the Sash on switch-in. This may include certain surprise sets as well (one of the Tree's Primarina runs special moves + Aqua Jet).
-there are situations where Cloyster can OHKO without boosting; carefully consider whether boosting or KOing first is the better option (if the opposing mon can use status moves or has moves that have status secondary effects (eg. Discharge), it's better to KO and run the boost/ko game with the second mon).
-even with Focus Sash, be wary of mons that regularly carry moves like Thunder/Discharge on the off chance the secondary Paralysis effect procs.
-if the enemy wastes a turn on the turn you setup and/or you know the mon is not a threat, you are encouraged to use Shell Smash more than once; this includes against mons with known 'free' turns like Slaking/Protect users.
-Cloyster has issues with: Ferrothorn/Empoleon/certain Steels, bulky waters that resist/won't be OHKOed by Rock Blast, Trick Room, status
-Cloyster pairs exceptionally well with Garchomp, who is Electric immune and Rock resistant; AI is also less likely to choose Ice coverage options against Cloyster on the switch if it's an option since it's Cloyster's one major resist source.
-bulky pivots that can cover a resist for Cloyster are ideal thirds for the Cloyster + Garchomp pair (esp. if Garchomp runs Scarf); synergetic typing Volturn-ers or bulky Steels are great options.
