Use the "Dupes Clause" rule to your advantage. Catch common Pokémon like Rattata, Zubat, and Tentacool early. By filling your box with these species, you guarantee rare, high-tier encounters in later routes, such as Gible, Bagon, or Larvitar in caves and Safari zones. Thief and Covet Optimization

| Location | Pokémon | Why it’s good | |----------|---------|----------------| | Violet City (Poké Mart) | Mareep (gift) | Ampharos is tanky special attacker | | Ruins of Alph | Unown (if you want) | Not recommended – poor movepool | | Goldenrod (Game Corner) | Abra / Dratini (if you grind coins) | Alakazam or Dragonite | | Goldenrod (Bill’s grandpa) | Eevee | Umbreon (tank) or Espeon (speedy special) | | Route 34 | Ditto – breeding later | Not for battle, but useful for egg moves |