- Competitive battling can take place via your game cartridge or via the simulators. It makes no difference.
- The Hoenn Triangle doesn't have any testing for which you're checked for whether or not you're on the right track. But you can just ask for a battle, and I'm sure someone will battle you. If you ask for their opinion on how you did, I'm positive they'll help you out.
- First time mistakes, hmm... I can't think of any. Tips though are always useful. Stealth Rock is probably the best move in the game. Always try and set it up, preferably earlier than later. But beware of Magic Bounce users, Espeon and Xatu (although TTar threatens both with STAB Crunch/Pursuit, and can then set up Stealth Rock). A good offense is a good defence, but you do want Defense as well. 1 or 2 tanks to take Physical and Special hits are always welcome, and if they're capable of dealing good damage, then that's even better. When teambuilding, try and have a good 'core', which is 2 or 3 Pokémon which have good offensive and defensive synergy. Fire + Water + Grass is a core. Slowbro + Amoonguss is a Regenerator core. Dark + Fighting + Dark is a core.
- The Hoenn Triangle doesn't have any testing for which you're checked for whether or not you're on the right track. But you can just ask for a battle, and I'm sure someone will battle you. If you ask for their opinion on how you did, I'm positive they'll help you out.
- First time mistakes, hmm... I can't think of any. Tips though are always useful. Stealth Rock is probably the best move in the game. Always try and set it up, preferably earlier than later. But beware of Magic Bounce users, Espeon and Xatu (although TTar threatens both with STAB Crunch/Pursuit, and can then set up Stealth Rock). A good offense is a good defence, but you do want Defense as well. 1 or 2 tanks to take Physical and Special hits are always welcome, and if they're capable of dealing good damage, then that's even better. When teambuilding, try and have a good 'core', which is 2 or 3 Pokémon which have good offensive and defensive synergy. Fire + Water + Grass is a core. Slowbro + Amoonguss is a Regenerator core. Dark + Fighting + Dark is a core.