When to Use Dolliv for Maximum Damage in Pokémon TCG

In TCG ·

Dolliv SV01-200 holo card art by Oswaldo KATO

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

In the Scarlet & Violet era, strategic choices matter as much as raw power. Dolliv, a Grass-type Pokémon perched at 90 HP and evolving from Smoliv, brings more to the table than a single big number. With its two-attack kit and a unique twist on battlefield tempo, this Illustration Rare card rewards players who read the board, manage energy, and time their pressure just right ⚡🔥. The holo flourish by Oswaldo KATO makes this card a vivid centerpiece for both collectors and battlers alike.

Key snapshot of Dolliv (SV01-200)

  • Type: Grass
  • Stage: Stage 1 (evolves from Smoliv)
  • HP: 90
  • Attacks:
    • Slap — Colorless, 20
    • Apply Oil — Grass + Colorless, 40
      Effect: During your opponent's next turn, if the Defending Pokémon tries to attack, your opponent flips a coin. If tails, that attack doesn't happen.
  • Retreat: 1
  • Illustrator: Oswaldo KATO
  • Rarity: Illustration Rare
  • Set: Scarlet & Violet (SV01)
  • Regulation: Standard & Expanded legal
  • Weakness: Fire (a common vulnerability for Grass-types in many formats)

Affectionately nicknamed by some players as a careful control card, Dolliv is designed to bruised-tiny-damage decks that want to stall and pivot into bigger plays. The combination of a modest 20 damage slap and a more disruptive 40 damage oil strike creates a back-and-forth rhythm: you press with consistent damage, then tilt the turn sequence in your favor by delaying your opponent’s retaliation. The oil mechanic isn’t just a shield; it’s a toolkit for momentum, letting you gas up your own setup while boxing in the opponent’s options 💎🎴.

Gameplay timing: when Dolliv shines the brightest

To maximize the damage window with Dolliv, you want to orchestrate a sequence where the opponent’s big hitters are felt but not fully unleashed. Here are practical steps that align with its two-attack design:

  • Early pressure with Slap: In the opening turns, Dolliv (or its Smoliv before it evolves) can contribute steady chip damage. The 20 damage from Slap might seem modest, but every point matters in grindy matchups, especially when you’re clearing the path for your bigger threats.
  • Oil as tempo control: The 40-damage Apply Oil is the totem of the card’s strategic value. Use it when you anticipate a powerful attack from your opponent next turn. If you flip tails, that attack is denied for the turn, buying you a precious turn to set up energies, tiers, or a follow-up knockout line. It’s not just defense—it’s a deliberate tempo swing ⚡.
  • Energy and retreat balance: Dolliv’s retreat cost of 1 makes it manageable to shuttle in and out of the active position as you line up your next move. Pair this with a careful energy attachment plan so that you can keep Dolliv active long enough to threaten a big hit or to force the opponent into suboptimal plays when Oil is active.
  • Evolving with purpose: Evolving from Smoliv into Dolliv is a signal of rising threat. The Stage 1 creature with 90 HP sits comfortably in the mid-range for many Scarlet & Violet era decks, allowing you to weather early aggression while you prepare your bigger endgame cards.

Deck-building angles and synergy

In a world where every card tries to outpace the other, Dolliv asks you to think in layers. A typical Dolliv-centered plan benefits from pairing with support Pokémon that capitalize on the “oil control” approach and extend damage windows. For example, a deck that leverages energy acceleration or disruption can ensure you deliver a potent application of oil on key turns, followed by a finisher Pokémon that can take advantage of the opponent’s temporarily weakened board state.

Practical patience pays off here: Dolliv isn’t about smashing for massive numbers in a single swing. It’s about turning the tide with smart timing, selective aggression, and the occasional sting of 40 damage that stops a rival from retaliating next turn. The artistry of the tactic lies in reading the board and choosing the best moment to press with Slap versus to stall with Oil.

Collector’s perspective and market pulse

For players who collect the Scarlet & Violet line, Dolliv’s holo Illustration Rare status makes it a standout piece, even as it sits within the affordable end of the market spectrum. Cardmarket data paints a clear picture: non-holo variants sit around €0.02–€0.05 on average, while holo versions trend higher, with average values near €0.10 and one-day spikes around €0.23. Over longer windows (7–30 days), holo values settle closer to €0.11–€0.13, reflecting steady collector interest but not sky-high volatility. The card’s appeal is bolstered by the signature holo finish and Oswaldo KATO’s art, which continues to draw attention from enthusiasts who love the era’s vibrant illustration style.

As a piece that sits on the cusp of playability and collectibility, Dolliv’s value is a practical consideration for your binder. It’s a card you’ll want for its strategic potential in-game and for the aesthetics that make it a joy to flip through the binder between matches. The lesson is simple: this is a card that rewards thoughtful play and a clear view of how to tempo a glass-cannon-like strategy into a lasting board presence 🔥🎨.

To explore a tactile reminder of this card’s presence beyond the game board, consider the practical companion in your setup—the Neon Custom Desk Mouse Pad (Rectangular, 3mm Thick, Rubber Base). A stylish desk accessory can keep your focus sharp and your play area clean as you climb the ladder from casual tester to tournament-ready battler. Ready to grab a little more style with your strategy?

Neon Custom Desk Mouse Pad (Rectangular, 3mm Thick, Rubber Base)

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