Pokémon TCG: Poison Types & Abilities Unveiled

This guide explores the mechanics of the Poisoned condition in Pokémon TCG Pocket, detailing how it works, which cards inflict it, how to cure it, and building effective Poison decks.

Quick Links

• What is Poisoned?
• Which Cards Poison?
• How to Cure Poisoned?
• Best Poison Deck?

Pokémon TCG Pocket features the Poisoned Special Condition, mirroring the tabletop game. An Active Pokémon afflicted with Poisoned loses 10 HP at the end of each turn until cured or defeated. This guide explains its application, relevant cards, countermeasures, and effective deck strategies.

What is Poisoned?

Poisoned is a Special Condition inflicting 10 HP damage at the end of each round (during the Checkup phase). Unlike some conditions, it doesn't automatically expire and requires a cure. While it stacks with other conditions, multiple Poisoned effects on one Pokémon don't increase the damage beyond 10 HP per turn. However, this status can be exploited by cards like Muk, which deal bonus damage against Poisoned opponents.

Which Cards Poison?

Five cards in the Genetic Apex expansion inflict the Poisoned status: Weezing, Grimer, Nidoking, Tentacruel, and Venomoth. Grimer stands out as an efficient Basic Pokémon, poisoning with a single 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 condition:

1. Evolution: Evolving a Poisoned Pokémon removes the effect.
2. Benching: Moving the Poisoned Pokémon to the Bench prevents further HP loss.
3. Item Cards: Cards like Potion heal HP, but don't directly cure Poisoned, offering temporary relief.

Best Poison Deck?

While not a top-tier archetype, a potent Poison deck can be built around the Grimer, Arbok, and Muk synergy. The strategy relies on quick poisoning with Grimer, enemy lock-down with Arbok, and Muk's high damage output against Poisoned opponents.

The following table details a meta-focused Poison deck built around this synergy:

Poison Deck Composition