Analyze Pokemon's "Poisoned" TCG Pocket: All Cards with Toxic Ability

This guide delves into the intricacies of the Poisoned condition in Pokémon TCG Pocket, a Special Condition mirroring the tabletop game. This guide explains how Poisoned works, which cards inflict it, how to counter it, and effective deck strategies.

Quick Navigation

• Understanding Poisoned in Pokémon TCG Pocket
• Cards with the Poisoned Ability
• Curing Poisoned
• Optimal Poison Decks

Understanding Poisoned

Poisoned is a Special Condition inflicting 10 HP damage at the end of each round, calculated during the round's Checkup phase. 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 turn regardless of multiple Poison applications. However, this status can be exploited by cards like Muk, which gains a damage boost against Poisoned opponents.

Cards with the Poisoned Ability

In the Genetic Apex expansion, five cards can 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 (no Energy required) while active.

Explore Pokémon TCG Pocket's Rental Decks, specifically Koga's deck (featuring Grimer and Arbok), for a Poisoned deck starting point.

Curing Poisoned

Three methods exist to neutralize the Poisoned effect:

1. Evolution: Evolving a Poisoned Pokémon removes the condition.
2. Retreat: Benching the affected Pokémon halts HP loss.
3. Item Cards: Cards like Potion mitigate HP loss but don't cure Poisoned, extending the Active Pokémon's survival.

Optimal Poison Decks

While not a top-tier archetype, a potent Poison deck can be built around the Grimer, Arbok, and Muk synergy. This strategy focuses on rapid poisoning with Grimer, opponent lock-in with Arbok, and Muk's amplified damage against Poisoned foes.

Here's a sample META deck leveraging this synergy:

Poisoned Deck Composition

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