CurseGar (TCG): Difference between revisions

'''CurseGar''' is a competitive {{TCG|deck archetype}} in the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]].  Although it saw the most play during the 2009-2010 season, after the release of the {{TCG|Platinum: Arceus}} expansion, it is still considered a somewhat viable deck. After the {{TCG|rotation}} of {{TCG|Great Encounters}}, and with it {{TCG ID|Great Encounters|Claydol|15}}, at the end of the 2009-2010 season, CurseGar saw a massive drop in usage because its main drawpower was no longer legal. Modern variants of the deck use an {{TCG|engine}} based around {{TCG ID|Legends Awakened|Uxie|43}} and a variety of {{TCG|Supporter card}}s in place of Claydol. The deck's name reflect's the Platinum: Arceus {{TCG ID|Arceus|Gengar|16}}'s {{TCG|Pokémon Power|Poké-Power}}, ''Curse'', to distinguish it from {{TCG|Mother Gengar|another archetype}} based around the {{TCG|Stormfront}} {{TCG ID|Stormfront|Gengar|18}}.

The deck's ideal start is {{TCG ID|Arceus|Spiritomb|32}}, with at least one {{TCG ID|Stormfront|Gastly|62}} and {{TCG ID|Great Encounters|Baltoy|60}} on the bench.  While slowing the opponent's setup through Spiritomb's ''Keystone Seal'' Poké-Body, which prevents {{TCG|Trainer card}}s from being played, the player uses Spiritomb's ''Darkness Grace'' attack to evolve Baltoy into {{TCG ID|Great Encounters|Claydol|15}} and/or Gastly into {{TCG ID|Stormfront|Haunter|40}} and, later, {{TCG ID|Arceus|Gengar|16}}. Generally, the CurseGar player attempts to evolve as much as possible before Spiritomb is knocked out. Claydol, in combination with the deck's line of Supporter cards, is often able to get out multiple Gengar early in the game, even if Spiritomb is knocked out on the first or second turn.

Once Gengar is out on the field and has {{e|Psychic}}{{e|Psychic}}{{e}} attached to it, it can begin attacking with ''Shadow Skip''.  While ''Shadow Skip'' hits for an underwhelming 60 damage, it gives the CurseGar player the option to switch Gengar with one of his or her benched Pokémon. After using ''Shadow Skip'', the ideal choice to swap out with Gengar is another benched Spiritomb.  This prevents the opponent from playing Trainer cards during his or her turn, while at the same time moving Gengar to the safety of the bench so it is not damaged.  To retreat Spiritomb on the CurseGar player's turn, he or she will use {{TCG|Moonlight Stadium}} or {{TCG ID|Majestic Dawn|Unown Q|49}}.  Essentially, CurseGar keeps up a cycle of doing 60 damage per turn while completely preventing the opponent from both playing Trainer cards and damaging Gengar.

* '''{{TCG ID|Legends Awakened|Mewtwo LV.X|144}}''' - Mewtwo LV.X provides a simple way to beat decks based around {{TCG|Pokémon SP}}, common in CurseGar's era, that did not include {{TCG ID|Platinum|Dialga G LV.X|122}}. Mewtwo LV.X fits easily into CurseGar because it utilizes {{TCG|Psychic}}-type {{TCG|Energy card}}s, which are already included in the deck.

* '''{{TCG ID|Platinum|Crobat G|47}}''' - Crobat G simply provides a way for CurseGar to take unexpected knockouts, should an attack be 10 damage short.  Its ''Flash Bite'' Poké-Power does 10 damage to one of the opponent's Pokémon. Crobat G is easily searchable through a variety of effects, and generally does not harm the deck's consistency.

:* '''{{TCG|Team Galactic's Invention G-105 Poké Turn|Poké Turn}}''' - Poké Turn is used exclusively in combination with Crobat G. After Crobat G is dropped from the hand, Poké Turn can scoop it up to either use again or free up a needed bench space.