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Basic Attacks
As Pikachu has a low amount of health points, the most appropriate moves to use are the ones that can incapacitate an opponent with a status effect. Both Thunderbolt and Thunder are high-leveled electrical attacks that can also cause paralysis, which means fewer chances for the opponent to damage your Pikachu. Thunder Wave is another move that Pikachu learns naturally and it has an even greater chance of inflicting paralysis, but it does not inflict any damage.
Tutor Moves
Tutor Moves are taught by tutors found throughout the region. Pikachu can learn several Tutor Moves, but not all are helpful. Although Pikachu learns Thunder Wave at level 8, you can have Pikachu tutored at Siliph Co. to learn this useful move earlier. Body Slam is taught at Four Island and inflicts both a high amount of damage and the chance for paralysis. This is a comparable substitute for Thunderbolt, which Pikachu will not learn until level 26.
TM and HM Attacks
TM and HM attacks are special moves that Pikachu can learn from a computer device. These moves are purchased in shops or found in gyms. Any move that spares Pikachu from an enemy's attack is useful, so teach it Attract, which makes an opposite-gendered Pokemon less likely to attack. Although Rain Dance is a Water-type move, it has the added effect of making all electric attacks 100% accurate. Teaching Rain Dance to Pikachu allows you to make the most of the rest of his move set by ensuring they always hit.
Egg Attacks
Egg Attacks are moves that can only be learned via Pokemon breeding. You must breed your Pikachu or Raichu with another Pokemon that knows the Egg Move you want. Your Pokemon will give birth to a Pichu, which you must train and evolve into Pikachu. Encore is the most useful Egg Move as it causes the opponent to repeat its action for five turns. Breed a Pikachu with a Pokemon that knows Encore, such as Clefairy or Plusle, to teach the resulting offspring the move.