This guide explores the Special Condition "Poisoned" in Pokémon TCG Pocket, explaining its mechanics, which cards inflict it, how to cure it, and effective deck strategies.
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Pokémon TCG Pocket features several Special Conditions, including Poisoned. This status effect gradually depletes an Active Pokémon's HP until it faints or is cured. Understanding how Poisoned works, which Pokémon utilize it, and effective counter-strategies is crucial for success.
What is Poisoned?
Poisoned is a Special Condition that inflicts 10 HP damage at the end of each round. This damage is calculated during the round's Checkup phase and persists until cured or the Pokémon faints. It doesn't automatically disappear or rely on coin flips. While it can combine with other Special Conditions, multiple Poisoned effects don't stack; a Pokémon only takes 10 HP damage per turn. However, some Pokémon benefit from the Poisoned status, dealing increased damage. For example, Muk's attack power increases when the opponent is Poisoned.
Cards that Inflict Poisoned
In the Genetic Apex expansion, several cards can inflict the Poisoned status:
- Weezing
- Grimer
- Nidoking
- Tentacruel
- Venomoth
Grimer is particularly effective as a Basic Pokémon that poisons opponents using only one Energy. Weezing's Gas Leak ability also inflicts Poisoned without Energy cost, but only while active.
Rental Decks offer a good starting point for experimenting with Poison-based strategies, such as Koga's deck, which includes Grimer and Arbok.
Curing Poisoned
Three methods can counter the Poisoned effect:
- Evolution: Evolving a Poisoned Pokémon removes the status.
- Retreat: Benching a Poisoned Pokémon prevents further HP loss.
- Item Cards: Cards like Potion heal HP but don't cure Poisoned directly; they extend the Active Pokémon's survival.
Best Poison Decks
Poison isn't a top-tier archetype in the current meta, but a strong strategy uses the synergy between Grimer, Arbok, and Muk. This involves quickly poisoning opponents with Grimer, trapping them with Arbok, and exploiting Muk's increased damage against Poisoned opponents.
Here's a sample decklist showcasing this synergy:
| Card | Quantity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Grimer | x2 | Applies Poisoned |
| Ekans | x2 | Evolves into Arbok |
| Arbok | x2 | Locks in the opponent's Active Pokémon |
| Muk | x2 | Deals increased damage to Poisoned Pokémon |
| Koffing | x2 | Evolves into Weezing |
| Weezing | x2 | Applies Poisoned with an Ability |
| Koga | x2 | Returns 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 involve Jigglypuff/Wigglytuff ex or the Nidoking evolution line (Nidoran, Nidorino, Nidoking) for slower, higher-damage Poison decks.
