[Pros]
<ul>
<li>It possesses excellent 110/105/95 defenses and reliable recovery in Roost.</li>
<li>Base 80 Speed is surprisingly good for a very defensive Pokemon.</li>
<li>Mandibuzz's typing gives it immunities to Psychic and Ground, (RC) and key resistances to Ghost and Dark combined with Fighting neutrality, making it one of the very best counters to Aegislash available.</li>
<li>Foul Play allows Mandibuzz to deal heavy damage to opposing physical attackers.</li>
<li>It packs a large number of support options, including Defog.</li>
</ul>
[Cons]
<ul>
<li>Mandibuzz has terrible offensive stats so it must rely on Foul Play or Toxic for damage, making it very predictable.</li>
<li>Its typing gives it weaknesses to common attacks.</li>
<li>A weakness to Stealth Rock greatly reduces its defensive potential.</li>
</ul>
[Set Recommendations]
<p>name: Stallbreaker<br />
move 1: Foul Play<br />
move 2: Roost<br />
move 3: Taunt<br />
move 4: Toxic / Whirlwind<br />
ability: Overcoat<br />
item: Leftovers<br />
evs: 248 HP / 208 Def / 52 Spe<br />
nature: Bold</p>
<p>Although one of the best defensive Pokemon in BW NU, Mandibuzz was rarely seen outside of the lower tiers last generation. On paper, Mandibuzz received an additional weakness to Fairy-type moves and little else. However, with the Steel-type nerf causing Ghost- and Dark-type moves to jump in popularity, Mandibuzz's typing gives it these two key resistances combined with neutrality to Fighting-type moves. This allows Mandibuzz to counter many popular threats that rely on Ghost / Fighting or Dark / Fighting coverage, including Aegislash and Gengar. Add in Mandibuzz's excellent defensive stats and immunities to Ground- and Psychic-type attacks, and Mandibuzz becomes a real defensive threat in XY.</p>
<p>Foul Play is one of the biggest factors to Mandibuzz's success, as it allows Mandibuzz to bypass its own terrible offensive stats by using the opponent's Attack stat. Foul Play deals heavy damage to opposing physical Pokemon, while a Bold nature and defensive investment protects Mandibuzz. For example, standard bulky Dragon Dance Gyarados fails to deal 26% damage with Waterfall while Foul Play is a guaranteed 2HKO in return. Combined with reliable recovery in Roost, Mandibuzz is an great counter to many physical threats. However, Mandibuzz is also surprisingly fast for a defensive Pokemon, and access to Taunt allows it to perform as an amazing stallbreaker. Taunt prevents opposing Pokemon from setting up, healing, or using status moves against Mandibuzz, which combines well with Toxic in the final slot to stall out defensive Pokemon. Whirlwind is a great option on more defensive stall teams, as it racks up entry hazard damage while forcing out special setup sweepers.</p>
<p>The 52 Speed EVs allow Mandibuzz to outspeed defensive Rotom-A, while the rest are invested in bulk. Overcoat is Mandibuzz's ability of choice, protecting it from Sandstorm damage as well as Spore and Sleep Powder. Substitute is a good option in place of Taunt on this set, as it allows Mandibuzz to utilize the SubRoost combination to stall out slower threats. Knock Off is another good support option, but Mandibuzz will have great difficulty giving up any of the listed moves. Mandibuzz appreciates teammates that can handle powerful special attacks, such as Blissey and specially defensive Ferrothorn and Mega Venusaur. Since Because Mandibuzz is weak to Stealth Rock, it also greatly appreciates Rapid Spin support from teammates. Assault Vest Excadrill is a reliable choice and has excellent defensive synergy with Mandibuzz.</p>
<p>name: Anti-Entry Hazards<br />
move 1: Foul Play<br />
move 2: Roost<br />
move 3: Defog<br />
move 4: Taunt<br />
ability: Overcoat<br />
item: Leftovers<br />
evs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD<br />
nature: Bold</p>
<p>The newly buffed Defog now removes all entry hazards from play, and Mandibuzz is a great user. With excellent defenses, typing, and reliable recovery in Roost, Mandibuzz can switch in repeatedly and use Defog to support your team. Taunt is important as it allows Mandibuzz to defeat opposing entry hazard setters one on one. By Taunting opponents such as Ferrothorn, Forretress, Skarmory, or Stealth Rock Tyranitar, Mandibuzz ensures that these Pokemon cannot set up entry hazards again after Mandibuzz removes them with Defog.</p>
<p>The EVs provide maximum physical bulk to help Mandibuzz check physical threats such as Talonflame. This set works best with more offensive teammates, especially those that fear Stealth Rock, (AC) such as Talonflame, Charizard, or Volcarona. Rotom-W, Magnezone, and Metagross all have decent special defense, solid offenses, and good defensive synergy with Mandibuzz.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Although Mandibuzz is very durable, without Special Defense investment it is vulnerable to powerful special attackers. This is made worse due to the fact that Foul Play copies their low Attack stats and struggles to damage them. Greninja, Magnezone, Zapdos, and Mega Manectric are examples that can defeat Mandibuzz with super effective special attacks. Fairy-type Pokemon such as Florges or Togekiss also give Mandibuzz trouble, since as they resist Foul Play and can threaten with super effective STAB attacks. Although Mandibuzz usually carries Taunt, it is ruined by faster Toxic users. Crobat and Gliscor are great Toxic users and have a faster Taunt of their own, while Tentacruel is also an excellent choice. Mandibuzz is weak to Rock, so keeping Stealth Rock up will greatly hinder Mandibuzz. Tyranitar and Mamoswine are great users that also threaten Mandibuzz. Finally, although bulky, Mandibuzz can be overwhelmed by incredibly powerful attacks from the likes of Mega Kangaskahn.</p>