Pokemon of the Week 11/28/11 Quagsire

With goofy smile gleaming, Quagsire steps up for Effort Value training. Holding strong striking power, with resistant abilities, it adds an interesting twist to team strategy. Search the swamps because this water fish is fresh!

Ability: Water Absorb
Type: Water/ Ground
Nature: Careful (+Sp.Def, -Sp.Atk
Weakness: Grass

Base Stats:
Hp-95
Atk-85
Def-85
Sp.Atk-65
Sp.Def-65
Spd-35

Ev Spread: (510)
Hp-14
Atk-248
Def-124
Sp.Atk-0
Sp.Def-124
Spd-0

Moveset Suggestion:
- Ice Punch (Gen IV)
-Iron Tail (Gen IV)
-Brick Break
-Waterfall
Additional Valuable Moves: Body Slam (Egg), Earthquake

Moveset Sidenotes:
From the onset, we see Quagsire's Stats to be underwhelming. Seen to be a common Pokemon, does not mean it's useless in battle. Focus on strong suits, and train for striking force. Quagsire's dopey grin comes from the fact he's only hit super effectively against Grass types alone. Grass Pokemon can be discarded early in the match, if drawn out onto the field properly. Consider having a lure Pokemon to convince opponents, “now would be prime time to use my grandiose Grass Poke.” Pull the switcheroo, and demolish the Grass type before it can even touch the swamp beast. When the field is clear for Quagsire, unleash the fiendish fish!

Just as important, if not more, than setting up the field for Quagsire, comes in knowing when to switch him into the fray. Its ability "Water Absorb" takes Water type attacks and converts them into health points! Another bait and switch tactic would be viable here. Once all Grass types on your opponent’s side are gone, tempt them to launch a strong Water type move towards you, with (insert Pokemon weak to Water here). Before the eminent strike, switch to Quagsire and gain health rather than become one hit knocked out.

With proper switching and field preparation, Quagsire has his work cut out for him. Generation four yielded many positive physical moves for multitudes of Pokemon. That’s why I recommend raising it in one of the past titles, rather than fifth generation, Black or White. Ice punch hits hard against pesky Grass types, should your opponent have a straggler. "Iron Tail" shatters Ice types and crushes Rock with a powerful 100 base power damage. Brick Break, aside from being a significant solid fighting move, shatters barriers raising opponent's defense (Light Screen or Reflect). Waterfall is necessary for the same type attack bonus to activate upon usage. Deciding additional moves once more falls on your shoulders and how your team is raised. Cover your comrade’s weaknesses with balanced movesets and equal type pairings of member.

Conclusion:
My first encounter with this lovable oaf came from a sticker I found once in a "Wonderball" chocolate candy treat. Since then my relationship with the mud fish has only gotten sweeter! As a professional Pokemon trainer, Quagsire plants a surprisingly good stance in scuffs. Its ability, combined with blubbery mass, morph it into an offensive Wall of sorts. Needing field preparation beforehand, it can cover more ground than originally thought. Add this watery dough ball to your team to astonish and annihilate rivals!