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 Condition mirroring the tabletop game. This guide covers how Poisoned works, which cards inflict it, how to cure it, and strategies for building effective Poison decks.

Quick Links

• What is Poisoned in Pokémon TCG Pocket?
• Which Cards Inflict Poisoned?
• How to Cure Poisoned
• Building a Strong Poison Deck

Pokémon TCG Pocket features several Special Conditions, including Poisoned. This status inflicts gradual HP loss on an Active Pokémon until it's cured or defeated. Understanding its application, which Pokémon possess this ability, cures, and effective deck-building strategies are crucial.

What is Poisoned in Pokémon TCG Pocket?

Poisoned is a Special Condition that deducts 10 HP at the end of each round during the Checkup phase. Unlike some effects, it persists until cured or the Pokémon faints. While it can combine with other Special Conditions, multiple Poisoned effects don't stack; the HP loss remains 10 per turn. However, this status can be exploited by cards benefiting from poisoned opponents, such as Muk, which gains a damage boost.

Which Cards Inflict Poisoned?

In the Genetic Apex expansion, five cards inflict the Poisoned status: Weezing, Grimer, Nidoking, Tentacruel, and Venomoth. Grimer stands out as a Basic Pokémon applying Poisoned with a single Energy. Weezing's Gas Leak ability (requiring no Energy) is powerful but only usable while active.

For aspiring Poison deck builders, exploring Rental Decks, particularly Koga's deck (featuring Grimer and Arbok), is recommended.

How to Cure Poisoned?

Three methods exist to counter Poisoned:

1. Evolution: Evolving a Poisoned Pokémon removes the effect.
2. Retreat: Benching the affected Pokémon prevents further HP loss.
3. Item Cards: Cards like Potion heal HP, extending survivability but not curing the condition itself.

Building a Strong Poison Deck?

While not a top-tier archetype, a potent Poison deck can be built around the Grimer, Arbok, and Muk synergy. This strategy focuses on rapid poisoning with Grimer, enemy lock-down using Arbok, and Muk's boosted damage against poisoned opponents.

The following table details a meta-focused deck leveraging these synergies:

Poison Deck Composition

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