Prediction really is important in this type of game, but so is remebering your moves. I think the worst battle I've had yet, was just today, when I was trying keep my Ninjask alive and power it up. My opponent had a Drifblim and he kept minimizing.
My mistake was not switching out when he did this and using someone to take care of him. Instead it was just a stat rising contest. It wasn't until I did two sword dances that I switched out and tried to kill him with my Kangaskhan.
How surprising was it (Sarcasm) When he baton pass to a Hippodown and proceeded to own me and three of my team members. But that wasn't the worst part of the whole thing
The worst part, was that I FORGOT my Salamance had a roar move, just for this occasion and I don't even remember it until I get to him. So in the end, he decemited the rest of my team, even after I got rid of his Hippodown and I lost six to nothing.
Freaking, pathetic.
