Complete Competitive Pokémon Glossary

Definition: Two-Hit KO. It takes two hits to eliminate the opposing Pokémon. The first hit leaves the Pokémon with residual HP, the second finishes it.

“Flutter Mane 2HKOs Landorus-T with Moonblast — Landorus survives the first hit.”

Definition: The central strategy of a team. Rain, Trick Room, Hyper Offense, Balance, Sand, Tailwind, Volt-Turn... The archetype defines the playstyle and conditions all construction choices.

Definition: A move that reduces both physical AND special damage to the entire team for 8 turns (with Light Clay). Can only be used under Snow/Hail. Very powerful combined with fast sweepers.

“Aurora Veil + Alolan Ninetales (snow) + Miraidon = a setup that is very hard to stop.”

Definition: Anything Goes. No restrictions, no ban list.

Definition: Pokékipe category for abilities that boost damage output: Adaptability, Huge Power, Sheer Force, Technician, Protean / Libero, Pixilate / Refrigerate / Aerilate / Galvanize, Tough Claws, Strong Jaw, Mega Launcher, Analytic, Dragon's Maw. Defines a Pokémon's offensive ceiling.

Definition: Pokékipe category for abilities that reduce incoming damage or punish attackers: Multiscale, Fur Coat, Filter, Solid Rock, Ice Scales, Thick Fat, Heatproof, Dauntless Shield, Intimidate, and contact-punishers like Static, Flame Body, Rough Skin, Iron Barbs, Effect Spore.

Definition: Pokékipe category for abilities that provide passive benefits each turn: Speed Boost, Moxie, Regenerator, Guts, Quick Feet, Poison Heal, Magic Guard (immune to indirect damage), Ice Body, Rain Dish, Dry Skin.

Definition: Pokékipe category for weather-setting abilities: Drizzle (rain), Drought (sun), Sand Stream (sand), Snow Warning (snow), Primordial Sea / Desolate Land / Delta Stream (unbreakable, Ubers only), plus Surge abilities for terrains.

Definition: Pokékipe category for abilities that grant type or status immunities: Levitate (Ground immunity), Water Absorb / Volt Absorb / Flash Fire / Sap Sipper / Motor Drive / Storm Drain / Lightning Rod (type absorb + boost), Magic Guard (indirect damage immunity), Immunity (poison), Insomnia / Vital Spirit (sleep).

Definition: Pokékipe category for abilities that disrupt the opponent's strategy: Intimidate (-1 Atk on switch-in), Mold Breaker (ignores defensive abilities), Pressure (doubles PP usage), Unnerve (denies berries), Cursed Body, Illusion, Magician, Neutralizing Gas (nullifies all abilities while on field).

Definition: Pokékipe category for general-purpose abilities: Prankster (+1 priority on status moves), Trace (copies opponent's ability), Download (+1 Atk or SpA based on opponent's lower defense), Natural Cure, Synchronize, Frisk (reveals item), Friend Guard (reduces ally damage in Doubles), Harvest, Pickup, Symbiosis, Cheek Pouch.

Definition: The base value of a stat, fixed per species. Serves as the starting point before applying IVs, EVs, and nature. A high Speed base stat (e.g.: 150 for Electrode) ensures being naturally fast.

“Gholdengo has 133 base Sp. Atk — it doesn't need many EVs to hit hard.”

Definition: Base Stat Total. The sum of a Pokémon's 6 base stats. A general indicator of raw power, but the distribution matters as much as the total.

“Slaking has 670 BST — the highest among non-legendaries — but its Truant ability prevents it from acting every other turn.”

Definition: The overall durability of a Pokémon, combining its HP, Defense, and Special Defense. A 'bulky' Pokémon can take a lot of hits. Blissey has mediocre physical bulk but exceptional special bulk.

“Dondozo has 150 HP and 100 Defense — its physical bulk is among the best in the game.”

Definition: The Pokémon in reserve (not on the field). In VGC, your 2 'back' Pokémon can switch in to replace those on the field.

“Your back Incineroar can switch in if the opponent tries to exploit your weakened lead.”

Definition: Best of 3. Match format where first to win 2 games wins. Standard in VGC top cut.

Definition: A Pokémon or strategy considered too powerful for the format, to the point of having no reliable counter. The term often implies a ban is needed.

“Calyrex-Shadow with its Speed and power is considered broken in many formats.”

Definition: Removal of a Pokemon/move/ability from a tier after suspect test.

Definition: Pokékipe's measure of the relative game state at any point during a match. Computed from remaining HP, type matchups, hazards, status conditions and switch pressure. Positive = you are ahead; negative = opponent is ahead. Visualised as a curve in the Replay Analyzer to make turning points obvious.

“A +50 board advantage at Turn 20 usually converts into a win — unless a turning point flips it.”

Definition: A hybrid archetype: majority offensive items, but at least one recovery move and one defensive ability to keep attackers healthy for multiple wincon attempts. The most common archetype at high-ELO ladder because it hedges between HO's fragility and Balance's slowness.

“Kingambit (Black Glasses) + Great Tusk (Leftovers) + Gholdengo + Dragapult + Iron Valiant + Clodsire — Tusk and Clod hold the board while the four attackers pressure.”

Definition: The default archetype: roughly equal offensive and defensive Pokémon, some hazard setters, some pivots, one or two wincons. Doesn't auto-lose to any archetype but rarely steamrolls either — relies on good decision-making across long games.

Definition: Residual damage accumulated over turns: hazards, weather, status conditions, Life Orb... This damage turns a 2HKO into an OHKO or makes an opponent vulnerable.

“With Stealth Rock, Garchomp loses 25% HP on switch-in — the chip puts it in OHKO range.”

Definition: Critical Hit. Deals ×1.5 normal damage. Base probability of 4.17%. Can be increased by specific moves or items.

“A crit on Blissey can OHKO it even without boosts — that's hax.”

Definition: A pair or trio of Pokémon that work particularly well together and form the foundation of a team. E.g.: the Rain core is Kyogre + Swift Swim sweeper. The rest of the team is built around the core.

Definition: A counter reliably beats a Pokemon on switch-in; a check beats it but can't switch in safely.

Definition: Championship Points. Points accumulated by performing well in official Play! Pokémon tournaments. A minimum of CP is required to qualify for the World Championships.

Definition: An unpredictable and unorthodox strategy, often very fragile if anticipated but devastating if not prepared for. Cheese wins by surprise but loses against a prepared opponent.

“Double Trick Room with atypical Pokémon — cheese that can catch opponents off guard.”

Definition: A strategy that performs well in most situations without depending on very specific conditions. The opposite of cheese. A consistent team is often preferable in tournament play.

“Balance + Incineroar is very consistent — you always have a tool for every situation.”

Definition: Colloquial for selecting a move. 'Just click Earthquake' = attack without overthinking.

Definition: Available responses to an opponent's strategy. Limited counterplay may warrant a ban.

Definition: A support Pokemon that cures team status with Heal Bell or Aromatherapy.

Definition: Restriction from Choice items forcing one move until switching.

Definition: Pokékipe rating (0.0–3.0+) for how reliably a Pokémon counters another. ≥2.0 = 'Reliable counter' — beats the opponent 1v1 even at full HP. 1.5–1.99 = 'Solid check' — beats them if opponent is weakened or without boost. <1.5 = 'Situational check' — needs hazards, status or item removal.

“Great Tusk has Counter score 2.4 vs Kingambit — reliable counter. Dragapult has 1.7 — solid check only.”

Definition: The official Play! Pokémon competitive circuit: local League Cups → Regional Championships → International Championships → World Championships. Each tier awards Championship Points that advance players toward Worlds qualification.

Definition: The defensive value of a Pokémon beyond its raw stats: Intimidate, Fake Out, Parting Shot, immunities, useful resistances... Incineroar has exceptional defensive utility.

“Incineroar doesn't have the best stats but its defensive utility (Intimidate + Fake Out) is irreplaceable.”

Definition: Uses Defog to clear all hazards and screens from both sides.

Definition: Gen 8 mechanic doubling HP and transforming moves (banned in Smogon singles, central to VGC Gen 8).

Definition: Pokékipe badge (📉) for Pokémon whose usage dropped by 30% or more versus the previous month. Often signals a new counter in the meta or a tier shift from a recent suspect.

Definition: The Smogon 2v2 tier (abbreviated DOU). Similar mechanics to VGC (spread moves at 75%, Fake Out, Redirection) but with Smogon rules: no bring-6/pick-4, full species / item / move clause. Separate usage stats from VGC.

Definition: Effort Value. Stat points gained by defeating Pokémon or via certain items. Maximum of 252 per stat, 510 total. Every 4 EVs = +1 stat point. The EV distribution defines a Pokémon's spread.

“252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe Timid — classic fast offensive spread.”

Definition: The specific allocation of 510 EVs across 6 stats, optimized for a role.

Definition: Final battle phase with few Pokemon remaining. Positioning determines the winner.

Definition: Moves set on the opponent's side that damage Pokemon switching in (Stealth Rock, Spikes, Toxic Spikes).

Definition: Pokékipe's ladder-skill brackets used when filtering Pokémon Showdown replays: 0 ELO = 'All levels', 1500+ = 'Good', 1630+ = 'Very good', 1695+ = 'Expert'. The ELO cutoff changes which meta snapshot you see — high-ELO stats diverge sharply from all-ladder stats.

Definition: A Normal physical move with +3 priority that causes Flinch (100% chance) the first time it is used in battle. Used by Incineroar, Mienfoo, Hitmontop... to give a free turn to the partner.

“Incineroar uses Fake Out on the opposing lead — that Pokémon cannot act this turn.”

Definition: A state in which a Pokémon hit by certain moves cannot act during that turn. Fake Out causes a Flinch 100% of the time.

Definition: A redirection move with +2 priority. Forces opposing attacks to target the Pokémon using Follow Me. Allows the partner to set up Swords Dance, set TR, etc.

Definition: Good Game. Sportsmanship gesture at match end.

Definition: A Pokemon that ties a team together by covering key weaknesses and checking multiple threats.

Definition: Unfavorable random elements that influence a game: unlikely crit, paralysis at the worst moment, missing on 85% accuracy... Hax is part of the game but good teams minimize their dependence on it.

“Losing because of 3 consecutive crits is hax.”

Definition: A Pokemon that clears entry hazards using Rapid Spin or Defog.

Definition: Clearing hazards with Rapid Spin (your side) or Defog (both sides).

Definition: An archetype built on pure aggression: 5-6 attackers, offensive items (Life Orb, Choice Band/Specs, Booster Energy), minimal or zero recovery, and rarely more than one defensive Pokémon. Wins by overwhelming the opponent turn 1-turn 10 before they stabilise. Weak to priority and status.

“A typical Gen 9 OU HO: Screens lead + 5 setup sweepers (Iron Valiant, Kingambit, Volcarona, Garchomp, Dragapult). Any Pokémon surviving at 40% HP is dead next turn.”

Definition: An archetype that layers multiple entry hazards (Stealth Rock + Spikes + Toxic Spikes ± Sticky Web) while denying removal with Gholdengo's Good as Gold or a ghost-type spinblocker. Turns every switch into chip damage.

Definition: A Pokémon whose primary job is to set entry hazards (Stealth Rock, Spikes, Toxic Spikes, Sticky Web). Typical examples: Ting-Lu (Rock + Spikes), Great Tusk (Rock), Glimmora (Rock + Sludge Wave + ability-triggered), Skarmory (Spikes).

Definition: Individual Value. Hidden value from 0 to 31 randomly assigned to each stat of a Pokémon. 31 = maximum. Competitively, we aim for 31 in all stats except special cases (0 Speed in Trick Room, 0 Attack to avoid self-confusion damage).

Definition: Pokékipe item category grouping items that boost raw damage output: Life Orb, Choice Band, Choice Specs, Expert Belt, Mega Stones, Z-Crystals, Metronome, Muscle Band, Wise Glasses. Main levers for offensive pressure.

Definition: Pokékipe item category for speed-control items: Choice Scarf (1.5× Speed + lock), Quick Claw (random first-move), Lagging Tail and Iron Ball (inverted Speed for Trick Room), Macho Brace (training).

Definition: Pokékipe item category for passive HP restore: Leftovers (6.25%/turn), Black Sludge (Poison-type only), Sitrus Berry (25% at 50% HP), Oran Berry, Enigma Berry. Core of every wall and Bulky Offense Pokémon.

Definition: Pokékipe item category for defensive utility: Assault Vest (+50% SpD), Eviolite (+50% Def/SpD on NFE), Air Balloon (Ground immunity until hit), Heavy-Duty Boots (ignore entry hazards), Rocky Helmet (1/6 contact recoil), Covert Cloak (ignores added effects), Ability Shield.

Definition: Pokékipe item category for status management: Toxic Orb / Flame Orb (self-inflict for Guts/Facade/Quick Feet), Lum Berry / Cheri Berry / Pecha Berry (cure), Safety Goggles (immune to powder + weather chip).

Definition: Pokékipe item category for items that trigger or reward setup: Focus Sash (1 HP survival), Weakness Policy (+2/+2 on super-effective hit), Eject Pack / Eject Button (forced pivot), Red Card, Stat-boost berries (Lansat, Liechi, Salac, Starf), Seed items (terrain-triggered boost).

Definition: Pokékipe item category for niche-effect items: Terrain Extender, Light Clay (screens duration), Destiny Knot (IV inheritance / IV breeding), Brightpowder, Zoom Lens, Weather Rocks (+3 turns), Binding Band, Mental Herb.

Definition: An International Championship — four regional majors per year (NAIC, EUIC, LAIC, OCIC) with higher CP payouts than Regionals and a Day-2 cut. Winning an International is a top career milestone in competitive VGC.

Definition: Dark move that removes the target's held item permanently. Extremely impactful.

Definition: The pair of Pokémon sent out at the start of a VGC match. The lead choice often dictates the flow of the match — reading the opponent well in team preview = good lead.

Definition: The ELO online ranking on Pokémon Showdown. Each win or loss in a Rated Battle raises or lowers your ELO. The ladder is the source of the usage statistics analyzed by Pokékipe.

Definition: Little Cup. Only unevolved Pokemon at Level 5.

Definition: The percentage of games where a Pokémon is sent out first at team preview. High lead usage with low win rate indicates a predictable or outdated lead pick; high lead usage with high win rate signals a meta-defining opener. Tracked per-format and per-month by Pokékipe.

“Chi-Yu has 62% lead usage in Gen 9 OU — expect it in the opening slot of most ladder matches.”

Definition: Synonym of lead usage. The share of games in which a given Pokémon takes the first slot at team preview.

Definition: Maximizing investment in key stats (252/252) while ignoring less useful ones.

Definition: A specific combination of Pokémon within a team, optimized for a particular matchup. A good team has multiple modes for different situations.

“Mode A (Rain) against offensive teams, Mode B (Trick Room) against fast teams.”

Definition: Controlling the pace of battle. Pivoting moves generate momentum.

Definition: The set of dominant strategies, Pokémon, and archetypes in a format at a given time. The meta constantly evolves in response to community discoveries, bans, and patches.

Definition: A large-scale tournament in the official VGC circuit: Regionals, Internationals (EUIC, NAIC, LAIC), and World Championships. These events award Championship Points (CP).

Definition: A team strong against specific matchups but weak against others.

Definition: Runs both physical and special moves to exploit the opponent's weaker defensive stat.

Definition: Pokékipe badge (⭐) for Pokémon that define the current metagame: >20% usage in a major format, stable across months, and found in top ladder teams. Every team should either use a meta staple or have a clear plan to beat it.

“In Gen 9 OU April 2026: Kingambit, Great Tusk, Iron Valiant and Gholdengo are all meta staples.”

Definition: A Smogon singles tier where every Pokémon on a team must share the same type (Fire-only, Water-only, Dark-only…). Turns teambuilding into a coverage puzzle and creates unique metagames per type. A fringe but long-running tier with its own councils and suspects.

Definition: An attribute of each Pokémon that boosts one stat by +10% and reduces another by -10%. 25 natures total, including 5 neutral ones. E.g.: Timid (+Speed, -Attack), Modest (+Sp. Atk, -Attack).

Definition: NeverUsed. Tier below RU.

Definition: Format including all Pokemon, moves, items from all generations.

Definition: Pokékipe badge (🔍) for Pokémon that see low but non-zero usage. Used for specific team structures or matchups — unviable in most teams but effective in the right slot. Not a tier-dismissal, a specialisation signal.

Definition: One-Hit KO. A move that eliminates the opposing Pokémon in a single turn, removing 100% of its HP.

“Miraidon OHKOs Incineroar with Electro Drift under Sun.”

Definition: Attack and Special Attack, determining physical and special damage output.

Definition: Overpowered. Stronger than average, but not necessarily at 'broken' level. An OP Pokémon has an excellent risk/reward ratio without being unbeatable.

“Incineroar is OP — almost every matchup benefits from its support.”

Definition: The constant threat of significant damage that forces the opponent to play defensively. A team with a lot of offensive pressure forces Protects, switches, and limits the opponent's setup opportunities.

“Rain + Palafin exerts crushing offensive pressure — the opponent cannot afford not to Protect.”

Definition: OverUsed. The most popular Smogon singles tier, the standard competitive format.

Definition: When one strategy dominates to the point every team must account for it.

Definition: The first move chosen at turn 1, heavily influenced by the lead and the opponent's teamsheet. Good opening moves maximise tempo (Fake Out), deny setup (Taunt), or gather information (Protect). Pokékipe's scouting tracks recurring openings to let you anticipate a player's first action.

Definition: Action priority. Certain moves have high priority (+1 to +3) and execute before any normal attack, regardless of Speed. E.g.: Fake Out (+3), Aqua Jet (+1).

“Fake Out has +3 priority — it always moves first, even against the fastest Pokémon.”

Definition: A status move that makes the Pokémon invulnerable for one turn. Used to gain turns of field condition/weather, avoid Fake Out, or force the opponent to reveal their moves.

“Protect on the setter avoids the opponent's Fake Out and lets the sweeper attack freely.”

Definition: A Pokémon that switches via U-turn or Volt Switch while dealing damage and maintaining momentum. Allows changing Pokémon without losing a turn.

“Landorus-T U-turns into Incineroar to take a Fake Out and regain the lead.”

Definition: The standard text format for exporting or sharing a Pokémon team. Generated by the Pokémon Showdown teambuilder, it encodes all 6 Pokémon with their abilities, EVs, natures, and moves.

Definition: Official competitive program by The Pokemon Company. Manages VGC worldwide.

Definition: Tier below NU for Pokemon with even lower usage.

Definition: A player's characteristic approach to battles, detected by Pokékipe from their replays. Common profiles include aggressive (frequent switches, fast KOs, minimal Protect), passive (high Protect rate, slow grind), balanced (mixed tempo). Knowing an opponent's playstyle helps you pick the right lead and plan your opening move.

“Scouting flagged this player as aggressive — expect an offensive lead and few pivots.”

Definition: Percentage of turns where a player uses Protect across their replays. High protect rate (>25%) indicates a defensive, reactive playstyle that waits for information. Low protect rate (<10%) signals aggressive tempo and early commits. Used by Pokékipe's scouting tool to build opponent profiles.

Definition: Gen 9 Pokémon with ancient (Scarlet) or future (Violet) origins, sharing the signature abilities Protosynthesis (sun/Booster Energy) or Quark Drive (Electric Terrain/Booster Energy). Includes Great Tusk, Iron Valiant, Roaring Moon, Iron Bundle, Chi-Yu and others — these define much of the current OU and VGC meta.

“Flutter Mane and Iron Valiant are both Paradox Pokémon — their Booster Energy activates their best stat at switch-in.”

Definition: A VGC strategy using Perish Song + Shadow Tag or Arena Trap (Gothitelle, Dugtrio) or Sky Drop + Whirlpool to trap the opponent and force KOs 3 turns after Perish Song. Niche but devastating against stall-leaning teams.

Definition: Pokékipe badge (🔥) for Pokémon with >10% usage in their format — common enough that you will face them most ladder sessions, but not quite meta-defining. A step below meta staple.

Definition: A Pokémon specialised in tanking physical attacks, with high HP and Defense, Rocky Helmet or Leftovers, and reliable recovery. Typical examples: Great Tusk, Ting-Lu, Landorus-T, Skarmory, Hippowdon.

Definition: A Pokémon that breaks walls with physical moves, usually without needing setup: Choice Band users, Life Orb wallbreakers, or Pokémon with signature boosts (Supreme Overlord Kingambit, Quark Drive Iron Hands). Distinct from setup sweepers because they don't need a boost turn.

Definition: Damage in Pokémon is not fixed — it varies randomly within a range of ±6.25% around the central value (85-100% of the maximum value). A calc that deals 50.1% damage may or may not OHKO depending on the roll.

“This calc 'rolls' from 81% to 97% — you OHKO 12 out of 16 times.”

Definition: The possible damage interval of an attack. 'In range' means the Pokémon can be KO'd depending on the roll. Synonym for 'in KO range'.

“With rocks, Charizard is in Surf range — consider Protect.”

Definition: Damage taken by the attacker in return from certain powerful moves. E.g.: Brave Bird loses 33% of the damage dealt as recoil. Double-Edge, Head Smash...

“Brave Bird deals recoil — if Talonflame deals 150 damage, it loses 50.”

Definition: A move that forces all opposing attacks to target the Pokémon using it. Follow Me and Rage Powder allow the partner to act freely for one turn.

“Farigiraf uses Follow Me — all opposing attacks targeting the partner are redirected to Farigiraf.”

Definition: A redirection move (like Follow Me) used only by Bug-type Pokémon. Functions identically to Follow Me but can only be used by Bug types.

Definition: The official rules of a VGC format, numbered alphabetically (Regulation A, B, C… H). Each Regulation can modify the allowed Pokémon, particularly restricted legendaries.

“Regulation H (current) allows 2 restricted Pokémon from: Koraidon, Miraidon, Terapagos, Ogerpon, Pecharunt...”

Definition: A legendary or mythical Pokémon that is particularly powerful, limited to 2 per team (and only 1 of each species) in the current VGC format (Regulation H). E.g.: Koraidon, Miraidon, Terapagos, Calyrex formes...

Definition: A fast Pokemon sent in after a teammate faints to KO the opposing threat. Often carries Choice Scarf.

Definition: RarelyUsed. Tier below UU.

Definition: Moves restoring the user's HP (Roost, Recover, Slack Off). Essential for walls.

Definition: A weather archetype built around a rain setter (Pelipper, Kyogre, Primordial Sea) and 2-4 rain abusers with Swift Swim, Rain Dish, Hydration or Dry Skin. Powers up Water moves 1.5× and enables perfect-accuracy Thunder / Hurricane. Folds without its setter.

Definition: Pokékipe badge (📈) for Pokémon whose usage grew by +50% or more versus the previous month — either a new tech emerging or a niche pick discovering its role. Watch them: today's rising pick is often tomorrow's meta staple.

Definition: Pokékipe label for a matchup with Counter score ≥2.0 — the Pokémon defeats the opponent 1v1 under normal conditions (no hazards, both at full HP).

Definition: A Regional Championship — the mid-tier of the Play! Pokémon circuit. Typically 500–1500 players, held across North America, Europe, Latin America and Oceania. Awards Championship Points toward Worlds. Smaller than Internationals but accessible and frequent.

Definition: A move that hits both opposing Pokémon simultaneously in Doubles. In VGC, their power is reduced to 75%. E.g.: Explosion, Pollen Puff, Surf, Earthquake.

“Landorus-T's Earthquake hits both opponents for 75% of its normal power.”

Definition: The EV distribution of a Pokémon. Often written as '252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe Timid'. A defensive spread aims to survive specific hits; an offensive spread maximizes damage.

Definition: The final Speed value of a Pokémon in battle (after EVs, IVs, and nature). Determines action order. Attacking before the opponent can be decisive.

Definition: Temporary increase of a stat in battle via moves (Swords Dance, Calm Mind, Nasty Plot...) or items. Boosts range from +1 to +6 stages, each stage multiplying the stat by 1.5.

“After Swords Dance (+2 stages), Attack is multiplied by 2.”

Definition: A Pokémon whose role is to set up a condition (weather, terrain, Trick Room, Tailwind). Often sacrificial. The setter must survive long enough to enable its sweepers.

Definition: A Pokémon whose role is to deal as much damage as possible, often benefiting from the conditions set by the setter. The sweeper is the primary win condition of a team.

Definition: Bringing a Pokemon onto the field to absorb an attack or gain position.

Definition: Intentionally letting a Pokemon faint for a strategic advantage.

Definition: Moves/abilities manipulating action order (Tailwind, Trick Room, Icy Wind, Thunder Wave).

Definition: Reflect (halves physical) and Light Screen (halves special) for 5 turns. Aurora Veil sets both under Snow.

Definition: Gathering information on an opponent before facing them: past teams, public replays, lead tendencies. Legal and common in major tournaments.

Definition: Investing EVs in Speed solely to outpace a specific opposing Pokémon. E.g.: if standard Dragapult runs 148 Speed, you might run 149 to win the mirror.

“Creeping by just 1 Speed point is enough to outspeed the opposing Dragapult.”

Definition: An action or choice that risks nothing (or nearly nothing) in all situations. Protect is always 'safe' against Fake Out. A safe move cannot be easily punished.

“Protect on the setter is safe — it avoids Fake Out and lets the field stabilize.”

Definition: A sweeper that uses a boosting move (Swords Dance, Dragon Dance...) before attacking to overwhelm the opponent.

Definition: Uses Rapid Spin to remove hazards from your side only (preserving your own).

Definition: Designed to beat stall teams through Taunt, Substitute, or status-immune abilities.

Definition: Community process to evaluate a potential ban. Players must reach high rating to vote.

Definition: The most important entry hazard. Deals type-based damage (6.25%-50%) on switch-in.

Definition: Hazard dealing 12.5%/16.7%/25% per layer to grounded Pokemon.

Definition: A move that doesn't deal direct damage (boosts, status, field effects, utility).

Definition: The 19th Tera type, introduced with the Indigo Disk DLC in Gen 9. A Stellar-terastallised Pokémon gets a one-time 1.2× (or 2× for STAB) power boost on each type of move until the battle ends. Notably, Terapagos's Stellar Form has a unique spread of stats and is a central mechanic in Stellar Ubers.

Definition: Pokémon Showdown (play.pokemonshowdown.com) — the free community-built battle simulator where almost all competitive Pokémon matches happen. Implements every Smogon tier, a fast teambuilder with paste imports, and replay sharing. Most of Pokékipe's replay analysis imports Showdown replays directly.

“Paste your Showdown team export into Pokékipe and we instantly detect the archetype, coverage gaps and missing roles.”

Definition: Between Balance and Stall: more defensive items than offensive, but 1-2 attackers to close games. Typically uses Regenerator cores (Slowking, Toxapex, Amoonguss) with a wincon like Zapdos or Gholdengo. Slower paced than Balance, faster than Stall.

Definition: An archetype that wins through attrition: 5-6 defensive Pokémon with recovery, hazards, status moves, and a slow wincon (Dondozo, Toxapex with Toxic). Forces the opponent to break through walls with limited PP and no chip protection. Countered by heavy wallbreakers and taunt.

Definition: A weather archetype built around a sun setter (Torkoal, Groudon, Desolate Land) and abusers with Chlorophyll, Solar Power, Leaf Guard or Flower Gift. Boosts Fire moves 1.5× and doubles Speed of Chlorophyll users.

Definition: A weather archetype built around Tyranitar, Hippowdon, Sand Spit or Sand Stream, paired with Sand Rush / Sand Force / Sand Veil abusers. Chips non-Rock/Steel/Ground Pokémon for 6.25%/turn and buffs Excadrill, Garchomp and others.

Definition: A weather archetype using Snow Warning setters (Ninetales-Alola, Abomasnow, Chien-Pao) and Slush Rush / Ice Body / Snow Cloak abusers. Snow gives Ice-types +50% Defense — a major defensive buff introduced in Gen 9.

Definition: A Pokémon specialised in tanking special attacks, with high HP and Special Defense, often Assault Vest or Heavy-Duty Boots. Typical examples: Blissey, Toxapex, Clodsire, Ting-Lu (mixed but specially bulky with Vessel).

Definition: A Pokémon that breaks walls with special moves without setup: Choice Specs users, Life Orb special wallbreakers (Iron Valiant, Specs Dragapult, Specs Chi-Yu). The special counterpart to physical breakers.

Definition: Pokékipe label for a matchup with Counter score 1.5–1.99 — the Pokémon handles the opponent if it switches in weakened or unboosted, but cannot tank a setup sweep.

Definition: Pokékipe label for a matchup with Counter score <1.5 — the Pokémon only beats the opponent under specific conditions (hazards up, status applied, item knocked off). Not a reliable answer.

Definition: Smogon Premier League. A draft-league annual tournament where franchises bid on players and compete in weekly matches across OU, Ubers, UU, RU, NU and PU. Widely considered the most prestigious Smogon team tournament. Runs roughly January–April each year.

Definition: Rate of advancing your win condition. Fast = aggressive; slow = methodical.

Definition: Exchanging one KO for another. Trading favorably is a core skill.

Definition: A field condition (Electric, Grassy, Psychic, Misty) that affects grounded Pokémon for 5 turns. Boosts certain types and may have additional effects.

Definition: A Psychic move that reverses action order for 5 turns — slower Pokémon move first. Central strategy of one of the most powerful archetypes in VGC.

Definition: A Flying status move that doubles the Speed of the entire team for 4 turns. Grants a massive speed tier advantage to normally slow Pokémon.

Definition: A 90-second phase at the start of a VGC match during which both players see the opponent's 6 Pokémon and choose their 4 Pokémon to use.

Definition: Non-standard move/item choice to surprise a common threat.

Definition: A bulky Pokemon that can both take hits and deal significant damage, unlike a pure wall.

Definition: The system assigning Pokemon to tiers based on usage and suspect tests.

Definition: Hazard that poisons grounded Pokemon (1 layer = Poison, 2 = Toxic). Poison-types absorb them.

Definition: Gen 9 mechanic changing a Pokemon's type to its Tera Type once per battle.

Definition: A critical turn in a replay where the advantage shifts decisively from one player to the other. Pokékipe's Replay Analyzer detects turning points automatically by measuring changes in remaining HP, KO potential, switch positioning and type matchup. These turns are the ones worth rewatching to understand why you won or lost.

“At turn 14 the opponent's Dragonite switched in on your Kingambit — Board advantage flipped from +28 to -35. That's a turning point.”

Definition: Pokékipe's structural evaluation of a team: whether item choices align with the archetype, whether roles are covered (hazard setter, hazard remover, speed control…), and whether the core Pokémon are internally consistent. A coherent team has a clear win condition and no wasted slots; an incoherent one mixes styles (e.g. stall walls on a hyper offense build).

“A Hyper Offense team with three Leftovers users fails coherence — the recovery items slow down the archetype's aggressive tempo.”

Definition: The full roster of a player's 6 Pokémon with items and Tera types, revealed at Team Preview. Open Teamsheet rules became standard in VGC Regulation G and onward: both players see each other's teamsheet before picking their 4, making information asymmetry minimal and teambuilding more strategic.

“Reading a Worlds teamsheet and inferring the 4-pick is a core skill — restricted pairs, Tera types and item choices all telegraph the plan.”

Definition: A Normal-type special move that becomes the user's Tera type after Terastallization, using the higher of its physical or special attack stat. Primary coverage tool for Pokémon whose natural type lacks offensive coverage against the meta.

Definition: An archetype centered on the Trick Room move: for 5 turns slower Pokémon move first. Uses a dedicated setter (Indeedee, Farigiraf, Cresselia, Porygon2) and 3-4 slow attackers (Ursaluna, Ting-Lu, Iron Hands, Brute Bonnet). Dominates when the setter gets up; auto-loses if denied.

Definition: A VGC archetype that uses Tailwind (doubles Speed for 4 turns) as its primary speed control instead of Trick Room. Setters: Whimsicott, Tornadus, Thundurus, Roaring Moon. Works well with Fake Out support and redirection.

Definition: A Pokémon whose role is to set Trick Room, usually slow and bulky enough to survive one hit before setup. Examples: Indeedee (Psychic Surge + TR), Farigiraf (Armor Tail priority denial + TR), Cresselia, Porygon2.

Definition: Pokékipe's overall grade (A/B/C) assigned to each team in the Box. Computed from coherence score, role coverage, type diversity and meta alignment. Grade A = tournament-ready; Grade B = solid ladder team; Grade C = missing role or weak matchup spread.

Definition: Percentage of games in which a Pokémon appears on at least one team. Measures popularity, not effectiveness.

Definition: Smogon ban criterion. A mechanic that reduces the role of skill in outcomes.

Definition: UnderUsed. Tier below OU for Pokemon not used enough to qualify.

Definition: Tier for Pokemon banned from OU for being too powerful. Also a playable format.

Definition: Moves dealing damage then switching out, maintaining momentum.

Definition: Community tier list (S/A/B/C/D) ranking Pokemon by viability, independent of usage.

Definition: An archetype built around pivoting: every Pokémon except the wincon runs U-turn, Volt Switch, Flip Turn or Parting Shot. Generates momentum by always bringing the right check in with a free hit. Common in OU balance and bulky offense.

“A classic Volt-Turn core: Lando-T (U-turn) + Rotom-Wash (Volt Switch) + Tornadus-T (U-turn) + Heatran or Magearna as the wincon.”

Definition: The official VGC 2025 format running January–April 2025. Scarlet/Violet Pokédex + Home transfers, each team may include 1 restricted Legendary (Miraidon, Koraidon, Zamazenta, Calyrex-Shadow…), Open Teamsheet rules. Reg G defined the competitive landscape of early 2025.

Definition: The official VGC 2025 format running May 2025–late 2025. 'No-Restricteds' ruleset: no legendaries, no Paradox Pokémon, no Mythicals — dramatically different power level, rewarding teams built on regular Pokémon (Dragonite, Incineroar, Amoonguss, Ogerpon, Rillaboom).

Definition: The official VGC 2026 format (running 2026). Continues the post-Reg H rotation. Check Play! Pokémon announcements or Pokékipe's Timeline for exact rules and start date.

Definition: The path to victory in a given matchup. 'If Garchomp can Swords Dance and Dragon Claw through everything' is a win condition. Identifying your win condition in team preview is crucial.

“Our win condition against Trick Room is to eliminate their setter before TR is set.”

Definition: Active weather in battle (Sun, Rain, Hail/Snow, Sandstorm). Each weather boosts certain move types and can activate specific Abilities or strategies.

Definition: The win rate of a Pokémon or archetype. On Pokékipe, displayed via Checks & Counters scores (win rate in direct matchups).

Definition: A Pokemon whose role is to deal massive damage to defensive Pokemon (walls), opening the way for sweepers.

Definition: A Pokemon dedicated to taking hits on one side (physical or special) and recovering HP to stall opponents.

Definition: The Pokémon or combination of moves a player relies on to close out games — plural because advanced teams carry two or three redundant wincons in case one is removed. Pokékipe's corpus analytics detect a player's main win conditions from their highest KO share per win.

“On this SPL team, Kingambit and Iron Valiant are the two win conditions — removing both nearly guarantees a loss for the opponent.”

Definition: A Pokémon whose role is to activate a weather condition via ability or move: Pelipper (Drizzle → rain), Torkoal (Drought → sun), Tyranitar / Hippowdon (Sand Stream), Ninetales-Alola / Abomasnow (Snow Warning).

Definition: World Cup of Pokémon. Smogon's annual international team tournament: players compete in national teams (USA, France, Italy, Brazil, Germany, UK, etc.) across multiple tiers. The biggest stage for representing your country in competitive Smogon.

Definition: Pokémon World Championships. The annual top-level VGC (and TCG) tournament, held each August. Players qualify through Championship Points earned at Regional and International tournaments over the season. Current defending format is the latest Regulation at the time.

Definition: Competitive shorthand for 'win condition'. The Pokémon (or combination) a player relies on to close out a game. Identifying your wincon and your opponent's wincon is the first step in any high-level match analysis.