Does the ability stall have any purpose in competitive battling?

Question

Or did some developer at Gamefreak simply have too much time on his hands and gave Sableye a useless signature ability? Note that I'm completely aware that stall was actually introduced some time after Sableye

Comments

One word: Payback

Answer 1

http://pokemondb.net/pokebase/217472/any-other-uses-for-stall-sableye

Stall can be used for moves that are intended to strike second. It also can allow the effective use of items that increase stats if hit by super effective move. Of course this can only be used if the Pokemon is bulky enough.

These things are the benefits, but to answer your question, I've never seen this used competitively, and I don't think I ever will see it used competitively. It simply can't compete with other options that fill the same role.

Comments

So Gamefreak was MOSTLY trolling?

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Well hidden abilities are rather difficult to find, and maybe gamefreak didnt want you to have such a good ability ingame. Stall and payback can be nice to use ingame

Answer 2

I find the best way to use Stall is a toxic stall while holding a Zoom Lens, as it increases accuracy if it moves after your opponent. As for being competitive, it's not the best idea. Stick with Keen Eye for Sableye.