Pokemon Pocket: Magnezone Skarmory Deck Guide

The second major expansion for Pokémon TCG Pocket introduced Pokémon Tools, acting like held items in video games, providing bonus effects when equipped. Pokémon like Skarmory benefit greatly, utilizing these tools to unleash powerful, consistent attacks at low cost.

The Magnezone/Skarmory deck avoids the unreliable coin flips of other budget high-damage Pokémon (like Kangaskhan and Exeggutor ex), focusing on single-Prize Pokémon for strategic trading to victory.

Sample Decklist

Magnezone / Skarmory
Magnemite (A2) x2	Magneton (A1) x2	Magnezone (A2) x2	Skarmory (A2) x2
Heatran (A2) x1	Professor's Research x2	Sabrina x2	Cyrus x1
Poké Ball x2	Giant Cape x2	Rocky Helmet x2

For this deck, use only Metal Energy, excluding Lightning Energy. Utilize the Space-Time Smackdown Magnemite for colorless Energy attacks if needed. Magneton typically gains sufficient Lightning Energy via Volt Charge.

While any Magnemite version functions effectively in most games (as it rarely attacks), the Genetic Apex Magneton is crucial. Volt Charge is the sole Lightning Energy source; substituting Space-Time Smackdown Magnetons renders the Magnezone line unusable.

Magnezone/Skarmory Deck Strategy

The Magnezone/Skarmory deck operates in three phases: early, mid, and late-game. Early-game focuses on activating Skarmory, equipping a Pokémon Tool, attaching Energy, and attacking. Simultaneously, prepare a Magnemite on the Bench.

Tool selection depends on the opponent's lead: Giant Cape counters Druddigon's Rough Skin; Rocky Helmet mitigates attackers like Articuno. Immediately equip Skarmory with a Tool to maximize Metal Arms' damage bonus.

Evolve a Benched Magnemite to Magneton quickly. Meanwhile, attach extra Energy to Heatran or Magnemite. Mid-game involves Energy allocation.

Prioritize Heatran's Energy. It requires three turns, while Magneton needs only two.

While evolving quickly boosts HP, maximize Magneton's lifespan to utilize Volt Charge each turn. Aim for at least three, ideally

or five, Lightning Energy.

Heatran serves as a backup attacker and Energy sink; prioritize two Energy for immediate attacks. Then, add Metal Energy to Magneton for Thunder Blast.

Once Magneton or Heatran has sufficient Energy, retreat Skarmory, evolve Magneton to Magnezone, and initiate a sweep. Maintain Skarmory for another turn or two against bulky threats (like Charizard ex) or for securing KOs on weakened Pokémon.

Sabrina is most effective early, bypassing blockers (Druddigon) or setup Pokémon (Moltres ex). This weakens future threats (Palkia ex, Charmander) and secures early KOs on crucial Pokémon (Manaphy, Magikarp).

If Sabrina fails to secure a KO, damage inflicted on major threats (Palkia ex) allows for later Cyrus usage. The deck's single-Prize Pokémon strategy facilitates favorable trades against double-Prize ex Pokémon.

Magnezone/Skarmory Matchups

Exeggutor ex/Celebi ex

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Exeggutor ex mirrors Skarmory's high-damage, single-Energy attacks, but more effectively (averaging 60 damage with double Skarmory's HP). This matchup is winnable: eliminate Celebi ex before excessive Energy accumulation and exploit Exeggutor ex's unreliable flips. Use Sabrinas strategically.

Darkrai ex/Magnezone

Darkrai ex decks (especially the Magnezone variant) pose a significant threat. Darkrai bypasses Skarmory's Rocky Helmet, while Druddigon's Rough Skin eliminates setup attackers.

As with Celebi ex decks, overcome blocking Active Pokémon to target key Pokémon. One hit from Skarmory, Magnezone, or Heatran can finish Darkrai ex (even with Giant Cape).

Charizard ex/Moltres ex

The classic Genetic Apex Charizard ex deck remains strong. Charizard ex's advantage is its ability to one-hit KO any Pokémon, but the single-Prize strategy allows for advantageous trades.

These decks often focus on high Energy attachment to a single Pokémon. Securing a KO on Charmeleon with multiple attached Energy often results in opponent concession. Otherwise, prioritize hitting Charizard ex to weaken it for a finishing blow.

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