This guide explores the Special Condition "Poisoned" in Pokémon TCG Pocket, detailing its effects, applicable cards, cures, 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 features "Poisoned," a Special Condition mirroring the physical card game. This status inflicts gradual HP loss until cured or knockout. Understanding its application, associated cards, cures, and effective deck builds is crucial.
What is Poisoned?
Poisoned is a Special Condition that subtracts 10 HP at the end of each round, calculated during the Checkup phase. Unlike some effects, it persists until cured or the Pokémon faints. While stackable with other Special Conditions, it doesn't stack with itself; only 10 HP is lost per turn regardless of application frequency. This status can be exploited by certain Pokémon, like Muk, for bonus damage.
Which Cards Inflict Poisoned?
Within 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 with a single Energy. Weezing offers a strong alternative via its Energy-less "Gas Leak" ability (while active).
How to Cure Poisoned?
Three methods exist to counter the Poisoned effect:
- Evolution: Evolving the affected Pokémon removes the condition.
- Retreat: Benching the Pokémon prevents further HP loss.
- Item Cards: Cards like Potion heal HP, but don't cure Poisoned directly, extending survivability.
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. Grimer quickly poisons, Arbok locks opponents, and Muk inflicts substantial damage to Poisoned Pokémon (up to 120).
Consider these cards for a competitive Poison deck:
| Card | Quantity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Grimer | x2 | Applies Poisoned |
| Ekans | x2 | Evolves into Arbok |
| Arbok | x2 | Locks 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 your 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 (PA) and Wigglytuff ex, or a slower, high-damage approach using the Nidoking evolution line (Nidoran, Nidorino, Nidoking).
