The Three-Count

Any Pokémon fan knows that in the games, a Pokémon capture from a battle is not instantaneous, at least in most cases. After throwing a Poké Ball and the Pokémon becomes encapsulated, there is a delay that occurs before the capture is regarded as successful. It is this delay that I have dubbed as the "three-count" because that delay is composed of three short moments that precede the successful capture. This is present in any game where Poké Balls are concerned, including Go.

After the battle has taken place, a Poké Ball is thrown, the Pokémon is encapsulated, and the three-count begins. At any time during the three-count, the Pokémon may manage to break free of its capture hold, even just before or after the three-count has taken place. But if after the three short moments the Pokémon does not resist, then the capture becomes successful. This three-count is in particular emphasized in Shuffle with three spotlights that shine on the Poké Ball and in Go as the view zooms onto the Poké Ball.

This three-count is remarkably similar to what happens in boxing when a combatant goes down, only that it's a ten-count in boxing before the combatant is declared to have lost by knockout. Likewise, the combatant may nullify the count by getting back up, similar to when a Pokémon resists capture. It's an interesting parallel to be sure, not the least of which is because of the combat-oriented nature of Pokémon and boxing; it almost makes them superficially related.

This seems like such a small thing about Pokémon, but it's one that players of different games are exposed to, and possibly on a frequent basis. Moreover, it's something that is linked almost by principle to something that is real. At the least, this helps players of the games perceive something that is only visualized through screens. I say that is a wonderful thing for all Pokémon fans.

One year ago: On the Subject of Go