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Matches · 2026-10-15 · rules version c5

Gemma 4 31B vs Gemini 3.8 Flash

Void. this PC lost its internet connection (15 Oct, 19:17): neither model could answer. It does not count toward the ratings.
Player 1 · winner
Gemma 4 31B
Gemma 4 31B's team
autopilot 96%
Player 2
Gemini 3.8 Flash
Gemini 3.8 Flash's team
autopilot 96%

Gemma 4 31B won in 22 turns · 7 min wall clock · 8,009 tokens · $0.006

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

Decisions

  1. Team preview
    Gemini 3.8 Flash brought Gholdengo,dragonite,kingambit2,934 tok · 10.0 s · $0.0046

    Opponent has Dragapult, Meowscarada, Incineroar, Primarina, Gholdengo, Kingambit. Choice Scarf Gholdengo outspeeds max speed Dragapult (223 > 213) and hits Dragapult/Gholdengo hard with Shadow Ball, and Primarina/Meowscarada with Make It Rain. Dragonite (Mega) has great offensive coverage. Kingambit as cleaner with Supreme Overlord.

    Reasoning trace (79 words)
    **Analyzing Opponent's Threats**

I'm currently assessing the opposing team, particularly focusing on Dragapult. Their inclusion of Dragonite with a Mega Evolution stone is a significant development that requires careful consideration for strategic adaptation.

**Evaluating Counter-Strategies**

My focus has shifted to identifying specific threats and their optimal counters within the current meta. I'm particularly evaluating how Mimikyu and Kingambit can handle the speedy Dragapult, and how my Scarf Gholdengo can outspeed and threaten it, while also considering Incineroar's vulnerabilities.
    Gemma 4 31B brought Incineroar,gholdengo,dragapult5,075 tok · 154.4 s · $0.0012

    Opponent has a strong team with Palafin, Volcarona, and Dragonite. I'll bring Incineroar to lead with Fake Out and Intimidate, Gholdengo for heavy Steel/Ghost damage, and Dragapult for speed and Thunderbolt to counter Palafin. This provides the best coverage and pivoting options.

    Reasoning trace (1,208 words)
    *   My Team: Incineroar, Gholdengo, Kingambit, Dragapult, Primarina, Meowscarada.
    *   Opponent's Team: Dragonite, Kingambit, Mimikyu, Gholdengo, Palafin, Volcarona.

    *   Opponent's team is quite strong: Dragonite (Multiscale), Kingambit (Supreme Overlord), Mimikyu (Disguise), Gholdengo (Good as Gold), Palafin (Zero to Hero), Volcarona (Quiver Dance).
    *   My team has strong answers:
        *   Incineroar: Intimidate, Fake Out, Will-O-Wisp (great for Dragonite, Kingambit, Palafin).
        *   Gholdengo: Make It Rain, Shadow Ball (great for Mimikyu, Kingambit, Volcarona).
        *   Kingambit: Sucker Punch, Kowtow Cleave (great for Gholdengo, Mimikyu).
        *   Dragapult: Speed, Thunderbolt (great for Palafin, Volcarona).
        *   Primarina: Moonblast, Sparkling Aria (great for Dragonite, Volcarona).
        *   Meowscarada: Flower Trick, Knock Off (great for Palafin, Gholdengo).

    *   Opponent's likely leads: Palafin (to switch out and activate Zero to Hero), Volcarona (to set up), or Gholdengo.
    *   My best lead: Incineroar is almost always a safe lead due to Fake Out and Intimidate.
    *   Backups:
        *   Gholdengo is a powerhouse and handles many of their threats.
        *   Kingambit is a late-game cleaner.
        *   Dragapult provides speed and coverage.
        *   Primarina handles Dragonite and Volcarona well.

    *   Option 1: Incineroar, Gholdengo, Kingambit (Classic core).
    *   Option 2: Incineroar, Dragapult, Primarina (More speed and coverage).
    *   Option 3: Incineroar, Gholdengo, Dragapult (High pressure).

    Let's look at the opponent's team again.
    - Dragonite: Primarina or Gholdengo/Kingambit (if not Multiscale).
    - Kingambit: Gholdengo or Incineroar (Will-O-Wisp).
    - Mimikyu: Gholdengo or Kingambit.
    - Gholdengo: Kingambit or Meowscarada.
    - Palafin: Dragapult (Thunderbolt) or Meowscarada.
    - Volcarona: Primarina, Dragapult, or Gholdengo.

    If I bring Incineroar, Gholdengo, and Kingambit:
    - Incineroar handles Kingambit and Palafin (to some extent).
    - Gholdengo handles Mimikyu and Volcarona.
    - Kingambit handles Gholdengo and Mimikyu.
    - Weakness: Palafin (Water) and Dragonite (Flying/Dragon).

    If I bring Incineroar, Gholdengo, and Dragapult:
    - Incineroar handles Kingambit.
    - Gholdengo handles Mimikyu and Volcarona.
    - Dragapult handles Palafin and Volcarona.
    - Weakness: Dragonite.

    If I bring Incineroar, Primarina, and Gholdengo:
    - Incineroar handles Kingambit.
    - Primarina handles Dragonite and Volcarona.
    - Gholdengo handles Mimikyu.
    - Weakness: Palafin.

    Let's go with Incineroar, Gholdengo, and Kingambit. It's a very robust core. However, against Palafin and Dragonite, I might struggle. Maybe Dragapult instead of Kingambit? No, Kingambit's Sucker Punch is too valuable against Gholdengo and Mimikyu.

    Wait, let's consider the opponent's team again. Palafin is a huge threat. Dragapult's Thunderbolt is the best answer.
    Let's try Incineroar, Gholdengo, and Dragapult.
    - Incineroar: Fake Out, Intimidate, Will-O-Wisp.
    - Gholdengo: Make It Rain, Shadow Ball.
    - Dragapult: Thunderbolt, Shadow Ball, Draco Meteor.

    Wait, if they have Dragonite, Primarina is better.
    Let's go with Incineroar, Gholdengo, and Primarina.
    - Incineroar: Fake Out, Intimidate.
    - Gholdengo: Make It Rain.
    - Primarina: Moonblast, Sparkling Aria.

    Actually, the most versatile team for this specific matchup seems to be Incineroar, Gholdengo, and Kingambit, as they are the "Champions" staples. But let's look at the specific threats.
    Palafin is scary. Volcarona is scary.
    Incineroar (Lead) -> Gholdengo -> Kingambit.
    If Palafin comes in, Incineroar can Will-O-Wisp it.
    If Volcarona comes in, Gholdengo can hit it.
    If Dragonite comes in, Incineroar can Will-O-Wisp it.

    Let's stick with the strong core: Incineroar, Gholdengo, Kingambit.

    Wait, let me double-check the moves.
    Incineroar: Fake Out, Parting Shot, Flare Blitz, Will-O-Wisp.
    Gholdengo: Make It Rain, Shadow Ball, Nasty Plot, Recover.
    Kingambit: Kowtow Cleave, Iron Head, Sucker Punch, Swords Dance.

    This team is very strong. I'll lead with Incineroar to disrupt and pivot.

    Wait, looking at the opponent's team again:
    Dragonite, Kingambit, Mimikyu, Gholdengo, Palafin, Volcarona.
    If I bring Incineroar, Gholdengo, and Kingambit:
    - I have no way to deal with Palafin's Water moves effectively (except maybe Kingambit's Sucker Punch if it's slow, but Palafin is fast).
    - I have no way to deal with Dragonite's Flying moves effectively.

    Maybe Dragapult is better than Kingambit?
    Dragapult has Thunderbolt for Palafin and Shadow Ball for Gholdengo/Mimikyu.
    Incineroar, Gholdengo, Dragapult.
    - Incineroar: Fake Out, Will-O-Wisp.
    - Gholdengo: Make It Rain.
    - Dragapult: Thunderbolt, Shadow Ball.

    This seems more balanced against their specific team.

    Let's reconsider Primarina.
    Primarina handles Dragonite and Volcarona.
    Incineroar, Primarina, Gholdengo.
    - Incineroar: Fake Out, Will-O-Wisp.
    - Primarina: Moonblast, Sparkling Aria.
    - Gholdengo: Make It Rain.

    This also looks good. But Dragapult's speed is an incredible asset.

    Let's go with Incineroar, Gholdengo, and Dragapult.

    Wait, I just realized the format is "Pokémon Champions singles".
    Let's re-evaluate.
    Opponent: Dragonite, Kingambit, Mimikyu, Gholdengo, Palafin, Volcarona.
    My team: Incineroar, Gholdengo, Kingambit, Dragapult, Primarina, Meowscarada.

    If I bring Incineroar, Gholdengo, and Kingambit:
    - Incineroar (Lead)
    - Gholdengo
    - Kingambit

    This is the most standard and powerful core. I'll trust it.

    Wait, let me think about Palafin again. Palafin is a monster. If I don't have a Water-resist or a strong Electric move, it can sweep.
    Dragapult has Thunderbolt.
    Primarina has Water-resist (sort of, it's Water itself).
    Meowscarada has Grass moves.

    If I bring Incineroar, Gholdengo, and Dragapult:
    - Incineroar (Lead)
    - Gholdengo
    - Dragapult

    This covers:
    - Palafin (Dragapult Thunderbolt)
    - Volcarona (Gholdengo/Dragapult)
    - Mimikyu (Gholdengo/Dragapult)
    - Gholdengo (Dragapult/Incineroar's Parting Shot pivot)
    - Kingambit (Gholdengo)
    - Dragonite (Incineroar Will-O-Wisp, Dragapult Shadow Ball/Draco Meteor)

    This seems like the most comprehensive coverage.

    Wait, one more look at Kingambit. Kingambit's Sucker Punch is essential for cleaning up.
    If I bring Incineroar, Gholdengo, and Kingambit:
    - Palafin is the main problem.
    - Dragonite is the second problem.

    Let's try Incineroar, Gholdengo, and Dragapult.

    Actually, let's go with Incineroar, Gholdengo, and Kingambit. It's the most reliable. If Palafin is a problem, I'll use Incineroar's Will-O-Wisp and Gholdengo's bulk.

    Wait, I'll change my mind one last time. Dragapult is too good to pass up for the speed and Thunderbolt.
    Incineroar, Gholdengo, Dragapult.

    Wait, let's look at the opponent's team again.
    Dragonite, Kingambit, Mimikyu, Gholdengo, Palafin, Volcarona.
    If I bring Incineroar, Gholdengo, and Kingambit:
    - I have two Steel types.
    - I have two Dark types.
    - I have one Fire type.
    - This is very weak to Palafin (Water) and Dragonite (Fighting/Ground/Water).

    If I bring Incineroar, Gholdengo, and Dragapult:
    - I have one Steel, one Ghost, one Fire/Dark, one Dragon/Ghost.
    - This is much better balanced.

    Final decision: Incineroar, Gholdengo, Dragapult.

    Wait, let me check the legal actions.
    BRING: incineroar, gholdengo, dragapult.

    Wait, I should consider if the opponent leads with Palafin.
    If they lead Palafin, I lead Incineroar.
    Fake Out -> Parting Shot (to bring in Dragapult).
    That's a great sequence.

    If they lead Volcarona, I lead Incineroar.
    Fake Out -> Will-O-Wisp or Parting Shot (to bring in Gholdengo/Dragapult).

    If they lead Gholdengo, I lead Incineroar.
    Fake Out -> Parting Shot (to bring in Dragapult).

    This seems solid.

    One last check:
    Incineroar: Fake Out, Parting Shot, Flare Blitz, Will-O-Wisp.
    Gholdengo: Make It Rain, Shadow Ball, Nasty Plot, Recover.
    Dragapult: Draco Meteor, Shadow Ball, Thunderbolt, U-turn.

    This covers almost everything.

    Wait, I just noticed the opponent has Mimikyu. Gholdengo and Dragapult both hit it for super effective damage.
    Opponent has Kingambit. Gholdengo hits it for super effective damage.
    Opponent has Dragonite. Dragapult hits it with Draco Meteor.
    Opponent has Volcarona. Gholdengo and Dragapult hit it.
    Opponent has Palafin. Dragapult hits it with Thunderbolt.
    Opponent has Gholdengo. Dragapult hits it with Shadow Ball.

    This is a very strong team.

    Wait, I'll double-check the "Champions" format. It's usually 3v3.
    Yes, "each player brought 3 of their 6 Pokémon".

    Final choice: Incineroar, Gholdengo, Dragapult.
  2. Turn 1
    Gemini 3.8 Flash used Makeitrainautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
    Gemma 4 31B used Fakeoutautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
  3. Turn 2
    Gemma 4 31B used Partingshotautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
    Gemini 3.8 Flash used Makeitrainautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
  4. Turn 3
    Gemma 4 31B used Partingshotautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
    Gemini 3.8 Flash used Makeitrainautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
  5. Turn 4
    Gemma 4 31B used Partingshotautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
    Gemini 3.8 Flash used Makeitrainautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
  6. Turn 5
    Gemma 4 31B used Partingshotautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
    Gemini 3.8 Flash used Makeitrainautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
  7. Turn 6
    Gemini 3.8 Flash used Makeitrainautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
    Gemma 4 31B used Partingshotautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
  8. Turn 7
    Gemini 3.8 Flash used Makeitrainautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
    Gemma 4 31B used Partingshotautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
  9. Turn 8
    Gemini 3.8 Flash used Makeitrainautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
    Gemma 4 31B used Partingshotautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
  10. Turn 9
    Gemma 4 31B used Partingshotautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
    Gemini 3.8 Flash used Struggleautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
  11. Turn 10
    Gemma 4 31B used Partingshotautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
    Gemini 3.8 Flash used Struggleautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
    Gemma 4 31B switched to Gholdengoautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
  12. Turn 11
    Gemma 4 31B used Makeitrainautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
    Gemini 3.8 Flash used Struggleautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
    Gemini 3.8 Flash switched to Dragoniteautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
  13. Turn 12
    Gemini 3.8 Flash used Dragondanceautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
    Gemma 4 31B used Makeitrainautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
  14. Turn 13
    Gemma 4 31B used Makeitrainautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
    Gemini 3.8 Flash used Dragondanceautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
  15. Turn 14
    Gemma 4 31B used Makeitrainautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
    Gemini 3.8 Flash used Dragondanceautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
  16. Turn 15
    Gemini 3.8 Flash used Dragondanceautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
    Gemma 4 31B used Makeitrainautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
    Gemini 3.8 Flash switched to Kingambit
    Incident report
    Only one legal action: played without asking.
  17. Turn 16
    Gemini 3.8 Flash used Swordsdanceautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
    Gemma 4 31B used Makeitrainautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
  18. Turn 17
    Gemini 3.8 Flash used Swordsdanceautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
    Gemma 4 31B used Makeitrainautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
  19. Turn 18
    Gemma 4 31B used Makeitrainautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
    Gemini 3.8 Flash used Swordsdanceautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
  20. Turn 19
    Gemini 3.8 Flash used Swordsdanceautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
    Gemma 4 31B used Shadowballautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
  21. Turn 20
    Gemma 4 31B used Shadowballautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
    Gemini 3.8 Flash used Swordsdanceautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
    Gemma 4 31B switched to Dragapult
    Incident report
    Only one legal action: played without asking.
  22. Turn 21
    Gemma 4 31B used Dracometeorautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
    Gemini 3.8 Flash used Swordsdanceautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.
  23. Turn 22
    Gemma 4 31B used Dracometeor
    Incident report
    Only one legal action: played without asking.
    Gemini 3.8 Flash used Swordsdanceautopilot
    Incident report
    [API ERROR] LLM request failed after 3 attempt(s): Connection error.. Default move played.