How are EV's placed?

Question

I know some typical EV spreads, like 4 HP / 252 Atk/SAtk / 252 Spd for a sweeper.

But sometimes I see EV spreads like:

Hitmontop (M) @ Leftovers
Trait: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 232 Def / 26 SDef
Impish Nature (+Def, -SAtk)
- Rapid Spin
- Toxic
- Close Combat
- Stone Edge

How are these EVs placed like that? Are they placed mainly to equal certain stats, like the Defensive stats?

Comments

The one you gave an example for is the only one I know :(

Answer 1

They are usually calculated with specific Pokemon or uses in mind. For example you may give a certain Pokemon enough Defense EVs to survive a Crunch from Tyranitar, if that is the most likely Pokemon you will face (or most powerful of the likely Pokemon).

Or you may only give Jolteon half it's EVs in Speed because that's enough to outspeed Garchomp (just an example, I don't know if that's right).

Also HP EVs are often calculated to give you an exact stat that makes the best of Substitute (a quarter of your HP rounded up).

If you check the movesets on Smogon, they often have explanation for unusual EV spreads like these.