This guide explores the intricacies of the Poisoned status condition in Pokémon TCG Pocket. We'll cover what it is, which cards inflict it, how to cure it, and effective deck strategies utilizing this condition.
Understanding Poisoned in Pokémon TCG Pocket
Poisoned is a Special Condition inflicting 10 HP damage at the end of each round. Unlike some effects, it persists until cured or the Pokémon is knocked out. While it can stack with other Special Conditions, multiple Poisoned effects don't increase the damage beyond 10 HP per turn. However, certain Pokémon benefit from this status, like Muk, which gains a significant damage boost against poisoned opponents.
Pokémon with Poisoning Abilities
Several cards in the Genetic Apex expansion inflict the Poisoned status. Key examples include:
- Grimer: An efficient Basic Pokémon poisoning opponents with a single Energy.
- Weezing: Applies Poisoned using its "Gas Leak" ability (requires no Energy, but must be the Active Pokémon).
- Nidoking, Tentacruel, and Venomoth: Additional Pokémon capable of inflicting the Poisoned condition.
Rental decks, such as Koga's deck, offer a good starting point for experimenting with Poison strategies.
Curing Poisoned
Three methods exist to counter the Poisoned effect:
- Evolution: Evolving a poisoned Pokémon removes the condition.
- Retreat: Moving the poisoned Pokémon to the bench halts HP loss.
- Item Cards: Cards like Potion heal HP, but don't cure Poisoned directly, offering temporary relief.
Building a Powerful Poison Deck
While not a top-tier archetype, a strong Poison deck can be built around Grimer, Arbok, and Muk. This strategy focuses on quickly poisoning opponents with Grimer, trapping them with Arbok, and maximizing Muk's damage output against poisoned Pokémon.
Here's a sample decklist showcasing this synergy:
| Card | Quantity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Grimer | x2 | Applies Poisoned |
| Ekans | x2 | Evolves into Arbok |
| Arbok | x2 | Locks in the opponent's Active Pokémon |
| Muk | x2 | Deals 120 DMG to Poisoned Pokémon |
| Koffing | x2 | Evolves into Weezing |
| Weezing | x2 | Applies Poisoned with "Gas Leak" ability |
| Koga | x2 | Returns Active Weezing or Muk to your 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 include using Jigglypuff (PA) and Wigglytuff ex, or a slower, high-damage approach with the Nidoking evolution line (Nidoran, Nidorino, Nidoking). Experiment and find the Poison strategy that best suits your playstyle!
