What is a good moveset for Raichu?

Question

This thread is for Kantonian Raichu. For Alolan Raichu, please go here.

If you have a good competitive moveset for Raichu, post an answer below and upvote the best ones. Movesets for any of its pre-evolutions can also be shared on this thread.

Be sure to include full set details in your post, e.g. items, abilities, natures and EVs. Some detail, including the intended game mode for your set, is also appreciated. Access the full list of guidelines here.

Raichu Pokédex and learnset for reference.

Comments

Encore is bad if the opponent uses a good move

Answer 1

Gen 8 ZU

Raichu @ Life Orb
Ability: Lightning Rod
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature

• Thunderbolt
• Grass Knot
• Surf
• Focus Blast

Thunderbolt is STAB. Grass Knot is coverage for Ground types like Hippopotas and Gabite, while Surf is more consistent and also hits Pokemon like Heatmor and Crustle super-effectively. Focus Blast is coverage.

Answer 2

Raichu @ Focus Sash
Ability: Lightning Rod
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature

• Thunderbolt / Thunder
• Fake Out
• Grass Knot
• Yawn / Encore / Helping Hand

This is for Doubles (Just like everything else I make...) Thunderbolt or Thunder for STAB, Fake Out for the free flinching, Grass Knot for coverage on Ground, Rock, and Water, even though electric STAB takes care of that, and Yawn for the free switch out or sleep, Encore to lock stallers like Ferrothorn into Leech Seed, and set up sweepers like the infamous Volcarona into Quiver Dance, or Helping Hand to boost your teammate's attacks.

Answer 3

Rain Set
Gen 8

Raichu @ Focus Sash
Ability: Static
EVs: 252 SpA / 252 Spe / 4 HP
Modest Nature
- Rain Dance
- Thunder
- Surf
- Brick Break

Set up Rain Dance to boost the power of Surf and give Thunder infinite accuracy. Brick Break is there to remove Light Screen and Reflect. If your playing in doubles then feel free to change Rain Dance as long as you have a mon that can summon rain via Drizzle or Rain Dance. Make sure it knows Surf as a Pikachu.

Hope this helped :)