Pokemon TCG Pocket: Poisoned, Explained (& All Cards with ‘Poison’ Ability)

This guide explores the intricacies of the Poisoned condition in Pokémon TCG Pocket, a Special Condition mirroring the tabletop game. This guide will cover what Poisoned is, which cards inflict it, how to cure it, and strategies for building effective Poison decks.

Quick Links

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

What is 'Poisoned' in Pokémon TCG Pocket?

Poisoned is a Special Condition inflicting 10 HP damage at the end of each round. Unlike some effects, it persists until cured or the Pokémon is knocked out. While it can stack with other Special Conditions, multiple Poisoned effects don't increase the damage beyond 10 HP per turn. However, certain Pokémon benefit from this status, dealing increased damage to Poisoned opponents (e.g., Muk).

Which Cards Inflict Poisoned?

In the Genetic Apex expansion, these cards inflict the Poisoned status:

• Weezing
• Grimer
• Nidoking
• Tentacruel
• Venomoth

Grimer stands out as an efficient Basic Pokémon, poisoning opponents with a single Energy. Weezing offers another strong option, using its "Gas Leak" ability (requiring no Energy) while active.

How to Cure Poisoned?

Three methods exist to counter the Poisoned effect:

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

Building Effective Poison Decks

While not a top-tier archetype, a strong Poison deck can be built around the Grimer, Arbok, and Muk synergy. This strategy focuses on quickly poisoning opponents with Grimer, trapping them with Arbok, and leveraging Muk's increased damage against Poisoned Pokémon. Koga can also be useful for cycling Weezing or Muk back into your hand.

A sample decklist focusing on this synergy is shown below:

Poison Deck Example:

Alternative strategies exist, such as using Jigglypuff (PA) and Wigglytuff ex, or a slower, high-damage approach with the Nidoking evolution line. Experimentation is key to finding the best Poison deck for your playstyle.