Leftover EVs

[Tomahawk]

So when set has 4 Leftover EVs (or 8, if you're using 248 HP), those EVs are invested in SpD to prevent Porygon-Z from getting a Special Attack boost with Download, or 4 HP EVs for bulk, etc. However, this is not applied consistently. I therefore propose a general checklist to see wherethe leftover EVs have to be placed.

1. The leftover EVs are added into Speed if the Pokemon is offensive and / or benefits from those Speed EVs by outspeeding a certain threat (or preventing speed ties against Pokemon with the same base speed). This does obviously not apply when the Pokemon already has invested EVs in Speed.
2. 4 Leftover EVs are added into Special Defense if the Pokemon has equal defenses to prevent Porygon-Z or Porygon from getting a Special Attack boost with Download. This does not apply in a metagame other than the OU / LC metagame.
3. If a Pokemon holds the item Leftovers and gains a notable Leftover number by investing 4 or 8 HP EVs, the leftover EVs are invested into HP.
4. The leftover EVs are invested into Atk or SpA if a Pokemon gains a notable difference by doing so. For example, Forretress using 4 Atk EVs to always 3HKO Giratina-O.
5. The leftover EVs are invested in either HP, Def or SpD. This calculated by using X-Act useful tool. If the leftover EVs are invested in HP and that makes the HP divisible by 8, the leftover EVs are invested in either defensive stat.

 

[Rising_Dusk]

We kind of already use that system, but the truth of the matter is that those leftover 4 EVs are not saving your Pokemon's life in any realistic scenario no matter where you put them. For that reason, I don't think we should enforce this with any intensity or even try to create very specific rules regarding the matter. The only point from your list which we currently already support is point #2 where you don't want something like Choice Scarf Porygon-Z to pick up a Special Attack boost against your NP Infernape that lacks Vacuum Wave. That's a very specific example with a fairly rare chance to rear its ugly head, but in the case where it does, there's no reason not to be prepared for it.

If you think there's an error with the on-site EVs in that the leftovers are misplaced for some Pokemon as indicated by your inconsistent claim, please post your findings here. Thanks.