Home News Pocket Power: Unveiling the 'Poison' Type in Pokémon TCG

Pocket Power: Unveiling the 'Poison' Type in Pokémon TCG

Author : Samuel Update : Dec 31,2024

This guide explores the Special Condition "Poisoned" in Pokémon TCG Pocket, explaining its effects, which cards inflict it, how to cure it, and strategies for building effective Poison decks.

Pokémon TCG Pocket features several Special Conditions, including Poisoned. This condition causes a Pokémon to lose HP gradually until cured or defeated. This guide clarifies its mechanics, associated cards, cures, and optimal deck strategies.

What is Poisoned?

Poisoned is a Special Condition inflicting 10 HP loss at the end of each round. This effect, calculated during the round's Checkup phase, persists until cured. It doesn't stack with itself (only 10 HP loss per round), but it can combine with other Special Conditions. Pokémon with abilities that benefit from Poisoned status, like Muk (dealing extra damage), can exploit this effect.

Which Cards Inflict Poisoned?

In the Genetic Apex expansion, these cards inflict the Poisoned status: Weezing, Grimer, Nidoking, Tentacruel, and Venomoth. Grimer stands out as a Basic Pokémon inflicting Poisoned with only one Energy. Weezing's Gas Leak ability (usable only while active) also inflicts Poisoned without Energy.

Explore Rental Decks, particularly Koga's Deck (featuring Grimer and Arbok), for a Poisoned deck starting point.

How to Cure Poisoned?

Three methods cure Poisoned:

Evolution: Evolving a Poisoned Pokémon removes the condition.
Retreat: Moving a Poisoned Pokémon to the Bench prevents further HP loss.
Item Cards: Cards like Potion heal HP, but don't cure Poisoned, offering temporary relief.

Building a Strong Poison Deck

While not a top-tier archetype, a potent Poison deck can be built around Grimer, Arbok, and Muk. The strategy involves rapid poisoning with Grimer, enemy lock-down with Arbok, and high damage from Muk against Poisoned opponents.

Below is a sample META Poison deck leveraging these synergies:

Sample Poison Deck

Card	Quantity	Effect
Grimer	x2	Applies Poisoned
Ekans	x2	Evolves into Arbok
Arbok	x2	Locks the opponent's Active Pokémon
Muk	x2	Deals 120 DMG to Poisoned Pokémon
Koffing	x2	Evolves into Weezing
Weezing	x2	Applies Poisoned with Ability (Gas Leak)
Koga	x2	Returns Active Weezing or Muk to hand
Poké Ball	x2	Draws a Basic Pokémon
Professor's Research	x2	Draws two cards
Sabrina	x1	Forces opponent's Active Pokémon to Retreat
X Speed	x1	Reduces Retreat cost

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