Houndoom first captured the spotlight with its striking full-art variant featured in the Triumphant Light set. However, efforts to incorporate this Fire-type Pokémon into competitive Pokemon TCG Pocket decks have not yielded the desired results. Although the card boasts impressive artwork, it struggles to find a suitable meta environment to thrive.
At present, Houndoom accounts for less than 1% of the TCG Pocket metagame, positioning it among the least favored cards for competitive play. Nevertheless, we embarked on a quest to create an optimized Houndoom deck that not only addresses its inherent weaknesses but also delivers a consistent performance in Player vs. Player (PvP) encounters. Before we delve into the deck structure, let’s take a closer look at Houndoom itself.
Houndoom Card Overview
- Rarity: Two-diamond, one-star
- Stage: One
- HP: 100
- ATK: 60
- Text: During your opponent’s next turn, the defending Pokémon cannot retreat.
- ATK Energy: Two (one Fire, one Colorless)
- Retreat Cost: Two
- Weakness: Water
Creating the Ideal Houndoom Deck
Houndoom seamlessly integrates into a standard Infernape ex deck setup. For building this deck, gather Houndour, Chimchar, and Monferno for their evolution lines. Key trainer cards for this configuration include Cyrus, Sabrina, Dawn, and Pokémon Communication. If managing energy becomes tricky, incorporating a single Moltres ex can provide much-needed balance.
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Moltres ex can serve as a flexible addition to this deck.
Synergies within the Houndoom Deck
- Houndoom acts as a controlling element, keeping opponents locked in the Active Spot, allowing it to either secure a knockout or pave the way for Infernape ex to excel.
- Infernape ex stands out as the main damage dealer, capable of delivering 140 damage with just two Energy cards—sufficient to defeat many top-tier opponents.
- Cyrus and Sabrina are critical in targeting Pokémon on the Bench.
- Dawn helps mitigate Infernape ex’s Energy discarding drawback, ensuring it can sustain attacks effectively.
- Pokémon Communication is crucial for navigating the evolution lines within this deck, enhancing card draw when necessary.
- The inclusion of Moltres ex offers additional Energy acceleration, benefiting both Houndoom and Infernape ex.
Performance Insights on Houndoom
- Tournament Appearances: Fewer than 200
- Meta Share: Less than 1%
- Win Rate: Approximately 40%
Interestingly, Houndoom decks have shown strong performance against Grass-type configurations from previous expansions. Specifically, they have achieved an impressive 80% win rate against the once-dominant Exeggutor ex & Celebi setup in recent tournaments.
However, it’s essential to recognize that comprehensive data on Houndoom’s performance in PvP settings is scarce, given its limited use in competitive matches. Without any significant shifts in the meta, Houndoom may continue to falter unless a powerful new Fire-type Pokémon emerges that synergizes well with it.
Effective Counters to Houndoom
Most configurations utilizing Houndoom are relatively straightforward to counter. Several viable options exist, including the robust 18-Trainer Articuno ex, Gyarados ex & Greninja, and the well-regarded Magnezone & Darkrai ex combo from previous expansions.
Houndoom decks typically exhibit two main vulnerabilities: their burst damage is often insufficient against primary damage dealers, and their evolution lines can become cumbersome. Consequently, a highly efficient deck with strong HP can effectively counter Houndoom. Articuno ex, for example, is an excellent choice; it offers durability and can dish out 60 damage with just two Energy cards, posing a significant threat to Houndoom setups.
Challenges Facing Houndoom in Today’s Meta
The Triumphant Light expansion introduced transformative cards such as Arceus ex, Leafeon ex, and Irida, each negatively impacting Houndoom’s standing in the metagame.
Arceus ex currently reigns supreme, boasting a speedy setup and formidable early-game damage that effectively counters Houndoom. Furthermore, the combination of Leafeon ex and Irida has proven particularly successful against Houndoom, as Irida enhances various Water-centric decks, including the effective 18-Trainer Articuno ex setup.
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