RU Barbaracle

[roman]

[OVERVIEW]

Barbaracle has been making waves in RU thanks to its Shell Smash set, which lets it boost its already good offensive abilities to greater levels. It has reasonably good bulk and a decent typing that let it set up on a plethora of Choice Scarf users, such as Gardevoir and Tyrantrum. Barbaracle's great movepool gives it many options for its last moveslot, giving it the potential to pick and choose what counterplay it wants to beat. For example, it can run Protect to beat teams relying on First Impression Golisopod as their counterplay. Barbaracle also has an incredible Speed stat after using Shell Smash, only outpaced by Choice Scarf Salazzle. That being said, Barbaracle is very easy to pressure and remove by playing aggressively with Grass-, Fighting-, and Ground-types like Virizion, Bewear, and Zygarde-10%. Although hard to revenge kill after boosting, Barbaracle's mediocre Speed tier prior to boosting leaves it vulnerable to common attackers.

[SET]
name: Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Liquidation
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Low Kick
item: Rockium Z
ability: Tough Claws
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Shell Smash gives Barbaracle the potential to sweep through entire teams. Liquidation is Barbaracle's main STAB attack that lets it hit Ground-types and gives it a more accurate option over Stone Edge. Stone Edge is a STAB attack that has the opportunity to act as a nuke thanks to its Z-Move. Low Kick lets Barbaracle run over Steel-types like Registeel that could otherwise live any of its attacks and cripple it with Toxic. Low Kick also prevents Barbaracle from wasting its Z-Move against other potential checks like Virizion. Substitute also helps mitigate any chance of wasting its Z-Move. For example, if the opponent tries to lure out Barbaracle's Continental Crush by switching out from a wall into something they're sacrificing to the Z-Move, you can capitalize on this by setting up a Substitute. This lets Barbaracle keep its Z-Move and gives it the opportunity to Shell Smash again.

Set Details
========

Tough Claws boosts Liquidation and Low Kick, improving Barbaracle's chances against sturdier walls. The EV investment in Attack gives Barbaracle more wallbreaking potential. The 252 Speed EVs let it outpace Choice Scarf users that would otherwise be able to revenge kill it. Rockium Z lets Barbaracle break through robust walls like Milotic and offensive checks like Toxicroak and Virizion. A Jolly nature prevents Barbaracle from being outpaced by Choice Scarf users like Shaymin.

Usage Tips
========

Take advantage of Choice Scarf Pokemon like Gardevoir by using them for free setup. If your opponent Pursuit traps one of your teammates with a Pokemon like Drapion or Sneasel, capitalize on that by freely setting up with Barbaracle the next turn. Play wisely against walls, knowing that your opponent will likely try to lure out Barbaracle's Z-Move before trying to check it with a wall. If Barbaracle lacks the specific move to handle checks like Doublade, make sure to wear them down over time with Barbaracle's teammates before attempting to sweep.

Team Options
========

Entry hazard setters, like Mega Steelix, are important to use alongside Barbaracle, as the extra chip damage lets Barbaracle break past Pokemon like physically defensive Gligar and Porygon2 that can check it in a pinch. Steel-types are great teammates that can switch into Grass-types, which Barbaracle struggles with. A good example is Registeel, which can also provide the aforementioned Stealth Rock. Wallbreakers like Choice Specs Gardevoir and Choice Band Drapion help break through teams, giving Barbaracle more sweeping potential. Drapion can also remove a defensive check in Bronzong and remove items like Porygon2's Eviolite for Barbaracle. Hyper offensive teams can use dual screens from Meowstic-M. Memento support from Gardevoir on balance or hyper offense supports Barbaracle, giving it an almost guaranteed setup opportunity.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Aerial Ace gives Barbaracle a way to hit Pokemon like Toxicroak, Chesnaught, and Virizion that are resistant to its STAB moves. Protect lets Barbaracle beat priority users, namely Golisopod. However, Golisopod also commonly runs Aqua Jet, so Barbaracle will still lose the matchup if it is chipped as it sets up. Taunt can be run in the last slot to give Barbaracle more potential against stall teams carrying Pyukumuku. Earthquake gives Barbaracle a way around one of its best and most common checks, Doublade. Barbaracle can chip Doublade the first time Doublade switches in with Earthquake and, if Doublade has taken enough damage, set up with Shell Smash after and outright beat it. However, Earthquake is hard to justify using because Doublade is easy to chip down even without Earthquake and isn't commonly found on many teams.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Unaware Users**: Pyukumuku counters Barbaracle in every sense of the word thanks to Unaware; it can come in fairly easily, heal off any damage the Z-Move inflicts, and beat Barbaracle with Toxic. Although it is more niche, Quagsire beats Barbaracle as well.

**Status**: Barbaracle struggles to set up on Pokemon that carry status-inducing moves. For example, Registeel and Bronzong can inflict it with Toxic poison, limiting its ability to sweep. Other Pokemon like Porygon2 and Cresselia can cripple it with paralysis, but keep in mind that Barbaracle can prevent status by setting up a Substitute.

**Priority**: First Impression from Golisopod, Sucker Punch from Honchkrow, and Aqua Jet from Feraligatr are all capable of revenge killing Barbaracle after some chip damage.

**Offensive Checks**: Bewear and Doublade are able to tank an attack after Barbaracle has used Shell Smash and have the potential to KO it back. Other Choice Scarf users, such as Salazzle, and quick Pokemon, like Stoutland under sand and Venusaur under sun, are capable of outpacing and revenge killing Barbaracle.

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Extremely bulky physically defensive walls, such as Slowbro and Porygon2, are capable of taking Continental Crush from Barbaracle and KOing it in return. Other Pokemon like Chesnaught and physically defensive Umbreon have the potential to check Barbaracle as well.

 

[teachable]

hyea

qc

[OVERVIEW]
Idk if saying it needs a scarf salazzle to revenge kill it is highlighting it "lackluster" speed; that's a fucking fast scarfer. I'd probably throw something else there.

[SET]
name: Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Liquidation
move 4: Return / Substitute
item: Rockium Z
ability: Tough Claws
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
mention chesnaught also, + virizion isn't really looking to tank a hit from you lol.

Set Details
========
good

Usage Tips
========
good

Team Options
========

Don't call screens/memento a gimick in an analysis lol. Memento Gradveoir is also splashable on balance, so it's probably worth just mentioning it liking screen/memento support.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Mention why you aren't running EQ lol.

Checks and Counters
===================
good

1/3

 

[phantom]

stone edge / liquidation / low kick should be the moves

return's value is getting decent neutral coverage with water, but you want to be able to do as much damage possible to both registeel and virizion so neither interrupts your sweep or force you to blow the z move when you don't need to, which is something low kick exclusively accomplishes. you usually want to use your z move on something like milotic/blastoise/toxicroak since none drop to conventional attacks at +2.

sub/return can go either unslashed in moves or in other options. don't care which

 

[Punchshroom]

Even after a Shell Smash, Barbaracle's mediocre Speed stat leaves it prone to incredibly quick Choice Scarf users like Salazzle.

Isn't Salazzle literally the only relevant Choice Scarf user that outspeeds a +2 Barbaracle? Barb's Speed after a Shell Smash is largely untouchable and should be considered a point for it, not against it; if anything you should be focusing on Barb's Speed before the Shell Smash, which is indeed mediocre.

Also surprised you didn't bring up Tough Claws here, since it's a big factor behind Barb's power after all.

Shell Smash gives Barbaracle the potential to sweep through entire teams. Stone Edge is Barbaracle's primary STAB attack. Liquidation is Barbaracle's secondary STAB attack that lets it hit Ground-types and gives it a more accurate option over Stone Edge.

Wait, why is Stone Edge the primary STAB attack when Tough Claws Liquidation is both stronger and more accurate. Liquidation should be the attack to spam, while Stone Edge should only be factored in against Water resists like Noivern and Rotom-Mow. (obviously point out the kind of targets Continental Crush should be used against)

Return is still in the Main Set, btw.

Return gives Barbaracle a way to hit Pokemon like Toxicroak, Chesnaught, and Virizion that are resistant to its dual STAB

If these are all Return hits, Aerial Ace would be the better suggestion :/. Being a more accurate option than Stone Edge to hit the likes of Roserade, Dragalge, Rotom-Mow, and Toxicroak would likely be better reasoning.

**Offensive Checks**: Bewear and Doublade are able to tank an attack after Barbaracle has used Shell Smash and have the potential to KO it back. Other Choice Scarf users such as Salazzle are capable of outpacing and revenge killing Barbaracle.

Shouldn't Chesnaught get a mention here? Also pretty sure Salazzle is the only Scarfer that can outrun +2 Barb. I suppose you could bloat up this section by including all the mons that check +0 Barb and basically pressure it before setup.

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Extremely bulky physically defensive walls such as Slowbro and Porygon2 are capable of living Continental Crush from Barbaracle and KO it in return.

Slowbro is not KOing -1 SpD Barbaracle outside of random Grass Knot; you probably should just move these to the "Status" section, especially with P2 being repeated here anyway (you could mention P2 again in the Offensive Checks section, specifying what moves it uses to KO Barb).

 

[MrAldo]

Lets see.

- Remove Moltres mentions.

- "Even after a Shell Smash, Barbaracle's mediocre Speed stat leaves it prone to incredibly quick Choice Scarf users like Salazzle." This doesnt look like much of a downside at all. In fact, it sounds more like a really good plus. Mention it as an upside on the overview, "at +2 speed it reaches a speed tier that very few things are able to outspeed and revenge kill" something along those lines. As an downside you can mention its weird speed tier at +0 that it let be pressured prior setup in conjunction to the plethora of common weaknesses it has.

- I gotta agree on Punchshroom with the bit of the OO that mentions Return. Having a hard time seeing how it does anything Aerial Ace wouldnt do in this situation, while potentially killing Chesnaught too. Replace Return with Aerial Ace on that sentence please.

- Offensive checks can section some other stuff that outspeeds it besides choice scarf salazzle, while rare they do exist. You can mention Stoutland under Sand and Venusaur under sun. Given how difficult it is to outspeed +2 speed barbaracle it is fair to mention this options despite being rather niche.

- Can mention Chesnaught on the physically defensive Pokemon bit, but mention that it has to be wary of a potential aerial ace. Can mention Umbreon too since those can be run physically defensive.

BTW, Grass Knot isnt that random. Very useful for opposing bulky waters since it can 3hko mega blastoise which means it cant switch freely against it, and totally applicable to revenge kill barb but thats besides the point.

QC 3/3 when implemented.

 

[Punchshroom]

Stone Edge is Barbaracle's primary STAB attack. Liquidation is Barbaracle's secondary STAB attack that lets it hit Ground-types and gives it a more accurate option over Stone Edge.

You forgot to change this; why would Stone Edge be your primary attack when Liquidation is so much more reliable (and stronger too)? The main set's move order should be listed accordingly as well.

[SET]
name: Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Liquidation
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Low Kick
item: Rockium Z
ability: Tough Claws
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

 

[frostration]

amcheck! use whatever you'd like, and let me know if you have any questions or concerns!
add | remove | [comments] | [AC = add comma] | [RC = remove comma]

amcheck

[OVERVIEW]

Barbaracle has been making waves in RU as of late thanks to its Shell Smash set that boosts its already good offensive abilities to greater levels. [added space] It has reasonably good bulk and a decent typing that lets it set up on a plethora of Choice Scarf users, [AC] like Gardevoir and Tyrantrum. Barbaracle has a great movepool that gives it many options for its last moveslot, giving it the potential to pick and choose what counterplay it wants to beat. For example, it can run Protect to outright beat teams relying on First Impression Golisopod as their counterplay. Barbaracle also has an incredible Speed stat after using Shell Smash, only being outpaced by a single extremely fast Choice Scarf user, Salazzle. That being said, Barbaracle is very easy to pressure and remove with aggressive offensive play with Grass-, Fighting-, and Ground-types like Virizion, Bewear, and Zygarde-10%. Although hard to revenge kill after boosting, Barbaracle's mediocre Speed tier prior to boosting leaves it vulnerable to common attackers.

[SET]
name: Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Liquidation
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Low Kick
item: Rockium Z
ability: Tough Claws
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Shell Smash gives Barbaracle the potential to sweep through entire teams. Liquidation is Barbaracle's main STAB attack that lets it hit Ground-types and gives it a more accurate option over Stone Edge. Stone Edge is Barbaracle's STAB attack that has the opportunity to act as a nuke thanks to its Z-Move. Low Kick lets Barbaracle run over Steel-types like Registeel that could otherwise live any of its attacks and cripple it with Toxic. Low Kick also lets Barbaracle prevent having the rely on prevents Barbaracle from wasting your its Z-Move against other potential checks, [AC] like Virizion. Substitute also helps mitigate any chance of wasting your its Z-Move. For example, if the opposing player opponent tries to lure out Barbaracle's Continental Crush by switching out from a wall into something they're sacking sacrificing to the Z-Move, you can capitalize on it this by setting up a Substitute. This lets you keep your Z-Move and gives you the opportunity to Shell Smash again.

Set Details
========

Tough Claws boosts Liquidation, Low Kick, and Return [you don't mention Return in the set/as a moves mention/in Other Options], improving Barbaracle's chances against sturdier walls. Similarly, the The EV investment in Attack gives Barbaracle more wallbreaking potential. The 252 Speed EVs lets it outpace Choice Scarf users that would otherwise be able to revenge kill it. Rockium Z lets Barbaracle break through robust walls, [AC] like Milotic, [AC] and break through offensive checks, [AC] like Toxicroak and Virizion. A Jolly nature prevents Barbaracle from being outpaced by Choice Scarf users like Shaymin.

Usage Tips
========

Take advantage of Choice Scarf Pokemon like Gardevoir by using them for free set up setup. If your opponent Pursuit traps one of your teammates with a Pokemon like Drapion or Sneasel, capitalize on it that by freely setting up with Barbaracle the next turn. Play wisely against walls, knowing that your opponent will likely try to lure out the Barbaracle's Z-Move before trying to check it with a wall. If you lack the specific move to handle checks like Doublade, make sure to wear them down over time with your teammates before attempting to sweep.

Team Options
========

Hazard Entry hazard setters, [AC] like Mega Steelix, [AC] are important to use alongside Barbaracle, as the extra chip damage lets Barbaracle break past Pokemon like physically defensive Gligar and Porygon2 that can check it in a pinch. Steel-types are great teammates that can switch into Grass-types, something that which Barbaracle struggles with. A good example is Registeel, which can also provide the aforementioned Stealth Rock. Wallbreakers like Choice Specs Gardevoir and Choice Band Drapion help break through teams, giving Barbaracle more sweeping potential. Drapion can also remove a defensive check in Bronzong and remove items like Porygon2's Eviolite for Barbaracle. Hyper offensive teams can use dual screens from Meowstic. Memento support from Gardevoir on balance or hyper offense teams supports Barbaracle, giving it an almost guaranteed set up setup.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Aerial Ace gives Barbaracle a way to hit Pokemon like Toxicroak, Chesnaught, and Virizion that are resistant to its dual STAB moves. Protect lets Barbaracle beat priority users, namely Golisopod. However, Golisopod also commonly runs Aqua Jet, so Barbaracle will lose the matchup if it if Barbaracle is chipped as it sets up you'll lose regardless. [changed to avoid a non-essential appositive] Taunt can be ran run in the last slot to give Barbaracle more potential against stall teams carrying Pyukumuku. Earthquake gives Barbaracle a way around one of its best [RC] and most common checks: [comma --> colon] Doublade. It Barbaracle can chip it Doublade the first time it Doublade switches in with Earthquake and, if it Doublade has taken enough chip damage, set up with Shell Smash after and outright beat it. However, Earthquake is hard to justify using because Doublade is easy to chip down even without Earthquake and isn't commonly found on many teams anyway.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Unaware Users**: Unaware users, [AC] like Pyukumuku, [AC] counter Barbaracle in every sense of the word. It Pyukumuku can come in fairly easily, [AC] and heal off any damage the Z-Move inflicts, [AC] and then beat it Barbaracle with Toxic. Other niche Unaware Pokemon like Quagsire beat Barbaracle as well.

**Status**: Barbaracle struggles to set up on Pokemon that carry status. For example, Registeel and Bronzong can inflict it with Toxic poison, limiting its ability to sweep. Other Pokemon like Porygon2 and Cresselia can cripple it with paralysis, [AC] but keep in mind that Barbaracle can prevent status by setting up a Substitute.

**Priority**: First Impression from Golisopod, Sucker Punch from Honchkrow, and Aqua Jet from Feraligatr are all capable of revenge killing Barbaracle after some chip damage.

**Offensive Checks**: Bewear and Doublade are able to tank an attack after Barbaracle has used Shell Smash and have the potential to KO it back. Other Choice Scarf users, [AC] such as Salazzle, [AC] and quick Pokemon, like Stoutland under sand and Venusaur under sun, are capable of outpacing and revenge killing Barbaracle. Other quick Pokemon like Stoutland under sand and Venusaur under sun are capable of revenge killing Barbaracle.

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Extremely bulky physically defensive walls, [AC] such as Slowbro and Porygon2, [AC] are capable of living Continental Crush from Barbaracle and KOing it in return. Other Pokemon like Chesnaught and physically defensive Umbreon have the potential to check Barbaracle as well.

 

[Lumari]

frostration: add | remove | [comments] | [AC = add comma] | [RC = remove comma]
tdp: add / fix remove (comments)
GP 1/2

check

[OVERVIEW]

Barbaracle has been making waves in RU as of late thanks to its Shell Smash set that boosts its already good offensive abilities to greater levels. [added space] It has reasonably good bulk and a decent typing that lets let ("bulk and typing" = plural) it set up on a plethora of Choice Scarf users, [AC] (most of these you've added aren't required but i believe you've been given feedback about this before, so just use your judgement re. which to add @ roman) like Gardevoir and Tyrantrum. Barbaracle has a great movepool that gives it many options for its last moveslot, giving it the potential to pick and choose what counterplay it wants to beat. For example, it can run Protect to outright beat teams relying on First Impression Golisopod as their counterplay. Barbaracle also has an incredible Speed stat after using Shell Smash, only being outpaced by a single extremely fast Choice Scarf user, Salazzle. That being said, Barbaracle is very easy to pressure and remove with aggressive offensive play with Grass-, Fighting-, and Ground-types like Virizion, Bewear, and Zygarde-10%. Although hard to revenge kill after boosting, Barbaracle's mediocre Speed tier prior to boosting leaves it vulnerable to common attackers.

[SET]
name: Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Liquidation
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Low Kick
item: Rockium Z
ability: Tough Claws
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Shell Smash gives Barbaracle the potential to sweep through entire teams. Liquidation is Barbaracle's main STAB attack that lets it hit Ground-types and gives it a more accurate option over Stone Edge. Stone Edge is Barbaracle's STAB attack that has the opportunity to act as a nuke thanks to its Z-Move. Low Kick lets Barbaracle run over Steel-types like Registeel that could otherwise live any of its attacks and cripple it with Toxic. Low Kick also lets Barbaracle prevent having the rely on prevents Barbaracle from wasting your its Z-Move against other potential checks, [AC] like Virizion. Substitute also helps mitigate any chance of wasting your its Z-Move. For example, if the opposing player opponent tries to lure out Barbaracle's Continental Crush by switching out from a wall into something they're sacking sacrificing to the Z-Move, you can capitalize on it this by setting up a Substitute. This lets you Barbaracle keep your its Z-Move and gives you it the opportunity to Shell Smash again.

Set Details
========

Tough Claws boosts Liquidation, Low Kick, and Return [you don't mention Return in the set/as a moves mention/in Other Options], improving Barbaracle's chances against sturdier walls. Similarly, the The (would actually keep "similarly" tbh for internal paragraph structure, or if you find the word doesn't fit swap it out for smth more appropriate not remove it) EV investment in Attack gives Barbaracle more wallbreaking potential. The 252 Speed EVs lets it outpace Choice Scarf users that would otherwise be able to revenge kill it. Rockium Z lets Barbaracle break through robust walls, [AC] like Milotic, [AC] and break through offensive checks, [AC] like Toxicroak and Virizion. A Jolly nature prevents Barbaracle from being outpaced by Choice Scarf users like Shaymin.

Usage Tips
========

Take advantage of Choice Scarf Pokemon like Gardevoir by using them for free set up setup. If your opponent Pursuit traps one of your teammates with a Pokemon like Drapion or Sneasel, capitalize on it that by freely setting up with Barbaracle the next turn. Play wisely against walls, knowing that your opponent will likely try to lure out the Barbaracle's Z-Move before trying to check it with a wall. If you lack the specific move to handle checks like Doublade, make sure to wear them down over time with your teammates before attempting to sweep.

Team Options
========

Hazard Entry hazard setters, [AC] like Mega Steelix, [AC] are important to use alongside Barbaracle, as the extra chip damage lets Barbaracle break past Pokemon like physically defensive Gligar and Porygon2 that can check it in a pinch. Steel-types are great teammates that can switch into Grass-types, something that which Barbaracle struggles with. A good example is Registeel, which can also provide the aforementioned Stealth Rock. Wallbreakers like Choice Specs Gardevoir and Choice Band Drapion help break through teams, giving Barbaracle more sweeping potential. Drapion can also remove a defensive check in Bronzong and remove items like Porygon2's Eviolite for Barbaracle. Hyper offensive teams can use dual screens from Meowstic. Memento support from Gardevoir on balance or hyper offense teams supports Barbaracle, giving it an almost guaranteed set up setup.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Aerial Ace gives Barbaracle a way to hit Pokemon like Toxicroak, Chesnaught, and Virizion that are resistant to its dual STAB moves. Protect lets Barbaracle beat priority users, namely Golisopod. However, Golisopod also commonly runs Aqua Jet, so Barbaracle will lose the matchup if it if Barbaracle is chipped as it sets up you'll lose regardless. [changed to avoid a non-essential appositive] (be careful with changing stuff under this rationale tbh, I'll address it in more depth later) Taunt can be ran run in the last slot to give Barbaracle more potential against stall teams carrying Pyukumuku. Earthquake gives Barbaracle a way around one of its best [RC] and most common checks: [comma --> colon] (eh do comma tbh) Doublade. It Barbaracle can chip it Doublade the first time it Doublade switches in with Earthquake and, if it Doublade has taken enough chip damage, set up with Shell Smash after and outright beat it. However, Earthquake is hard to justify using because Doublade is easy to chip down even without Earthquake and isn't commonly found on many teams anyway.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Unaware Users**: Unaware users, [AC] like Pyukumuku, [AC] counter Barbaracle in every sense of the word. It Pyukumuku can come in fairly easily, [AC] and heal off any damage the Z-Move inflicts, [AC] and then beat it Barbaracle with Toxic. Other niche Unaware Pokemon like Quagsire beat Barbaracle as well.

**Status**: Barbaracle struggles to set up on Pokemon that carry status moves. For example, Registeel and Bronzong can inflict it with Toxic poison, limiting its ability to sweep. Other Pokemon like Porygon2 and Cresselia can cripple it with paralysis, [AC] but keep in mind that Barbaracle can prevent status by setting up a Substitute.

**Priority**: First Impression from Golisopod, Sucker Punch from Honchkrow, and Aqua Jet from Feraligatr are all capable of revenge killing Barbaracle after some chip damage.

**Offensive Checks**: Bewear and Doublade are able to tank an attack after Barbaracle has used Shell Smash and have the potential to KO it back. Other Choice Scarf users, [AC] such as Salazzle, [AC] and quick Pokemon, like Stoutland under sand and Venusaur under sun, are capable of outpacing and revenge killing Barbaracle. Other quick Pokemon like Stoutland under sand and Venusaur under sun are capable of revenge killing Barbaracle.

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Extremely bulky physically defensive walls, [AC] such as Slowbro and Porygon2, [AC] are capable of living taking ("live" is an intransitive verb so you can't "live" an attack, do take or survive) Continental Crush from Barbaracle and KOing it in return. Other Pokemon like Chesnaught and physically defensive Umbreon have the potential to check Barbaracle as well.

on nonessential appositives and stuff

Aight so first off I'm not sure if I'm understanding your rationale behind these changes properly, but I'm taking it to be "stuff bracketed off by commas = non-essential appositive -> but I can't actually remove this stuff between two commas without substantially altering the meaning of the sentence i.e. this is an error". Be careful with this though, because "stuff bracketed off by commas" != necessarily non-essential appositive. I'm gonna use the sentence from your Scizor check as an example, that one had to go on-site before I had time to go over that check, but it's an easier one to break down diagrammatically. Rationale for the sentence in the Barbaracle analysis is similar of course.

Mega Scizor may be capable of beating Kartana, Tapu Bulu, and Mamoswine on their own, but they're often paired with Magnezone, which can trap and remove Mega Scizor from the match if not played around cautiously.

If (I understood correctly that) you're viewing "but they're often paired with Magnezone" as a nonessential appositive, then you're basically saying that you had an otherwise complete sentence, and that "but they're often paired with Magnezone" was inserted into that one after the fact. That's not the way that sentence was built though. This sentence is a coordinate sentence, i.e. two independent sentences linked together by "but"; so basically the way this sentence was constructed is:

- second to last step, we have two separate sentences; "Mega Scizor may be capable of beating Kartana, Tapu Bulu, and Mamoswine" and "They're often paired with Magnezone, which can trap and remove Mega Scizor from the match if not played around cautiously";
- final step, concatenate those two sentences using ", but".

What I'm getting at is that not all commas are equal. In the Scizor sentence, the comma before "but" and the comma before "which" were added at completely different stages and fulfill different-ish roles, so it also doesn't make sense for them to work as a complementary "opening bracket" and "closing bracket" in this case, which does have to be the case for proper appositives. Also worth mentioning that your change made Scizor the Pokemon paired with Magnezone, which naturally wasn't what the writer was getting it.

In general I guess another takeaway is that relying on rules too much can be misleading. Personally I don't even like grammar rules for that reason and think it's better to focus on understanding the way language is structured, but w/e. If I picked the most confusing way possible to explain this / you've got any questions feel free to ask me of course.

 

[A Cake Wearing A Hat]

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[OVERVIEW]

Barbaracle has been making waves in RU as of late thanks to its Shell Smash set that boosts, (AC) which lets it boost its already good offensive abilities to greater levels. It has reasonably good bulk and a decent typing that let it set up on a plethora of Choice Scarf users, like such as Gardevoir and Tyrantrum. Barbaracle has a great movepool that Barbaracle's great movepool (change to reduce repetitiveness) gives it many options for its last moveslot, giving it the potential to pick and choose what counterplay it wants to beat. For example, it can run Protect to beat teams relying on First Impression Golisopod as their counterplay. Barbaracle also has an incredible Speed stat after using Shell Smash, only outpaced by Choice Scarf Salazzle. That being said, Barbaracle is very easy to pressure and remove with aggressive offensive play by playing aggressively with Grass-, Fighting-, and Ground-types like Virizion, Bewear, and Zygarde-10%. Although hard to revenge kill after boosting, Barbaracle's mediocre Speed tier prior to boosting leaves it vulnerable to common attackers.

[SET]
name: Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Liquidation
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Low Kick
item: Rockium Z
ability: Tough Claws
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Shell Smash gives Barbaracle the potential to sweep through entire teams. Liquidation is Barbaracle's main STAB attack that lets it hit Ground-types and gives it a more accurate option over Stone Edge. Stone Edge is Barbaracle's a STAB attack that has the opportunity to act as a nuke thanks to its Z-Move. Low Kick lets Barbaracle run over Steel-types like Registeel that could otherwise live any of its attacks and cripple it with Toxic. Low Kick also prevents Barbaracle from wasting its Z-Move against other potential checks, (RC) like Virizion. Substitute also helps mitigate any chance of wasting its Z-Move. For example, if the opponent tries to lure out Barbaracle's Continental Crush by switching out from a wall into something they're sacrificing to the Z-Move, you can capitalize on this by setting up a Substitute. This lets Barbaracle keep its Z-Move and gives it the opportunity to Shell Smash again.

Set Details
========

Tough Claws boosts Liquidation, Low Kick, and Return Liquidation and Low Kick, (return is not on the set) improving Barbaracle's chances against sturdier walls. The EV investment in Attack gives Barbaracle more wallbreaking potential. The 252 Speed EVs let it outpace Choice Scarf users that would otherwise be able to revenge kill it. Rockium Z lets Barbaracle break through robust walls, (RC) like Milotic, (RC) and offensive checks, (RC) like Toxicroak and Virizion. A Jolly nature prevents Barbaracle from being outpaced by Choice Scarf users like Shaymin.

Usage Tips
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Take advantage of Choice Scarf Pokemon like Gardevoir by using them for free setup. If your opponent Pursuit traps one of your teammates with a Pokemon like Drapion or Sneasel, capitalize on that by freely setting up with Barbaracle the next turn. Play wisely against walls, knowing that your opponent will likely try to lure out Barbaracle's Z-Move before trying to check it with a wall. If you lack Barbaracle lacks the specific move to handle checks like Doublade, make sure to wear them down over time with your Barbaracle's teammates before attempting to sweep.

Team Options
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Entry hazard setters, like Mega Steelix, are important to use alongside Barbaracle, as the extra chip damage lets Barbaracle break past Pokemon like physically defensive Gligar and Porygon2 that can check it in a pinch. Steel-types are great teammates that can switch into Grass-types, which Barbaracle struggles with. A good example is Registeel, which can also provide the aforementioned Stealth Rock. Wallbreakers like Choice Specs Gardevoir and Choice Band Drapion help break through teams, giving Barbaracle more sweeping potential. Drapion can also remove a defensive check in Bronzong and remove items like Porygon2's Eviolite for Barbaracle. Hyper offensive teams can use dual screens from Meowstic Meowstic-M. Memento support from Gardevoir on balance or hyper offense teams supports Barbaracle, giving it an almost guaranteed setup opportunity.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
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Aerial Ace gives Barbaracle a way to hit Pokemon like Toxicroak, Chesnaught, and Virizion that are resistant to its dual STAB moves. Protect lets Barbaracle beat priority users, namely Golisopod. However, Golisopod also commonly runs Aqua Jet, so Barbaracle will still lose the matchup if it is chipped as it sets up. Taunt can be run in the last slot to give Barbaracle more potential against stall teams carrying Pyukumuku. Earthquake gives Barbaracle a way around one of its best and most common checks, Doublade. Barbaracle can chip Doublade the first time Doublade switches in with Earthquake and, if Doublade has taken enough damage, set up with Shell Smash after and outright beat it. However, Earthquake is hard to justify using because Doublade is easy to chip down even without Earthquake and isn't commonly found on many teams.

Checks and Counters
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**Unaware Users**: Unaware users, like Pyukumuku, counter Pyukumuku counters Barbaracle in every sense of the word. (RP) Pyukumuku thanks to Unaware; it can come in fairly easily, heal off any damage the Z-Move inflicts, and beat Barbaracle with Toxic. Other niche Unaware Pokemon like Quagsire beat Although it is more niche, Quagsire beats Barbaracle as well.

**Status**: Barbaracle struggles to set up on Pokemon that carry status status-inducing moves. For example, Registeel and Bronzong can inflict it with Toxic poison, limiting its ability to sweep. Other Pokemon like Porygon2 and Cresselia can cripple it with paralysis, but keep in mind that Barbaracle can prevent status by setting up a Substitute.

**Priority**: First Impression from Golisopod, Sucker Punch from Honchkrow, and Aqua Jet from Feraligatr are all capable of revenge killing Barbaracle after some chip damage.

**Offensive Checks**: Bewear and Doublade are able to tank an attack after Barbaracle has used Shell Smash and have the potential to KO it back. Other Choice Scarf users, such as Salazzle, and quick Pokemon, like Stoutland under sand and Venusaur under sun, are capable of outpacing and revenge killing Barbaracle.

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Extremely bulky physically defensive walls, such as Slowbro and Porygon2, are capable of taking Continental Crush from Barbaracle and KOing it in return. Other Pokemon like Chesnaught and physically defensive Umbreon have the potential to check Barbaracle as well.

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[MrAldo]

Uploaded. Great job.