Hey Pokebeachers, I’m excited to attend Charlotte’s first Regional along with everyone else looking to test the new Ultra Prism set. Since Pokémon has been growing at such a rapid pace, I’m expecting it to be one of the biggest Regionals ever in the history of Pokémon! Today I’ll be going over what I believe to be the best play for Charlotte Regionals. The ever unpredictable Tapu Bulu GX!
The Current Format-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Before we discuss what the best play is, we need to figure out what we will be playing against. The way I see it (this is just my opinion), the format isn't made up of a bunch of decks in selective tiers with one deck on top as the "BDIF". Instead, Tier 1 (which is the top Tier) is made of three decks, a triangle if you can imagine it. The three decks are Zoroark GX variants (you can't really tell which one is the best, but if I had to say, it is Zoroark GX/Golisopod GX), which beats Garbodor variants (which Espeon GX/Garbodor is probably the best), which beats Buzzwole GX (of which Buzzwole GX/Garbodor is probably the best) in turn beating the Zoroark GX variants. This endless cycle defines the format, each deck in turn getting a rise in popularity and then a fall afterwards as its counter gains popularity. So, is there a deck that does well (not necessarily an auto-win) against all three of these decks? In my opinion, Tapu Bulu GX/Vikaovlt beats all of these decks pretty consistently. Choice Band ups the damage output to 210, possibly hitting both Zoroark GX and Buzzwole GX by turn 2, and three Field Blower allows you to trade prizes consistently with Garbodor.
“The Bulu Bunch”--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When the concept of Tapu Bulu GX/Vikavolt was first played, most people were very doubtful of the deck, one of which was myself. Only a few loyal players (which I refer to as "The Bulu Bunch”) stuck to the deck, and for the most part, have been mildly successful in tournaments. What stuck out about the deck the most was its raw power and capability of beating practically any deck. The only thing that ever really stood in the way was itself. Playing a Stage 2 deck with so many cards that could clog up your hand and the pressure of having to get Vikavolt up turn 2 was a little too daunting for most people, so Tapu Bulu GX has always been referred to as a “rogue” deck. I for one, never really liked Tapu Bulu GX/Vikavolt due to its unstable nature, but one day I picked it up and I could not let it go. With Zoroark GX dominating the format (along with Buzzwole GX), the ability to hit 210 almost every turn starting turn 2 cripples most opponents. So, let’s go over why this deck has such potential, and how we can reach the peak of its capability.
The List---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
****** Pokémon Trading Card Game Deck List ******
##Pokémon - 15
* 3 Grubbin SUM 13
* 3 Tapu Bulu-GX PR-SM SM32
* 1 Tapu Koko PR-SM SM30
* 3 Vikavolt SUM 52
* 1 Mew FCO 29
* 2 Tapu Lele-GX GRI 60
* 1 Remoraid BKT 32
* 1 Octillery BKT 33
##Trainer Cards - 34
* 2 Energy Recycler GRI 123
* 3 N FCO 105
* 4 Choice Band GRI 121
* 4 Rare Candy SUM 129
* 1 Super Rod BKT 149
* 2 Heavy Ball BKT 140
* 4 Ultra Ball SUM 135
* 2 Brigette BKT 134
* 3 Cynthia UPR 119
* 1 Float Stone BKT 137
* 3 Field Blower GRI 125
* 2 Guzma BUS 115
* 3 Skyla BKT 148
##Energy - 11
* 4 Lightning Energy 4
* 7 Grass Energy 1
Total Cards - 60
****** Deck List Generated by the Pokémon TCG Online www.pokemon.com/TCGO ******
Card Choices--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1-1 Octillery (BKT): From what I've seen, most Tapu Bulu GX/Vikavolt players prefer the 1 Oranguru over Octillery. Personally, I believe that the drawback of being a Stage 1 comes with the benefit of drawing into more resources compared to Oranguru. Using Abyssal Hand to draw up until you have 5 cards in hand allows you to take advantage of Skyla more effectively (Octillery is your draw support instead of the usual supporters). Even though I need one more slot than Oranguru to fit in the 1-1 Octillery, it means I can remove supporters (such as Cynthia and N) for more space. This is just a matter of preference, but the added benefits of Octillery are hard to pass up in my opinion.
1 Tapu Koko (PR): Even though it isn't seeing much play, Gardevoir GX can give Tapu Bulu GX some trouble with the massive 230 HP. Tapu Koko brings that number down to 210 against all of your opponent's potential Gardevoir GX (benched Ralts and Kirlia) which is accessible to Tapu Bulu GX through Choice Band. Also, if you ever need to, Electro Ball can clean up against any of your opponent's damaged Pokémon. It also helps against Empoleon and any other [L] weak Pokémon if you ever play against them.
3-3-3 Cynthia, N, Skyla: With the focus on getting turn 2 Vikavolt, three Skyla increases your chances of getting that combo a little more. Combined with two Heavy Ball, 4 Rare Candy, and Octillery, it's hard not to get turn 2 Vikavolt! The draw back is the amount of space required for these cards and drawing into them at the wrong time. I lowered the Cynthia and N count to 3 a piece due to Octillery providing draw support almost every turn and to reduce the chance of you drawing into them after already using a supporter.
7-4 Grass Energy, Lightning Energy: The standard play nowadays is usually 7-5 Energy count, but since I play 2 Energy Recycler and a Super Rod (instead of Rescue Stretcher), I almost never run out of Lightning Energy. Prizing some can be worrisome, but as long as you have at least 1 Lightning Energy, then you can take a K.O. (and potential draw into more Lightning). If you aren't dramatically in need of space for other cards, you can increase the Lightning Energy count to 5 once more.
Potential Techs-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Mew (FCO): Due to the popularity of Buzzwole GX, Mew is a great way to take them out without Choice Band. Unfortunately, the 50 HP means it can be OHKOed by a Jet Punch and Strong Energy. Being a one prize attacker though means that you can give the K.O. and then follow up with a Tapu Bulu GX. Two Mews puts the Buzzwole GX matchup even more in your favor, not to mention being a free retreater as well. Mewtwo (EVO) can also be played, but Mew allow more versatility against all other decks.
Clefairy (EVO): With an attack identical to Zoroark Break (BKT), Clefairy allows you to copy one of the defending Pokémon's attack for 3 [C] energy, easily accessible through Vikavolt. Utilizing your opponent's attacks are great, but since Dragon type isn't seeing any play, Clefairy doesn't add any more benefit that Tapu Bulu GX does (which is already hitting 210). It is a one prize attacker though, so definitely keep it in mind against decks like Buzzwole GX.
Xurkitree GX: Though it isn't seen a lot in decks besides Wishiwashi Walls, Xurkitree GX can actually have a place in Tapu Bulu GX due to the [L] energy attack cost. Not to mention the great Flashing Head ability, which prevents all effects of attacks done to it by your opponent's Pokémon with Special Energy attached to it. Almost all Zoroark GX variants play DCE, so Xurkitree GX takes advantage of this and denies your opponent this important piece of their deck. There are ways for your opponent to get around this, but Zurkitree GX can definitely buy you time to set up Vikavolt.
Matchups-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Honestly, in my opinion, there is no bad matchup for Tapu Bulu GX. In fact, pretty much every deck is a good matchup, the only thing that is holding it back is itself. If you don't setup Vikavolt after the first few turns, it is highly likely that you will lose just because you can't keep up with your opponent. As long as you can constantly trade prizes with your opponent and pull through any disruption (such as Garbodor or turn 1 Glaceon GX), Tapu Bulu GX can take the win. Another important thing is to stay one step ahead of your opponent, just so they can't take you by surprise and corner you with no way out (preparing for your opponent targeting Vikavolt, an N late game when you haven't set up draw support options, etc.).
Conclusion-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So, with Charlotte Regionals less than a week away, Tapu Bulu GX/Vikavolt is a great option and probably the optimal play. Besides that, be expecting a lot of Zoroark GX (especially Zoroark GX/Golisopod GX, which has been gaining popularity recently), Buzzwole GX variants, Garbodor variants, and possibly new and unexpected decks from the Ultra Prism set (such as Empoleon, Dusk Mane Necrozma GX, Glaceon GX, Weavile, Alolan Dugtrio, etc.).
Well, that concludes this week’s article! Feel free to discuss, ask questions, and make suggestions. If your interested in finding recent articles or wish to make suggestions, here is a link to my article homepage where you can find all of the articles I've written so far. Check back next week for another article here in the PTCG Competitive Play forum! Thanks!
The Current Format-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Before we discuss what the best play is, we need to figure out what we will be playing against. The way I see it (this is just my opinion), the format isn't made up of a bunch of decks in selective tiers with one deck on top as the "BDIF". Instead, Tier 1 (which is the top Tier) is made of three decks, a triangle if you can imagine it. The three decks are Zoroark GX variants (you can't really tell which one is the best, but if I had to say, it is Zoroark GX/Golisopod GX), which beats Garbodor variants (which Espeon GX/Garbodor is probably the best), which beats Buzzwole GX (of which Buzzwole GX/Garbodor is probably the best) in turn beating the Zoroark GX variants. This endless cycle defines the format, each deck in turn getting a rise in popularity and then a fall afterwards as its counter gains popularity. So, is there a deck that does well (not necessarily an auto-win) against all three of these decks? In my opinion, Tapu Bulu GX/Vikaovlt beats all of these decks pretty consistently. Choice Band ups the damage output to 210, possibly hitting both Zoroark GX and Buzzwole GX by turn 2, and three Field Blower allows you to trade prizes consistently with Garbodor.
“The Bulu Bunch”--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When the concept of Tapu Bulu GX/Vikavolt was first played, most people were very doubtful of the deck, one of which was myself. Only a few loyal players (which I refer to as "The Bulu Bunch”) stuck to the deck, and for the most part, have been mildly successful in tournaments. What stuck out about the deck the most was its raw power and capability of beating practically any deck. The only thing that ever really stood in the way was itself. Playing a Stage 2 deck with so many cards that could clog up your hand and the pressure of having to get Vikavolt up turn 2 was a little too daunting for most people, so Tapu Bulu GX has always been referred to as a “rogue” deck. I for one, never really liked Tapu Bulu GX/Vikavolt due to its unstable nature, but one day I picked it up and I could not let it go. With Zoroark GX dominating the format (along with Buzzwole GX), the ability to hit 210 almost every turn starting turn 2 cripples most opponents. So, let’s go over why this deck has such potential, and how we can reach the peak of its capability.
The List---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
****** Pokémon Trading Card Game Deck List ******
##Pokémon - 15
* 3 Grubbin SUM 13
* 3 Tapu Bulu-GX PR-SM SM32
* 1 Tapu Koko PR-SM SM30
* 3 Vikavolt SUM 52
* 1 Mew FCO 29
* 2 Tapu Lele-GX GRI 60
* 1 Remoraid BKT 32
* 1 Octillery BKT 33
##Trainer Cards - 34
* 2 Energy Recycler GRI 123
* 3 N FCO 105
* 4 Choice Band GRI 121
* 4 Rare Candy SUM 129
* 1 Super Rod BKT 149
* 2 Heavy Ball BKT 140
* 4 Ultra Ball SUM 135
* 2 Brigette BKT 134
* 3 Cynthia UPR 119
* 1 Float Stone BKT 137
* 3 Field Blower GRI 125
* 2 Guzma BUS 115
* 3 Skyla BKT 148
##Energy - 11
* 4 Lightning Energy 4
* 7 Grass Energy 1
Total Cards - 60
****** Deck List Generated by the Pokémon TCG Online www.pokemon.com/TCGO ******
Card Choices--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1-1 Octillery (BKT): From what I've seen, most Tapu Bulu GX/Vikavolt players prefer the 1 Oranguru over Octillery. Personally, I believe that the drawback of being a Stage 1 comes with the benefit of drawing into more resources compared to Oranguru. Using Abyssal Hand to draw up until you have 5 cards in hand allows you to take advantage of Skyla more effectively (Octillery is your draw support instead of the usual supporters). Even though I need one more slot than Oranguru to fit in the 1-1 Octillery, it means I can remove supporters (such as Cynthia and N) for more space. This is just a matter of preference, but the added benefits of Octillery are hard to pass up in my opinion.
1 Tapu Koko (PR): Even though it isn't seeing much play, Gardevoir GX can give Tapu Bulu GX some trouble with the massive 230 HP. Tapu Koko brings that number down to 210 against all of your opponent's potential Gardevoir GX (benched Ralts and Kirlia) which is accessible to Tapu Bulu GX through Choice Band. Also, if you ever need to, Electro Ball can clean up against any of your opponent's damaged Pokémon. It also helps against Empoleon and any other [L] weak Pokémon if you ever play against them.
3-3-3 Cynthia, N, Skyla: With the focus on getting turn 2 Vikavolt, three Skyla increases your chances of getting that combo a little more. Combined with two Heavy Ball, 4 Rare Candy, and Octillery, it's hard not to get turn 2 Vikavolt! The draw back is the amount of space required for these cards and drawing into them at the wrong time. I lowered the Cynthia and N count to 3 a piece due to Octillery providing draw support almost every turn and to reduce the chance of you drawing into them after already using a supporter.
7-4 Grass Energy, Lightning Energy: The standard play nowadays is usually 7-5 Energy count, but since I play 2 Energy Recycler and a Super Rod (instead of Rescue Stretcher), I almost never run out of Lightning Energy. Prizing some can be worrisome, but as long as you have at least 1 Lightning Energy, then you can take a K.O. (and potential draw into more Lightning). If you aren't dramatically in need of space for other cards, you can increase the Lightning Energy count to 5 once more.
Potential Techs-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Mew (FCO): Due to the popularity of Buzzwole GX, Mew is a great way to take them out without Choice Band. Unfortunately, the 50 HP means it can be OHKOed by a Jet Punch and Strong Energy. Being a one prize attacker though means that you can give the K.O. and then follow up with a Tapu Bulu GX. Two Mews puts the Buzzwole GX matchup even more in your favor, not to mention being a free retreater as well. Mewtwo (EVO) can also be played, but Mew allow more versatility against all other decks.
Clefairy (EVO): With an attack identical to Zoroark Break (BKT), Clefairy allows you to copy one of the defending Pokémon's attack for 3 [C] energy, easily accessible through Vikavolt. Utilizing your opponent's attacks are great, but since Dragon type isn't seeing any play, Clefairy doesn't add any more benefit that Tapu Bulu GX does (which is already hitting 210). It is a one prize attacker though, so definitely keep it in mind against decks like Buzzwole GX.
Xurkitree GX: Though it isn't seen a lot in decks besides Wishiwashi Walls, Xurkitree GX can actually have a place in Tapu Bulu GX due to the [L] energy attack cost. Not to mention the great Flashing Head ability, which prevents all effects of attacks done to it by your opponent's Pokémon with Special Energy attached to it. Almost all Zoroark GX variants play DCE, so Xurkitree GX takes advantage of this and denies your opponent this important piece of their deck. There are ways for your opponent to get around this, but Zurkitree GX can definitely buy you time to set up Vikavolt.
Matchups-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Honestly, in my opinion, there is no bad matchup for Tapu Bulu GX. In fact, pretty much every deck is a good matchup, the only thing that is holding it back is itself. If you don't setup Vikavolt after the first few turns, it is highly likely that you will lose just because you can't keep up with your opponent. As long as you can constantly trade prizes with your opponent and pull through any disruption (such as Garbodor or turn 1 Glaceon GX), Tapu Bulu GX can take the win. Another important thing is to stay one step ahead of your opponent, just so they can't take you by surprise and corner you with no way out (preparing for your opponent targeting Vikavolt, an N late game when you haven't set up draw support options, etc.).
Conclusion-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So, with Charlotte Regionals less than a week away, Tapu Bulu GX/Vikavolt is a great option and probably the optimal play. Besides that, be expecting a lot of Zoroark GX (especially Zoroark GX/Golisopod GX, which has been gaining popularity recently), Buzzwole GX variants, Garbodor variants, and possibly new and unexpected decks from the Ultra Prism set (such as Empoleon, Dusk Mane Necrozma GX, Glaceon GX, Weavile, Alolan Dugtrio, etc.).
Well, that concludes this week’s article! Feel free to discuss, ask questions, and make suggestions. If your interested in finding recent articles or wish to make suggestions, here is a link to my article homepage where you can find all of the articles I've written so far. Check back next week for another article here in the PTCG Competitive Play forum! Thanks!
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I was using Bulu as soon as it came out. I tried to pair it with Lurantis at first but as soon as someone on PTCGO showed me Vikavolt I was sold! I've played many variants of the Bulu deck, including alternative cards like: Oranguru, Switch, Tapu Koko-GX, Marshadow-GX and Brock's Grit.