Pokemon TCG Pocket: Poisoned, Explained (& All Cards with ‘Poison’ Ability)

This guide explores the intricacies of the "Poisoned" status condition in Pokémon TCG Pocket, detailing its effects, applicable cards, cure methods, and optimal deck strategies.

Quick Links

• What is 'Poisoned' in Pokémon TCG Pocket?
• Which Cards Inflict Poisoned?
• How to Cure Poisoned
• Building Effective Poison Decks

Pokémon TCG Pocket incorporates several Special Conditions from the physical card game, including "Poisoned." This effect gradually depletes an Active Pokémon's HP until it faints or the condition is removed. This guide clarifies its mechanics, relevant cards, countermeasures, and effective deck building.

What is 'Poisoned' in Pokémon TCG Pocket?

"Poisoned" is a Special Condition inflicting 10 HP damage at the end of each round. Calculated during the round's Checkup phase, unlike some effects, it persists until cured or the Pokémon faints. While it can coexist with other Special Conditions, it doesn't stack with additional Poison effects; a Pokémon only loses 10 HP per turn regardless of multiple applications. However, this status can be exploited by cards like Muk, which gains a damage boost against Poisoned opponents.

Which Cards Inflict Poisoned?

The Genetic Apex expansion features several Pokémon capable of inflicting the Poisoned status:

• Weezing
• Grimer
• Nidoking
• Tentacruel
• Venomoth

Grimer stands out as an efficient Basic Pokémon, poisoning opponents with a single Energy. Weezing offers another potent option, using its "Gas Leak" ability (requiring no Energy) while Active.

Rental Decks provide excellent starting points for experimenting with Poison-based strategies; Koga's deck, featuring Grimer and Arbok, is a strong example.

How to Cure Poisoned

Three methods exist for counteracting the Poisoned effect:

1. Evolution: Evolving a Poisoned Pokémon removes the condition.
2. Retreat: Benching the affected Pokémon prevents further HP loss.
3. Item Cards: Cards like Potion mitigate damage but don't cure Poisoned, extending the Active Pokémon's survival.

Building Effective Poison Decks

While not a top-tier archetype, a potent Poison deck can be constructed around the Grimer, Arbok, and Muk synergy. The strategy centers on rapid poisoning with Grimer, trapping opponents with Arbok, and maximizing Muk's damage against Poisoned Pokémon.

A sample decklist focusing on this strategy is provided below:

Sample Poison Deck

Alternative strategies include using Jigglypuff (PA) and Wigglytuff ex, or a slower, high-damage approach with the Nidoking evolution line (Nidoran, Nidorino, Nidoking).