Card of the Day: Base Set Venusaur

Venusaur #15 (Base Set)

HP:  100   Retreat Cost:  2   Weakness:  Fire   Resistance:  None

100 HP is great, but a Retreat Cost of 2 on a Stage 2 Pokémon?  That's impressive, especially considering how bulky Venusaur is as well as his versatile special power.

Pokémon Power:  Energy Trans

The evolved forms of the three starters each have a unique ability related to their specific Energy Type.  Venusaur can move any Grass Energy among the player's Pokémon in play.  This means, he can protect energy from being lost by moving them to a stable Pokémon, or, as is often the case, he can move all of the necessary Energy cards to the attacking Pokémon, satisfying their full attack costs (you know, if they require Grass or Colorless).  Many combos can be used with this method, including fueling Charizard's Energy Burn, or stripping a Pokémon of it's energy that would normally be discarded with a Scoop Up or Pokémon Center.

Solarbeam (4G):  60

60 damage without any drawbacks on a 4 Energy attack is wonderful, and with Energy Trans, there is very little chance that Venusaur would not be able to use this attack.  He can easily smash a Poliwrath, Gyarados, or a Dugtrio in one blow, but most of the other likely opponents will withstand at least one of these attacks.

Strategies Against Venusaur

Fire is your friend.  Charizard, Ninetales, and Arcanine will all be able to take a hit (and take Venusaur down in one fell swoop).  Even a lowly Magmar can manage a win.  But otherwise, you had better hope you aren't weak against Grass.

Ivysaur Overview:

HP:  60   Retreat Cost:  1   Weakness:  Fire   Resistance:  None

The best strategy to use would be a Poisonpowder attack first, followed by Vine Whip repeatedly.  This makes Ivysaur a slightly better version of Tangela, as long as you're willing to wait for an evolution.  The Colorless Energy cost for Vine Whip implies that Ivsaur could provide adequate support for a dual-typed deck that can't bother waiting for it to evolve into Venusaur.  I could see it supporting a Beedrill or Nidoking quite well.  C+

Bulbasaur Overview:

HP:  40   Retreat Cost:  1   Weakness:  Fire   Resistance:  None

Waiting for two Energy cards to build the first attack is not great, especially when there is only 40 HP to play with.  Leech Seed at least has the bonus of healing Bulbasaur slowly, buying it some time.  But, unless your opponent is only attacking with 10 damage at a time, the extra health won't be much of a factor.  It's safer on the bench.  D

Sample Venusaur Deck

To aptly play your Venusaur, you'll want enough Pokémon that will benefit from the multiple Grass Energy's floating around.  With Ivysaur, Tangela, and Beedrill, there will be a nonstop barrage of Poison.  And several Scoop Ups and Pokémon Centers can ensure your Pokémon stay healthy without suffering the Energy payment.  And the Chansey can stall if there are any Fire opponents.

2 - Venusaur

3 - Ivysaur

4 - Bulbasaur

4 - Tangela

2 - Beedrill

2 - Kakuna

4 - Weedle

2 - Chansey

4 - Scoop Up

4 - Pokémon Center

4 - Bill

3 - Pokémon Breeder

2 - Professor Oak

20 - Grass Energy

Final Grade: A

Venusaur is rightfully one of the strongest powerhouses in the Base Set.  Energy Trans can be helpful in so many decks that it almost seems like a broken power.  Fortunately, Base Set is filled with broken cards, so playing with Venusaur can still provide an adequate challenge at times.  But wait until you see what Charizard and Blastoise are up to.