Pokemon TCG Pocket: Understanding Poison Effects and Cards

In *Pokemon Pocket*, the Poisoned Special Condition is a key element borrowed from the physical *Pokemon Trading Card Game*. When a Pokemon is afflicted with Poisoned, it experiences a steady decline in HP at the end of each round, which continues until the Pokemon is either knocked out or the condition is cured. Understanding the mechanics of Poisoned, identifying the cards that can apply this effect, knowing how to cure it, and exploring the best decks that utilize this condition are crucial for mastering the game. This comprehensive guide to *Pokemon TCG Pocket* delves into these aspects to enhance your gameplay strategy.

What Is 'Poisoned' in Pokemon TCG Pocket?

The Poisoned condition in Pokemon TCG Pocket inflicts a 10 HP reduction at the end of every round. This damage is assessed during the round's Checkup phase. Unlike some other conditions, Poisoned persists without automatic resolution or coin flip chances, demanding strategic action to mitigate its effects. Notably, Poisoned does not stack; a Pokemon will only suffer a maximum of 10 HP loss per turn, regardless of multiple Poison applications. However, savvy players can exploit this condition with cards like Muk, which gains a +50 DMG boost when battling a Poisoned opponent.

Which Cards Have the Poisoned Ability?

In the Genetic Apex expansion, you'll find five cards capable of inflicting Poisoned: Weezing, Grimer, Nidoking, Tentacruel, and Venomoth. Grimer stands out as a potent Basic Pokemon, requiring just one Energy to poison foes, making it an excellent starter for Poison-themed decks. Weezing offers another avenue for applying Poisoned through its Gas Leak ability, which can be activated without Energy but only when Weezing is in the Active Pokemon slot. For those eager to experiment with a Poisoned strategy, consider exploring Pokemon Pocket's Rental Decks, such as Koga's, featuring Grimer and Arbok.

How Do You Cure Poisoned?

There are three primary methods to address the Poisoned effect:

1. Evolution: Evolving a Poisoned Pokemon instantly removes the condition, offering a clean slate.
2. Retreat: Moving a Poisoned Pokemon to the bench halts its HP loss, providing a temporary reprieve.
3. Item Cards: While cards like Potion can restore HP, they don't cure Poisoned directly but can prolong the life of your Active Pokemon.

What Is the Best Poison Deck?

In the dynamic metagame of Pokemon Pocket, while Poison decks may not dominate the top tiers, a formidable lineup can be crafted with the Grimer, Arbok, and Muk trio. The strategy hinges on swift poisoning with Grimer, immobilizing opponents with Arbok, and capitalizing on Muk's ability to deliver up to 120 DMG to Poisoned foes.

The following table details how to construct a META-competitive Poison deck leveraging these synergies.

Poisoned Deck Details

For additional strategic depth, consider integrating the Jigglypuff (PA) and Wigglytuff ex lineup as a secondary option within your Poisoned deck. Alternatively, the Nidoking Evolution lineup (Nidoran, Nidorano, Nidoking) offers a slower but potentially more damaging approach to the Poisoned strategy.