Brock, like Blaine and Koga, is a Supporter card tied to specific Pokémon: Onix and Golem, to which it provided 1 F energy from the Energy Zone. That makes Brock one of the rare card to be able to accelerate Energy on the very first turn.
Onix is a Basic Pokémon with a whooping 110 HP leaving it out of harm’s way from Pikachu ex and Starmie ex, even when powered up with Giovanni. Its Land Crush attack requires 3 F and deals a decent 70 damage that Brock can make possible as soon as turn 2.
Golem is the final evolution stage of Geodude. On top of its tanky 160HP, its Double Edge attack deals 150 damage, something that only a few stage 2 Pokémon Ex survives. Although it costs 4 Energy total, it only requires 1 F, making it possible to splash it in different colored engines.
Brock Dugtrio variant
Rarity requirements
◊◊◊ – Golem
◊◊ – Onix, Graveler, Dugtrio, Brock, Sabrina, Giovanni
Booster pack requirements
Geodude line
Diglett line
Brock
Sabrina
Giovanni
Since Onix and Golem are energy-intensive, this deck crafted by Raven includes the Diglett line to provide early-game action.
With a total cost of just 1 Energy, Dugtrio compensates for its frail build with the added effect of Dig, which has a 50% chance to prevent all damage and effects from attacks by the Defending Pokémon. This “invincibility” state can only be bypassed by a repel effect like Sabrina.
While you keep your opponent busy with Dugtrio, the real purpose is to set up a fully charged Golem, which is pretty much unstoppable once it’s online.
Weaknesses
- Onix and Golem are extremely energy-hungry, both in their attack and retreat costs. This makes them slow to deal damage and nearly impossible to retreat, leaving them very vulnerable to Sabrina if they’re benched carelessly or forcefully.
- Brock doesn’t provide support during the early stages of Golem’s evolution line. Geodude and particularly Graveler feel like liabilities due to their unimpressive stats and utility.
