In Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket, constructing a winning deck requires strategic thinking, especially in today’s competitive landscape. Notable cards such as Pikachu ex, Mewtwo ex, and Celebi ex dominate the current metagame, so it’s vital to identify other cards that can work seamlessly with them to enhance your strategy. Creating a well-rounded deck that balances offensive and defensive elements is key, and the right blend of Pokémon and Trainer cards can significantly impact your performance. This is where Poliwrath shines.
Poliwrath, along with Druddigon and Bruxish, synergizes well to unsettle opponents, forcing them to rethink their strategies. Thanks to their often-overlooked abilities and moves, these cards are designed to inflict damage on their opponents while making them reconsider their game plan. Instead of overpowering their opponents with brute strength, this deck cleverly leads adversaries to their own defeat.
This Water-Type Card Can Gradually Wear Down Opponents with Its Hidden Potential
Poliwrath is frequently overlooked in Pokémon TCG Pocket, despite its various strengths that can pressure any deck it faces. Its standout feature is its ability, “Counterattack,” which deals 20 damage if Poliwrath has been hit. As long as this Water-type Pokémon occupies the Active Spot, you can likely activate this ability every turn. Combined with its 150 HP, it allows Poliwrath to steadily chip away at opponents while withstanding their attacks.
Watch Your Opponent’s Bench: Utilize cards like Giovanni or Sabrina to manipulate the opponent’s bench setup, creating openings for Poliwrath to excel.
Another significant aspect that boosts Poliwrath’s effectiveness is its move, “Mega Punch.” This powerful strike deals a solid 80 damage for a cost of three energy—one Water Energy and two Colorless Energies. With such high damage output, Poliwrath can bring down the high-HP ex cards that often appear in competitive matches. While some might find this attack pricey, pairing it with Misty allows players to flip coins for additional Water Energy, speeding up Poliwrath’s setup.
Don’t underestimate Poliwrath’s pre-evolutions, Poliwag and Poliwhirl. Poliwag, while seeming unremarkable with its 10-damage attack and 60 HP, is equipped to survive early-game trials in the Active Spot. Evolving into Poliwhirl transforms this basic into a formidable opponent. Its 90 HP makes it a serious contender, and its attack, “Knuckle Punch,” can deal 40 damage for just two Colorless Energy.
The Ultimate Deck List for Poliwrath Dominance
This Deck Merges the Strengths of Various Pokémon and Supporter Cards for Success
This deck harnesses the unique attributes of three different Pokémon and multiple supporter cards to both support and counter popular meta strategies. Druddigon has gained traction since its introduction in the Mythical Island Expansion. Its “Rough Skin” ability inflicts 20 damage to any attacking Pokémon when Druddigon is in the Active Spot and takes damage. This card efficiently occupies the active spot and can stall opponents, allowing you ample time to prepare Poliwrath while dealing damage.
Card Name |
Quantity |
Card Type |
Attacks + Abilities |
---|---|---|---|
Poliwag |
2 |
Basic |
Razor Fin: 10 Damage. |
Poliwhirl |
2 |
Stage 1 |
Knuckle Punch: 40 Damage. |
Poliwrath |
2 |
Stage 2 |
Counterattack: Deals 20 damage to the attacking Pokémon if this Pokémon is damaged. Mega Punch: 80 Damage. |
Druddigon |
2 |
Basic |
Rough Skin: Deals 20 damage to the attacking Pokémon when damaged. Dragon Claw: 90 Damage. |
Bruxish |
1 |
Basic |
Second Strike: 10+ Damage + 60 additional damage if the opponent’s Active Pokémon is damaged. |
Misty |
2 |
Supporter |
Flip a coin; for each heads, attach a Water Energy from your Energy Zone to a chosen Water Pokémon. |
Sabrina |
2 |
Supporter |
Switch your opponent’s Active Pokémon with one from their Bench. |
Leaf |
2 |
Supporter |
Reduces the Retreat Cost of your Active Pokémon by 2 during this turn. |
Professor’s Research |
2 |
Supporter |
Draw two cards. |
Poké Ball |
2 |
Item |
Search your deck for a random Basic Pokémon and add it to your hand. |
Giovanni |
1 |
Supporter |
During this turn, your Pokémon’s attacks do +10 damage to the opponent’s Active Pokémon. |
Bruxish is another valuable Water-type card. Its move, “Second Strike,” inflicts 10 damage, but if the opponent’s Active Pokémon has already sustained damage, it inflicts an additional 60 damage. This makes Bruxish a solid addition to your bench, ready to finish off higher HP Pokémon. It also offers good value as its attack is inexpensive, requiring just two Energies—one Water and one Colorless. Additionally, its 90 HP helps bolster this deck.
Misty plays a critical role in this deck. With several high-energy attacks, Misty can quickly charge your Pokémon in a single turn. However, players should not rely solely on her ability, as it is dependent on chance. Sabrina and Leaf provide additional flexibility, ensuring you can still compete even if Misty’s coin flips don’t go your way. Use Sabrina smartly to switch out an enemy Pokémon, particularly if it has already taken damage. Collectively, these cards work exceptionally well in Pokémon TCG Pocket.