Move-of-the-Week Discussion #95: Fake Out

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Enzap

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In Pokémon, there are lots of different moves used by different Pokémon. Every week, we shall focus the discussion on a different move, and there will be some base questions that would help you start this off. This week, Fake Out is chosen by @winstein;.

Fake Out was introduced in Generation III. This move has an increased priority, like moves such as Quick Attack and Aqua Jet, so it will always move first unless the opponent is also using an increased priority move. Unlike other moves of its kind, Fake Out has the added bonus of always flinching the target, making them unable to use their own moves this turn. However, Fake Out can only be used on the first turn the user is sent out or else it will fail. Another interesting fact to note is after Generation V, this move was given +3 priority rather than +1, so it now outspeeds moves like Quick Attack (which has +1) and even Extremespeed (which has +2). This puts it at the same priority as moves such as Endure, King’s Shield, and Crafty Shield.

Its Japanese name “Slap Hands” is a reference to a sumo move used to confuse or startle the opponent. It could also be translated as “cat’s deception,” which explains why so many cat-like Pokemon are capable of learning it.

Here's the in-game description for this move:

In-game Description (XY) said:
Type: Normal (Physical)
Base Power: 40
Accuracy: 100%
PP: 10

An attack that hits first and makes the target flinch. It only works the first turn the user is in battle.
Click to expand...

Here are the usual possible questions about this move:
  • How does certain Pokémon (who knows it) use this move? What kind of purpose would this move have for them (in the Pokémon World)?
  • How could this move be used to aid a profession in the Pokémon World?
  • Could this move realistically be used by any Pokémon who doesn't learn it normally? If yes, please explain your choices.
  • How would this move be used in battling, realistically or video game-wise?

Other questions (You could ask other critical questions beyond the listed):
  • What about the way this move is used gives it increased priority?
  • What about clapping hands together causes the opponent to flinch?
  • Why does this move always work on the opponent every time the user is out, even if they were exposed to this trick the first time?
  • Why was the priority of this move increased so that it could even outspeed life-saving moves such as Endure?

Here are the current users for this move:
(Level-up)​
  • Meowth & Persian
  • Kangaskhan
  • Tyrogue, Hitmonlee, Hitmonchan & Hitmontop
  • Lombre & Ludicolo
  • Nuzleaf & Shiftry
  • Makuhita & Hariyama
  • Skitty & Delcatty
  • Sableye
  • Glameow & Purugly
  • Purrloin & Liepard
  • Mienfoo & Mienshao
  • Espurr & Meowstic (Male and Female)

    (Move Tutor)
  • Mew (in Pokémon XD)

    (Breeding)
  • Squirtle, Wartortle, & Blastoise
  • Seel & Dewgong
  • Mime Jr. & Mr. Mime
  • Pichu, Pikachu, & Raichu
  • Aipom & Ambipom
  • Sneasel & Weavile
  • Delibird
  • Smoochum & Jynx
  • Skitty & Delcatty
  • Meditite & Medicham
  • Spinda
  • Kecleon
  • Chimchar, Monferno, & Infernape
  • Buneary & Lopunny
  • Croagunk & Toxicroak
  • Scraggy & Scrafty

Thanks for reading, and happy discussing!

~ The General Pokémon Forum Staff


Previous Move-of-the-Weeks:
The user with the best post will receive the right to vote for next week's move on a Friday, as chosen by the mods of this section. The next move is based on criteria, as listed below.

Next Move Criteria: Sleeping Move

Moves: Dark Void, Grass Whistle, Hypnosis, Relic Song, Rest, Secret Power, Sing, Sleep Powder, Spore, Yawn​
 
I think the way this moves work is primarily based on speed (not the stat, just speed as a whole) and quick-thinking. Hence why it can be used on the first turn and gives that pokémon priority, it's as though it just leaps out and attacks. It's also based on throwing your opponent off-guard, before and after the move. Before, because the clapping hands (or whatever that animation is supposed to be) could take them by surprise. After, because after being surprised and then suddenly hit by a move, it would have a disorientating effect, causing the opponent to flinch.

Not sure what use it could have in professions.

In the wild, it would probably be useful for pokémon that rely on surprising and attacking their enemies, mainly enemies larger than them (sort of outsmarting and outspeeding them) and prey (cats are predators). It could probably be realistically taught to other pokémon, provided they could learn the characteristics that make it effective, but that's true of a lot of moves, it's just some pokémon learn them naturally and of course that's just easier to put to use.

I think it gets priority over moves like Endure due to the characteristics mentioned, if the pokémon who would have used Endure is taken by surprise, they can't use it and forget to do before they can react. It's like if you jumped out of some bushes at your friend and started gesturing, your friend would be surprised by how sudden it happened and WTF you were doing.
 
Please note: The thread is from 12 years ago.
Please take the age of this thread into consideration in writing your reply. Depending on what exactly you wanted to say, you may want to consider if it would be better to post a new thread instead.
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