What it does
Triple Axel is an Ice-type physical move that hits three times in one turn, with power increasing on each successive hit. The total damage from all three hits combined is substantial — but that number assumes all three connect. Missing any hit stops the sequence and reduces total damage proportionally.
The multi-hit property has a second implication: Focus Sash and Sturdy survive one hit at 1 HP, but subsequent hits land normally. Triple Axel removes that survivability — the second hit finishes the job. Substitute breaks on the first hit and the next two connect directly. Single-hit Ice moves can't do either of these things.
Ice typing covers Flying, Dragon, Grass, and Ground — all four of which appear regularly in doubles, whether as offensive threats or support Pokémon.
Who runs it
Tsareena uses it at 76% usage. Grass-type with no Ice STAB, but the Ice coverage is precisely what Grass-type attackers need to hit Flying and Dragon types. Queenly Majesty blocks priority moves, so Tsareena completes all three hits without getting disrupted by Fake Out or similar.
Weavile gets Ice STAB and has extremely high Speed — it moves first and delivers all three hits before many opponents can react. Combined with its high Attack, a full three-hit connects for substantial total damage and breaks any sash in the way.
Meowscarada carries it for Flying and Dragon coverage outside its primary Grass/Dark offense. Fast enough to land all three hits early in the turn.
Gallade (Psychic/Fighting) picks it for Ice coverage against Flying and Dragon targets that resist its Fighting moves.
Quaquaval (Water/Fighting) uses it for Dragon and Grass coverage to complement its primary Water/Fighting offense.
How to use it
In doubles, target Pokémon weak to Ice: Flying, Dragon, Grass, Ground. The multi-hit adds tactical value when the target has a safety mechanism.
For sash/Sturdy breaking specifically: identify the target in team preview. If a Pokémon looks like it's holding Focus Sash — usually a frail fast attacker — Triple Axel from a faster user clears it without needing chip damage setup.
All three hits are delivered sequentially without the opponent getting to act between them, so the sequence completes in one go.
Tips & strategy
Accuracy matters. Each hit has its own accuracy check — if the user's accuracy is lowered or the target's evasion is raised, the chance of landing all three drops quickly. Don't click Triple Axel when you're in an accuracy-impaired state.
The 'Sash / Sturdy / Substitute breaking' use case is the clearest advantage over single-hit Ice moves. When that interaction is relevant, Triple Axel is the correct choice. When it isn't relevant, the hit total and accuracy question become the deciding factor against a straightforward Ice hit.