In ranked, you bring 6 Pokémon but only field 4 — and you pick them during a 90-second team preview, before the battle even starts. Most games at low and mid ladder are decided right here. Here's a simple framework so you stop getting swept by a Pokémon you "didn't see coming."
You see your opponent's six Pokémon (and they see yours). You have around 90 seconds to choose which four you'll bring, and which one leads. You can't change your mind once the battle starts. So the whole job of team preview is one thing: figure out their plan, then bring the four that beat it.
Scan their six for the biggest threats: which of their Pokémon can one-shot (OHKO) yours? Think types first — a Fire attacker melts your Grass, Steel and Bug picks; a strong Ground move erases your Electric and Steel. Then remember the common sets. Don't bring a Pokémon that gets OHKO'd before it can act, unless it has a job to do on turn one.
Speed decides everything in doubles. Before you commit, ask who outspeeds whom — and watch for speed boosters: Choice Scarf (×1.5), Tailwind (×2 for the whole team), and weather abilities like Swift Swim, Chlorophyll or Sand Rush. A "slow" Pokémon under Tailwind suddenly moves first. If their fastest threat outspeeds your win condition, you need priority, a way to slow them down (Trick Room, paralysis), or a different pick.
Now flip it around: which of your Pokémon beat their team? Look for the ones that resist their main attacks and hit back super-effectively. Those are the picks you build the game around.
Combine the above: bring your win conditions plus the support they need (screens, redirection, speed control), and cut the picks that are dead weight against this team. For your lead, a beginner-safe choice is something that's hard to punish on turn one — or your speed control / Fake Out user — rather than your fragile carry.
Reading all of this under a 90-second timer is hard when you're new. That's exactly what Champions Companion is built for: at team preview, scan your opponent's six and the app instantly shows you what beats what, what can KO you, and which four to bring — in plain language, no damage-calc homework.
Free: matchup cards + full type chart. Premium: team-preview scan + battle overlay. Mobile app launching July 1, 2026.
New to the format? Start with the Pokémon Champions type chart — every weakness and resistance at a glance.