Talk:Spike Cannon (move)

Omanyte can learn this in Generation I. However, it was unable to learn it in any other generation, save for breeding two Omastar with Spike Cannon in Generation II.

Does that mean that in generation II a Pokémon could learn an evolution's level up moves by breeding? Or is that part just assumed by someone who doesn't know the full mechanics? Werdnae (talk) 00:35, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

Weighted average

Generation I

Spike Cannon inflicts damage, hitting the target 2-5 times per use. There is a 37.5% chance that it will hit 2 times, a 37.5% chance that it will hit 3 times, a 12.5% chance that it will hit 4 times, and a 12.5% chance that it will hit 5 times. Provided that the move does not miss, it will hit 3 times on average, giving it an average power of 60. 3 hits on average was calculated by using these percentages as a weighted average, (.375*2)+(.375*3)+(.125*4)+(.125*5) = 3. Although only the first strike can be a critical hit, each successive one will deal the same amount of damage. --Contye (talk) 07:13, 11 December 2020 (UTC)--Contye (talk) 07:13, 11 December 2020 (UTC)

Bulbapedia is not a strategy guide. That kind of meta information is not appropriate for a wiki.--ForceFire 07:28, 11 December 2020 (UTC)

Then shouldn't bulba say:

"Spike Cannon inflicts damage, hitting the target 2-5 times per use."

the rest of it is strategy guide.--Contye (talk) 04:13, 12 December 2020 (UTC)

No, explaining how we got the numbers is strategy guide-ish. Presenting the percentages as is is fine.--ForceFire 05:07, 12 December 2020 (UTC)