Pokemon TCG: 'Poison' Ability Explained

This guide explores the intricacies of the Poisoned condition in Pokémon TCG Pocket, detailing its mechanics, relevant cards, countermeasures, and effective deck-building strategies.

Quick Links

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

Pokémon TCG Pocket incorporates the Special Condition "Poisoned," mirroring the tabletop game. 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 building effective decks around it are crucial for success.

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, 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. However, this status can be exploited by cards like Muk, which gain a damage boost against Poisoned opponents.

Which Cards Inflict Poisoned?

In the Genetic Apex expansion, several cards inflict 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 strong option, using its "Gas Leak" ability (no Energy required) 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 address the Poisoned effect:

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

Building a Competitive Poison Deck

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 maximizing Muk's damage against Poisoned targets.

Here's a sample decklist demonstrating this synergy:

Poison Deck Details

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