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 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?
• Best Poison Decks

Pokémon TCG Pocket incorporates several Special Conditions, including Poisoned. This effect gradually depletes an Active Pokémon's HP until it faints or is cured. Understanding its application, the cards that inflict it, cures, and effective deck strategies is crucial.

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 Checkup, unlike some effects, it persists until cured or the Pokémon faints. While stackable with other Special Conditions, it doesn't stack with itself; a Pokémon only loses 10 HP per turn regardless of multiple Poison applications. However, this status can be leveraged for extra damage with cards like Muk (+50 DMG bonus against Poisoned opponents).

Which Cards Inflict Poisoned?

In the Genetic Apex expansion, five cards inflict Poisoned: Weezing, Grimer, Nidoking, Tentacruel, and Venomoth. Grimer stands out as an efficient Basic Pokémon poisoning opponents with one Energy. Weezing's Gas Leak ability (requires no Energy but needs to be Active) is another strong option.

How to Cure Poisoned?

Three methods exist to counter Poisoned:

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

Best Poison Decks?

While not a top-tier archetype, a strong Poison deck can be built around the Grimer, Arbok, and Muk synergy. This strategy focuses on quickly poisoning opponents with Grimer, trapping them with Arbok, and exploiting Muk's high damage against Poisoned Pokémon.

Sample Poison Deck

Alternative strategies include using Jigglypuff (PA) and Wigglytuff ex, or a slower, high-damage Nidoking evolution line (Nidoran, Nidorino, Nidoking). Experiment and find what suits your playstyle!