Mega Manectric-EX struggles against Fighting-type Pokémon, so finding a partner that can counter this threat is important. Water-type Pokémon served that role to fend off Landorus-EX at the US Nationals, but as the tide shifted toward Primal Groudon-EX, players switched to Genesect-EX to take advantage of Primal Groudon-EX’s weakness to Grass-type Pokémon.

Players squeeze a lot of damage out of Donphan’s Spinning Turn attack, boosting it with Strong Energy, Muscle Band, and Fighting Stadium. Donphan can then subsequently retreat to one of the four Robo Substitutes that this deck usually includes, forcing the opponent to knock out a card without the benefit of drawing a Prize card. When the opponent drags Donphan back into the Active position with Lysandre, the inclusion of Focus Sash makes sure it doesn’t get Knocked Out in one hit.

Trevenant and Gengar-EX are well-suited together in a crafty hit-and-run strategy. Gengar-EX’s Dark Corridor attack does damage, causes Poison, and sends Gengar-EX back to the Bench. Trevenant can come to the front and provide a lock against Item cards with its Forest's Curse Ability, effectively shutting down the opponent’s strategy. The deck contains 4 Float Stones to make it easy for Trevenant to retreat each turn and start the process anew.