Without a doubt, Mew VMAX is the BDIF in the current Standard format, with Single Strike a close second. You’re either with them, or against them..
In Titally’s case, he decided on the latter – coming up with Leafeon VMAX / Galarian Moltres V. We already know how versatile Galarian Moltres V is, able to be teched into virtually any deck, but rarely have we seen it successfully mixed with Leafeon VMAX. In the Singaporean’s case, he finished 2nd in the recent Liga Inter Season 4 #7 tournament with this list:
the Leafeon VMAX / Galarian Moltres V List
How Is The Deck Played?
I love this deck because I feel the Drizzile + Inteleon Shady Dealings Ability results in the most consistent deck right now. The deck works like other Inteleon decks, but you have an additional advantage – Leafeon VMAX only requires two Energy to deal on average 240 damage together with Galar Mine.
You’ll want to aim for a turn 1 Leafeon V Greening Cell for a strong advantage at the beginning of the game.
The deck does play two Fan of Waves to target Fusion Strike Energy and other Special Energy in the format.
Raihan comes in extremely clutch, as you can use it to basically setup Galarian Moltres V in a single turn – Put Galarian Moltres V to the Bench, play Raihan to attach an Energy card to it, use its Direflame Wings Ability for another Energy, and set the last Energy from your hand.
matchups
Mew VMAX
I feel the Mew VMAX matchup is still 50-50 as the opponent’s draw engine is too good to be true. I have to pray they aren’t able to use Elesa’s Sparkle and Cross Switcher on the same turn.
Single Strike
Single Strike is favourable as Umbreon VMAX is weak to Grass-types and Single Strike Urshifu VMAX has 3 Retreat Cost – worst still, they have to use Houndoom’s Single Strike Roar to attach Single Strike Energy and put 2 damage counters on them every time they do so. This allows me to OHKO the Single Strike Urshifu VMAX.
Rapid Strike Urshifu VMAX
This is a winnable matchup, but Rapid Strike Urshifu VMAX can be tricky. We must be able to attack first.
Suicune V and Zacian V
I feel Suicune V and Zacian V are pretty similar matchups. As my list plays two copies of Tool Jammer to “jam” their Cape of Toughness, it allows me to take OHKOs against both Suciune V and Zacian V.
Leafeon VMAX
In this matchup, the player who gets to attack first will have the advantage.
Jolteon VMAX
Jolteon VMAX will not be easy, but it’s doable. You need to attack with Max Leaf to 2HKO Jolteon VMAX. This list has an advantage because it has two Fan of Waves which we can use on their Speed Lightning Energy, as well as Tool Jammer to disrupt their Elemental Badge Tool.
What are the Deck’s weaknesses?
There are times when this deck suffers from a bad start – there’s nothing you can do about it. This deck’s other major weakness is against Galarian Weezing (that can shut off Abilities). It will cripple our deck engine, and their Sableye V will be able to OHKO our Pokemon.
Would You Make Any Changes To The Deck?
If I could, I would like to slot in another copy of Fan of Waves or play one more Raihan. Other than that, I think the current list is good enough.
Check out ZapdosTCG’s review of Titally’s deck here:
The Southern Islands 