Poisonous Power: Pokémon TCG's 'Poison' Ability Unveiled

This guide explores the mechanics of the "Poisoned" status condition in Pokémon TCG Pocket, including how it works, which cards inflict it, how to cure it, and effective deck strategies.

Quick Links

• What is 'Poisoned' in Pokémon TCG Pocket?
• Which Cards Inflict Poisoned?
• How to Cure Poisoned?
• Best Poison Decks?

Pokémon TCG Pocket features several Special Conditions mirroring the physical card game, including Poisoned. This effect gradually depletes an Active Pokémon's HP until it's defeated or cured. This guide clarifies its application, relevant cards, cures, and effective deck builds.

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 Checkup, it persists until cured or the Pokémon is knocked out, unlike some temporary effects. While it can combine with other Special Conditions, it doesn't stack with additional Poison effects; a Pokémon only loses 10 HP per turn regardless of multiple applications. However, this status can be exploited by cards like Muk, which gains a damage bonus against Poisoned opponents.

Which Cards Inflict Poisoned?

In the Genetic Apex expansion, five cards inflict Poisoned: Weezing, Grimer, Nidoking, Tentacruel, and Venomoth. Grimer is particularly effective as a Basic Pokémon poisoning opponents with a single Energy. Weezing offers another strong option, using its "Gas Leak" ability (no Energy required) while Active.

How to Cure Poisoned?

Three methods cure Poisoned:

1. Evolution: Evolving a Poisoned Pokémon removes the status.
2. Retreat: Benching the Pokémon prevents further HP loss.
3. Item Cards: Cards like Potion heal HP but don't cure Poisoned, extending survivability.

Best Poison Decks?

While not a top-tier archetype, a strong Poison deck can be built around the Grimer, Arbok, and Muk synergy. The strategy involves rapid poisoning with Grimer, trapping opponents with Arbok, and maximizing Muk's damage against Poisoned foes.

Sample Poison Deck

Alternative strategies include Jigglypuff (PA) and Wigglytuff ex, or a slower, high-damage Nidoking evolution line (Nidoran, Nidorino, Nidoking). Experiment with Rental Decks for a starting point.