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

This guide explores the effects of the "Poisoned" status condition in Pokémon TCG Pocket, detailing how it works, which cards inflict it, how to cure it, and strategies for building effective Poison decks.

Quick Links

• What is Poisoned?
• Cards that inflict Poisoned
• Curing Poisoned
• Best Poison Decks

Pokémon TCG Pocket features several Special Conditions mirroring the physical card game, including Poisoned. This effect gradually depletes an Active Pokémon's HP until it faints or is cured. This guide explains Poisoned's mechanics, the cards involved, cure methods, and effective deckbuilding strategies.

What is Poisoned?

Poisoned is a Special Condition that inflicts 10 HP damage at the end of each round. Calculated during the round's Checkup phase, it persists until cured or the Pokémon faints, unlike some temporary effects. While stackable with other Special Conditions, multiple Poisoned effects don't increase the damage; a Pokémon only loses 10 HP per turn. This status can be exploited by cards like Muk, which deal bonus damage to Poisoned opponents.

Cards that inflict Poisoned

In the Genetic Apex expansion, five cards inflict the Poisoned status: Weezing, Grimer, Nidoking, Tentacruel, and Venomoth. Grimer stands out as a Basic Pokémon that poisons with a single Energy, while Weezing's Gas Leak ability (usable only while Active) poisons without Energy.

For Poison decks, consider Pokémon TCG Pocket's Rental Decks, particularly Koga's, which features Grimer and Arbok.

Curing Poisoned

Three methods exist to counter Poisoned:

1. Evolution: Evolving a Poisoned Pokémon removes the status.
2. Retreat: Moving a Poisoned Pokémon to the Bench prevents further HP loss.
3. Item Cards: Cards like Potion heal HP, extending survivability but not curing Poisoned directly.

Best Poison Decks

While not a top-tier archetype, a strong Poison deck can be built around the Grimer, Arbok, and Muk synergy. This strategy involves rapid poisoning with Grimer, enemy lock-in with Arbok, and Muk's high damage against Poisoned opponents.

Below is a sample META deck leveraging these synergies:

Poisoned Deck Details

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