Pokémon TCG: Poisoned Pocket: Guide and Card Analysis

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 causes an Active Pokémon to lose HP gradually until cured or knocked out. Understanding its application, relevant cards, cures, and effective deck builds 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's 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 Poison applications. However, this status can be exploited by cards like Muk, boosting its damage output against 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.

For Poison decks, explore Rental Decks; Koga's deck, featuring Grimer and Arbok, is a good starting point.

How to Cure Poisoned?

Three methods cure Poisoned:

1. Evolution: Evolving a Poisoned Pokémon removes the effect.
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, opponent lock-in with Arbok, and maximized damage from Muk against Poisoned foes.

Here's a sample META deck leveraging these synergies:

Poisoned Deck Details

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