This guide delves into the mechanics of the Poisoned condition in Pokémon TCG Pocket, exploring how it works, which cards inflict it, how to counteract it, and viable deck strategies leveraging this effect.

Understanding Poisoned in Pokémon TCG Pocket

Poisoned is a status condition inflicting 10 HP damage at the end of each round. Unlike some status effects, it persists until cured or the Pokémon is knocked out. While it can combine with other conditions, multiple Poisoned effects don't stack; a Pokémon only loses 10 HP per turn regardless of how many times it's poisoned. However, some Pokémon, like Muk, benefit from this status, dealing increased damage to poisoned opponents.

Pokémon with the Poisoned Ability

Several cards in Genetic Apex can inflict the Poisoned status:

• Weezing
• Grimer
• Nidoking
• Tentacruel
• Venomoth

Grimer is particularly efficient, poisoning opponents with a single Energy. Weezing offers another strong option, using its "Gas Leak" ability (requiring no Energy) while active.

Rental decks, such as Koga's deck, offer a good starting point for experimenting with Poison strategies.

Curing Poisoned

Three methods exist to deal with the Poisoned effect:

1. Evolution: Evolving a poisoned Pokémon removes the condition.
2. Retreat: Moving a poisoned Pokémon to the bench prevents further HP loss.
3. Item Cards: Cards like Potion heal HP but don't cure Poisoned, simply extending the Active Pokémon's lifespan.

Building a Poison Deck

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

A sample decklist emphasizing this synergy follows:

Alternative strategies exist, using Jigglypuff (PA) and Wigglytuff ex or the Nidoking evolution line (Nidoran, Nidorino, Nidoking) for slower, high-damage approaches.