This guide explores the intricacies of the Poisoned condition in Pokémon TCG Pocket, detailing its effects, applicable cards, cures, and optimal deck strategies.
Quick Navigation
- Understanding Poisoned in Pokémon TCG Pocket
- Cards with the Poisoned Ability
- Curing the Poisoned Status
- Crafting a Winning Poison Deck
Understanding Poisoned
Poisoned is a Special Condition inflicting 10 HP loss at the end of each round. Unlike some conditions, it persists until cured or the Pokémon is knocked out. While it can coexist with other Special Conditions, it doesn't stack with itself; a Pokémon only loses 10 HP per round regardless of multiple Poison applications. This status can be strategically exploited by cards like Muk, which inflicts bonus damage against Poisoned opponents.
Cards with the Poisoned Ability
In the Genetic Apex expansion, five cards apply the Poisoned status:
- Weezing (Gas Leak ability, requires no energy but must be active)
- Grimer (efficient basic Pokémon, poisons with one energy)
- Nidoking
- Tentacruel
- Venomoth
Grimer stands out as a particularly effective Basic Pokémon for quickly poisoning opponents.
Curing Poisoned
Three methods exist to counteract the Poisoned condition:
- Evolution: Evolving a Poisoned Pokémon removes the effect.
- Retreat: Benching the affected Pokémon prevents further HP loss.
- Item Cards: Cards like Potion heal HP, extending survivability but not curing the Poisoned status itself.
Crafting a Winning 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-in with Arbok, and maximizing damage with Muk's bonus against Poisoned opponents. A sample decklist is provided below:
Poison Deck Composition
| 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 via ability (Gas Leak) |
| 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.
