Poison-Infused Pokémon Cards Explained, Encapsulating Abilities Unveiled

This guide explores the effects of the Poisoned status condition in Pokémon TCG Pocket, including how it works, which cards inflict it, how to cure it, and effective deck strategies.

Quick Links

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

Pokémon TCG Pocket features several Special Conditions from the physical card game, including Poisoned. This effect gradually reduces a Pokémon's HP each round until it faints or is cured. This guide explains the mechanics, relevant cards, cures, and effective deck strategies.

What is Poisoned in Pokémon TCG Pocket?

Poisoned is a Special Condition inflicting 10 HP damage at the end of each turn. This damage is calculated during the round's Checkup phase and doesn't automatically disappear. A Pokémon remains Poisoned until cured or 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, dealing extra damage. Muk, for example, gains a significant damage boost against Poisoned opponents.

Which Cards Inflict Poisoned?

In the Genetic Apex expansion, five cards inflict the Poisoned status: Weezing, Grimer, Nidoking, Tentacruel, and Venomoth. Grimer is particularly effective as a Basic Pokémon, poisoning opponents with just one Energy. Weezing's "Gas Leak" ability also applies Poisoned without Energy, but only while active.

How to Cure Poisoned?

There are three ways to remove the Poisoned status:

1. Evolution: Evolving a Poisoned Pokémon removes the effect.
2. Switching: Benching the Poisoned Pokémon prevents further HP loss.
3. Item Cards: While cards like Potion heal HP, they don't directly cure Poisoned, only extending survivability.

Best Poison Decks?

While not a top-tier archetype, a strong Poison deck can be built around the Grimer, Arbok, and Muk synergy. Grimer quickly poisons opponents, Arbok locks them in place, and Muk inflicts significant damage to Poisoned Pokémon.

Below is a sample decklist leveraging this synergy:

Sample Poison Deck