SkarmBliss



Pokemon needed: Skarmory, Blissey

Overview
SkarmBliss is an effective defensive combination. The two Pokemon assist each other stat-wise. Much prediction is required on this combination, as neither Pokemon can't survive hard hits from the weaker side of their defenses. SkarmBliss works very well in stall teams, especially with any type of Toxic support.

Weaknesses
A Spinner is recommended to go with this combination because this combination requires a lot of switching. Mix sweepers and stall breakers are big problems for this combination.

Moves
Setting up entry hazards with Skarmory or any other Pokemon is almost necessary, as both Pokemon aren't hard hitters and this combination will be forcing a lot of switches, you'll be missing out on the damage. Aromatherapy for Blissey is highly recommended as Skarmory can't afford to take a crippling status. Whirlwind is recommended for Skarmory to build up more entry hazard damage. Thunder Wave is very good for Blissey in this combination as crippling Infernape or Salamence on the switch is very important. Brave Bird and Ice Beam can be used against Infernape and Salamence respectively after they are crippled by Thunder Wave. However, watch out when switching in Skarmory as most Infernape carry Flamethrower or Fire Blast.

Abilities
Natural Cure for a defensive Blissey is common sense and lets it take status for Skarmory. Skarmory's Keen Eye doesn't have much of a use.

Items
Magnezone can ruin this if Skarmory is in at the wrong time, so Shed Shell is recommended for the paranoid. Otherwise, give both Skarmory and Blissey Leftovers.

Roles
Skarmory is pretty much a bulky phazer that sets up entry hazards so it's not as defensive as the completely defensively focused Blissey. Therefore, Skarmory has lots more reasons to avoid status and, again, letting Blissey the status moves is recommended. Near the beginning of the battle, after the entry hazards are set, you'll want to switch in Blissey most of the time to spam Thunder Wave and hope that an Infernape or Salamence swtiches in. Near the end of the battle, when all of Skarmory's major threats are gone, continuously use Whirlwind to build up entry hazard damage if necessary and possible.

Counters and Anti-Counters
Good counters for this are the mixed sweepers such as (and especially) Infernape and Salamence. Watch out for Machamps too, DynamicPunch can ruin Skarmory with confusion and ruin Blissey with its super effectiveness and power. Starmie is again recommended for anti-countering these Pokemon and Psychic is necessary if you have nothing to stop a bulky Machamp.

As mentioned, Skarmory will be trapped and defeated by Magnezone without a Shed Shell. If you really want to use Leftovers on Skarmory, but still fear Magnezone, you can use a Agility Scizor lure. Scizor can use Agility on the turn Magnezone comes in, outspeeding even Scarf variants and OHKOing with Superpower. This is very situational though, as Magnezone aren't that common in the metagame.