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

This guide explores the intricacies of the Poisoned condition in Pokémon TCG Pocket, a special status effect that gradually drains a Pokémon's HP. We'll cover what Poisoned is, which cards inflict it, how to cure it, and strategies for building effective Poison decks.

Understanding Poisoned in Pokémon TCG Pocket

Poisoned is a Special Condition that inflicts 10 HP damage at the end of each round during the Checkup phase. Unlike some conditions, it doesn't automatically disappear and requires a cure or knockout to resolve. While it can stack with other Special Conditions, multiple Poisoned effects on a single Pokémon don't increase the damage beyond 10 HP per turn. However, certain Pokémon benefit from this status, dealing increased damage to Poisoned opponents. Muk, for example, gains a significant damage boost against poisoned foes.

Poison-Inflicting Pokémon

In the Genetic Apex expansion, several cards can inflict the Poisoned status:

• Weezing: Uses its "Gas Leak" ability (while active) to poison opponents.
• Grimer: A potent Basic Pokémon that poisons with a single Energy.
• Nidoking: A powerful poisoner, but requires evolution.
• Tentacruel: Another effective choice, requiring evolution.
• Venomoth: A solid option, requiring evolution.

Grimer stands out as a highly effective Basic Pokémon for quickly poisoning opponents. Weezing, while requiring it to be your active Pokémon, offers a unique Energy-less poison application via its ability.

Curing Poisoned Pokémon

Three methods exist to counter the Poisoned effect:

1. Evolution: Evolving a Poisoned Pokémon removes the condition.
2. Retreat: Switching out the Poisoned Pokémon to the bench prevents further HP loss.
3. Item Cards: Cards like Potion can heal HP, mitigating damage but not curing the Poisoned status.

Building a Winning Poison Deck

While not a top-tier archetype, a strong Poison deck can be built around the synergy of Grimer, Arbok, and Muk. This strategy focuses on quickly poisoning opponents with Grimer, trapping them with Arbok, and then unleashing Muk's increased damage against poisoned Pokémon. Consider incorporating Koffing and Weezing for additional poison options and Koga to strategically manage your active Pokémon. Supporting cards like Poké Balls and Professor's Research aid in drawing key cards, while Sabrina and X Speed help manage retreats.

A sample META deck featuring this synergy is outlined below:

Alternative strategies might utilize Jigglypuff (PA) and Wigglytuff ex, or a slower, high-damage approach with the Nidoking evolution line (Nidoran, Nidorino, Nidoking). Experimentation is key to finding the optimal Poison deck for your playstyle.