Clamp
Effect Summary
Prevents the target from fleeing and deals damage for 2-5 turns.
Detailed Effect
Clamp deals damage on the first turn then traps the target (preventing them from switching out or fleeing), causing them to lose ⅛ of their maximum
HP
after each turn, for 4-5 turns.
If the user holds a Grip Claw
, the after-effects last for 7 turns.
If a Binding Band
is held, the damage is ⅙ of the target's maximum
HP
.

If the user holds a Grip Claw
If a Binding Band

- In Gen 1 the target can not attack while under its effect.
- In Gen 1-4 Clamp has 75%
accuracy
and the after-effects last for 2-5 turns. Holding Grip Claw
extends this to 5 turns.
The following table shows the likelihood of 2-5 turns:Amount Chance 2 37.5% 3 37.5% 4 12.5% 5 12.5% - In Generations 2-5, the target loses only ¹⁄₁₆ of their maximum
HP
after each turn, or ⅛ while holding a Binding Band
.
- From Gen 8 onwards this move can not be selected in battle.
Description
C
GS
Traps the foe for 2-5 turns.
E
RS
Traps and squeezes the foe for 2 to 5 turns.
FRLG
The foe is clamped and squeezed by the user’s shell for two to five turns.
DP
HGSS
PL
The foe is clamped and squeezed by the user’s very thick and sturdy shell for two to five turns.
B2W2
BW
ORAS
XY
LGPLGE
SM
USUM
The target is clamped and squeezed by the user’s very thick and sturdy shell for four to five turns.
SWSH
This move can’t be used. It’s recommended that this move is forgotten. Once forgotten, this move can’t be remembered.
Additional Information
Move Target
means that the Pokémon can not be selected.means that the Pokémon can be selected.means that the Pokémon will be selected.
Effect Type
Damage
Deals damage.
Trap
Traps a Pokémon, preventing it from fleeing.
Interactions
Makes contact
User touches the target. This triggers some abilities (e.g., Static) and items (e.g.,
Sticky Barb
).
Blocked by Detect and Protect
Copied by Mirror Move
A Pokémon targeted by this move can use Mirror Move to copy it.
Other Languages
Level Up
Contest Information
Contest
Contest Condition | Tough |
---|---|
Color | Yellow |
Flavor | Sour |
Contest Effect
Effect | Prevents the Applause Meter from rising for the rest of the turn. |
---|---|
Description | Temporarily stops the crowd from getting excited. |
Jam | - |
Appeal | ❤️❤️❤️ |
Super Contest Effect
Description | A basic performance using a move known by the Pokémon. |
---|---|
Appeal | ❤️❤️❤️ |