Pokémon TCG Pocket: Poison Analysis and Extensive 'Poison' Ability Card List

This guide explores the intricacies of the Poisoned condition in Pokémon TCG Pocket, covering its mechanics, applicable cards, countermeasures, and optimal deck strategies.

Quick Navigation

• What is 'Poisoned'?
• Cards with the Poisoned Ability
• Curing Poisoned
• Best Poison Deck

Pokémon TCG Pocket incorporates the Poisoned Special Condition, mirroring the tabletop game. A Poisoned Active Pokémon loses 10 HP at the end of each round during the Checkup phase. This effect persists until cured or the Pokémon is knocked out, and it doesn't stack with additional Poison effects (only one 10 HP loss per turn). However, it can synergize with other Special Conditions and Pokémon abilities that benefit from a Poisoned opponent, such as Muk's increased damage output.

What is 'Poisoned'?

Poisoned is a Special Condition inflicting 10 HP damage at the end of each round. Unlike some effects, it's not automatically removed or reliant on coin flips. While it can combine with other Special Conditions, only one instance of Poisoned applies per Pokémon.

Cards with the Poisoned Ability

In the Genetic Apex expansion, these Pokémon can inflict the Poisoned status:

• Weezing
• Grimer
• Nidoking
• Tentacruel
• Venomoth

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

Koga's Rental Deck (featuring Grimer and Arbok) provides a good starting point for experimenting with Poison decks.

Curing 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 directly.

Best Poison Deck

While not a top-tier archetype, a powerful Poison deck can be built around the Grimer, Arbok, and Muk synergy. The strategy focuses on rapid poisoning with Grimer, opponent lock-in via Arbok, and Muk's substantial damage boost against Poisoned opponents.

Here's a sample decklist showcasing this strategy:

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