Home News Poison in Pokemon TCG Pocket: Explained and All Affected Cards

Poison in Pokemon TCG Pocket: Explained and All Affected Cards

Author : Finn Update : May 19,2025

In *Pokemon TCG Pocket*, the Poisoned condition is a strategic element that can significantly influence gameplay. This guide delves into the mechanics of Poisoned, the cards that apply it, methods to cure it, and the best decks to utilize this effect effectively.

What Is 'Poisoned' in Pokemon TCG Pocket?

Poisoned is a Special Condition that causes an Active Pokemon to lose 10 HP at the end of each round. This effect is part of the round Checkup and persists until the Pokemon is either cured or knocked out. Unlike some other conditions, Poisoned does not dissipate on its own or through coin flips. Importantly, multiple Poison effects do not stack; a Pokemon will only lose 10 HP per turn. However, certain cards like Muk can capitalize on a Poisoned opponent by dealing additional damage, adding +50 DMG when facing a Poisoned foe.

Which Cards Have the Poisoned Ability?

In the Genetic Apex expansion, the following cards can apply Poisoned:

  • Weezing: Utilizes its Gas Leak ability to poison without needing Energy, but only when in the Active slot.
  • Grimer: A Basic Pokemon that can poison with just one Energy, making it a highly efficient choice.
  • Nidoking
  • Tentacruel
  • Venomoth

For those looking to experiment with a Poisoned deck, consider using Pokemon Pocket's Rental Decks, such as Koga’s Rental Deck, which features Grimer and Arbok.

How Do You Cure Poisoned?

There are three primary methods to mitigate or cure the Poisoned effect:

  1. Evolution: Evolving the Poisoned Pokemon will remove the Poisoned status.
  2. Retreat: Moving the Poisoned Pokemon to the bench halts the HP loss.
  3. Item Cards: While cards like Potion can heal HP, they don't cure Poisoned directly but can extend the Active Pokemon’s lifespan.

What Is the Best Poison Deck?

While Poison decks aren't considered top-tier in the current Pokemon Pocket meta, a potent lineup can be constructed using Grimer, Arbok, and Muk. The strategy revolves around quickly poisoning opponents with Grimer, trapping them with Arbok, and then using Muk to deal significant damage to Poisoned foes.

Poisoned Deck Details

CardQuantityEffect
Grimerx2Applies Poisoned
Ekansx2Evolves into Arbok
Arbokx2Locks in the enemy’s Active Pokemon
Mukx2Deals 120 DMG to Poisoned Pokemon
Koffingx2Evolves into Weezing
Weezingx2Applies Poisoned with an Ability
Kogax2Puts an Active Weezing or Muk back in your hand
Poke Ballx2Draws a Basic Pokemon
Professor’s Researchx2Draws two cards
Sabrinax1Forces the enemy’s Active Pokemon to Retreat
X Speedx1Discounts the Retreat

For alternative strategies, consider integrating Jigglypuff (PA) and Wigglytuff ex as a backup plan, or opt for the Nidoking Evolution lineup (Nidoran, Nidorano, Nidoking) for a slower but high-damage approach to Poisoned decks.