In Worlds what is that pad competitors are writing in and why are they writing?

Question

I was watching the first few minutes of a Masters VGC match. I think it's for strategies or something but I really don't get it.

Answer 1

You are correct, they are writing in a notebook. This is a common practice at events, and especially in Best of 3 rounds, so that you can know what your opponent has in his/her arsenal and can make more accurate predictions. Common things to write down include:

• Pokémon on opposing team.
• Moves, Abilities, likely natures.
• If your Pokémon outspeeds theirs or vice versa.
• Specific details. For example, Mega Gengar's Sludge Bomb does just enough damage that Primal Kyogre can't OHKO with Water Spout.

If you need to know more let me know :)

Source: Experience in VGC and watching streams.

Comments

-1 0 Atk Primal Groudon Precipice Blades vs. 252 HP / 252 Def Mega Gengar: 264-312 (81.4 - 96.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

ahem.

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I was making it up on the spot XD I'll give a realistic example though.