Generation V: Advanced Training

After looking at type charts and other various and sundry basics for the Pokemon Generation V metagame, I delved into the Smogon Pokemon Academy, looking to see what I'd need to know in order to prepare for Subway Battle Matchups.




Smogon appears to be a wonderful site both for bridging the gap into competitive play and in dissecting the metagame itself.  It's got great example builds in its pokedex that is sortable by abilities or stats, hosts a series of annual tournaments and its own competitive WiFi Battle Server, generates different competitive lists for different tiers of play with lists of Pokemon in each tier, and banlists for moves, but most importantly, it hosts articles that are wonderful at explaining the more advanced aspects of the game.

Here are the ones I've found the most useful:

• The Dictionary, introducing a player to roles in battle, such as the sweeper, the wall, the baton passer.
• The EV Guide, explaining how to micromanage your EV to min/max.
• Priority Moves

At first glance, the metagame appears to be dominated by fast multi-type Pokemon with moves that create an entry hazard for your opponent -- things like Toxic Spike and Stealth Rock -- as well as throwing up bonuses to specific types, such as the one Rain conveys to Water.  What have you found useful?