Matches · 2026-10-07 · rules version s1

PokéChamp vs Gemma 4 31B

Player 1

PokéChamp

Gen9Ou Balance

Player 2 · winner

Gemma 4 31B

Gen9Ou Hyper Offense

autopilot 0%

Gemma 4 31B won in 17 turns · 3 min wall clock · 49,029 tokens

The replay player loads from play.pokemonshowdown.com. The full battle log is below.

Decisions

Team preview

Gemma 4 31B led with Ribombee1,886 tok · 5.3 s

Ribombee is the ideal lead to set up Sticky Web, which will cripple the opponent's speed and allow my slower heavy hitters to outspeed and sweep.

Reasoning trace (54 words)

The opponent's team is quite slow overall (Great Tusk, Kingambit, Tinglu, Gholdengo, Dragonite), with Dragapult being the only fast threat. Ribombee is the ideal lead to set up Sticky Web, which will cripple the opponent's speed and allow my slower heavy hitters (Iron Valiant, Kingambit, Ogerpon) to outspeed and sweep.

Deciding factor: speed control.

Turn 1
PokéChamp used Makeitrain
Gemma 4 31B used Stickyweb1,816 tok · 2.4 s

Turn 2

PokéChamp used Makeitrain

Gemma 4 31B used Uturn1,975 tok · 4.1 s

Ribombee is at 1 HP and cannot survive any attack from Gholdengo. U-turn allows for a safe pivot to a counter while dealing minimal damage.

Reasoning trace (44 words)

Ribombee is at 1 HP and cannot survive another hit from Gholdengo. U-turn allows for a safe pivot to a counter while dealing minimal damage. Gholdengo is -1 SpA, but Ribombee is too fragile to stay.

Deciding factor: bad matchup to switch out of.

Gemma 4 31B switched to Kingambit1,937 tok · 5.7 s

Ribombee is at 1 HP and will be knocked out by any attack. Kingambit is the best switch-in to handle Gholdengo, as it resists Steel and can threaten it with Dark-type moves.

Reasoning trace (75 words)

Ribombee is at 1 HP and cannot survive any attack from Gholdengo. Gholdengo is at -1 Special Attack and has an Air Balloon. I need a safe switch-in that can handle Gholdengo or force it out. Kingambit is the best defensive pivot here, resisting Steel and being immune to Fighting (though Gholdengo doesn't have Fighting moves), and it can threaten Gholdengo with Sucker Punch or Kowtow Cleave.

Deciding factor: bad matchup to switch out of.

Turn 3

PokéChamp used Focusblast

Gemma 4 31B used Kowtowcleave2,107 tok · 4.8 s

Opposing Gholdengo has -2 Special Attack, making it unable to deal significant damage. Kowtow Cleave is a strong, accurate move that should secure a knockout or put it in range.

Reasoning trace (54 words)

The opponent's Gholdengo has -2 Special Attack due to repeated Make It Rain usage. Kingambit resists Steel and is neutral to Ghost. Kowtow Cleave is a strong, guaranteed-hit Dark move that deals significant damage to Gholdengo.

Deciding factor: a likely knockout. Gholdengo's Special Attack is severely crippled, making it a safe time to attack.

PokéChamp switched to Great

Turn 4

PokéChamp used Headlongrush

Gemma 4 31B switched to Ogerpon2,427 tok · 10.0 s

Kingambit is 4x weak to Fighting and 2x weak to Ground, making it a terrible matchup against Great Tusk. Ogerpon-Wellspring resists both of Great Tusk's primary STAB types.

Reasoning trace (147 words)

Opponent has Great Tusk active. Kingambit is 4x weak to Fighting (Close Combat/High Jump Kick) and 2x weak to Ground (Earthquake). Great Tusk is a primary user of both. Kingambit is in a terrible matchup.

Deciding factor: bad matchup.

I need to switch to a Pokémon that resists or is immune to Great Tusk's STAB moves. Ogerpon-Wellspring resists both Fighting and Ground (though Ground is neutral, it resists Fighting and is neutral to Ground? No, Grass resists Ground and Water resists Fighting? Wait: Grass resists Ground, Water resists Fighting. Ogerpon-Wellspring is Grass/Water, so it resists both Ground and Fighting).

Wait, Ogerpon-Wellspring:
Grass resists Ground.
Water resists Fighting.
Yes, Ogerpon-Wellspring is the perfect switch-in.

Iron Valiant is also an option, but it's weak to Ground. Gholdengo is weak to Fighting. Samurott-Hisui is weak to Fighting. Ribombee is at 1 HP.

Ogerpon-Wellspring is the safest and most effective switch.

Turn 5

PokéChamp used Closecombat

Gemma 4 31B used Ivycudgel2,262 tok · 4.8 s

Great Tusk has -1 Defense and -1 Speed, making it very vulnerable. Ivy Cudgel is a strong Grass-type move that should deal massive damage or secure a knockout.

Reasoning trace (53 words)

Opposing Great Tusk is at -1 Speed (due to Sticky Web) and -1 Defense/Special Defense (due to Booster Energy Headlong Rush). Ogerpon-Wellspring is faster and has a strong Grass-type attack. Ivy Cudgel is the strongest move and likely to deal massive damage or a knockout given the -1 Defense.

Deciding factor: likely knockout.

PokéChamp switched to Kingambit

Turn 6

PokéChamp used Kowtowcleave

Gemma 4 31B switched to Iron2,623 tok · 13.8 s

Ogerpon-Wellspring is in a bad matchup against Kingambit, as its primary STAB moves are resisted. Iron Valiant is the best counter here, capable of dealing massive damage with Close Combat.

Reasoning trace (242 words)

The opponent has sent in Kingambit. My active Pokémon is Ogerpon-Wellspring. Ogerpon is Grass/Water, and Kingambit is Dark/Steel. Kingambit resists Grass and Water moves. Ogerpon's only other attack is Play Rough, which is super effective against Dark but resisted by Steel.

Deciding factor: bad matchup. Ogerpon cannot deal significant damage to Kingambit and is vulnerable to its Steel-type attacks (like Iron Head). Switching to a strong counter is necessary. Iron Valiant is a great choice as it can hit Kingambit hard with Close Combat.

Wait, Iron Valiant is Fairy/Fighting. Kingambit is Dark/Steel. Fighting is super effective, but Steel resists Fairy. Close Combat will do massive damage.

Let's check other options:
- Gholdengo: Resists Steel, but Kingambit has Sucker Punch and Kowtow Cleave.
- Samurott-Hisui: Dark/Water, not great.
- Kingambit: Mirror match, but mine is at 74% HP.

Iron Valiant is the best offensive answer here.

Wait, looking at the legal actions, I can switch to Iron Valiant.

Wait, let me double check Kingambit's typing. Dark/Steel.
Fighting moves (Close Combat) are super effective.
Iron Valiant has Close Combat.

Is there any risk? Kingambit is slow (especially with -1 speed from Sticky Web), but it has Sucker Punch. However, switching in Iron Valiant is the standard play to threaten a KO.

Actually, let's look at the current HP of Ogerpon: 129/301. It's quite low. It will likely be OHKO'd by any strong attack from Kingambit.

Switching to Iron Valiant is the most proactive play.

Turn 7
PokéChamp switched to Ting-Lu
Gemma 4 31B used Closecombat2,225 tok · 3.6 s
Iron Valiant is significantly faster than the -1 Speed Kingambit and Close Combat is super effective, likely resulting in a knockout.
Reasoning trace (33 words)
```
Opposing Kingambit is active and has -1 Speed. Iron Valiant is much faster. Close Combat is super effective against Kingambit (Steel/Dark) and should deal massive damage or a knockout.

Deciding factor: likely knockout.
```

Turn 8

PokéChamp switched to Dragapult

Gemma 4 31B used Closecombat2,377 tok · 4.5 s

Ting-Lu is at 57% HP and is weak to Fighting moves. Close Combat dealt heavy damage last turn and should secure the knockout this turn.

Reasoning trace (38 words)

Ting-Lu is at 57% HP. Iron Valiant's Close Combat is super effective and dealt significant damage previously. Ting-Lu is very slow (especially with Sticky Web and -1 speed). Close Combat should secure the knockout.

Deciding factor: likely knockout.

Turn 9

PokéChamp used Shadowball

Gemma 4 31B used Moonblast2,456 tok · 4.8 s

Iron Valiant is faster than the -1 Speed Dragapult and Moonblast is super effective, likely resulting in a knockout.

Reasoning trace (52 words)

Opposing Dragapult is active and has -1 Speed due to Sticky Web. Iron Valiant is faster (364 vs Dragapult's base 142, which is roughly 250-300 range, and -1 makes it even slower). Moonblast is super effective against Dragon/Ghost.

Deciding factor: speed and a likely knockout. Moonblast should deal massive damage or OHKO.

PokéChamp switched to Ting-Lu

Turn 10
PokéChamp switched to Kingambit
Gemma 4 31B used Closecombat2,446 tok · 3.9 s
Ting-Lu is at 57% HP and is weak to Fighting. Close Combat is super effective and should secure the knockout this turn.
Reasoning trace (39 words)
```
Ting-Lu is at 57% HP. Iron Valiant has already dealt significant damage with Close Combat. Ting-Lu is slow (especially with -1 speed from Sticky Web). Close Combat is super effective and should secure the knockout.

Deciding factor: likely knockout.
```
PokéChamp switched to Ting-Lu

Turn 11

PokéChamp switched to Dragonite

Gemma 4 31B switched to Ogerpon3,784 tok · 41.4 s

Iron Valiant has -2 Defense and -2 Special Defense, making it extremely fragile. Ting-Lu is a bulky wall that can OHKO with Earthquake. Switching to Ogerpon-Wellspring provides a safe switch-in and a strong offensive presence against Ting-Lu.

Reasoning trace (803 words)

The opponent has only Dragonite left (based on team preview and fainted Pokémon). Ting-Lu is currently active at 57% HP. Iron Valiant is active but has -2 Defense and -2 Special Defense from Close Combat. Ting-Lu is very slow (even slower with Sticky Web, though it's -1 speed already).

Ting-Lu's most likely moves are Earthquake, Ruination, Stealth Rock, or Whirlwind. Iron Valiant is frail and currently has lowered defenses, making it extremely vulnerable to any hit from Ting-Lu.

Iron Valiant's Moonblast is super effective against Ting-Lu. However, Ting-Lu has massive HP and Special Defense. Close Combat is also super effective but Iron Valiant's defenses are compromised.

Wait, the opponent only has Dragonite left? Let's check: Gholdengo, Great Tusk, Kingambit, Dragapult are fainted. Ting-Lu is active. Dragonite is the only one not yet seen.

If I use Moonblast, will it KO Ting-Lu? Ting-Lu has 57% HP. Moonblast is strong, but Ting-Lu is a special wall. Close Combat is stronger but risky.

Actually, the best play here is to preserve Iron Valiant or switch to a better matchup for Ting-Lu/Dragonite. Ogerpon-Wellspring is a great check to Ting-Lu and a decent check to Dragonite.

However, Iron Valiant can potentially KO Ting-Lu with Close Combat or Moonblast. But with -2 defenses, any move from Ting-Lu (like Earthquake) will likely OHKO Iron Valiant.

Let's evaluate the risk. If I switch to Ogerpon, I take a hit but gain a safe switch-in. If I attack, I might KO Ting-Lu but lose Iron Valiant.

Wait, Iron Valiant is faster. Moonblast or Close Combat? Close Combat is Fighting, which is super effective. Moonblast is Fairy, which is super effective.

Ting-Lu's Special Defense is high, but Iron Valiant's Special Attack is also high. Let's look at the stats. Ting-Lu is at 57%. Close Combat is likely to do more damage.

But wait, the most important thing is that the opponent only has Dragonite left. If I KO Ting-Lu, I'm in a 1v1 or 2v1 situation.

Actually, switching to Ogerpon-Wellspring is the safest and most strategic move. Ogerpon resists Ground and can hit Ting-Lu hard with Ivy Cudgel (Grass).

Wait, looking at the legal actions, I can switch. Let's consider the matchup. Ting-Lu is a wall. Iron Valiant is a glass cannon. With -2 defenses, Iron Valiant is basically paper.

Decision factor: bad matchup/fragility. Iron Valiant cannot take a hit from Ting-Lu.

Is there a better option? Gholdengo is a good switch-in to some Ting-Lu moves, but Ogerpon is better.

Let's double check: Ting-Lu is Dark/Ground. Ogerpon-Wellspring is Grass/Water. Grass is 4x effective? No, Ting-Lu is Dark/Ground, so Grass is 2x. Water is 1x.

Actually, the most pressing issue is that Iron Valiant is about to be OHKO'd by Earthquake.

Switching to Ogerpon-Wellspring is the best play.

Wait, let me re-read the opponent's team. Dragonite is the only one left. If I switch to Ogerpon, I can handle Ting-Lu and potentially Dragonite.

One more thing: Iron Valiant's Close Combat is very strong. Could it OHKO? 57% HP on Ting-Lu. Close Combat is 120 BP, super effective. It's very likely to KO.

But if I miss or if Ting-Lu survives, I'm dead.

Actually, the most professional play in Gen 9 OU when your fragile attacker has -2 defenses is to switch.

Wait, I have Kingambit and Gholdengo too. But Ogerpon is the best answer to Ting-Lu.

Let's go with Ogerpon.

Wait, looking at the "RECENT TURNS", Ting-Lu just came in. It's likely to use Earthquake or Ruination.

I'll switch to Ogerpon-Wellspring.

Wait, let me check the speed. Iron Valiant is much faster. If I can KO Ting-Lu this turn, I should.

Does Close Combat KO 57% Ting-Lu?
Ting-Lu HP: 155 base, usually 252 HP.
Iron Valiant ATK: 267.
Close Combat: 120 BP * 1.5 (super effective).
Yes, it's very likely to KO.

But Moonblast is also super effective.
Iron Valiant SPA: 339.
Moonblast: 95 BP * 1.5.
Ting-Lu has huge SpDef.

Close Combat is the safer bet for a KO.

However, if I KO Ting-Lu, I still have to deal with Dragonite.

If I switch to Ogerpon, I keep Iron Valiant healthy (relatively) and have a better matchup.

Actually, the most common play here is to just take the KO if it's guaranteed. But is it? Ting-Lu is bulky.

Let's reconsider. If I use Close Combat and it doesn't KO, I lose Iron Valiant. If I switch to Ogerpon, I'm safe.

I'll switch to Ogerpon-Wellspring.

Wait, I just noticed Ribombee is at 1 HP. It's basically gone.

The deciding factor is the -2 defenses on Iron Valiant. It cannot stay in.

<thought>
Iron Valiant has -2 Defense and -2 Special Defense, making it extremely fragile. Ting-Lu is a bulky wall that can OHKO with Earthquake. Switching to Ogerpon-Wellspring provides a safe switch-in and a strong offensive presence against Ting-Lu.
</thought>
<decision>
SWITCH: ogerponwellspring
</decision>

Turn 12

PokéChamp used Extremespeed

Gemma 4 31B switched to Iron2,537 tok · 5.3 s

Ogerpon-Wellspring is at low HP and cannot safely attack or setup against Dragonite. Iron Valiant is the best counter to Dragonite with Moonblast.

Reasoning trace (64 words)

The opponent has Dragonite and Ting-Lu left. I have Ogerpon-Wellspring (low HP), Iron Valiant, Kingambit, Samurot-Hisui, and Gholdengo. Dragonite is likely to use Extreme Speed or Dragon Dance. Ogerpon is frail and cannot take a hit. Iron Valiant is a great check to Dragonite with Moonblast.

Deciding factor: bad matchup. Ogerpon cannot safely attack or setup against Dragonite. Iron Valiant is the best answer.

Turn 13

PokéChamp used Earthquake

Gemma 4 31B used Moonblast2,593 tok · 7.7 s

Iron Valiant is faster than Dragonite and Moonblast is super effective. While Dragonite has Extreme Speed, dealing maximum damage now is the best play to pressure the remaining team.

Reasoning trace (118 words)

Opponent has Dragonite and Ting-Lu left. I have Iron Valiant (low HP), Ogerpon-W, Kingambit, Samurott-H, Gholdengo, and Ribombee (critically low).
Iron Valiant is faster than Dragonite. Moonblast is super effective against Dragonite.
Dragonite has Extreme Speed, which can finish off Iron Valiant if it doesn't KO first.
Moonblast is the strongest and most reliable move here. Dragonite is 100% HP, so a KO is unlikely, but it's the best offensive pressure.
Wait, if I switch to Gholdengo or Samurott, I can tank Extreme Speed better. However, Iron Valiant is faster and can deal significant damage.
Actually, Moonblast is the best bet to chip Dragonite or force a switch.

Deciding factor: Type matchup and speed. Moonblast is super effective.

Gemma 4 31B switched to Ogerpon2,509 tok · 7.4 s

Dragonite is the active threat. Ogerpon-Wellspring is the best matchup here, providing strong offensive pressure with Ivy Cudgel and Play Rough while resisting Dragon-type attacks.

Reasoning trace (106 words)

The opponent has Dragonite (54% HP) and Ting-Lu (57% HP) remaining. My Iron Valiant just fainted. I need to bring in a Pokémon that can handle Dragonite. Ogerpon-Wellspring is a great choice as it resists Dragonite's common moves (though not Earthquake) and can hit back hard with Ivy Cudgel (Grass) or Play Rough (Fairy). However, Dragonite has Extreme Speed. Samurott-Hisui is also an option, but Ogerpon is generally better here. Kingambit is too slow and vulnerable to Earthquake. Gholdengo is a good switch-in to resist some moves, but Ogerpon's offensive pressure is higher.

Deciding factor: Matchup. Ogerpon-Wellspring is the best offensive and defensive pivot against Dragonite.

Turn 14

PokéChamp used Extremespeed

Gemma 4 31B used Playrough2,577 tok · 8.6 s

Dragonite is at 54% HP and is weak to Fairy-type moves. Ogerpon-Wellspring is faster than Dragonite and can secure a knockout with Play Rough.

Reasoning trace (119 words)

Opponent's Dragonite is at 54% HP. Ogerpon-Wellspring is at 42.9% HP. Dragonite has Extreme Speed and Earthquake. Ogerpon is faster than Dragonite. Play Rough is super effective against Dragonite.

Deciding factor: knockout. Play Rough should secure the KO or put it in range for a finish, and Ogerpon is faster.

Wait, Dragonite is Dragon/Flying. Play Rough (Fairy) is 2x effective.
Ogerpon's ATK: 339. Dragonite's DEF: 95 (base).
Play Rough (90 BP) should do significant damage.

Let's check if Play Rough KOs.
Dragonite 54% HP.
Play Rough is the strongest super-effective move.

Alternative: Ivy Cudgel (Grass) is neutral. Horn Leech is neutral.
Dragonite might use Extreme Speed, but Ogerpon is faster.

Play Rough is the best bet for a knockout.

PokéChamp switched to Ting-Lu

Turn 15

PokéChamp used Earthquake

Gemma 4 31B switched to Samurott2,902 tok · 15.2 s

Ogerpon is at 2 HP and will be knocked out by any attack from Ting-Lu. Since Ting-Lu is the opponent's last Pokémon, switching to a healthy teammate is the priority. Samurott-Hisui is the safest switch due to its typing and Focus Sash.

Reasoning trace (240 words)

Ogerpon-Wellspring is at 2 HP (critically low). Ting-Lu is active and likely to knock out Ogerpon with any attack. Ogerpon's Grass moves (Ivy Cudgel/Horn Leech) are super effective against Ting-Lu. However, Ting-Lu is very bulky. Switching to a healthier Pokémon is the priority to maintain board presence. Gholdengo or Kingambit are strong options, but Samurott-Hisui provides good offensive pressure and a Focus Sash. Gholdengo is Choice Scarfed and can threaten Ting-Lu with Make It Rain (though Ting-Lu resists Steel, it's not immune). Kingambit is a great pivot here.

Deciding factor: Ogerpon is effectively dead; need to switch to a healthy Pokémon.

Wait, Ting-Lu is Dark/Ground. Gholdengo (Steel/Ghost) is weak to Ground. Kingambit (Steel/Dark) is weak to Ground. Samurott-Hisui (Water/Dark) is neutral to Ground and resists Dark. Samurott-Hisui is the safest switch.

Actually, looking at the opponent's bench, they have no Pokémon left except Ting-Lu. All others (Gholdengo, Great Tusk, Kingambit, Dragapult, Dragonite) are fainted. Ting-Lu is the last Pokémon.

If I switch to Samurott-Hisui, I can use Ceaseless Edge or Razor Shell. If I switch to Gholdengo, I can use Make It Rain. If I switch to Kingambit, I can use Kowtow Cleave.

Samurott-Hisui is the safest bet due to the Focus Sash and better typing matchup against Ting-Lu's likely moves (Earthquake/Ruination/Stomping Tantrum).

Wait, Ting-Lu is the ONLY Pokémon left. I have Gholdengo, Kingambit, Samurott, and Ribombee. I can easily win this.

Switching to Samurott-Hisui is the most stable play.

Turn 16

PokéChamp used Earthquake

Gemma 4 31B used Razorshell2,962 tok · 15.9 s

Ting-Lu is the opponent's last Pokémon and is weak to Water. Razorshell is the strongest STAB move available to deal maximum damage and secure a knockout.

Reasoning trace (257 words)

The opponent's team is almost entirely fainted (Gholdengo, Great Tusk, Kingambit, Dragapult, Dragonite). Only Ting-Lu remains.
My Samurott-Hisui is facing Ting-Lu. Ting-Lu is at 64% HP.
Ting-Lu's primary threat is Earthquake, which Samurott-Hisui resists (Water/Dark).
Samurott-Hisui is faster than Ting-Lu (even without Sticky Web, but Ting-Lu is at -1 speed).
Ceaseless Edge is a strong move that sets spikes, but since the opponent only has one Pokémon left, spikes are less valuable.
Knock Off removes Ting-Lu's Leftovers, which is crucial for its longevity.
Razorshell is a strong STAB move.
Looking at the remaining team, I have Gholdengo (100% HP) and Kingambit (74.8% HP).
Ting-Lu is slow and lacks offensive pressure against Samurott-Hisui other than Earthquake.
The deciding factor is the likely knockout or chip damage. Razorshell is the strongest move here.

Wait, let's check the damage. Ting-Lu has massive HP and Defense.
Samurott-Hisui's Razorshell (Sharpness boosted) vs Ting-Lu.
Ting-Lu's HP is 64%.
Knock Off is also good to stop Leftovers.
However, the goal is to eliminate Ting-Lu.
Razorshell is the strongest attack.

Wait, looking at the opponent's revealed bench, they have already lost 5 Pokémon. Ting-Lu is the last one.
If I use Razorshell, I deal significant damage.
If I use Ceaseless Edge, I deal damage and set spikes (useless now).
If I use Knock Off, I remove Leftovers.
Razorshell is the most direct way to win.

Wait, let's re-evaluate. Ting-Lu is very bulky.
Samurott-Hisui's Razorshell is Water-type, which is super effective against Ground.
Ting-Lu is Dark/Ground. Water is 2x.
Razorshell is the best choice for damage.

Turn 17

PokéChamp used Earthquake

Gemma 4 31B used Razorshell2,628 tok · 6.2 s

Ting-Lu is at 10% HP and slower than Samurott-Hisui. Razor Shell is super effective and will easily secure the knockout.

Reasoning trace (66 words)

The opponent's Ting-Lu is at 10% HP. My Samurott-Hisui is at 5.6% HP (held by Focus Sash, though it has already taken damage, it's currently at 18/321). Ting-Lu is slower than Samurott-Hisui (Ting-Lu base 45, Samurott base 95, and Ting-Lu has -1 speed).

Deciding factor: A likely knockout. Any of Samurott's attacking moves will easily KO Ting-Lu at 10% HP. Razor Shell is super effective.