Mlucario first or second

[u/New-Concentrate7025]

Is it better to mostly go first or second with mega lucario and what certain matchups do you switch this up.

[u/EyePuzzleheaded7102]

Going second, you have the chance to KO with Solrock if you also get Lunatone in play. Going first, you can damage with Mega Brave on the third turn, so KO a high HP basic mon (like Latias). Perhaps going against basic box, it would make sense to go first to have the chance to KO their high HP mon by the third turn, but this is just one example/scenario.

[u/dunn000]

If you think you can get a turn 2 KO with Solrock go 2nd.

If not go first. Against Pult I go 2nd for example.

[u/the_taco_man_2]

If you know it is slowking you want to go first so they cannot t2 kyuurem wipe your board (but honestly this is a super tough match up)

Against pult 2nd so they cannot itchy pollen on their first turn, as you have a lot of item based set up.

Otherwise I think going blind first is usually better, getting mega lucario down on turn 2 is a huge help for your set up

[u/BraveMulberry772]

I have personally been gunning second recently since I feel like it gives you a better chance into Pult especially if you can take a Solrock knockout on their potentially underdeveloped board since they went first. The main matchup it is unfortunately bad against seems to be slop box

[u/cd0321]

Depends on deck variant and matchup. I play it with Dudunsparce and no Hariyama, so I don’t play switch or air balloon. Only 2 solrock so the chances of starting it are slim. So I always go first. Ideally set up the rocks and get at least 1 Riolu down. Turn 2 ideally swinging with Lucario and setting up the benches Riolu. Going first is important in the pult hammers match because you have a few turns to aura jab and get extra energy on the bench. Also being super aggressive against pult can cause them to bench Meowth ex or Fez.

If you are playing the more standard build with 3-2 solrock/lunatone and 2-2 Hariyama with air balloons and switches, you can make an argument for going second. I personally still feel going first is better because the deck plays so many search cards.

[u/doPECookie72]

i find my main losses going first and opening subpar with 1 mon, one or 2 lillies i cant use and the opponent sets up well and can easily disrupt me from getting anything going, but going second i can either get my bench setup or knockout a weak basic to slow down my opponent, or both.

[u/Suspicious-Spell-367]

Idk I think going first let's you get your evolution lines ready, but going 2nd gives you more freedom and a potential quick KO with Solrock.

Personally I like going first with the flexibility of Fighting Gong, Poke Pad and ultra Ball there are multiple ways of setting up.

I feel like going 2nd is a trap most of the time. Similar to Dhelmise in HnS. You think oh im going to Gwynn two sneakers away and will draw sixz ultra ball 2 more and then start swinging. Yes, Solrock is easier to get going, but if you take that early KO without your bench established you are more vulnerable to Unfair Stamp. Once they take out your Solrock and only 2 cards in your hand you are essentially in top deck mode.

[u/hockeynewby]

I feel like basic box going first blows with way, I see them torrential pumping and knocking out whoever is on the bench after Crispín, teal dance, and two e switches