Golduck

by Sasami Sat Apr 25, 2009 12:24 am

Golduck's Smogon Sets

Golduck Spr_4d_055

Damp
--Prevents the use of Selfdestruct or Explosion.

Cloud Nine
--Blocks the effects of weather.

Stat	Base	MAX
HP	80	364
Atk	82	289
Def	78	280
Sp.Atk	95	317
Sp.Def	80	284
Spd	85	295

Golduck is an interesting Pokemon. His unique ability, Cloud Nine, cancels out any weather effects as long as he's on the field. This ability has been under appreciated in the higher tiers, due to Golduck's "mediocre" stats. However, in NU, his stats are actually quite good and when you also consider that he can boost his stats further, use both physical and special attacks well, and has an ability that basically allows him to counter Rain Dance teams, you'll see that Golduck makes an excellent addition to nearly any team.

Offensive Calm Mind

Golduck @Life Orb
-Calm Mind
-Surf
-Ice Beam
-Hidden Power Grass/Electric
Cloud Nine, Timid
252 Sp.Atk, 252 Spd, 6 HP

The goal of this set is simple...Calm Mind when you have the chance and then sweep. Golduck has a base speed of 85 which is actually pretty good. Sadly, he fails to outspeed some important Pokemon, namely Pikachu and Raichu. Still, once you've taken out your opponent's electric rodent, this set can spell disaster for their team.

Technically, you can put Hypnosis over an attack, however that's not recommended, especially with it's low accuracy. Even if it hits, you're losing important coverage...getting rid of Surf means no STAB, getting rid of Ice Beam means you'll be stopped by grass types, and getting rid of Hidden Power Grass/Electric means that any bulky water can switch in without any problems. Speaking of Hidden Power, the choice between Grass and Electric comes down to whether you want to ensure beating Whiscash and Quagsire, or if you'd prefer BoltBeam coverage.

The aforementioned water/ground types of NU, Whiscash and Quagsire, will usually beat Golduck if it's not carrying Hidden Power Grass. Politoed can also fend off Golduck, using Haze to remove the Calm Mind boosts and not being OHKO'd by any Hidden Power. Bulky Ampharos is another option, it can either cripple (Thunder Wave) or OHKO Golduck easily. However, once Golduck has gotten in a couple of Calm Minds, Ampharos won't enjoy switching into a STAB Surf.

Mixed Scarfer

Golduck @Choice Scarf
-Hydro Pump
-Ice Beam/Surf
-Cross Chop
-Hypnosis/Hidden Power Grass
Cloud Nine, Mild
130 Atk, 252 Sp.Atk, 128 Spd

Golduck's stats are high enough that he can still deal plenty of damage with a Scarf. By mixsweeping, he can take out most walls and is an excellent revenge killer. This set can also be used to clean up late-game, with it's powerful water STAB attack(s). Hypnosis is handy to have early game, when it's too early to really predict. The EV spread given allows you to outspeed all Pokemon in NU not carrying their own scarfs (EDIT: With the new tier list changes, this spread is now outsped by Persian and Sneasel so please plan accordingly).

Although Ice Beam is written first, both it and Surf are equally helpful. Ice Beam takes out bulky grass types such as Bellossom, while Surf is nice to have at the end of the game or if you're really nervous about Hydro Pump's accuracy. If you don't like the idea of being locked into Hypnosis, Hidden Power Grass is a great option to get past bulky waters.

Bulky water types are still the bane of Golduck, but you need to make sure that you can take both physical and special hits, because a water type being used more as a special wall may end up taking a lot from Cross Chop. Beware of Hypnosis, although if Golduck is running it, it's probably lacking a Hidden Power. Bellossom has no problems against Golducks that lack Ice Beam, and even then it won't be OHKO'd or anything. Bulky Ampharos fares well against this set.

SubPetaya

Golduck @Petaya Berry
-Hypnosis
-Substitute
-Surf/Hydro Pump
-Ice Beam/Icy Wind
Cloud Nine, Timid
252 Sp.Atk, 252 Spd, 6 HP

This Golduck is best used late-game, when any potential counters have hopefully been taken out or weakened. Put something to sleep with Hypnosis and start subbing down to your Petaya boost. Surf is there for STAB and Ice Beam gives you important coverage against grass types. However, Icy Wind can be used instead to increase your chances of a sweep by lowering your opponent's speed.

Hydro Pump could be used over Surf for the added power, but it's accuracy makes it a much less reliable attack.

Bulky waters will always counter this set, although you need to be careful because of Hypnosis. Politoed is probably the best counter, having access to Water Absorb and Haze.