UU Clefable

[OVERVIEW]
* Clefable has an excellent defensive typing with good mixed bulk, letting it check threats like Latias, Alakazam, and Mega Sharpedo.
* With two great abilities, Clefable is very diverse: Magic Guard makes Clefable immune to entry hazard and status damage, meaning it's extremely easy to keep healthy. Unaware makes Clefable a staple on stall teams to counter threats like Bulk Up Conkeldurr, Nasty Plot Togekiss, and Swords Dance Gliscor.
* Its incredible movepool lets it perform a multitude of roles and leaves it with very few true counters. This movepool includes Calm Mind, Knock Off, Flamethrower, Stored Power, Cosmic Power, Thunder Wave, Stealth Rock, and Wish.
* However, Clefable is weak to common Pokemon like Bisharp, Scizor, Nidoqueen, and Cobalion.
* It's also prone to being overwhelmed by threats such as Choice Specs Primarina and various Pokemon with Z-Moves.
* It gets most of its defensive value from its typing and abilities rather than from raw stats, meaning that it can fall to strong neutral and super effective attacks.

[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Soft-Boiled
move 4: Thunder Wave / Flamethrower / Knock Off
item: Leftovers
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

* Calm Mind boosts Clefable's Special Attack and Special Defense, letting it beat Choice Specs Keldeo and other threats one-on-one and letting it overwhelm defensive Pokemon.
* Moonblast is a decently powerful STAB move with amazing coverage on most of the tier.
* Soft-Boiled lets Clefable stay healthy.
* Thunder Wave cripples Pokemon like Bisharp, Cobalion, Mega Aerodactyl, and Volcanion on the switch, making it much easier for Clefable to beat them one-on-one afterwards.
* Flamethrower is an option that KOes Scizor and hits Bisharp, Metagross, and Amoonguss hard.
* Knock Off is another option that lets Clefable cripple Nidoqueen and Nidoking, letting it set up easily later in the game. Knock Off is also key to help beat Calm Mind Suicune and Blissey one-on-one.
* Encore can be used to completely negate attempts from Calm Mind Reuniclus and Nasty Plot Togekiss to set up alongside Clefable, and it also prevents threats like Swords Dance Cobalion from setting up in front of it.

Set Details
========

* Maximum HP and Defense investment on Clefable lets it take hits easily from Pokemon like Mega Aerodactyl and Mega Sharpedo.
* A spread of 252 HP / 172 Def / 84 SpD with a Calm nature can also be used to check Mega Blastoise, Psychic Latias, and Life Orb Alakazam, if its team should require it.
* Magic Guard is key in preventing Clefable from being taken down by status or repeated entry hazard damage.
* Leftovers gives Clefable much-needed passive recovery.

Usage Tips
========

* Use Clefable to check various attackers early-game based on its spread.
* Clefable can also be switched into passive Pokemon that rely on status, such as Alomomola, to begin setting up.
* Cripple initial switch-ins to Clefable early with Knock Off or Thunder Wave, giving it a much easier time setting up later in the game to sweep. An early-game Flamethrower on a switch to Bisharp or Scizor can be game-changing.
* Note that any Pokemon faster than Jolly Krookodile can outspeed Clefable even after they've been paralyzed.
* Be wary of Z-Moves from Pokemon like Krookodile and Haxorus that can cripple Clefable or outright KO it.
* Use Soft-Boiled to ensure that Clefable is healthy enough to continue switching in on the things it checks.

Team Options
========

* Calm Mind Clefable works best on bulky offense and balance teams that can utilize its ability to pivot on a large number of Pokemon and threaten opposing balance teams.
* Slowbro is a great teammate that can check Infernape, Cobalion, Keldeo, Metagross, and other threats to Clefable. Slowbro can also beat Amoonguss, one of Clefable's best checks, one-on-one.
* Other bulky Water-types make good partners for similar reasons. Tentacruel checks the above threats while providing useful Toxic Spikes support. Mantine also checks these threats well.
* Hippowdon checks Bisharp and certain Fire-types while providing important Stealth Rock support, and Clefable checks Latias, Hydreigon, and other threats to Hippowdon.
* Krookodile can trap or heavily damage threats like Entei, Mew, and Gengar. Choice Scarf Krookodile in particular can revenge kill Cobalion that attempt to set up on Clefable.
* Scizor counters and lures are needed, especially if Clefable isn't running Flamethrower. Cobalion, Keldeo, Infernape, and Gliscor can check Scizor and Bisharp, while Hidden Power Fire Celebi and Fire Fang Mega Aerodactyl are Pokemon that can potentially lure Scizor.

[SET]
name: Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Soft-Boiled
move 4: Fire Blast / Thunder Wave
item: Leftovers
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 172 Def / 84 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

* Clefable makes a good Stealth Rock user that threatens common entry hazard removers such as Latias and Mandibuzz.
* Moonblast is a necessary STAB move.
* Soft-Boiled is required to keep Clefable healthy.
* Fire Blast catches many Clefable checks, including Scizor, Bisharp, and Cobalion, and deals heavy damage to or outright KOes them.
* Thunder Wave also cripples many offensive threats, such as Mega Aerodactyl and Togekiss, and can be used to support teammates like Bewear and Volcanion while giving Clefable an easier time dealing with them itself.
* Knock Off can be useful to let Clefable pressure Tentacruel, Empoleon, and Starmie, all of which can remove Clefable's Stealth Rock one-on-one.
* Healing Wish can also be used in the last slot on offensive teams to support teammates such as Cobalion, Bisharp, Keldeo, and Raikou.

Set Details
========

* The given EVs with a Calm nature lets Clefable check moderately strong attackers such as Focus Sash Alakazam, Choice Scarf Keldeo, and physical attackers like Mega Absol lacking Iron Tail.
* A spread of 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD can also be used to answer threats such as Mega Aerodactyl, Psyshock Latias, and Zygarde-10%.
* With Fire Blast, 44 Speed EVs can be used to outspeed bulky Scizor, KOing it before it can U-turn out.
* Magic Guard is key to avoid being worn down by entry hazards and Toxic.
* Leftovers helps Clefable regain small amounts of HP as it sets up Stealth Rock against some Pokemon.

Usage Tips
========

* Bring in Clefable early-game to set up Stealth Rock against Pokemon it can check.
* Remove Defog users and Rapid Spin users that Clefable can't beat, such as Tentacruel and Empoleon, as early as possible with Clefable's teammates.
* If possible, predict switches to Steel-types early and use Fire Blast on the switch to let Clefable do its job more easily throughout the game.
* Keep Clefable healthy with Soft-Boiled if it's needed to check threats like Conkeldurr.
* Keeping Stealth Rock up is essential to punish switches to Volcanion and other Fire-types, which can decimate Clefable and its team members.

Team Options
========

* Bisharp and Krookodile are great partners to threaten hazard removers such as Tentacruel, Empoleon, and Crobat. Bisharp in particular can punish Defog from the latter two as well as from Togekiss.
* Many offensive Pokemon, including Raikou, Mega Aerodactyl, Cobalion, and Celebi take advantage of Clefable's entry hazard support and ability to check certain Pokemon like Mega Sharpedo and Latias.
* Slowbro and Gliscor both provide good defensive synergy with Clefable.
* Pokemon that Clefable gives free turns to need answers. Keldeo checks Swords Dance Gliscor, Hippowdon, and Empoleon, while Hydreigon and other strong special attackers can check Calm Mind Slowbro and Amoonguss.
* Rapid Spin support from Starmie may help the rest of Clefable's team, and Starmie can provide a decent answer to Choice Specs Keldeo and many opposing Stealth Rock users.
* Forretress provides useful Spikes support, which pressures many of Clefable's answers, and can pivot out of Scizor and Cobalion to an offensive check, if necessary.

[SET]
name: Unaware
move 1: Wish
move 2: Protect
move 3: Moonblast
move 4: Heal Bell / Calm Mind
item: Leftovers
ability: Unaware
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

* Wish and Protect support Clefable's team and let it keep itself healthy somewhat reliably.
* Moonlight may be used over Protect, but Protect helps Clefable gain extra Leftovers recovery and scout against Pokemon like Keldeo, Infernape, and Primarina. Moonlight also only has 8 PP and is somewhat negated by possible weather from Hippowdon, Alolan Ninetales, and Gigalith.
* Moonblast is an obligatory STAB move needed to hit Dragon- and Dark-types.
* Heal Bell is a necessity on stall teams and can be used to let Blissey run other options like Stealth Rock.
* Alternatively, Calm Mind lets Clefable reliably beat opposing Magic Guard Calm Mind Clefable, Calm Mind Slowbro, Swords Dance Gliscor, and other bulky setup sweepers.

Set Details
========

* Maximum investment in Defense lets Clefable reliably counter Swords Dance Gliscor, some variants of Conkeldurr, Zygarde-10%, and other weaker physical attackers.
* Unaware is key in countering bulky setup sweepers and even some offensive ones such as Nasty Plot Mew, Nasty Plot Celebi, and Calm Mind Latias.
* Leftovers is necessary to stay as healthy as possible.

Usage Tips
========

* Use Clefable conservatively early-game to ensure that it won't be broken by potential Z moves or wallbreakers like Choice Band Conkeldurr.
* Clefable is rather vulnerable to common Taunt users. Gliscor, Mew, and Mega Aerodactyl can beat Clefable in a one-on-one setting if they carry Taunt, while other Taunt users like Krookodile can wear down Clefable as well.
* Don't let Clefable get worn down by entry hazards and forced switches to the point where it's 2HKOed by threats like Latias on the switch in.

Team Options
========

* Unaware Clefable only fits on stall teams where it's needed as an answer to Calm Mind Clefable, Swords Dance Gliscor, Calm Mind Reuniclus, and other such sweepers.
* Blissey is an ideal teammate, since it deals easily with strong special attackers such as Life Orb Psychic Latias and Choice Specs Hydreigon.
* Alomomola is also an amazing teammate, since it can pivot aggressively into threats like Conkeldurr to scout for the set before going to Clefable if necessary. Alomomola can also pass its large Wish to Clefable to prevent it from getting too worn down on the switch.
* Entry hazard removal options such as Tentacruel and Mantine help Clefable stay as healthy as possible.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

* A tank set with Life Orb and various coverage moves such as Fire Blast, Psychic, and Focus Blast can be used somewhat effectively as a lure, but overall it is outclassed by stronger options such as Primarina.
* A set with Cosmic Power, Charge Beam, and Stored Power is possible but provides no initial threat whatsoever and struggles to threaten the Pokemon it needs to.
* Thunderbolt and Ice Beam can be used as the attacking moves on the Calm Mind set to target a different set of Pokemon, including Tentacruel, Talonflame, and Gliscor.
* Blizzard and Fire Blast can also be used as coverage moves on the Calm Mind set. Both moves prevent Clear Smog Amoonguss from reliably beating it; Blizzard OHKOes Gliscor after Stealth Rock damage, and Fire Blast does more damage to various Steel-types on the switch than Flamethrower. Their accuracy and low PP prevent them from being reliable, however.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Fire-types**: Volcanion can come in easily on most of Clefable's moves, fearing only Thunder Wave, and can 2HKO Clefable with Choice Specs-boosted Steam Eruption or Sludge Wave even after a Calm Mind. Entei can come in freely as well and threaten Clefable's whole team with a powerful Sacred Fire. Infernape comes in less easily, but it can threaten Clefable's team with its wide coverage and beat Clefable with Choice Band-boosted Flare Blitz or Life Orb-boosted Gunk Shot.

**Steel-types**: Though most Steel-types have to be wary of switching directly into Flamethrower or Fire Blast, they can beat Clefable one-on-one. Cobalion, Bisharp, and Lucario can tank attacks and set up Swords Dance. Empoleon can keep Clefable's Stealth Rock off the field easily. Scizor can threaten Clefable with Bullet Punch and U-turn out of Clefable's teammates.

**Poison-types**: Amoonguss can switch into any of Clefable's moves and use Spore on Clefable's teammates, and it can Clear Smog away Clefable's boosts if necessary. Nidoqueen and Nidoking can easily eat up any of Clefable's attacks and 2HKO it even after a Calm Mind. Gengar also doesn't fear Moonblast or Fire-type moves, but it is crippled heavily by Thunder Wave and Knock Off. Tentacruel can use Rapid Spin freely against Stealth Rock Clefable, set up Toxic Spikes, and even stall it out with Haze and some support.

**Wallbreakers**: Clefable can be overwhelmed by Choice Band and Choice Specs users such as Krookodile, Bewear, and Primarina. It can also potentially be surprised by Z-Moves from Krookodile or set up on by Pokemon like Decidueye and Togekiss. Mega Absol, Hydreigon, and Conkeldurr are examples of Pokemon that commonly carry a Steel- and Poison-type move to 2HKO Clefable.

**Opposing Setup Sweepers**: Calm Mind Slowbro, Calm Mind Suicune, and Calm Mind Reuniclus can all beat Calm Mind Clefable one-on-one. Swords Dance Gliscor can tank boosted Moonblasts easily and 2HKO Clefable after a boost. Unaware Clefable shuts this Pokemon down, however, and they can also be beaten with variations of Clefable's standard Calm Mind set, such as Encore, Stored Power, and Ice Beam.
 
Last edited:

Amaroq

Cover me.
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Make sure everything's in complete sentences, including periods (mostly in the Overview).

Rephrase the final bullet point in the overview. Saying Clefable has "mediocre raw bulk" contradicts the first bullet point, which talks about its good mixed bulk. The point I think you're trying to make with that bullet point is that, while Clefable's defensive stats are decent, a lot of its defensive value comes from its typing and abilities rather than from raw stats and that it can still be overwhelmed by strong neutral and super effective attacks.

In Checks and Counters, mention that Gengar doesn't appreciate switching into Knock Off in addition to the mention of Thunder Wave. Even an uninvested Knock Off does around 53% unless Gengar's holding a Z-crystal.

Once that's done, this counts as QC 1/3. Excellent work.
 

Hogg

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Just a few things:
  • In the moves section for CM, in the line about Thunder Wave, mention that many offensive threats such as MAero and Cobalion still outspeed Clefable after a TWave.
  • In the moves section for Stealth Rock, add a reference to Knock Off, as it is Clefable's best way of pressuring Pokemon such as Tenta/Empoleon/Starmie (and still does well vs stuff like Forry). Doesn't need to be a full slash, but I think it deserves a mention.
  • "Many offensive Pokemon... take advantage of Clefable's... ability to check certain Pokemon." I'd stick a reference to what certain Pokemon you're talking about (Mega Sharpedo, Latias, etc).
  • Unaware Clef's weakness to Taunt in general probably deserves a bit more attention (you reference it in passing re: Gliscor but it's super Taunt vulnerable in general, losing outright to things like Taunt Mew/MAero/Gliscor etc).
That's all I got. Great job etc etc, 3/3.
 

P Squared

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is a Site Content Manageris a Community Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Top Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Senior Staff Member Alumnusis a Top Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
mostly just hyphen stuff

GP 1/1
how to implement a GP check


[OVERVIEW]
* Clefable has an excellent defensive typing with good mixed bulk, letting it check threats like Latias, Alakazam, and Mega Sharpedo. (AP)
* With two great abilities, Clefable is very diverse: Magic Guard makes Clefable immune to entry hazard and status damage, meaning it's extremely easy to keep healthy. Unaware makes Clefable a staple on stall teams to counter threats like Bulk Up Conkeldurr, Nasty Plot Togekiss, and Swords Dance Gliscor.
* Its incredible movepool lets it perform a multitude of roles and leaves it with very few true counters. This movepool includes Calm Mind, Knock Off, Flamethrower, Stored Power, Cosmic Power, Thunder Wave, Stealth Rock, and Wish.
* However, Clefable is weak to common Pokemon like Bisharp, Scizor, Nidoqueen, and Cobalion.
* It's also prone to being overwhelmed by threats such as Choice Specs Primarina and various Pokemon with Z-Moves.
* It gets most of its defensive value from its typing and abilities rather than from raw stats, meaning that it can fall to strong neutral and super effective attacks.

[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Soft-Boiled
move 4: Thunder Wave / Flamethrower / Knock Off
item: Leftovers
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

* Calm Mind boosts Clefable's Special Attack and Special Defense, letting it beat Choice Specs Keldeo and other threats one-on-one and letting it overwhelm defensive Pokemon.
* Moonblast is a decently powerful STAB move with amazing coverage on most of the tier.
* Soft-Boiled lets Clefable stay healthy.
* Thunder Wave cripples Pokemon like Bisharp, Cobalion, Mega Aerodactyl, and Volcanion on the switch, making it much easier for Clefable to beat them one-on-one afterwards.
* Flamethrower is an option that KOes Scizor and hits Bisharp, Metagross, and Amoonguss hard.
* Knock Off is another option that lets Clefable cripple Nidoqueen and Nidoking, letting it set up easily later in the game. Knock Off is also key to help beat Calm Mind Suicune and Blissey one-on-one.
* Encore can be used to completely negate attempts from Calm Mind Reuniclus and Nasty Plot Togekiss to set up alongside Clefable, and it also prevents threats like Swords Dance Cobalion from setting up in front of it.

Set Details
========

* Maximum HP and max Defense investment on Clefable lets it take hits easily from Pokemon like Mega Aerodactyl and Mega Sharpedo.
* A spread of 252 HP / 172 Def / 84 SpD with a Calm nature can also be used to check Mega Blastoise, Psychic Latias, and Life Orb Alakazam, if its team should require it.
* Magic Guard is key in preventing Clefable from being taken down by status or repeated entry hazard damage.
* Leftovers gives Clefable much-needed passive recovery.

Usage Tips
========

* Use Clefable to check various attackers early-game based on its spread.
* Clefable can also be switched into passive Pokemon that rely on status, such as Alomomola, to begin setting up.
* Cripple initial switch-ins to Clefable early with Knock Off or Thunder Wave, giving it a much easier time setting up later in the game to sweep. An early-game Flamethrower on a switch to Bisharp or Scizor can be game-changing.
* Note that any Pokemon faster than Jolly Krookodile can outspeed Clefable even after they've been paralyzed.
* Be wary of Z-Moves from Pokemon like Krookodile and Haxorus that can cripple Clefable or outright KO it.
* Use Soft-Boiled to ensure that Clefable is healthy enough to continue switching in on the things it checks.

Team Options
========

* Calm Mind Clefable works best on bulky offense and balance teams that can utilize its ability to pivot on a large number of Pokemon and threaten opposing balance teams.
* Slowbro is a great teammate that can check Infernape, Cobalion, Keldeo, Metagross, and other threats to Clefable. Slowbro can also beat Amoonguss, one of Clefable's best checks, one-on-one 1v1.
* Other bulky Water-types make good partners for similar reasons. Tentacruel checks the above threats while providing useful Toxic Spikes support. Mantine also checks these threats well.
* Hippowdon checks Bisharp and certain Fire-types while providing important Stealth Rock support, and Clefable checks Latias, Hydreigon, and other threats to Hippowdon.
* Krookodile can trap or heavily damage threats like Entei, Mew, and Gengar. Choice Scarf Krookodile in particular can revenge kill Cobalion that attempts attempt to set up on Clefable.
* Scizor counters and lures are needed, especially if Clefable isn't running Flamethrower. Cobalion, Keldeo, Infernape, and Gliscor can check Scizor and Bisharp, while Hidden Power Fire Celebi and Fire Fang Mega Aerodactyl are Pokemon that can potentially lure Scizor.

[SET]
name: Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Soft-Boiled
move 4: Fire Blast / Thunder Wave
item: Leftovers
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 172 Def / 84 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

* Clefable makes a good Stealth Rock user that threatens common entry hazard removers such as Latias and Mandibuzz.
* Moonblast is a necessary STAB move. (AP)
* Soft-Boiled is required to keep Clefable healthy. (AP)
* Fire Blast catches many Clefable checks, including Scizor, Bisharp, and Cobalion, and deals heavy damage to or outright KOes them.
* Thunder Wave also cripples many offensive threats, such as Mega Aerodactyl and Togekiss, and can be used to support teammates like Bewear and Volcanion while giving Clefable an easier time dealing with them itself.
* Knock Off can be useful to let Clefable pressure Tentacruel, Empoleon, and Starmie, all of which can remove Clefable's Stealth Rock one-on-one.
* Healing Wish can also be used in the last slot on offensive teams to support teammates such as Cobalion, Bisharp, Keldeo, and Raikou.

Set Details
========

* The given EVs with a Calm nature ensure Clefable checks moderately strong attackers such as Focus Sash Alakazam, Choice Scarf Keldeo, and physical attackers like Mega Absol lacking Iron Tail.
* A spread of 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD can also be used to answer threats such as Mega Aerodactyl, Psyshock Latias, and Zygarde-10%.
* With Fire Blast, 44 Speed EVs can be used to outspeed bulky Scizor, KOing it before it can U-turn out.
* Magic Guard is key to avoid being worn down by entry hazards and Toxic.
* Leftovers helps Clefable regain small amounts of HP as it sets up Stealth Rock against some Pokemon.

Usage Tips
========

* Bring in Clefable early-game to set up Stealth Rock against Pokemon it can check.
* Remove Defog users and Rapid Spin users that Clefable can't beat, such as Tentacruel and Empoleon, as early as possible with Clefable's teammates.
* If possible, predict switches to Steel-types early and use Fire Blast on the switch to let Clefable do its job more easily throughout the game.
* Keep Clefable healthy with Soft-Boiled if it's needed to check threats like Conkeldurr.
* Keeping Stealth Rock up is essential to punish switchinses to Volcanion and other Fire-types, which can decimate Clefable and its team members.

Team Options
========

* Bisharp and Krookodile are great partners to threaten hazard removers such as Tentacruel, Empoleon, and Crobat. Bisharp in particular can punish Defog from the latter two as well as from Togekiss.
* Many offensive Pokemon, including Raikou, Mega Aerodactyl, Cobalion, and Celebi take advantage of Clefable's entry hazard support and ability to check certain Pokemon like Mega Sharpedo and Latias.
* Slowbro and Gliscor both provide good defensive synergy with Clefable.
* Pokemon that Clefable gives free turns to need answers. Keldeo checks Swords Dance Gliscor, Hippowdon, and Empoleon, while Hydreigon and other strong special attackers can check Calm Mind Slowbro and Amoonguss.
* Rapid Spin support from Starmie may help the rest of Clefable's team, and Starmie can provide a decent answer to Choice Specs Keldeo and many opposing Stealth Rock users.
* Forretress provides useful Spikes support, which pressures many of Clefable's answers, and can pivot out of Scizor and Cobalion to an offensive check, if necessary.

[SET]
name: Unaware
move 1: Wish
move 2: Protect
move 3: Moonblast
move 4: Heal Bell / Calm Mind
item: Leftovers
ability: Unaware
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

* Wish and Protect support Clefable's team and let it keep itself healthy somewhat reliably.
* Moonlight may be used over Protect, but Protect helps Clefable gain extra Leftovers recovery and scout against Pokemon like Keldeo, Infernape, and Primarina. Moonlight also only has 8 PP and is somewhat negated by possible weather from Hippowdon, Alolan Ninetales, and Gigalith.
* Moonblast is an obligatory STAB move needed to hit Dragon- and Dark-types.
* Heal Bell is a necessity on stall teams and can be used to let Blissey run other options like Stealth Rock.
* Alternatively, Calm Mind lets Clefable reliably beat opposing Magic Guard Calm Mind Clefable, Calm Mind Slowbro, Swords Dance Gliscor, and other bulky setup sweepers.

Set Details
========

* Maximum investment in Defense lets Clefable reliably counter Swords Dance Gliscor, some variants of Conkeldurr, Zygarde-10%, and other weaker physical attackers.
* Unaware is key in countering bulky setup sweepers and even some offensive ones such as Nasty Plot Mew, Nasty Plot Celebi, and Calm Mind Latias.
* Leftovers are is necessary to stay as healthy as possible.

Usage Tips
========

* Use Clefable conservatively early-game to ensure that it won't be broken by potential Z-Moves or wallbreakers like Choice Band Conkeldurr.
* Clefable is rather vulnerable to common Taunt users. Gliscor, Mew, and Mega Aerodactyl can beat Clefable in a one-on-one setting if they carry Taunt, while other Taunt users like Krookodile can wear down Clefable as well.
* Don't let Clefable get worn down by entry hazards and forced switches to the point where it's 2HKOed by threats like Latias on the switch in.

Team Options
========

* Unaware Clefable only fits on stall teams where it's needed as an answer to Calm Mind Clefable, Swords Dance Gliscor, Calm Mind Reuniclus, and other such sweepers.
* Blissey is an ideal teammate, (AC) since it deals easily with strong special attackers such as Life Orb Psychic Latias and Choice Specs Hydreigon. (AP)
* Alomomola is also an amazing teammate, (AC) since it can pivot aggressively into threats like Conkeldurr to scout for the set before going to Clefable if necessary. Alomomola can also pass its large Wish into Clefable to prevent it from getting too worn down on the switch.
* Entry hazard removal options such as Tentacruel and Mantine help Clefable stay as healthy as possible.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

* A tank set with Life Orb and various coverages coverage moves such as Fire Blast, Psychic, and Focus Blast can be used somewhat effectively as a lure, but overall it is outclassed by stronger options such as Primarina.
* ("A set with"?) Cosmic Power, Charge Beam, and Stored Power is possible but provides no initial threat whatsoever and struggles to threaten the Pokemon it needs to.
* Thunderbolt and Ice Beam can be used as the attacking moves on the Calm Mind set to target a different set of Pokemon, including Tentacruel, Talonflame, and Gliscor.
* Blizzard and Fire Blast can also be used as coverage moves on the Calm Mind set. Both moves prevent Clear Smog Amoonguss from reliably beating it; Blizzard OHKOes Gliscor after Stealth Rock damage, and Fire Blast does more damage to various Steel-types on the switch than Flamethrower. Their accuracy and low PP prevent them from being reliable, however.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Fire-types**: Volcanion can come in easily on most of Clefable's moves, fearing only Thunder Wave, and can 2HKO Clefable with Choice Specs-boosted Steam Eruption or Sludge Wave even after a Calm Mind. Entei can come in freely as well and threaten Clefable's whole team with a powerful Sacred Fire. Infernape comes in less easily, but it can threaten Clefable's team with its wide coverage and beat Clefable with Choice Band-boosted Flare Blitz or Life Orb-boosted Gunk Shot.

**Steel-types**: Though most Steel-types have to be wary of switching directly into Flamethrower or Fire Blast, they can beat Clefable one-on-one. Cobalion, Bisharp, and Lucario can tank attacks and set up Swords Dance. Empoleon can keep Clefable's Stealth Rock off the field easily. Scizor can threaten Clefable with Bullet Punch and U-turn out of Clefable's teammates.

**Poison-types**: Amoonguss can switch into any of Clefable's moves and use Spore on Clefable's teammates, and it can Clear Smog away Clefable's boosts if necessary. Nidoqueen and Nidoking can easily eat up any of Clefable's attacks and 2HKO it even after a Calm Mind. Gengar also doesn't fear Moonblast or Fire-type moves, but it is crippled heavily by Thunder Wave and Knock Off. Tentacruel can use Rapid Spin freely against Stealth Rock Clefable, set up Toxic Spikes, and even stall it out with Haze and some support.

**Wallbreakers**: (add colon) Clefable can be overwhelmed by Choice Band and Choice Specs users such as Krookodile, Bewear, and Primarina. It can also potentially be lured surprised with Z-Moves from Krookodile, (RC) or set up on by Pokemon like Decidueye and Togekiss. Mega Absol, Hydreigon, and Conkeldurr are examples of Pokemon who that commonly carry a Steel- and Poison-type move to 2HKO Clefable.

**Opposing Setup Sweepers**: Calm Mind Slowbro, Calm Mind Suicune, and Calm Mind Reuniclus can all beat Calm Mind Clefable one-on-one. Swords Dance Gliscor can tank boosted Moonblasts easily and 2HKO Clefable after a boost. Unaware Clefable shuts this Pokemon down, however, and they can also be beaten with variations of Clefable's standard Calm Mind set, such as Encore, Stored Power, and Ice Beam.
 
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