Pokémon TCG: Poisonous Pocket: 'Poison' Ability and Cards Unveiled

This guide delves into the intricacies of the Poisoned condition in Pokémon TCG Pocket, exploring its mechanics, relevant cards, countermeasures, and optimal deck building strategies.

Quick Navigation

• Understanding Poisoned in Pokémon TCG Pocket
• Cards with the Poisoned Ability
• Curing the Poisoned Status
• Crafting a Winning Poison Deck

Understanding Poisoned

Poisoned is a Special Condition inflicting 10 HP damage at the end of each round. This damage is calculated during the round's Checkup phase and persists until cured or the Pokémon is knocked out. While it can coexist with other Special Conditions, multiple Poisoned effects on a single Pokémon don't increase the damage beyond 10 HP per turn. However, certain Pokémon, like Muk, benefit from the Poisoned status, dealing increased damage.

Cards with the Poisoned Ability

In the Genetic Apex expansion, five Pokémon possess the ability to inflict the Poisoned status:

• Weezing
• Grimer
• Nidoking
• Tentacruel
• Venomoth

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

Curing the Poisoned Status

Three methods exist to counteract the Poisoned effect:

1. Evolution: Evolving a Poisoned Pokémon removes the condition.
2. Retreat: Moving the Poisoned Pokémon to the Bench halts HP loss.
3. Item Cards: Cards like Potion mitigate damage but don't cure the Poisoned status, extending the Active Pokémon's lifespan.

Crafting a Winning Poison Deck

While not a top-tier archetype, a potent Poison deck can be built around the Grimer, Arbok, and Muk synergy. The strategy focuses on rapid poisoning with Grimer, enemy lock-down with Arbok, and maximizing damage with Muk against poisoned opponents.

Here's a sample decklist showcasing 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). Experimentation is key to finding your optimal Poison deck.