Poisonous Pokémon TCG Pocket Explained

This guide explores the intricacies of the Poisoned condition in Pokémon TCG Pocket, a Special Condition mirroring the tabletop game. This guide covers how Poisoned works, which cards inflict it, how to cure it, and effective deck strategies.

What is 'Poisoned' in Pokémon TCG Pocket?

Poisoned is a Special Condition inflicting 10 HP damage at the end of each round. Unlike some conditions, it persists until cured or the Pokémon is knocked out. While it stacks with other Special Conditions, multiple Poisoned effects don't increase the damage beyond 10 HP per turn. However, this status can be exploited by cards like Muk, which gains a damage boost 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 a Basic Pokémon applying Poisoned with a single Energy, while Weezing's Gas Leak ability (requiring no Energy) is effective when active.

Consider exploring Pokémon TCG Pocket's Rental Decks, such as Koga's Deck, which features Grimer and Arbok, for a Poison-focused strategy.

How to Cure Poisoned?

Three methods exist to counter Poisoned:

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

What is the Best Poison Deck?

While not a top-tier archetype, a strong Poison deck can be built around the synergy of Grimer, Arbok, and Muk. This strategy focuses on rapid poisoning with Grimer, opponent lock-down with Arbok, and Muk's high damage output against Poisoned opponents.

Here's a sample decklist highlighting these synergies:

Sample Poison Deck

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