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

This guide explores the mechanics of the "Poisoned" status condition in Pokémon TCG Pocket, detailing how it works, which cards inflict it, how to cure it, and effective deck strategies utilizing this condition.

Quick Links

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

Pokémon TCG Pocket incorporates several Special Conditions from the physical card game, including "Poisoned." This effect causes an Active Pokémon to gradually lose HP until cured or knocked out. This guide clarifies its application, relevant cards, cures, and optimal deck strategies.

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 applications. However, this status can be exploited by cards like Muk, which gains a damage boost against Poisoned opponents.

Which Cards Inflict Poisoned?

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

• Weezing
• Grimer
• Nidoking
• Tentacruel
• Venomoth

Grimer stands out as an effective Basic Pokémon, poisoning opponents with a single Energy. Weezing provides another strong option, using its "Gas Leak" ability (no Energy required) 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 the Poisoned status itself.

Effective 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 Muk's boosted damage against Poisoned opponents.

A sample META deck leveraging these synergies is detailed below:

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).