0687 Malamar

Psycho Cut is recommended for its very fast energy generation, letting Malamar utilize its Charge Moves much sooner. Peck lacks STAB and energy gains, and while its typing is useful against Malamar's double weakness to Bug Pokemon, it's not an option that's worthwhile. 

Foul Play is the most well-rounded Charge Move available, sporting solid STAB Dark-type damage output with a moderate energy cost. Superpower is a nice option to Malamar's movepool that gives it some very versatile Fighting-type coverage, though its self-debuff can make it more difficult to use. Psybeam is a poor move that doesn't deal a lot of damage relative to its high energy cost, even with STAB. However, it's the only option available for solid Psychic-type damage. Hyper Beam demands too much energy to be consistently viable. 

Malamar sports a relatively unique Psychic/Dark typing that is quite rare to come by, with stats that support average bulk in this league. Its typing and coverage with Foul Play makes it a hard wall against other primarily Psychic Pokemon such as Hypno, but Pokemon with coverage options like Deoxys Defense Forme or Cresselia aren't as bothered. Malamar's struggles against the ubiquitous Azumarill are a big factor, and while it's no surprise that Malamar will lose to "Charmers," losses against popular Dark-types like Umbreon and Sableye (despite having Superpower) can be discouraging. Overall Malamar is mostly a niche Pokemon that can perform well in specific limited formats, so don't overlook this squid!

Malamar's typing might appear to be useful in the Ultra League, but with only one resistance and decent bulk at best, Malamar will take a lot of neutral STAB hits from meta Pokemon. Despite taking neutral damage from Ghost-type attacks, Malamar performs surprisingly well against most meta Ghost-types in this league, including Giratina, but can struggle in prolonged 2-shield fights. Just keep this Pokemon away from "Charmers" and Bugs. It should also be noted that Malamar requires XL candy to reach the 2500 CP cap of this league, which makes it somewhat expensive compared to other Pokemon. 

The big dragons, birds, and beasts in Master League all need to eat in order to survive. Apparently fried squid is delicious.