The Ultimate Chien Pao Deck Guide

[@marvinlu-banzon1528]

Wow great video! The best chicken is at red lobster

[@skygate5427]

More videos like this, this is the best and most in depth guide i've ever seen for any deck

[@ShinMechaG]

My brother recently got me into playing the tcg because of this deck. Coming from other tcgs, this is exactly the type of deck specific content I look for. Explaining matchup pro/cons and maneuvering to your win con, inclusion/exclusions that streamline or hinder your lines of play, board states, its got pretty much everything. I don't know if the deck can really shine as a tier 1 until like a rotation, but im hoping some new stuff from Paradox Rift can push it into a spot that other decks at least have to respect it. Thanks for the work on this video, I hope to see more like it in the future

[@CiaranTCG]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate the kind feedback! I definitely plan to make more videos in this format in the future. I don't think Chien-Pao will every truly shine as a tier 1 deck just because it isn't super consistent, but I think as metas evolve and the deck gains powerful cards (Like Iron Hands) it can push its way to the top of the meta!

[@shehwazrassiwalla7674]

Going through each matchup was very helpful and just told me things that I never thought about but are so obvious now that you guys said them.

[@CiaranTCG]

Glad to hear that segment was helpful for you!

[@nerdboy3458]

ive never seen a overview this good before. Informative, Life Changing content. Keep up the videos 😄😄

[@dilePKMN]

new to the TCG, been wanting to learn with this deck as I like all the pokemon being used. built it on live and realized I had no idea what to do. this really helps. clear & concise, thanks!

[@applejuice1000000]

One of the best deck guides out there! Please make more :)

[@TresTerrible]

This is the best deck guide ive ever watched

[@StevenDee343]

This is amazing, would love more of these for other decks!

[@CiaranTCG]

Thank you! What deck(s) would you like to see next?

[@StevenDee343]

@@CiaranTCG hmm that’s a good question haha. Maybe with Miraidon’s rise in popularity, I’ve wanted to give it a go, especially with some of the new options from 151. Would be interesting to learn how to play that deck optimally. Appreciate you asking! Really trying to level up my skills and this is exactly what I’ve been looking for!

[@taylormaxwell1384]

@@CiaranTCG Worker gardy please

[@pinlias]

Dude I just built your list and I was struggling to make it work and then i found this video this is SO HELPFUL please keep making videos like this because this is literally awesome! hugs from brazil

[@CiaranTCG]

Thank you so much for the kind words!

[@famassemtex]

I think it would also be helpful to address the chien-pao mirror matchup, because it's such a popular deck. Any thoughts on ideal starting and mid-game board state, and how to defend if youre going second?

[@CiaranTCG]

Good callout! Honestly the chienpao mirror match just comes down to who gets the first ko. It's very hard to swing the prize trade back in your favour once you fall behind. Best thing you can do is try and lead with a one prizer if you go second

[@zekevan28]

I really learned a lot from this video. I just started playing Chien-pao after my horrifying experience at Pittsburgh playing Mew running into drapion 4 out of 7 rounds lol. Thank you for the in depth guide and I hope I can win a Cup in the future!

[@CiaranTCG]

Glad it was helpful for you. Good luck at your cups!

[@scoobydoo_11-j6i]

best overview of this deck I’ve ever seen! Cant wait for another video to drop!!!!!

[@darkwhitedog]

I'd love to see some games (win and lose) where you pilot this deck! Do you stream on twitch?

[@CiaranTCG]

I don't currently stream, but there's a video on my channel of me playing the deck

[@RahulReddy]

Insanely well done video! Can't wait to see you make content :D

[@CiaranTCG]

Thanks Rahul :)

[@PKS_BLAZE]

Loving the videos man. Awesome content. Free knowledge!

[@CiaranTCG]

Thanks Jason, glad you're enjoying!

[@WhalePants]

Incredible video! Thank you both!

[@SpriteSpriteSprite]

Prolly the best deck guide out there rn! Really learned a lot despite the fact that I play the Japanese format. But since the Japanese format is BO1 instead of BO3, would you suggest making any changes to the list? Or is even C-Pao playable at all cause of the time for set up?

[@CiaranTCG]

This deck does fine with time, one of the main reasons to play it is because it doesn't tie in my opinion. The only reason to be concerned in best of 1 is the deck can be a bit inconsistent sometimes. I won a league cup last weekend cutting the vacuum for a 4th ultra ball to try and set up Bibarel more consistently!

[@MyGuyYourNotHim]

Thanks for the all the tips and tricks on how to make this deck work. Been cruising through the ranks since I started using yalls deck.

[@CiaranTCG]

That's awesome to hear!

[@OtterSC2]

Loved this format for a guide, both the structure and especially having another person to discuss with. Upgrading your mic slightly would be great, can get perfectly good usb mic under $50 or possibly use your phone.

[@CiaranTCG]

Thank you! I just invested in a mic and had someone help me with my audio settings. I am hoping next video the quality will improve!

[@riccardomicciche6418]

Absolutely wonderful video! While Iron Hands EX would certainly change the structure of the deck quite a bit, which makes me hesitant about his addition, how do you feel about counter catcher? Right now for PTCGL specifically I have cut 1 Iono and 1 escape rope to play a combination of trekking shoes and pokemon catcher, but catcher has been proving more of a meme than anything... On the other hand counter catcher is guaranteed and it would help the deck with comebacks, since you would be able to more easily set up Greninja 2 for 1 trades. Also, how do you feel about cram-o-matic? You mentioned trekking shoes and it has been working well as a one of, but cram-o-matic also seems pretty good to get a piece you need to combo

[@CiaranTCG]

I think Chien Pao is a super aggressive deck, I don't know how often we will be behind on prizes to get value out of counter catcher. I actually don't think it is crazy to cut the cross switchers for 4 pokemon catcher. The expected value of catcher is 2 gust a game, but obviously prone to variance. I don't hate cram, but i think it introduces even more variance to our setup. We also don't have a lot of items we want to discard with cram (only vip pass and then nest/ultra once we set up). Once you get to the late game Bibarel and pokestop should be enough to never whiff your combos

[@riccardomicciche6418]

​@@CiaranTCGThank you so much for the insights! It really is great that you take the time to reply to everyone, keep up the great content

[@jaredwilson5448]

Awesome video! I played Chien-Pao to Pittsburgh as well so love hearing your takes. I had a couple of questions on the deck moving forward I'd love to hear your thoughts on: 1. Against Miraidon, do you think it makes sense to choose to go second, since you're trying to establish your board and second gives you additional outs to VIP with Irida, and getting the first attack off doesn't matter as long as you don't bench a two-prizer? 2. Do you think Colorless Lugia becomes an unfavored matchup since you can't return OHKO their Snorlax with a single-prizer, and if so do you think it's worth teching for the matchup, or just taking it as an unfavorable? Thanks, and keep up the great work!

[@CiaranTCG]

1. That's actually a good question, I haven't thought about it before. Your logic makes sense, only downside I can see is if you go first you can probably use that Irida for baxcalibur. It is definitely something worth exploring, I actually am leaning towards you being right. 2. I think colorless Lugia is going to become popular going forward. Maybe adding Kyogre to the deck is worth it now. The one thing about colourless lugia is they actually can't knock out chienpao without using a 2 prizer so chien pao actually trades ok with snorlax depending on their board sometimes.

[@kingturk]

Incredible guide! I love chien pao but have been playing miraidon recently because I never knew what v star was better or how important bibarel was actually, so it’s very interesting

[@CiaranTCG]

Thank you! Hopefully you can have more success with Chien-Pao going forward!

[@JohnSmith-bp5jq]

goated video fr, I ran bibarrel at a league cup and got killed, maybe it was because I wasn't running any super rod. Pidgeot feels a lot more clean (free retreat) but runs the risk of getting pathed. What should I run tomorrow? P:S Thank god for this video, I was struggling with this deck, this made me way more aware of the matchups

[@CiaranTCG]

Pidgeot feels nice when you set up, but like you said, it is too susceptible to path. I added a 4th ultra for the vacuum to try and set up bibarel more consistently

[@JohnSmith-bp5jq]

Thanks so much, great video too do you think iron hands ex will be very prominent in the deck with paradox rift

[@CiaranTCG]

@@JohnSmith-bp5jq I think so. The power level is just so high, and the cars that searches for two energy is super strong in cpao

[@thebruisedreed9766]

Thanks again for this series of videos. Heading into the Rift format, I'm going to be giving this a try as I'm afraid Gardy's best days are behind her... I always learn best from video of gameplay in action with good commentary (love Azul's stream vids for that especially). Do you have any, or have any good recommendations, of the deck in action in these matchups so I can help learn better? Thanks again (and thanks for the food recs for Toronto. Nom Nom Nom and Hokkaido were both enjoyed).

[@CiaranTCG]

I am planning on filming some cpao gameplay now that the new set is out. Glad you enjoyed the food recs in Toronto!

[@starhux]

Love the video as I really struggled to make this list work. I am a new player and when to trade one prizers and when not to put chien on the board is really confusing. Any tips for the charizard match up? Please more of this. I would actually love to see you guys play the list and narrate your thoughts against various match ups🤗

[@starhux]

Just saw you have a new video 🎉

[@CiaranTCG]

Charizard is a fairly simple matchup imo. You are faster than them, so once you trade one shots back and forth you should have the lead already

[@starhux]

Makes sense, thanks for the quick reply.

[@simonluong3600]

What are your thoughts on Azul saying we've all been playing Chien Pao wrong?

[@CiaranTCG]

I think Azul is still early on in his Chien-Pao journey. Hopefully he sees the light that is Canadian-Pao!

[@DerpyHOOOVES]

any thoughts of adding a mysterious tail mew just for the additional consistency for set up?

[@CiaranTCG]

The original build had Mew, it was actually my cut the night before worlds. The reason I ended up cutting it is because your ideal board is chien pao, radiant ninja, bidoof x2, frig x2. There isnt a spot for it early game. It shines late game, basically makes you iono proof. I wouldn't hate adding it back

[@pesbeginner3558]

Best Video of all time clear!

[@Tauschung]

I'm so glad that the Pao enthusiasts are excited about Hands. Can't wait to play this deck with physical cards.

[@CiaranTCG]

Deck is honestly too fun!

[@Tauschung]

@@CiaranTCG I’m addicted to it on Live. I try to play other decks, but nothing is as fun as one shotting a Zard turn 2.

[@CiaranTCG]

Shivery Chill, Pokestop, and One Shots are just so satisfying haha

[@kramer_plays]

Returning player here! I've been using your exact deck list at League Challenges/Cups. The only difference is I have 1 Lumineon instead of 2 Canceling Colognes. I'm now seeing how important it is specifically for that Garde matchup/Lost Box. Do you think 2 CCs are a must?

[@CiaranTCG]

I think you can cut 1 cologne, it just makes pulling off the combo less consistent

[@Raw-bG75]

This is so solid. Do you do coaching ?

[@CiaranTCG]

Thank you! If you are interested in coaching dm me either here, on twitter, or through facebook messenger!

[@louiepikmin3184]

Glad this deck is starting to get more play, it can be clunky to get going but once you get going, it has possibly the most damage potential out of any of the big decks right now. Like it's really not the most difficult thing in the world to get enough energy to ohko anything. I mean, Im kinda biased since I already liked the idea of it but pulled the alt art of chein-pao at my pre-release, but it's by far my favorite deck in the format

[@edwardsuter9442]

This is a great vid. I'll definitely be making some adjustments of the back of this! How do you guys feel about Skater's Park? I've found having the energy straight back into the hand to then re-attach with Bax to be pretty useful.

[@CiaranTCG]

Thank you! I think Skater's Park is a decent card, but Pokestop just provides way more power. I'd rather be using Pokestop to get cards like cross switcher or super retrieval

[@natg-b3703]

Fantastic video and got me way more excited for Iron Hands now. Quick question, I too have wondered around Iono and even wondered about Boss as another way to possibly Cologne Manaphy double KO as Greninja is so good. What cards have you guys considered instead of Iono?

[@CiaranTCG]

I agree Iono feels kind of mid. The idea behind the card is it is another consistency card early game since this deck can't really play research. Im not super big on boss since without lumineon it is just so hard to draw. Cards I would consider adding would be 4th ultra, 4th nest ball, and 3rd bax.

[@OscarHowe-dm9mx]

I've cut manaphy for spiritomb because it makes the mew matchup better, and it blocks rotom v's ability in Charizard ex, and not many matchups require you to bench manaphy anyway.

[@ProtoLeague]

Thanks for the video and breakdown!

[@bethzolin6046]

Excellent video. Thank you so much.

[@robertlopez8050]

just started getting into the tcg, and this specific deck in general. dont know if you’ll see/reply to this, and maybe i missed it in the video. would replacing the 3 battle vip passes and going with 3 trekking shoes instead not be a bad idea? or even like a 2-2 with the two cards ? take that risk and maybe get lucky with an irida turn 1 to grab it that way or draw into it with the trekking shoes ? just a thought i want an opinion on bc i’m conflicted about it

[@CiaranTCG]

If you go to 1 VIP pass your opening turn is going to be extremely weak going first. Also if you go second and whiff irida it will be super difficult to set up

[@arturhazel4568]

Would you mind to make an update on Chien-Pao, hence PR is out now. Would love to see it ❤

[@CiaranTCG]

Definitely planned!

[@fareastern8201]

Hi Ciaran, great video breakdown on Chien-Pao! A few of us in Singapore played with your Worlds List and we deviated a little from Lucas's Pittsburgh list later on. Having only 2 Baxcalibur seems scary to me. What if 1 is prized or milled by Pokestop? What do you think is the most cuttable card to fit 3 Baxcalibur? I tried cutting Iono instead and so far it's ok, but not sure if it's the best cut. I tried only 3 Pokestops previously and was fine, but prob not vs heavy path decks or if you mill Pokestops with Pokestop. 1 thing to note is here we play in a Bo1 format. But so far, this deck still performs well, it just requires careful piloting. Still trying to get a good result with it in a Town League, but I think it's prob the best way to play Chien Pao now.

[@CiaranTCG]

Hey, glad to hear Chien-Pao is seeing play in Singapore! I agree that 2 Baxcalibur is scary, the 3rd Bax was my night before cut in Pittsburgh. I think since we play 2 rods its ok, but 3rd Bax is something I'd probably add back. In terms of what is most cuttable, I would probably say the Lost Vacuum. I think Path is going to be on the decline with the 151 meta. The 2nd Cologne is also cuttable imo.

[@fareastern8201]

@CiaranTCG Thanks for the reply! We've been practising 151 format in locals for about a week now and there is still a lot of Lost Tina, which plays at least 3 Path. So I feel like Vacuum is still handy. 2nd Cologne might not be needed but I feel like it helps against Lost Box. I'll have to test and find out which one feels best to cut. There's actually a lot of Chien-Pao in Singapore, but it's a mix between the Arceus lists, Pidgeot lists, Palkia lists and your Bibarel list.

[@arturhazel4568]

Amazing! Would you be so kind to post the deck list into description? I would like to buy this cards in real life to battle my friends.

[@CiaranTCG]

limitlesstcg.com/decks/list/8595 That's grant shen's top 8 list

[@ultimateminerkaden]

Amazing video! 2 Super Rod is 100% vital

[@foxxxooo]

How does the charizard matchup work? I can't seem to understand how this is favorable for chien pao

[@CiaranTCG]

They can never take the first 2 prizes due to charizard capping at 180. So once you take 2 prizes with chien pao they can never catch up in the prize trade. If you take a prize with cpao and they play vitality band to ko you then you need to work in a one prizer to get back onto even prizes

[@GabrielHenrique-pq8yl]

I've been experimenting with cutting 3rd chien pao (since its a terrible starter for close matchups) and also adding boss without cutting iono, what are your thoughts on that?

[@GabrielHenrique-pq8yl]

oh, of course, great great video! i think you guys made very clear and compelling points about what makes the list so good and touched on it on a very "down to earth" manner instead of gassing/dogging or any card choice with no rhyme or reason

[@CiaranTCG]

Thank you! I think cutting 3rd Pao is alright, but if you ever prize one it just becomes annoying to cycle them. It is also a good starter more often than it isn't. I don't hate adding boss, but it is just hard to draw it when you need it without Lumineon, and with the deck so focused on Pokestop you might mill it before you can use it

[@sergioscabarneto6690]

awesome content!! keep it up!

[@CiaranTCG]

Thank you Sergio! :)

[@breloopharos1919]

Do you think suicune V is good for the LZ matchup? I figured while its getting me that 1 free draw it could also just keep swinging at comfeys.

[@CiaranTCG]

I don't think it is impactful enough. The reason it would be good is you don't need a Baxcalibur in play, but by the late game you can flood your board with energy so you can survive with just chien-pao

[@jerometanabe]

But when's the Kyle Lowry GC guide comin?

[@CiaranTCG]

I gotta save that video for when he retires!

[@goodtimes7383]

I dropped the rope and haven't had a problem. Is it just for Pikachu VMAX?

[@CiaranTCG]

The rope is definitely cuttable, the main scenarios I use rope for is to bring a V active vs Lugia when they leave a single prizer active turn one, to get my Chien-Pao out of the active turn 1 against a deck Im trying to trade favourably with (Eg: Miraidon or Lugia), and just as a switch card in general

[@oscarandino9230]

Nice deck break down . I am missing a alot cards but let the grind begin. 😊

[@JohnSmith-bp5jq]

Im going to toronto reigonals and today is the last day to change my deck, should I run 4-4 nest and ultra, or 3-3 with escape rope and lost vaccum?

[@CiaranTCG]

I'd go 4 Ultra for sure, cut vacuum. 4th nest for rope is personal preference

[@JohnSmith-bp5jq]

Thanks so much, one more thing, should I run Spiritomb to run through dte Mew because even if i am not up against mew it can be used as a discard similar to a turn 2+ VIP Pass and what should i cut@@CiaranTCG

[@CiaranTCG]

@@JohnSmith-bp5jq Grant Shen and Lucas say no spiritomb

[@pizzaisalie]

Amazing vid!

[@Pumba909]

Nice and informative Video! Is there any discord server or community to discuss and speak about the competitive tcg

[@CiaranTCG]

Thank you! I don't currently have a discord server, but most of the Pokemon community is on Twitter/X and various Facebook groups

[@tyt00341]

Great video i just start playing it hope you will make one for post rotation for euic

[@CiaranTCG]

Thank you! Definitely plan on making an update for post rotation

[@thesnorlaxagenda]

I was very surprised when Lucas said that the Charizard ex matchup is 90/10 because I get gatekeep from winning my local every week by a Charizard ex deck right now but i suspect that is because of the vstar palkia decklist

[@CiaranTCG]

The matchup is good, because Chien-Pao is much faster and you trade 2 for 2 with Charizard. Once you get to the point in the game where you are trading back and forth you should already have a prize lead

[@drummerdiablo44]

What’s your guys thoughts on pidgeot ex in the deck?

[@CiaranTCG]

I don't think it makes sense, you need to draw multiple cards every turn. Getting 1 card isn't enough, and by the time you get to the late game you should never whiff with Bibarel and Pokestop. Pidgeot also gets shut down hard by Path

[@anthonywang7888]

I think a point you missed was that Lumineon saves your game from being shut down if your opponent lands the turn 3 boss's orders on your Baxcalibur. Especially when you start don't have an ideal start and cant draw into other things. This is especially true given you only have 2 baxcalibur and only running 3 ultra balls. Basically I feel with your build if you dont open VIP pass you lose.

[@CiaranTCG]

If my opponent bossed my Bax turn 3 hopefully I set up my board pre-emptively where it's ok or I have bibarel/irida ready. I agree our build has a weaker early game, but with only 3 ultra ball I don't think lumineon improves it enough. I touched on it a bit in the video, but using ultra ball for lumineon turn 1 is usually too damaging.

[@pinlias]

What do you think of revavroo engine instead of bibarel ? ( discard 1 energy draw till 6 )

[@CiaranTCG]

I think the 1 extra card isn't really worth the draw back of always needing an energy

[@dominickcrider4582]

What do you guys think about adding alolan vulpix.

[@CiaranTCG]

I think vulpix would change this deck from an aggro deck to more of a mid range deck. I think you can add it, but I'd change the build. Less turbo and more focused on the vulpix. So cut thing like cross switchers and colognes

[@danserf]

Great video!! Please make one for charizard ex! Thanks!

[@timepopsicle3495]

i want to see lost box tina!

[@johnyuddin6766]

Great video!

[@Pumba909]

how is our matchup against charizard?

[@CiaranTCG]

Very strong. Chien Pao trades very easily with Charizard, and you will almost always take the lead

[@Pumba909]

@@CiaranTCG okay, thank you! Then i have to train more to win against charizard

[@ChazBlanks]

It's Lost Zone matchup in my opinion is easy especially with Radiant Greninja

[@jasonpagan1889]

How do you guys feel about 151 Articuno?

[@CiaranTCG]

I don't think it really solves any matchups, the damage output is too low

[@Joacodelosl]

Thanks for the guide! I'm playing this deck in my local league, but I am not having good results. This video is great for me! Like and sub❤

[@CiaranTCG]

Glad it was helpful. Good luck at your our next locals!

[@ivanpalomo4734]

Great content.

[@timepopsicle3495]

do more decks!

[@CiaranTCG]

My next video is going to be Gardevoir, but I plan on making videos for as many decks as possible!

[@ericclarke1532]

Great video

[@donniedarkorequiem22]

Getting 6 gardys kinda crazy.

[@ElieFarah-u9v]

This is GREAT!!!!!!!

[@benmitchell6456]

Can't focus on the rich content cuz I'm lost in your eyes Ciaran

[@grantshen4622]

Xingod 🙌🙌

[@skygate5427]

Oh wow this is gas

[@MegaFriggo]

Given the decklist given, the tier list is just wrong. With that list you are at top most 20% win rate vs miraidon. The worst match up is lost box ? The second worst is a deck where you take two ohko and you win? Hmmm I have all but the opposite feelings and results you have

[@MegaFriggo]

An other exemple. Lb giritina or arc is one of the worst After miraidon. Since they lock you out with path. Got your vacuum in prize, you're toast my man.

[@CiaranTCG]

As we mentioned in the Miraidon section, if you don't feed them a 2 prizer for their first knockout they have no way to get ahead in the prize trade since you get to take 2 prizes at a time. I went 3-0 Vs Miraidon at Pittsburgh, and I have been taking them down at locals pretty easily. The reason LZ is a tough matchup is that they get Sableye super early, and once they start taking out your bibarel it becomes hard to pull off combo turns, and you can't afford to bench new bidoof or frigibax since those are free prizes. Maybe Rapid Strike is 50/50 but in my experience if they get going your board gets wiped, and you can't leave enough energy in play to ko back to back Vmaxes. I think you are also over stating how much path hurts you. Once I have 4 energy in the discard and a Bibarel set up I just need super retrieval every turn, path isn't too big of a deal.

[@BenjaminGallardoCalzada]

the early game of this deck its too bad, i like more carry lumineon and arceus 1-1 bc you can unbrick very easily. Whit this deck if you dont have a good first hand, the game is loss, but am gonna try it

[@CiaranTCG]

I agree with you, but Arceus just bricks your late game. Try it out and see how it goes for you!

[@curiouschroni]

🤖