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Blackout
09-24-2008, 01:07 AM
Houndoom
http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/pictures/sugimori/sugimori229.png

Overview
This is quite the Pokemon. If used right, you can set up and sweep entire things with this beast. Not only is it capable of sweeping, but it different varieties of options to use in a battle. It is very fun to use, and will not let you down.

It has a very nice 110 base Special Attack, and 95 speed, which isn't too bad. It's attack isn't very good, but could somehow be used. I think. You can choose between Flash Fire and Early Bird. I would suggest going with Flash Fire, because with some prediction you can get a nice boost, and Early Bird is pretty useless anyways.



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/Darkfire_Storm/Houndoom.png
Set 1:Thinking of a Master Plan
Houndoom @ Life Orb
Ability: Flash Fire
EV Spread: 252 Sp Attack/ 218 Speed/ 40 HP
Nature: Timid
-Nasty Plot
-Flamethrower/Fire Blast
-Dark Pulse
-Hidden Power(Fighting)/ Will-O-Wisp

This is a standard set, and it works excellently. Use this as a lead, or a late game sweeper, whichever works fine. If you get a Zong lead against you, and you are predicting a switch, Nasty Plot up and you may have yourself and early sweep. Flamethrower along with STAB, really can leave a dent on any switch-ins. You could go Fire Blast over Flamethrower for an extra kick, but beware of the bad accuracy that comes with all that power. Dark Pulse stops you from getting walled by Dragon types, and is also a nice STAB move. For the last slot, it is strongly recommended you use HP Fighting. It stops you from getting walled by Heatran and Tyranitar, which is quite nice. You could use W-o-W, to leave a burn on physical sweepers and handicap them, but it is a bit risky. The EV Spread allows you to take 3 S-Tosses from Blissey, not including Life Orb damage.




http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/Darkfire_Storm/Houndoom.png
Set 2:You Have a Choice
Houndoom @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Flash Fire
EV Spread: 80 Attack/252 Sp Attack/178 Speed
Nature: Mild
-Overheat / Fire Blast
-Dark Pulse
-Hidden Power(Ice or Fighting)
-Pursuit / Reversal

This set fixes up Houndoom's speed dilemma and gives a bit more versatility. Overheat can deal a nice chunk of damage, Dark Pulse for obvious coverage. Now, you have the option to choose between Hidden Power Ice, or Fighting. It all depends on who you want to hit, or who your team has more trouble with, Dragons, or Tyranitar/Heatran. 80 EV's in Attack and a Mild nature to go with, so you can go with Pursuit, and pwn any Ghost/Psychic types who think they can escape your grasp. Reversal is also a nice option, because if your opponent has stealth rocks out and a sandstrom, your health gets chipped aways little by little, and when your around 10% health, you can 2HKO Blissey and obviously OHKO T-tar and Heatran. The 176 EV's in speed allow you to outspeed Scarf-Hera.




http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/Darkfire_Storm/Houndoom.png
Set 3:You Have a Choice V2.0
Houndoom @ Choice Specs
Ability: Flash Fire
EV Spread: 40 HP/252 Sp Attack/218 Speed
Nature: Timid
-Overheat / Fire Blast
-Dark Pulse
-Hidden Power(Fighting)
-Flamethrower/ Pursuit

Choice Specs set. Not many options here, since Houndoom's movepool is pretty shallow. Although not many moves are available, this thing really packs a punch. All moves are pretty standard, HP Fighting to take care of T-Tar/Heatran/ Other Houndooms. For the last slot you can choose between Flamethrower(to sweep late game), or Pursuit(to hurt any switching Psychic/Ghosts.)




http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/Darkfire_Storm/Houndoom.png
Set 4:Mad Dog
Houndoom @ Life Orb/ Choice Band
Ability: Flash Fire
EV Spread: 6 HP/252 Attack/252 Speed
Nature: Jolly
-Howl/ Return/ Pursuit
-Fire Fang
-Thuder Fang
-Crunch

So Houndooms attack isn't all too great by itself, but with some Flash Fire, or Hwol, or Choice Band, it can really do heavy damage. Houdooms Physical movepool fails harder than Caterpies, but at least you have Howl and Crunch, which are two awesome moves for a physical Houndoom. Fire Fang and Thuder Fang aren't all too powerful, but with a boost, you can really do some damage. You can go with a CB instead of Life Orb, so it can open up the option for Return or Pursuit.




http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/Darkfire_Storm/Houndoom.png
Set 4:Counter-Sash
Houndoom @ Focus Sash
Ability: Flash Fire
EV Spread: 62 HP/252 SP Attack/196 Speed
Nature: Timid
-Counter
-Dark Pulse
-Flamethrower
-Hidden Power(Fighting)/ Nasty Plot

Pretty obvious set, you can catch your opponents by surprise with this one. Counter because you have to and DP/Flamethrower for coverage and they are his best STAB moves with 100% accuracy. Hidden Power to cpver his counters, or you can go with Nasty Plot if you have the balls.


Opinion:
This is a really cool Pokemon to use, in any tier. You can have a lot of fun with it's movesets, blah blah blah.

Counters:
Without HP Fighting and only a Fire/Dark attack, you get screwed by Heatran and Tyranitar, sometimes even simple Dragons like Mence.

That's all I'm doing.