This guide explores the intricacies of the Poisoned condition in Pokémon TCG Pocket, detailing its mechanics, applicable cards, countermeasures, and optimal 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 several Special Conditions from the physical card game, including Poisoned. This effect gradually depletes an Active Pokémon's HP until it's knocked out or the condition is removed. This guide will cover the mechanics of Poisoned, the cards that utilize it, how to counteract it, and effective deck strategies.
What is 'Poisoned' in Pokémon TCG Pocket?
Poisoned is a Special Condition inflicting a 10 HP loss at the end of each round. This damage is calculated during the round's Checkup phase and persists until cured or the Pokémon is knocked out. Unlike some effects, it doesn't resolve automatically or through chance. While it can combine with other Special Conditions, multiple Poisoned effects don't stack; a Pokémon only loses 10 HP per turn regardless of application frequency. However, this status can be leveraged by certain Pokémon, such as Muk, which gains a damage boost against Poisoned opponents.
Which Cards Inflict Poisoned?
In the Genetic Apex expansion, five cards inflict the Poisoned status: Weezing, Grimer, Nidoking, Tentacruel, and Venomoth. Grimer stands out as a Basic Pokémon inflicting Poison 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 exist to counter Poisoned:
- Evolution: Evolving a Poisoned Pokémon removes the condition.
- Retreat: Moving the Poisoned Pokémon to the Bench halts HP loss.
- Item Cards: Cards like Potion mitigate damage but don't cure Poisoned, extending survivability.
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 relies on quick poisoning with Grimer, opponent lock-in with Arbok, and Muk's boosted damage against poisoned targets.
Sample Poison Deck:
| Card | Quantity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Grimer | x2 | Applies Poisoned |
| Ekans | x2 | Evolves into Arbok |
| Arbok | x2 | Locks opponent's Active Pokémon |
| Muk | x2 | Deals increased damage to Poisoned Pokémon |
| Koffing | x2 | Evolves into Weezing |
| Weezing | x2 | Applies Poisoned via Ability |
| Koga | x2 | Returns Active 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 include using Jigglypuff (PA) and Wigglytuff ex, or a slower, high-damage approach with the Nidoking evolution line (Nidoran, Nidorino, Nidoking). Experimentation is key to optimizing your Poison deck.
