Gengar [Standard]

Gengar	Shadow Pokémon	---
	2x 1x 1/2x 1/4x 0x	HP 60 230-324 Atk 65 121-251 Def 60 112-240 SpA 130 238-394 SpD 75 139-273 Spe 110 202-350
	Levitate	---

Overview
Since Gen 1, Gengar has been infamous for its high speed and great special attack. Its good movepool will allow you to use it for a variety of tasks, giving it a place on nearly any kind of team.

Sets
SubDisable
Breakdown (Gengar) (M) @ (Black Sludge)
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Substitute
- Disable
- Shadow Ball
- Focus Blast
The classic Disable Gengar. In combination with Substitute, this set allows Gengar to use Disable to shut down its enemies. Shadow Ball and Focus Blast together will provide unresisted coverage, and the sub is also insurance in case the latter misses. Max speed will ensure that you can get a Substitute up before most non-scarfed enemies, which is key to this set succeeding. Black Sludge will gradually restore health to ensure Gengar can continue to create subs. However be warned, Disable can make you very easily predicted. If your target isn't choiced and has more than one move, Gengar can end up taking unwanted damage the turn it tries to Disable.

SpecGar
Breakdown (Gengar) (F) @ (Choice Specs)
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Psychic
- Trick
- Shadow Ball
- Focus Blast
Gengar is a fairly good user of Choice Specs. It has a good special movepool as well as excellent speed and special attack. Shadow Ball and Focus Blast are Gengar's basics, and Psychic will give it added coverage with a solid 90 base power. Psychic is also helpful for most Conkeldurrs, as it should OHKO it with specs. This will prevent them from Paybacking you. Trick can be used to shut down any annoyances to your team, just be careful what you give the Choice Specs to, as giving a powerful special sweeper specs may not always work out for the best.

VenoHex
Breakdown (Gengar) (F) @ (Black Sludge)
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Hex
- Venoshock
- Focus Blast
- Psychic
With this set, Gengar uses its access to two status boosted attacks for devastating effects. However, it's mostly dependent on Toxic Spikes support, so be sure to provide it. Other statuses can be used to boost hex as well so keep that in mind. If all goes well, Gengar will have both a 130 and 100 base power STAB at its disposal. Focus Blast will deal with most annoying steel types that won't be poisoned too, giving this set good coverage and massive power. Psychic is mostly filler in this set. Change out this move to suit your team's needs.

LeadGar
Breakdown (Gengar) (F) @ Focus Sash
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Destiny Bond
- Icy Wind
- Shadow Ball
- Focus Blast
A variation on the old 4th Gen lead, this one makes use of Focus Blast due to the decline of Swamperts. Icy Wind hits dragons like Salamence or Dragonite for heavy damage, and can be used to slow down other threats to your team. Sash Destiny Bond will let Gengar dispatch the most extreme annoyances that the rest of your team can't handle. Shadow Ball and Focus Blast return yet again to provide unresisted coverage.

Checks and Counters
Gengar has the tools it needs to deal with pretty much any of its standard threats. However, very many of these depend on the shaky accuracy of Focus Blast. Scizor, Tyranitar, Hydreigon, Weavile will all destroy a Gengar that misses a Focus Blast. Luckily Gengar outspeeds most things that can threaten it, but if it doesn't have a sub up, a miss will be fatal for sure. Trick Room Reuniclus is a major threat to Gengar, easily dispatching it with a STAB super effective Psychic/Psyshock. Chansey and Blissey are also huge annoyances for Gengar, both being able to easily live anything it can dish out. Opposing Gengar and Espeon can also be a problem, as they often force you to press your luck with a speed tie, since switching can give both of them a chance to set up.

Teammates
Offensively, Gengar can stand pretty tall on its own as a special attacker. However, it is in dire need of walls to back it up. Chansey can be a viable option, as it's immune to one of Gengar's weaknesses, and can adequately live both special and physical hits. For the Hex-Venoshock set, a Toxic Spikes user like Tentacruel is a necessity. Without one, the set loses all of its viability. Infernape can be an ideal teammate to deal with steel types like Scizor or Skarmory and compliment Gengar as a physical attacker. Heatran is another option to consider, as it can also ward off steel types as well as resist all of Gengar's weaknesses. Magnezone is another good option. It can trap and kill off other annoying steel types