* Defense: This stat reduces the damage dealt by physical attacks. Physical attacks are those that involve direct contact, like punches, kicks, and bites.
* Special Defense: This stat reduces the damage dealt by special attacks. Special attacks are those that involve energy or supernatural forces, like fire blasts, psychic powers, and thunderbolts.
To clarify:
* Defense DOES NOT work on special attacks.
* Special Defense DOES NOT work on physical attacks.
Example:
* A Pokemon with high Defense will take less damage from a physical attack like "Scratch" or "Tackle".
* A Pokemon with high Special Defense will take less damage from a special attack like "Flamethrower" or "Thunderbolt".
Important Note: In later generations of Pokemon games, the introduction of "Special Attack" and "Special Defense" stats further complicated things. These stats determine a Pokemon's ability to deal damage with special attacks (Special Attack) and their ability to resist special attacks (Special Defense).
Let me know if you'd like more details on how the attack and defense stats work in Pokemon!