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. It explains how Poisoned works, 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
• Best Poison Decks

Pokémon TCG Pocket features several Special Conditions, including Poisoned. This effect gradually depletes an Active Pokémon's HP each round until cured or knocked out. Understanding its application, which cards utilize it, cures, and effective deck strategies is crucial.

What is Poisoned in Pokémon TCG Pocket?

Poisoned is a Special Condition inflicting 10 HP loss 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 stackable with other Special Conditions, it doesn't stack with itself; a Pokémon only loses 10 HP per turn regardless of multiple Poisoned applications. However, this status can be leveraged by cards like Muk, which inflicts additional damage to 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 an efficient Basic Pokémon, poisoning opponents with a single Energy. Weezing offers another strong option, using its Gas Leak ability (no Energy required) while Active.

Consider exploring Rental Decks, such as Koga's Deck (featuring Grimer and Arbok), for a Poisoned deck foundation.

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, extending survivability but not outright curing Poisoned.

Best Poison Decks?

While not a top-tier archetype, a strong Poison deck can be built around the Grimer, Arbok, and Muk synergy. Grimer quickly poisons, Arbok traps opponents, and Muk inflicts significant damage (up to 120) to Poisoned Pokémon.

Below is a sample META Poison deck leveraging these synergies:

Sample Poison Deck

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