5th Gen Kinda complicated question

[Pandakid]

Hi guys and gals! I'm new here and this is my first time posting. This is all hypothetical and kinda complicated: I have a Pokémon with a high SP.A. I have a choice between 2 moves. One has a higher base power but is a physical move. The other is a special move but a lower base power. Which move should I take? For example: physical Dragon Rush with 100 base power or special Dragon Pulse with 90 base power.

 

[Ho-Oh]

Go for what you have the highest stat in, which is sPA. The boost given from it being special is better overall, considering you'll probably want to go with a Modest nature or something that lowers attack, too. Unless you can afford to go mixed, it's mostly better to go with the STAB (assuming you are discussing from a same type POV) in the one you specialise in, being special. For example, Kabutops can learn Surf and Waterfall. It has better attack than special attack, and Surf's base stat is higher but it's better learning Waterfall because the overall boost gained from being physical is better than going with the slightly higher Surf.

Anyway, welcome to PC! However, in the future keep in mind this'd belong in Quick Questions or in Competitive Battling Center's Simple Q&A thread. :) Also if that confuses you and you want to ask more, feel free to use either those threads for further clarification!