Three Diamond Lightning Deck

This is a very simple to use 3 Diamond or less control deck. This is great for completing the Solo missions that require a Three Diamond or less deck. I do not recommend this for PVP as it doesn't hit terribly high numbers and requires a lot of RNG to maintain control, but if you're having issues with some of the Solo missions (especially against the Starmie/Gyarados EX deck missions!) this could help you out a lot in getting those free shop tickets.

The key to this deck is to get Dedenne in your active slot as quickly as possible. For a single electric energy you can really throw off your opponent's entire strategy so long as the RNG is in your favor.

While Dedenne is disrupting your opponent, you'll want to get Pikachu, Voltorb and your second Dedenne on the bench and setting up. I recommend focusing on getting energy onto Pikachu/Raichu, as he's going to be your sweeper in this deck so if you want to take things out quickly, do that.

Electrode works great to absorb a little damage while you are getting energy on Raichu, but otherwise isn't here to do any damage. He's here to benchwarm and get pulled in and pivot as necessary. Ideally you'll win before you have any extra enegy to sink onto him.

While you can swap out the Mythical Island version of Pikachu for a Genetic Apex Pikachu, I don't recommend it. Mythical Island Pikachu has the potential to hit a little harder for the same energy, and chances are you'll have at least two Pokemon in the back to match the Genetic Apex Pikachu anyway. Plus, isn't the art cuter anyway? Look at that little guy!

You must use Mythical Island Raichu for this deck. The Genetic Apex Raichu's attack has a much different effect and energy cost, and isn't useful for this deck.

Sabrina here is great for survivability or getting a delicious double knock out. Chasing out a near defeated Ex card (20 hp or less) to make the most of Raichu's 60 damage on another Pokemon is really satisfying to watch happen.

Lt. Surge is great for getting Raichu up to the three energy requirement it needs just a turn faster, which can make or break some battles. Leaf is great for getting Raichu off the field in favor of either Dedenne or Electrode, but if you'd rather bump up damage with a Giovanni or bring in a fast, hard hitter like Kangaskhan that can dish it out and take a few blows, that works too! I didn't find it necessary but if you're struggling and have Kangaskhan, there's no reason not to try that.

Will this deck help you in PVP? No, absolutely not. It just doesn't do those kinds of numbers and it would be pretty easily countered by opponents using things like Sabrina to lure in your Pikachu/Raichu before it can evolve or setup and take them out. But I had a lot of success using this deck against the Expert Solo Battle Starmie Ex and Gyarados EX decks to knock out that Three Diamond or less requirement.

(Note: You will need to use the basic versions of the cards for this to qualify as Three Diamonds or less. The full art cards, while they function identically, overshoot the rarity requirement.)