This guide explores the intricacies of the Poisoned condition in Pokémon TCG Pocket, detailing its mechanics, affected cards, countermeasures, and optimal deck strategies.
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 incorporates several Special Conditions from the physical card game, including Poisoned. This effect gradually depletes an Active Pokémon's HP until it faints or is cured. Understanding how Poisoned works, which cards utilize it, how to counteract it, and which decks leverage it effectively is crucial for success.
What is 'Poisoned' in Pokémon TCG Pocket?
Poisoned is a Special Condition inflicting 10 HP loss at the end of each round. Calculated during the round's Checkup phase, it persists until cured or the Pokémon faints, unlike some temporary effects. While it can coexist with other Special Conditions, multiple Poisoned effects don't stack; a Pokémon only loses 10 HP per turn regardless of application frequency. However, this status can be exploited by cards benefiting from poisoned opponents, like Muk, which gains a significant 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 an efficient Basic Pokémon, poisoning opponents with a single Energy. Weezing provides another strong option, using its "Gas Leak" ability (no Energy cost) while Active.
For aspiring Poison deck builders, explore Pokémon TCG Pocket's Rental Decks, particularly Koga's deck, featuring Grimer and Arbok as a solid foundation.
How to Cure Poisoned
Three methods exist to counter the Poisoned effect:
- Evolution: Evolving a Poisoned Pokémon removes the condition.
- Retreat: Benching the affected Pokémon prevents further HP loss.
- Item Cards: Cards like Potion heal HP, extending survivability but not curing Poisoned directly.
Building a Strong Poison Deck
While not a top-tier archetype, a powerful Poison deck can be built around the Grimer, Arbok, and Muk synergy. The strategy centers on rapid poisoning with Grimer, opponent lock-in with Arbok, and Muk's substantial damage boost against poisoned opponents.
Below is a sample decklist showcasing this strategy:
Poisoned Deck Composition
| Card | Quantity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Grimer | x2 | Applies Poisoned |
| Ekans | x2 | Evolves into Arbok |
| Arbok | x2 | Locks in the opponent's Active Pokémon |
| Muk | x2 | Deals 120 DMG to Poisoned Pokémon |
| Koffing | x2 | Evolves into Weezing |
| Weezing | x2 | Applies Poisoned via Ability ("Gas Leak") |
| Koga | x2 | Returns Active Weezing or Muk to hand |
| Poké Ball | x2 | Draws a Basic Pokémon |
| Professor's Research | x2 | Draws two cards |
| Sabrina | x1 | Forces opponent's Active Pokémon to Retreat |
| X Speed | x1 | Reduces Retreat cost |
Alternative strategies include incorporating Jigglypuff (PA) and Wigglytuff ex, or a slower, high-damage approach with the Nidoking evolution line (Nidoran, Nidorino, Nidoking).
