In the Pokémon series, certain moves are more than just flashy attacks they require careful timing, strategy, and understanding. One such move is Bide, a unique and often misunderstood technique that has been around since Generation I. Though not as widely used as offensive moves like Flamethrower or Earthquake, Bide plays a strategic role in certain battle scenarios. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned trainer looking to sharpen your competitive edge, understanding how Bide works can help you build a more tactical approach to battle.
What is Bide in Pokémon?
Basic Description
Bide is a Normal-type move that does not deal damage immediately. Instead, when a Pokémon uses Bide, it enters a temporary state where it absorbs damage for a few turns. After enduring the attacks from the opponent, the user retaliates by unleashing double the total damage it received. Bide’s mechanics make it a high-risk, high-reward move that can surprise opponents who are unaware of how it functions.
Core Characteristics
- Type: Normal
- Category: Physical (but ignores the user’s Attack stat)
- PP: 10 (can be increased to 16)
- Accuracy: Never misses (unaffected by evasion or accuracy modifiers)
- Priority: +1 on turn of release
How Does Bide Work Mechanically?
Turn-by-Turn Breakdown
When you select Bide in battle, the move takes effect over multiple turns. Here is a step-by-step guide on how it plays out:
- Turn 1: The Pokémon uses Bide and enters a semi-invulnerable state. It cannot perform any other moves for the duration of Bide and will always move last unless affected by priority.
- Turn 2: The Pokémon continues to Bide. It absorbs any damage dealt by direct attacks. Status effects or indirect damage (like poison or burn) do not count toward Bide’s counter.
- Turn 3 (or later): The Bide state ends, and the Pokémon unleashes a counterattack. The power of this move is calculated as double the total damage the user took during the Bide phase. This retaliatory strike always hits, regardless of the opponent’s evasion or accuracy.
The move lasts for two to three turns at random. If the user receives no damage during this time, the final attack will fail and deal no damage.
Important Details
- Only damage from direct attacks (physical or special moves) is counted.
- Moves like Leech Seed, Toxic, and Stealth Rock do not contribute to Bide’s stored damage.
- It ignores types and resistances during the storing phase, but not during release.
- The user cannot choose a target; if there are multiple foes (in doubles/triples), the last Pokémon to damage it is usually targeted.
Situational Use of Bide
When Bide is Effective
Bide is most effective under specific conditions where you expect your Pokémon to take considerable damage but survive the incoming hits. Pokémon with high HP and defensive stats are natural users of Bide because they can withstand multiple attacks and unleash powerful retaliation. It’s also a useful move early in the game when options are limited and type matchups are not yet fully developed.
Ideal Scenarios
- Against faster opponents who can’t knock you out in one hit.
- During battles where you predict the enemy will continuously attack instead of setting up.
- In gym battles, especially early in the game where trainers rely heavily on direct moves.
Pokémon Commonly Using Bide
Several Pokémon learn Bide by level-up, breeding, or via TM in older generations. Early-game Pokémon like Rattata, Zigzagoon, and Bidoof often know Bide, making it a basic but occasionally life-saving tactic in lower-level battles. Wobbuffet, although known for Counter and Mirror Coat, plays a similar strategy-based role and serves as a good example of how a move like Bide can fit into a stalling or baiting playstyle.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Bide
Advantages
- Ignores accuracy and evasion: Bide never misses, making it ideal against evasive opponents.
- Can defeat stronger foes: When timed correctly, Bide can take down Pokémon with higher stats in one hit.
- Great surprise move: Many players don’t expect Bide in competitive play, making it a tactical advantage.
Disadvantages
- Predictable and interruptible: Since the user is locked into Bide, it becomes vulnerable to status effects or switching strategies.
- Fails without damage: If the opponent doesn’t attack during Bide’s duration, the final hit does nothing.
- No control over turn duration: The two-to-three turn randomness can disrupt planning.
Bide in Competitive Play
In most competitive Pokémon formats, Bide is rarely seen due to its lack of control and predictability. However, it can find use in niche strategies or themed teams. Trick Room teams may use Bide with slower but bulky Pokémon, while some stall teams may incorporate it for bait-and-counter techniques.
Despite its low usage in tournaments or online ranked matches, Bide can shine in specific challenge runs, such as Nuzlocke challenges, where every tactical decision matters. It’s also a favorite among players who enjoy less conventional playstyles.
Countering Bide
Knowing how to stop Bide is just as important as knowing how to use it. Here are some methods to counter it:
- Use status effects like Sleep, Paralysis, or Confusion to prevent the final attack.
- Switch to a Ghost-type Pokémon (Bide is Normal-type and won’t hit Ghosts).
- Stall out turns with Protect or Detect to avoid triggering stored damage.
- Avoid using direct-damage moves while the opponent is using Bide.
Generational Changes to Bide
How Bide Has Evolved Over Time
Throughout the generations, Bide has undergone a few changes. In early games like Red and Blue, it ignored type effectiveness and could hit Ghost-types, which was later fixed. It also had lower priority in earlier versions, but now the release turn has increased priority, giving the user a better chance to strike before fainting. These updates have helped Bide retain some relevance, although it remains a niche move overall.
Understanding how Bide works in Pokémon battles opens the door to unique strategies that rely on prediction, endurance, and timing. While not a top-tier move, it adds variety and challenge to both in-game and competitive formats. When used effectively, Bide can turn the tide of a battle and reward strategic thinking. Whether you’re facing it or using it, knowing its mechanics can give you an edge that goes beyond brute force. Next time you encounter a Pokémon with Bide, don’t underestimate its potential it just might surprise you.