Electric Tauros

[t3h Icy]

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Tauros's moveset has been set in stone for millions of years, but players know that sometimes Thunderbolt can sneak in there, so let's analyze it.

First, why Thunderbolt? Due to Tauros's offensive versatility and power, the best choices to take on Tauros are high Defense Pokemon, and that makes people generally turn to Rocks. However, Blizzard and Earthquake make quick work of them. Since Aerodactyl is the only Pokemon that resists Ground and Normal, but is killed by Blizzard, we have to settle with taking neutral damage. Aquatics then become the best choice as they are naturally defensive, have powerful Special moves, and no problems with Tauros's moveset. That's where Thunderbolt comes in.

So let's go over all the defensive aquatics that give Tauros trouble.

Blastoise:
Tauros's Body Slam - 110-93 (30%-26%)
Tauros's Hyper Beam - 192-163 (53%-45%)
Tauros's Thunderbolt - 145-124 (40%-34%)
Tauros's Thunder - 183-155 (51%-43%)

While Blastoise isn't as scary as other aquatics, the threat is Counter. Thunderbolt is subpar to Body Slam, but does protect against Counter happy Blastoise. For Blastoise, I would recommend Thunderbolt, but Blastoise in OU is never seen, so this can be ignored for the most part.

Slowbro:
Tauros's Body Slam - 103-87 (26%-22%)
Tauros's Hyper Beam - 180-153 (46%-39%)
Tauros's Thunderbolt - 151-128 (38%-33%)
Tauros's Thunder - 189-161 (48%-41%)

Thunderbolt does significantly more than Body Slam against Slowbro, but once Amnesia is used, it becomes useless quickly. If you happen to have Thunderbolt on Tauros, use it before Amnesia, but I wouldn't recommend Thunderbolt specifically for Slowbro.

Cloyster:
Tauros's Body Slam - 72-61 (24%-20%)
Tauros's Hyper Beam - 125-107 (41%-35%)
Thunderbolt vs Cloyster - 145-124 (48%-41%)
Tauros's Thunder - 183-155 (60%-51%)

Cloyster is almost the main reason Thunderbolt is a consideration. Cloyster laughs at Tauros's attacks, but Thunderbolt can zap him. This is also the only match-up I'd recommend Thunder for, as Tauros can hit hard and then finish off Cloyster, before he can react with Explosion. However, Thunder is only 70% accurate, and hitting with it twice is a gamble itself.

Kingler:
Tauros's Body Slam - 100-85 (32%-27%)
Tauros's Hyper Beam - 174-148 (56%-47%)
Tauros's Thunderbolt - 195-166 (62%-53%)
Tauros's Thunder - 246-209 (79%-67%)

Thunderbolt is a 2HKO guaranteed. On top, Kingler may use Swords Dance if the opponent is expecting a switch or willing to take a weak Body Slam. This is a case where Thunderbolt is very helpful.

Starmie:
Tauros's Body Slam - 122-103 (38%-32%)
Tauros's Hyper Beam - 213-181 (66%-56%)
Tauros's Thunderbolt - 131-111 (41%-34%)
Tauros's Thunder - 165-140 (51%-43%)

Since Starmie's Special is high, while her Defense is average, the difference with Thunderbolt is negligible. Even if you happen to have Thunderbolt, I'd suggest Body Slam for Paralysis. If Starmie is Paralyzed too, then yes, Thunderbolt is slightly better. Thunder is also too risky on a Pokemon that can spam Recover.

Gyarados:
Tauros's Body Slam - 127-108 (32%-27%)
Tauros's Hyper Beam - 223-189 (57%-48%)
Tauros's Thunderbolt - 262-223 (67%-57%)
Tauros's Thunder - 330-280 (84%-71%)

Gyarados is not a Tauros soft counter, but is the only Pokemon to take 4x to Electric attacks. Thunderbolt's minimum is Hyper Beam's maximum, so definitely use it if you have it.

Lapras:
Tauros's Body Slam - 126-107 (27%-23%)
Tauros's Hyper Beam - 221-188 (48%-41%)
Tauros's Thunderbolt - 135-115 (29%-25%)
Tauros's Thunder - 170-145 (37%-31%)

Like Starmie, the difference in Defense and Special for Lapras isn't enough to make Thunderbolt worth using. In the case you have Thunderbolt and Lapras is Paralyzed, use it, but otherwise don't bother.

Omastar:
Tauros's Earthquake - 147-125 (43%-36%)
Tauros's Thunderbolt - 119-101 (35%-29%)
Tauros's Thunder - 150-127 (44%-37%)

Omastar is oddball, resisting both Normal and Ice, so Tauros must use Earthquake. However, Thunderbolt is actually weaker, while Thunder is negligibly stronger. Still, I suggest Thunderbolt over Earthquake, for the 10% chance to Paralyze, but don't modify Tauros just for Omastar.

Articuno:
Tauros's Body Slam - 110-93 (29%-24%)
Tauros's Hyper Beam - 192-163 (50%-43%)
Tauros's Thunderbolt - 113-96 (30%-25%)
Tauros's Thunder - 141-120 (37%-31%)

Thunderbolt isn't powerful enough to be useful. However, Reflect on Articuno isn't too uncommon, so Thunderbolt can help then.

So those are all of the aquatics that Electric attacks are worth using against. The conclusion? Thunderbolt has to replace either Blizzard or Earthquake, and while you may be able to part with one of them, as neither are used as much as the Normal moves, it's rarely worth it. I suggest only using Thunderbolt for players you know will have Cloyster, Kingler and Articuno, as opposed to using it just to be trendy. I also only recommend Thunder if you absolutely want to defeat Cloyster, but the variance in usefulness is significantly higher than with Thunderbolt, and only for a slight extra advantage. On top, Thunderbolt is more useful for the others.

If you get rid of a move, lose Earthquake if you don't fear Gengar/Counter users, or Blizzard if you don't fear Grounds. The Normal moves shouldn't be replaced.