Senior Division Pokémon TCG player Jonathan Croxton talks strategy and preparation leading up to the Pokémon U.S. National Championships.
Jonathan Croxton is on a roll. He finished second at last year’s National Championships. He won the Atlanta Spring Regional Championships, and finished second in this season’s two earlier Regional Championships. Even after such an incredible run in top Pokémon TCG tournaments, he’s excited to head to Indianapolis for the National Championships in July.
animefusing.com: Before we talk about your Nationals plans, let’s talk to you about the deck you used to win the Spring Regional Championships in Atlanta. You decided to include two regular Cobalion instead of all Cobalion-EX. Tell us a little about that decision.
Jonathan: I have two extra Cobalion in the deck because I didn’t want to be attacking with Klinklang. I didn’t have access to another Cobalion-
EX when I was building my deck, so I added it [the regular one]. Everyone was saying that the Cobalion-
EX was better, but the regular Cobalion can block attacks with Iron Breaker. I’m glad I did because it forces people to either use all their Switch cards or discard Energy to retreat.
animefusing.com: And how did you choose to use the Dowsing Machine ACE SPEC card in your deck?
Jonathan: The only other option I considered wasComputer Search. I like Dowsing Machine late in matches when I need an N or something. And it helps to prevent from getting decked out [that is, losing because you can’t draw a card]. Dowsing Machine also helps against other Klinklang and Sableye decks that keep using Pokémon Catcher against you, so it’s like having an extra Switch.
animefusing.com: How effective have you been finding Durant in matches?
Jonathan: I try to take out as many non-Pokémon-EX as I can with Cobalion, then I put up Durant and keep using Pull Out to draw cards from my discard pile [and put them on top of the deck]. I’ll just draw cards from my discard pile until my opponent decks out.
animefusing.com: You’ve been on a tear this year since barely missing the top cut at last year’s World Championships. How have you changed your approach this year?
Jonathan: I’ve started giving my complete deck list to other players, particularly to Masters Division players that I won’t compete against. They usually give me honest advice without intentionally giving me bad advice so they can beat me.
animefusing.com: Your brother Alex is also an excellent player. Do you train with each other?
Jonathan: Definitely, but we also play against each other in tournaments. We even played each other in the Top 4 at Spring Regionals, and I ended up winning. When we go to tournaments, we feel like either one or the other will do pretty well.
animefusing.com: What cards from the Black & White—Plasma Freeze expansion that just launched do you see as having a big impact at Nationals?
Jonathan: All the Team Plasma cards out now have a lot of potential. Thundurus-
EX, Deoxys-
EX, and theTeam Plasma Kyurem. Kyurem is a big one because with Deoxys-
EX on the bench, and using Hypnotoxic Laser plus Virbank City Gym in play, Kyurem can one-hit KO Pokémon-
EX. Your opponents won’t be able to catch up in the Prize card count.
animefusing.com: Do you plan on making big changes to your own deck?
Jonathan: I’m not sure. I don’t think Klinklang decks are as effective against the new cards coming out, especially with Cobalion-EX losing popularity and Team Plasma Kyurem emerging. I think Team Plasma decks are going to be really popular, so my plan is to find something that can beat them.
animefusing.com: How do you think being a veteran of tournaments helps you?
Jonathan: I think for me, it’s easier to make the really small decisions, such as determining which cards to discard when I have to. It’s those really small decisions that are hard to make, and that’s what helps you win.
animefusing.com: With that said, and with your winning record in big tournaments this year, do you feel confident going into the National Championships this year?
Jonathan: Not at all! I never feel confident going into any tournaments, even though I’ve been able to do well in them. That’s just me. Plus I’m trying to be modest.
animefusing.com: What else are you looking forward to at this year’s Nationals?
Jonathan: I’m definitely looking forward to eating at the Steak ’n Shake around the corner from the convention center, where we ate pretty much every day last year. It’s a popular place for the Nationals players! And I remember testing decks with my friends in our rooms a lot.
animefusing.com: You’ve already qualified for the World Championships. Will you be there, too?
Jonathan: Yeah, we’ve already decided to make the trip to Vancouver.
animefusing.com: You finished second place at the National Championships last year, but then you missed the top cut at Worlds. Which tournament are you looking most forward to right now?
Jonathan: That’s a tough question! I think I’m looking forward to Worlds a little more this year. At Worlds you’re never playing anyone that’s new to the game—it’s much more of a challenge!
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