Matches · 2026-10-13 · rules version c5

Gemini 4 Argon vs Chimps at the Zoo

Gemini 4 Argon won in 9 turns · 3 min wall clock · 43,640 tokens · $0.216

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Decisions

1. Team preview
   Chimps at the Zoo brought Kingambit,gholdengo,dragonite
   Gemini 4 Argon brought Primarina,gholdengo,dragonite7,038 tok · 39.9 s · $0.0530

   Mirror match vs scripted bot. Bringing Primarina (lead), Gholdengo, Dragonite. Plan: - Lead Primarina beats Dragonite, Garganacl, Kingambit, and even 1v1s Scarf Gholdengo (survives 2 Make It Rains with Sitrus, 2HKOs with Sparkling Aria). - If opponent leads Sneasler, switch immediately to Gholdengo (immune to Dire Claw and Close Combat). - Preserve Dragonite's Multiscale to sweep late-game.

   Reasoning trace (498 words)

   **Analyzing Mirror Match**
   
   My current focus is dissecting this mirror match. The opponent's team is a precise replica of mine, including my Dragonite with Lum Berry, Multiscale, Dragon Dance, Outrage, Earthquake, and Extreme Speed. I'm strategizing against an identical setup.
   
   **Evaluating Sneasler's Potential**
   
   I'm closely examining Sneasler's effectiveness within this mirrored team composition. The potential for a White Herb-boosted Acrobatics after a Close Combat is particularly intriguing, especially against Kingambit. I'm also considering its overall performance against the entire opposing roster.
   
   **Calculating Sneasler's Power**
   
   I've been crunching numbers. Close Combat is a definite OHKO against Garganacl and Primarina. Even Dire Claw has a solid chance against Primarina. Against opposing Sneasler, a speed tie is a concern unless Unburden triggers for Acrobatics. Dragonite's Multiscale is proving to be a significant defensive buffer.
   
   **Identifying Counter-Matchups**
   
   I've discovered Gholdengo completely walls my Sneasler due to immunities and resistances. Garganacl also presents issues, particularly its Purifying Salt against my Dragonite and potential Choice Scarf Gholdengo. This analysis significantly shifts my strategic priorities against these specific threats.
   
   **Refining Dragonite Matchups**
   
   I've calculated that my Dragonite reliably OHKOs their Sneasler with Earthquake, even without a boost. Against their Gholdengo, I'm noting that even Multiscale only absorbs a portion of its attacks, and a Choice Scarf on their Gholdengo still outspeeds my boosted Dragonite.
   
   **Calculating Dragonite Damage**
   
   I've determined my Dragonite reliably defeats their Gholdengo with an unboosted Earthquake and Extreme Speed finish. It also consistently 2HKOs their Kingambit with Earthquake, despite potential defensive buffs. Primarina remains a significant threat, easily overcoming my Dragonite.
   
   **Analyzing Primarina Matchups**
   
   I'm now dissecting Primarina's role. It 2HKOs Kingambit with Moonblast and easily handles Garganacl. However, it's vulnerable to opposing Sneasler's Dire Claw and Gholdengo's Make It Rain, being outsped and 2HKOed.
   
   **Considering Kingambit's Power**
   
   I'm now assessing Kingambit's late-game potential. With Supreme Overlord and Black Glasses, its Sucker Punch can OHKO Sneasler. While it can't outspeed my boosted Dragonite, the damage output against other threats is becoming clear.
   
   **Evaluating Trio A**
   
   My current focus is evaluating Trio A, consisting of Primarina, Dragonite, and Gholdengo, against every potential opposing Pokémon. I'm particularly interested in its matchups against their Dragonite, Gholdengo, Primarina, and Kingambit, assessing the strengths and weaknesses of this specific combination.
   
   **Assessing Defensive Synergies**
   
   I'm now re-evaluating the defensive synergy between Primarina, Dragonite, and Gholdengo. I've identified that Gholdengo is a hard counter to the opponent's Sneasler. Additionally, I've noted Primarina's effectiveness against their Garganacl, and Gholdengo's capability to Trick a Choice Scarf onto their Kingambit.
   
   **Calculating Primarina vs Gholdengo**
   
   I've been re-calculating Primarina's matchup against Gholdengo. My previous assessment was off; Gholdengo's Make It Rain, even with a Sitrus Berry recovery, still deals significant damage. I'm meticulously re-evaluating the turn-by-turn interaction to ensure accuracy on survival and offensive pressure.
   
   **Recalculating Primarina's Survival**
   
   I've corrected my calculations for Primarina versus Scarf Gholdengo. Primarina now consistently survives two Make It Rains, even accounting for Sitrus Berry activation, and reliably 2HKOs Gholdengo with Sparkling Aria, winning the lead matchup.
   
   

2. Turn 1
   Chimps at the Zoo switched to Gholdengo
   Gemini 4 Argon used Moonblast3,794 tok · 17.4 s · $0.0195

   Mirror team vs scripted bot. Opponent led Kingambit. Plan: - Attack Kingambit with Moonblast. If it Swords Dances, Encore it next turn. If it attacks with Iron Head, Sitrus Berry lets Primarina survive and 2HKO. - If Sneasler comes in later, switch to Gholdengo. - Preserve Dragonite's Multiscale to sweep late-game.

   Reasoning trace (175 words)

   **Analyzing Opponent's Strategy**
   
   I'm currently dissecting the opponent's team composition. It appears to be a mirror match with a Dragonite and Gholdengo core, and I'm focusing on identifying their specific movesets and item choices to anticipate their next moves.
   
   **Evaluating Matchup Nuances**
   
   My analysis is now zeroing in on specific move interactions. Primarina's speed advantage over Kingambit is a key factor, and I'm weighing the damage output and utility differences between Moonblast and Sparkling Aria against potential Kingambit abilities like Defiant.
   
   **Assessing Ri[redacted]
   
   I'm re-evaluating Moonblast versus Sparkling Aria on Primarina. The 10% chance of a Special Attack drop with Moonblast could activate Kingambit's Defiant, leading to a +2 Attack boost. I'm calculating damage margins and considering the possibility of Kingambit running Assault Vest, impacting the viability of both moves.
   
   **Calculating Potential Damage**
   
   I've been crunching numbers, estimating that Moonblast deals around 118 damage to Kingambit, which would activate its Sitrus Berry. I'm now considering the Encore strategy if Kingambit uses Swords Dance, and mapping out responses to potential switches like Dragonite or Gholdengo.
   
   

3. Turn 2
   Chimps at the Zoo switched to Dragonite
   Gemini 4 Argon used Sparklingaria3,551 tok · 11.8 s · $0.0156

   Mirror team vs scripted bot. Seen: Kingambit (100%), Scarf Gholdengo (67%). 3rd unseen (Dragonite, Primarina, Sneasler, or Garganacl). Plan: - Use Sparkling Aria with Primarina to KO or crippled Gholdengo (and hit Kingambit hard if it switches). Primarina easily tanks Make It Rain with Sitrus Berry. - Save Gholdengo and Multiscale Dragonite for late-game cleanup.

   Reasoning trace (83 words)

   **Analyzing Opponent's Switch**
   
   I've observed the opponent's strategic shift, bringing in Gholdengo and anticipating a Choice Scarf. My Primarina's Moonblast landed effectively, but I'm now considering their potential moveset, particularly the inclusion of Trick and Recover, which could significantly alter the flow of battle.
   
   **Calculating Gholdengo's Threat**
   
   I'm re-evaluating Gholdengo's offensive pressure. Make It Rain, even at neutral damage against my Primarina, could still critically damage it, potentially activating its Sitrus Berry and necessitating a switch. Trick is also a serious concern.
   
   

4. Turn 3
   Chimps at the Zoo used Extremespeed
   Gemini 4 Argon used Moonblast4,216 tok · 15.5 s · $0.0201

   Opponent's 3: Kingambit (100%), Scarf Gholdengo (67%), Lum Dragonite (86%, Multiscale broken). Plan: - Use Moonblast with Primarina. It OHKOs 86% Dragonite if it stays in (Primarina easily tanks Earthquake with Sitrus Berry), chunks Gholdengo to ~34% if it switches in, or hits Kingambit hard. - Preserve our Scarf Gholdengo and Multiscale Dragonite for cleanup.

   Reasoning trace (165 words)

   **Revealing Opponent's Team**
   
   I've successfully identified all three of their Pokémon. Kingambit was the first to show, then Gholdengo switched in and subsequently switched out for Dragonite. Their strategy seems to be focusing on switching Pokémon to gain type advantages.
   
   **Analyzing Opponent's Switches**
   
   I've noticed a pattern in their switches, specifically how they reacted to my Primarina. They swapped Kingambit for Gholdengo to resist Moonblast, then Gholdengo for Dragonite to counter Sparkling Aria, showcasing a reactive, type-focused strategy.
   
   **Calculating Optimal Plays**
   
   My analysis reveals Moonblast guarantees an OHKO on their current Dragonite. If they switch, Moonblast still threatens significant damage to Gholdengo, and neutral damage to Kingambit. I'm assessing Sparkling Aria's effectiveness against Gholdengo as well, trying to understand their switch logic.
   
   **Evaluating Damage Calculations**
   
   My recent calculations show Gholdengo's Make It Rain won't OHKO my Primarina, and Dragonite's resistance to Water means it's less of a threat. Moonblast is a guaranteed OHKO on Dragonite, or leaves Gholdengo vulnerable. The next move is clear.
   
   

   Chimps at the Zoo switched to Kingambit
5. Turn 4
   Chimps at the Zoo used Swordsdance
   Gemini 4 Argon used Sparklingaria4,955 tok · 24.2 s · $0.0266

   Opponent left: Kingambit (100%, Supreme Overlord) and Scarf Gholdengo (67%). Dragonite fainted. Plan: - Use Sparkling Aria with Primarina. It hits Kingambit for ~55% (putting it cleanly in range of our Dragonite's Earthquake) and destroys Gholdengo (~63%) if Kingambit switches out again like Turn 1. - Keep Multiscale Dragonite and Scarf Gholdengo healthy at 100% to clean up.

   Reasoning trace (248 words)

   **Assessing New Threats**
   
   I've just seen Dragonite fall to Moonblast, but now Kingambit enters the fray at full health. My Primarina, though victorious, took some damage and still has its Sitrus Berry. I need to consider Kingambit's likely moveset and my remaining resources carefully.
   
   **Analyzing Opponent's Kingambit**
   
   I'm evaluating Kingambit's potential moveset and speed in this mirror match, given Supreme Overlord has activated. I need to recall its likely build from team preview and consider how the scripted bot might behave given its previous switch-out.
   
   **Calculating Potential KOs**
   
   I'm recalculating Kingambit's Iron Head damage against my Primarina, factoring in Supreme Overlord's boost. The key is whether it can knock Primarina out before Sitrus Berry activates, which hinges on the exact damage roll. I also need to analyze my offensive options against Kingambit and Gholdengo.
   
   **Revising Offensive Calculations**
   
   I've corrected my damage calculations. Sparkling Aria is surprisingly powerful against Gholdengo, and against Kingambit, both Moonblast and Sparkling Aria are 2HKOs. This significantly changes my offensive priority for Primarina.
   
   **Re-evaluating Defensive Options**
   
   I'm reassessing Kingambit's offensive pressure now. If it Swords Dances, my Primarina can Encore it, effectively stalling a turn while I consider the best follow-up play against its boosted stats, potentially with other team members.
   
   **Calculating Kingambit's Threat**
   
   I've determined Kingambit cannot OHKO my Dragonite with Sucker Punch, even at +2 and with potential items. This opens up offensive options for Dragonite or defensive plays for Primarina, including Encore to stall. Sparkling Aria also significantly pressures Kingambit.
   
   

6. Turn 5
   Chimps at the Zoo used Ironhead
   Gemini 4 Argon used Encore6,420 tok · 31.2 s · $0.0406

   Opponent left: Kingambit (55% HP, +2 Atk, slower than our 80 Spe Primarina as shown Turn 4) and Scarf Gholdengo (67% HP). Dragonite fainted. Plan: - Use Encore with Primarina. If Kingambit attacks with Iron Head/Kowtow, we outspeed and lock it into Swords Dance; if it uses Sucker Punch, it fails and gets locked into Sucker Punch.

   Reasoning trace (486 words)

   **Analyzing Turn 4**
   
   I'm processing the events of Turn 4, noting Primarina's successful Sparkling Aria and its advantageous speed. Kingambit's Swords Dance significantly boosts its offensive threat, which I need to factor into future strategy.
   
   **Revising Speed Calculations**
   
   I'm re-evaluating speed tiers. My previous assessment placed Primarina as faster than Kingambit. However, considering potential Speed EVs on Kingambit and the possibility of a Sucker Punch priority move, I need to confirm their exact speed order and how Encore could interact if Kingambit locks into a non-attacking move.
   
   **Clarifying Priority Interactions**
   
   I've confirmed that Sucker Punch fails against status moves like Encore. Crucially, if Primarina outspeeds Kingambit and successfully uses Encore on a non-attacking move like Swords Dance, Kingambit will be locked into that move. This significantly changes offensive calculations.
   
   **Re-evaluating Attack Scenarios**
   
   I'm reconsidering Kingambit's offensive threat if it switches into Gholdengo. My prior assumption that Primarina could safely Encore was flawed; Gholdengo's ability bypasses Encore entirely. Now, I'm tracing Sparkling Aria's damage output against Kingambit and the consequences of Sucker Punch, realizing it would OHKO Primarina.
   
   **Considering Bot Logic**
   
   I'm analyzing the scripted bot's decision-making. It appears to prioritize setting up with Swords Dance on Turn 4, anticipating survival against Primarina's Sparkling Aria. Now, with Kingambit at +2 Attack and 55% HP, I need to predict its next move, likely considering its boosted STAB options.
   
   **Checking Speed Ties**
   
   I'm re-examining Turn 4's speed order, realizing Kingambit must have speed-tied or been slower than my Primarina. If Kingambit had even minimal Speed EVs, it would have moved before my 80 Speed Primarina if it had more. This suggests a speed tie is likely, requiring careful prediction.
   
   **Confirming Speed Tiers**
   
   My analysis confirms Primarina's speed advantage over Kingambit, eliminating speed ties as a concern. This allows me to confidently predict Primarina moving first and successfully using Encore on Kingambit's Swords Dance. This forces Kingambit into a repeated Swords Dance, creating a significant strategic opening for my subsequent Sparkling Aria.
   
   **Predicting Priority Threats**
   
   I'm analyzing the critical interaction between Primarina's Encore and Kingambit's Sucker Punch. My current thought is that if Kingambit uses Sucker Punch and Primarina Encores it, Kingambit will be locked into Sucker Punch for three turns, rendering it predictable and exploitable.
   
   **Evaluating Turn 5 Options**
   
   I'm weighing the risks and rewards of using Sparkling Aria versus Encore on Turn 5. Clicking Sparkling Aria would lead to Primarina's immediate KO by Sucker Punch, leaving Kingambit at +2 Attack, which is a dire situation. I need to simulate Dragonite's response to a boosted Kingambit if I make that choice.
   
   **Simulating Turn 5 Outcomes**
   
   I'm meticulously calculating the damage from a +2 Sucker Punch on Multiscale Dragonite, noting it breaks the ability and leaves it vulnerable. I'm also simulating the follow-up from Scarf Gholdengo to gauge that scenario's risk. Conversely, I'm confirming the zero-damage outcome of Primarina's Encore against Kingambit's potential moves, which would neutralize the threat.
   
   

7. Turn 6
   Chimps at the Zoo used Swordsdance
   Gemini 4 Argon used Sparklingaria3,386 tok · 6.9 s · $0.0099

   Opponent left: Kingambit (55% HP, Encored into Swords Dance for 2 more turns: Turn 6 and Turn 7) and Scarf Gholdengo (67% HP). Dragonite fainted. Plan: - Use Sparkling Aria with Primarina. It either KOs/cripples Kingambit while it's forced to Swords Dance or switches into Gholdengo for ~63% damage. - Our 100% Dragonite and Gholdengo clean up easily.

   Reasoning trace (34 words)

   **Analyzing Encore's Impact**
   
   I'm processing the implications of Primarina's Encore. The opposing Kingambit is now locked into Swords Dance for two more turns. This presents a strategic opportunity to exploit its predictable move.
   
   

8. Turn 7
   Chimps at the Zoo used Swordsdance
   Gemini 4 Argon used Sparklingaria3,477 tok · 7.2 s · $0.0105

   Opponent left: Kingambit (4% HP, slower than Primarina and still Encored into Swords Dance on Turn 7) and Scarf Gholdengo (67% HP). Dragonite fainted. Plan: - Use Sparkling Aria with Primarina to KO Kingambit (or deal ~63% to Gholdengo if it switches in). - Our 100% Multiscale Dragonite and Scarf Gholdengo easily clean up Gholdengo.

   Reasoning trace (46 words)

   **Analyzing Encore's Duration**
   
   I'm currently examining how Encore’s turn count interacts with specific game mechanics in Gen 9. My current focus is on precise duration calculations following its initial application, particularly when the affected Pokémon acts before the Encore itself is fully registered for duration.
   
   

   Chimps at the Zoo switched to Gholdengo
9. Turn 8
   Chimps at the Zoo used Shadowball
   Gemini 4 Argon used Sparklingaria3,447 tok · 6.3 s · $0.0106

   Opponent only has Scarf Gholdengo (67% HP) left. Plan: - Use Sparkling Aria with Primarina to deal ~60% to Gholdengo. - Finish off Gholdengo with Aqua Jet, Scarf Gholdengo Shadow Ball, or Multiscale Dragonite Earthquake.

   Reasoning trace (43 words)

   **Assessing Remaining Threat**
   
   My focus is on the immediate threat posed by the opponent's Gholdengo, now weakened significantly. I'm calculating its remaining offensive potential against my Primarina, considering its current HP and my Pokémon's defensive stats, to determine the optimal next move.
   
   

10. Turn 9
    Chimps at the Zoo used Shadowball
    Gemini 4 Argon used Aquajet3,356 tok · 5.4 s · $0.0093

    Opponent's last Pokemon is Scarf Gholdengo at 9% HP. Plan: - Use Aqua Jet (+1 priority) with Primarina to KO Gholdengo and win the match.

    Reasoning trace (40 words)

    **Calculating Gholdengo Damage**
    
    I'm currently running the numbers on Aqua Jet's effectiveness against Gholdengo, specifically when it's at low HP. My focus is on Primarina's attack stat versus Gholdengo's defense and remaining health to pinpoint the exact damage output.