Q: What is the chance of finding a shiny?
A: In most cases, it's 8/65536 (1/8192). However, the Masuda Method increases the chance to 1/2048 in D/P/Pt/HG/SS and 1/1366 in Black & White. Using the Pokeradar in D/P/Pt also helps finding shinies, with a chance of 1/50 to see a "Shiny Patch" at a chain of 40+.
Q: What is the Masuda Method?
A: Breeding 2 Pokemon from different language games. Like a Japanese Ditto with an English Magikarp. As the US versions and the English EU versions are both the same language, they won't work together.
Q: What Pokemon can't be shiny?
A: All Wonder Card Pokemon (Event Pokemon) can't be shiny unless they're always shiny. Also, in Black & White, Victini, Reshiram, Zekrom, Zorua (in-game event) and Zoroark (in-game event) can't be shiny.
Q: So, can I get Shiny Zorua by breeding?
A: Yes, you can always breed for a shiny one.
Q: I heard there's a better chance of finding a shiny by doing this and that, is that true?
A: No, as mentioned above, the Masuda Method and chaining are the only ways to increase your odds. Otherwise it's always 1/8192, no matter what.
Q: I've hit *insert large number* encounters/SRs, is my game broken or am I doing something wrong?
A: You're just unlucky. It might take 100 encounters, but it can take over 40,000 aswell (very rarely).
Q: Isn't the chance to see a shiny starter in HG/SS 3/8192 because you see 3 pokemon at the same time?
A: No, even though you see 3 at once, the chance is still 1/8192 for all 3 of them. It's like doing 3 encounters, but faster.
~~~Will be updated with more later~~~